sfgfan101

Hello,

I am at the moment looking at attending Brandeis, Denver University, and American University. What I look for in a college is that it be near a big city, have a party/fraternity scene that I can be a part of if I want to, but don't need to be a part of if I want a social life. As for the people, I'd like to be able to meet people there who are intelligent, opinionated, at least mostly down to earth, and friendly. I already have a basic idea of where these schools stand academically, so could somebody who goes to these schools help me with this?

Thank You
sfgfan10

Stocksdale111

Well, its different for everyone and something you need to figure out on your own. Some people on this forum will probably think that people at AU are complete idiots, while others will argue that people here are smarter than kids at Harvard. Its a subjective thing.
American is in a big city, but its fraternity scene is very weak compared to most schools. But you have all of DC to explore and have fun, though its extremely expensive especially if you're a guy. Brandeis is definitely the most prestigious school of the ones you are looking at but its really up to you where you'll fit in. Go to each school if you can and view a class or something like that.

happycollegemom

hi again sfgfan~ i think i responded to you on this already, possibly on your post in GW forum? i don't know denver at all. already told you about weak AU frat scene, but as all will tell you, it's hard to beat DC. i've heard mixed things on brandeis, and , not that this may mean anything to you, have seen it make "most ugly campus" honors!

Britty512

As a member of Greek Life here at AU I feel I can shed a little light on the frat/sorority scene.

It is not the state school Animal House blow out...About 18% of students at AU are Greek. There are nine frats (two of the "unofficial"), and seven sororities. AU is in the process of building greek houses (next five years) near campus, but right now most chapters simply own/rent houses near campus and then pass them on from year to year. You rush as a second semester freshman so you will have quite a lot of time to scope out if greek life is a good choice for you. It certainly is not necessary to join a frat to have a social life at AU, but I do find that being greek has presented endless opportunities for campus involvement (philanthropic events, Greek Week, university dinners, etc) as well as more parties, formals, etc. than the average student will attend.

Hope this helps...

happycollegemom

sfgfan~ i'm back, as i didn't feel i gave you an educated response on Brandeis. first, tho, LOL, Britty on the Animal House comment! ( one of my favorite movies!!)
so, i'm sooo pro-AU i'm not saying much about it. solid academics, awesome "quality of life " rating(96), DC, social scene, etc.Brandeis...so i looked it up, since i made my earlier comment...in 2003, they made Princeton Review's top 20 list of "most ugly campuses". no longer in top 20, but.....described as (very opposite AU) in terms of low Quality of Life score(76) and a weak social scene. described as nerdy, "weird" but sweet kids. very strong academically(91). Waltham is not a college town, tho they offer free shuttles to Boston on weekends. in case this matters, they call it a haven for jewish students, as it's 40% jewish, and many are orthodox. hope this helps.

Stocksdale111

can we talk about AU without being so negative about every other school?

mini

My d. applied to DU and turned it down for American. DU has an excellent business school, and a very fine music school as well. They are working hard to "internationalize" the curriculum and campus. The rest is probably not of the same quality. It has a nice location tucked away in west Denver. Very heavy frat scene, and (others have told us) very heavy drinking scene.

LOTS of people ski, and often (we were told that again and again.)

opt25

I second stocksdale. I've been following threads in many schools and don't get why in this one opinions are trashed by others. don't you want to know everyone's opinion? Is it AU? Is it CC? what is it?

ryan2288

Brandeis is hands down better academically than AU. However, you will probably be presented with more opportunities at AU in terms of internships. If you are receiving more money at American then it is worth it, if not, I would choose Deis.

momonthehill

I don't know anything about DU, but my daughter looked at both Brandeis and American--she's currently at AU and happy with her decision to come here--although I would agree with Ryan: Brandeis is an outstanding school, academically. However, AU does have the DC-area internship/cultural opportunities. I will add that there's not much of a Greek scene at Brandeis, although the proximity to Boston could be a real plus in terms of socializing and nightlife.

connies

Stocksdale111 and Opt25 - I find your post very interesting as the usual AU posters generally condemn AU and support other schools. I don't see anything on this thread that supports your statements. The assessment of Brandeis was spot on by HCM. Academics are high but the quality of living rating is low. I don't see anything but the facts stated on this thread regarding the comparison of the two schools.

Stocksdale111

HCM has no experiences at Brandeis so she really should not knock it unless she's had personal experiences there. If we're quoting statistics on quality of life, then one shouldn't ridicule the low academic ratings of AU in USNWR. People come here to see the personal experiences people have had at each school, not to read people pick and choose various statistics.

connies

Stocksdale111 - I totally disagree with what you are saying....reread HCM's post....she was not knocking the school. HCM states that Brandeis has high academics. The original poster wanted to know the differences in the social and quality life, he already had a handle on the academics. HCM stated the facts correctly..there was no "knocking" It is a known fact that the quality of life has a low ranking ...not all schools are perfect in both quality of life and academics. I was accepted at Brandeis and couldn't agree more with the description that HCM posted.....there is absolutely no comparison in the quality/social life AU/GW to Brandeis -- I hardly doubt that HCM has ever knock the low ratings in USNWR. HCM, among others, have historically stated that the rankings are low at AU due to low endowments (another known fact). Sorry, but you are totally off on this one. Unless you have been to Brandeis, I suppose you, too, should not re replying.....Seems like everyone attacks HCM and anyone who dares to post something positive about AU especially if there is a comparison to GW...

Elysium49

I was also accepted at brandeis with a similar scholarship offer as American. I did not like the atmosphere there, but I know that it is an amazing education. Personally, I feel that if you are looking for International Relations, American provides the better education. For other things, Brandeis is most likely better.

Stocksdale111

Elysium49 provides a perfect example of what this forum is for. He/She explained their personal experience and how it affected them. Anyone can go online and compare stats of two universities. Wchen people make overgeneralized statements based on these 'facts' it misleads people into thinking its their own experiene, or its the concensus. The original question asked for people 'who went to these schools.' None of us go to Brandeis so any opinion on it is meaningless. Just as saying GW and AU are basically the same means little unless one has attended both. HCM excuses the low academic ranking on endowment, but Brandeis could excuse their low quality of life ranking on something else. Further, others could talk about how bad AU's quality of life is and how the rankings are wrong. The only thing posters of AU should do is talk about AU. Nobody is attacking HCM for positive posts, but when she has to go out of her way to knock other schools, or makes generalizations from experiences she's never had, then it misleads people and is just unnecessary. All she could have done is talked about AU's quality of life and how it has affected her daughter. This is the last i'll talk about it, i'm sure you'll have to get the last word.