Brandeis University (April 8, 2024)

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Brandeis University

4.8.24 Campus Visit Report

Spencer Barr - Santa Barbara High



Admissions

  • Admit rate: ~35%; roughly 11,000 applicants annually.

  • Test-optional since 2013; 50% of applicants submit scores, and half of admits submitted scores.

  • Admissions prioritize critical thinking, community engagement, and perseverance (often found in letters of recommendation and student essays).

  • Review unweighted GPA and course rigor; intended major does not influence decisions.

  • Enroll ~100 students mid-year.

  • Demonstrated interest is tracked.

  • SEED fall fly-in program for prospective students.

Academics

  • R1 research university with a liberal arts core.

  • 43 majors and 52 minors; popular fields include Biology, Computer Science, and Business.

  • About 50% of students double major; many courses are cross-listed.

  • Average class size: 26; 60% of classes have fewer than 19 students. Largest lectures cap at 200 students.

  • 30+ research centers and institutes; strong emphasis on undergraduate research, including workshops.

  • Health, Science, Society, and Policy (HSSP) program allows highly individualized paths.

  • Academic advising begins before arrival; students declare a major by their fourth semester.

  • Most students graduate with 2-3 internships.

  • About 40% of juniors study abroad; all credits count toward graduation.

Social

  • Students value critical thinking, global engagement, and making the world a better place.

  • Over 200 student-run clubs with no application process.

  • Intercultural Center, 16 affinity groups, and programs for first-generation students (e.g., Gen 1 Network, TRIO).

  • Active alumni network and strong collaborative atmosphere.

  • Brandeis, BU, Tufts, and BC have a shared enrollment agreement.

  • 98% job placement rate (2/3 employed, 1/3 attend grad school).

  • Combined orchestra with Wellesley College.

  • Division 3 athletics, strong club sports, and unique activities like Quad Ball (formerly Quidditch).

Campus

  • Located in Waltham, MA, with shuttles to Boston and local areas.

  • Brandeis covers transportation costs for internships in Boston.

  • Two residence halls with doubles and some triples; random roommate assignments based on a questionnaire.

  • Strong weekend programming to keep students engaged on campus.

  • Dining options include Dunkin’ Donuts, Starbucks, and Einstein Bagels.

  • Great Lawn serves as a hub for activities; creative arts buildings located nearby.

  • Campus Hub (open 24 hours) and Student Centers host clubs and activities.

  • Library with 5 floors that get quieter as you go down, plus a writing center and makerspace.

Financial

  • Meets 100% of calculated need; 42% of students receive need-based aid, and 58% receive some form of financial aid.

  • Merit scholarships range from $7k-$24k, with ~10 full scholarships.

  • Financial aid counselors are accessible, and students are encouraged to seek guidance.
Location: 415 South St, Waltham, MA 02453, USA

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