<p>ok - you’re upset - if calling brandeis mediocre makes you feel better, go right ahead. </p>
<p>** the rest of this post if for any future applicants reading this thread – **</p>
<p>for brandeis or any other school you are interested in – make sure you read their admissions web sites thoroughly. interviews are a good way to make your application more than a stack of papers – ALWAYS check how to go about requesting one for any school you are considering – many schools offer local interviews – either by admissions officers who travel or by local alumni, so an interview doesn’t necessarily mean a trip to the school (though that is certainly a good idea to help you really learn about a school). </p>
<p>and look into the interview process EARLY – many schools get many more requests for interviews than they can accommodate and the sooner you request one the sooner you can get one. some schools won’t schedule an interview until they’ve received your application. some will interview visiting students during junior year. some have specific dates when they open up requests for interviews. i know this year brandeis had an on-line scheduler for on-campus interviews – dates opened over time, so you might have had to check back frequently to get an open slot. DO YOUR HOMEWORK and find out how the schools you are interested in handle interviews. </p>
<p>i also would urge prospective applicants, not just at brandeis, but anywhere – do not underestimate a school’s ability to sense who is and who isn’t really interested in their school. which doesn’t mean that those who are really interested don’t also get rejected from selective schools – but it definitely can be a factor at some schools – and brandeis is one school known for wanting students who want to be there.</p>
<p>yes, the application process can be time consuming – and for those applying to selective schools, you are usually also taking rigorous course loads at the same time. but it is YOUR responsibility to do what needs to be done. schools have more than enough applicants to choose from – you are the one who wants to convince them to accept you. only you can decide if the time investment is worth it – do you really want to be in a position next April to be wondering if you really did all you could have done?</p>