The Center for Disease Control’s handling of Ebola worldwide (CDC is on Emory’s campus) has significantly increased Emory’s applications the last two years. UR was at the top of our D’s acceptance pile until she received the f. aid package (not affordable.) Emory was far more generous with financial aid, so that was a surprise. Our D wanted to go outside of NE, so she didn’t look at Brandeis or Tufts (many friends are at Tufts.) Our D is currently at Emory and has been very happy.
All 4 should be fine for pre-med. As others have said, I think these are peer schools, despite the variance in acceptance rates. All four schools provide strong support for the performing arts. I don’t know about UR/Brandeis, but Tufts and Emory maintain centers in Europe (Talloire for Tufts, Salamanca for Emory) for popular study abroad programs and offer many options for language study.
Emory students are a bit nerdy; D finds the homework pretty challenging, but not overwhelming. All the dorms have been renovated within the last few years: the campus is one of the most beautiful in the U.S., with Lullwater Park next door. Emory Point and Emory Village are walking distance for most student needs, but to get into Atlanta, you need a car or plan to take an uber, bus, or shuttle if Emory is running one.
Tufts’ campus has many new buildings going up and is easy walking distance to Davis Square (Somerville) and 2 t-stops away from Harvard Square (Cambridge.)
We did like the campus layout at UR (the quad reminds me of Emory, and has underground tunnels which can be used on snowy days.) They also have a free 5th year program.
I haven’t seen Brandeis in many years, so cannot contribute any help in that area.