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Like many colleges and universities, Brandeis has two rounds of Early Decision. If you apply ED I, you must apply by Nov. 15, and you will be notified by Dec. 15. If you apply ED II, you must apply by Jan. 1, and you will be notified by Feb. 1.</p>
<p>The information is right there on the Brandeis Admissions web page: [Deadlines</a> & Notifications<em>|</em>Apply<em>|</em>Undergraduate Admissions<em>|</em>Brandeis University](<a href=“Application Process | Apply | Undergraduate Admissions | Brandeis University”>Application Process | Apply | Undergraduate Admissions | Brandeis University)</p>
<p>Rutgershopeful (am I the only one who finds that name incongruous in this forum?), interviews, especially alumni interviews, aren’t terribly important at most colleges and universities. In its Common Data Set, Brandeis says that an interview is “considered” as a basis for admissions decisions, but that demonstrated student interest is “important.” This squares with what I know about Brandeis admissions. They do care about applicants’ level of interest. I think the most compelling reason to interview is that interviewing is one way of showing Brandeis some love. When you visit campus, definitely register for a tour and an information session. They keep track of that.</p>
<p>When my kid applied to Brandeis two years ago, she actually asked one of the admissions officers whether it would make a stronger statement if she went back to Boston to interview on campus, instead of having an interview with an alum in our area. She said candidly, “If it would make a difference to Brandeis, I’ll be happy to do it. But if not, I’ll save my money for tuition.” She was told not to bother traveling; an interview with a local alumnus or alumna would be fine. </p>
<p>An interview with an alum is usually not very threatening. I used to interview for my own alma mater. I would meet applicants in a Starbucks or a bagel shop. (My daughter met her Brandeis interviewer in a Barnes & Noble.) We’d talk for 45-60 minutes. I tried to accomplish 3 things in that time: I wanted to make sure applicants got their questions about the college answered, as well as I was able; I wanted to get applicants talking about things that would show them off to their best advantage; and I wanted, if I could, to learn something about them that wasn’t already in the applications they had sent to the college. The vast majority of my interviews were pleasant experiences, and my sense is that the vast majority of alumni interviewers have more or less the same goals I had.</p>