<p>Diana2012, here’s a similar thread from yesterday that should be helpful in dispelling the misinformation you’ve been given–it includes a comment from a current student. The first part of the thread addresses the “nerdy” misnomer and the second the so-called “Jewish culture” issue:</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/brandeis-university/1304322-brandeis-nerdy.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/brandeis-university/1304322-brandeis-nerdy.html</a></p>
<p>Also, here’s an additional thread on your topic that should be useful:</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/brandeis-university/1107043-jewish-culture-brandeis.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/brandeis-university/1107043-jewish-culture-brandeis.html</a></p>
<p>My take, as an alum, is that Brandeis is quite diverse with a strong international flavor (in fact the majority of its International Business School is international students). Less than 50% of its student body is Jewish (40% overall if you count the grad students who are on the same campus and often work alongside undergrads in research. That percentage is similar to Barnard). There is not an overt feel of Jewish culture on campus unless you are looking for it. Many top schools have a significant percentage of Jewish students and certainly more in numbers than mid-sized Brandeis. Brandeis is a non-sectarian school that embraces students from all types of backgrounds based on merit. The school has no religious affiliation (i.e. it’s not Notre Dame or Boston College or Georgetown), although it was founded and is funded signifiicantly by the Jewish community. Of course, you should visit the campus to judge for yourself.</p>