| Well, I'm a parent of a Brandeis student, so perhaps I can add a bit of information to it.
My daughter is starting her sophomore year at Brandeis this fall. She's both a Catholic and a Life Science Scholar.
Your CV below reads very similarly to hers (only rapidly obvious difference is that she went to a Catholic high school and her school did rank students). Similar range of courses, similar grades / tests / APs.
Based on what I have seen, the religion question was not an issue either for or against her application. The Catholic community at the school is not large, but is active. Her only big adjustment was getting used to going to Mass on Sunday evenings (the chapel is quite small, and as the nearest church is across town, many of the neighbors attend the morning service - students are asked to attend on Sunday evenings [but, pizza is served afterwards]).
Gut call - I think you've got a good chance of being admitted.
Regarding the LSS program, I'm actually kind of surprised you've heard of it. It's VERY low key. My daughter was one of the first 10 students in the program (I assume there's another 10 starting this year). My understanding (from speaking with the admissions department and the head of the program) is that there's a screening process that takes place in admissions, based on the information in your application. There was no formal process when my daughter applied (she had no idea the program existed). She simply received a letter welcoming her into it. How did you find out about it?
Finally, apply for financial aid, even if you know you are not eligible for it. Brandeis has some GREAT academic scholarships, but if you don't apply for FinAid, you're not considered for them.
Good luck!
George |