izzys123

So, I was waitlisted at Brandeis, and immediately put the school in the back of my mind. I didn't think I'd get accepted, since what are the chances of getting accepted off of any school's waitlist, anyway? When I got my acceptance letter from University of Rochester, I knew that was where I wanted to go. I was all prepared to be an incoming freshman at URoch- I joined the class page online, have gotten to know twenty, maybe even thirty people going, fell in love the campus, etc. I was so, so excited to go! And then, yesterday, I was told that Brandeis wanted to offer me a spot off the waitlist. And now, I'm having second thoughts about Rochester. And I'm wondering if maybe Brandeis would be a better fit.

It's kind of crazy, because when I visited Brandeis' campus last year, I didn't like it all. At this point I can't even remember why, maybe I thought the campus was too ugly or the kids would be too nerdy. I don't think it helped that the weather was kind of crappy and all of the students were away on spring break.

I think Brandeis is a little more prestigious than Rochester, which, as superficial as it sounds, if I'm going to be honest with myself, is pretty important to me. Both schools offer a major in Film Studies and a minor in Creative Writing, which would be my intended choices. I know that many producers, screenwriters, and even the co-creators of "Friends" are all notable Brandeis alumni. Producing, writing, or creating a TV show would be a complete dream job for me. The only notable alumnus from Rochester anywhere near that vein of careers whom I could find is Depra Jo Rupp (otherwise known as Kitty Forman).

So what do I do?! I was so positive I would have the time of my life at Rochester, and now, I just don't have a clue. Time is running out and I know I need to make a decision quickly. Can anyone help me out?

bookmama22

It is very hard to help you make a decision. I have two daughters, one graduated from Brandeis, one from Rochester. The schools are very similar with some differences. Both offer outstanding creative writing although I would say that Brandeis might have the edge on film studies, although there is very interesting new work regarding film being done at the George Eastman House in Rochester. Different kinds of campuses-I actually like both. Rochester has more of a Greek life if that is important or a concern. They are pretty similar in size. Brandeis has the proximity to Boston. You didn't indicate whether financial aid or merit money or cost is important in making your decision. Both schools have glorious fall weather and long and cold winters. Spend a lot of time looking at the school's websites, the school's archived newspapers and talk to students, don't know if you know any current students or grads at each school but reach out on Facebook perhaps. Either case, they are both good options.

B77

Here are a couple of earlier threads you might find helpful:

Brandeis vs. University of Rochester

Brandeis vs Univ of Rochester (again)

catperson247

I think you'd fit in really well at Brandeis, for the reasons you already mention. The Film program is small but active. I know a couple of people who were in the program and are now either at or heading to film school in California ( I think one of them is about to be an intern at Columbia pictures) - one of them is currently shooting a short film in Boston before heading to film school. The program director Alice Kelikian is very passionate about the program and has helped organized many screenings - one of the highlights during my time there was a screening of the movie Nothing but the Truth with Alan Alda and Kate Beckinsale. Debra Granik, the producer of the Oscar nominated film Winter's Bone is a Brandeis graduate, she recently returned to Brandeis. Filmmaker Debra Granik to discuss 'Winter's Bone' | BrandeisNOW
Best Picture Nomination Is No Joke for Alumna | Brandeis Magazine
Debra Granik '85 speaks about 'Winter's Bone' - Arts
'Winter's Bone' director: Be a respectful observer | BrandeisNOW
Other film related alumni include director Rosemary Rodriguez, she has directed several TV shows including The Good wife, Rescue Me, Third Watch, and Without a Trace http://www.rosemaryrodriguez.net/www..._Director.html
(one of her episodes of The Good Wife will be airing on CBS at 10pm this coming Tuesday)
and the upcoming NBC show Smash features well-known Brandeis alum Debra Messing and is written in part by Theresa Rebeck, a Brandeis graduate school alumni. Another graduate of Brandeis is Scott Feinberg, who reports/blogs on film awards: ScottFeinberg.com

Check out the film studies program here:
Film, Television and Interactive Media Program | Brandeis University to look at the course listings.

There are also film festivals on campus, such as the Sundeis Film Festival and the IndieLouies:
Highlighting 'Indie' student talents - Arts

For more info you could also e-mail the Undergraduate Student Representatives from the Film Studies or other program and I'm sure they'd be happy to answer questions:
UDRs 11-12 | Brandeis University and you could also e-mail Professor Kelikian.

I didn't take any creative writing classes, but I know people who did and they seemed to enjoy their classes, and there are at least two or so creative writing publications on campus. Hope that helps! Good luck!