What defines an academic upgrade ?
You see a U.S. News magazine article.
Brandeis is top notch for bio check which is why I mentioned it.
A school is not ‘better’ because Us News says so.
Not sure why you’d want to play a sport for a year and I think you are making a mistake here so early but I wish you luck.
Again find those transfer friendly to a second year.
Not sure you’ll find better academics but you will find good academics - just like at F&M.
Best wishes.