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

sfgfan101

by the way, although I am jewish, I am not actively jewish in any sense, and personally like the idea of a socially and ethnically diverse campus. So, how diverse is Brandeis?

happycollegemom

ha! i'm obviously not a student, but just happen to be up late! all i know on your post is American...yes, on diversity and many jewish kids, tho you say that really doesn't matter. yes..BIG CITY! one of the best, with all it offers. depending on what you want, the frat scene may be weak. yes, they have one, but the houses are off-campus. you can take or leave greek life, without a problem. kids are a mix in all senses...american and international. most, i think are down-to-eath, which helped my kid with her decision. wealthy-to-not. opinionated? well depending on what you mean, AU has kids with ideas and passion for their beliefs, be it political or otherwise. sorry, this is one-sided, but all i know, in terms of your question. good luck.

bonanza

I'm somewhat familar with American (I went to law school there) and Brandeis (my son is a Ph.D student there) and I'll give you my $.02 worth.

American, in my view, is not particularly well-balanced as a university. It has a few very strong programs--international service, political science, government, public affairs, and law (BTW--I love the law school and would recommend it to anyone). Outside of its strengths, however, it is not a strong institution (Well, art and music may be somewhat of an exception since they did just build a magnificant art center). It's science programs are particularly deficient (the labs are reminicient of high school). It has a very small endowment and is totally tuition dependent. "As a result, it is forced to admit some mediocre students who can afford to pay full freight. This dilutes the intellectual atmosphere of the place. Don't misunderstand--there are many very bright students there--but they don't necessarily predominate. Many of its physical facililties are below average and the campus is very compact (a polite way of saying cramped). DC is a great city to go to school in and if your interests coincide with AU's strengths--then I think it is a reasonable choice. Just understand that its strengths are limited.

Brandeis, in my view, is a much better balanced university. Most of its departments are reasonably strong and I know of no very weak ones. Its physical facilities are, in general, far superior to AU. In the sciences, there is no comparison--Brandeis is strong, AU is not. The student body is, on the whole, superior to what you will find at AU. While not an "egghead" kind of place, Brandeis does attract serious, intellectual students. Boston is also a great place to go to school.