Brandeis vs Rochester: VERY tough choice

mtnest2b
Sun, 13 Apr 2008 11:32:40 +0000

So, we are down to the ‘finals’ here! And it seems to come down to something nuanced but important.
Brandeis vs Rochester. Has anyone considered these two schools? Both have superb sciences, dedication to undergrad teaching and research, Rochester has open curriculum (no gen eds/dist reqs) and offers more $$$. Brandeis has the Boston connection. Although we like the city of Rochester a lot, but there is no question that there is something special about Boston/Cambridge as a college town.
My question is about the student body – clearly both schools attract very smart kids who are serious about their studies and perhaps party a bit less frenetically and less drunkenly than at other schools. I liked the slightly geeky, edgy, politically active, intellectually sophisticated vibe I picked up at Brandeis. Maybe that was just the familiarity of a predominantly Jewish community (although we aren’t religious, just culturally identified.) Rochester seems a bit less politically active/radical, perhaps more mainstream. That could be a + or -. Maybe Brandeis is too intense after all.
Anyway, a second visit to Rochester is coming up, but meanwhile, thoughts, feedback, all appreciated.