Brandeis University

I am currently attending graduate school at Brandeis, and while I enjoy most of the students and staff, I am a little disappointed in the facilities.
To start off, the library is consistently dirty and has an embarrassingly low number of bathroom facilities. I am not sure if they don’t have custodians on staff and the place is never clean thoroughly, or if the students are just so disgusting that they don’t care to pick up after themselves.
Also, the amount of food places that are available on campus are poor. It is finals week now and the library is packed, loud, dirty, and has no coffee shop open… all day. This is not a very conducive campus for students to study and the school does not provide ample activities or resources for students.
The last time I was in a place that was this dirty and disorderly, I was teaching Kindergarten. Seriously Brandeis, get it together.

Brandeis was the biggest mistake of my life. During my one year there, I met probably one person who legitimately liked it there. Everyone at Brandeis is either there because they’re on full tuition scholarship, or because they didn’t get in anywhere else. The administration doesn’t hesitate to make it known that they do not care about any of their students. Actually no, they care about the rich jewish students and forget about everyone else. They claim to be a secular school but everyone is constantly trying to shove their beliefs down your throat. One time I said I was pro-​palestine and someone said I was anti-​semitic. Another time, someone said to me «Jews are the only group of people who are still oppressed in today’s world». I mean if that doesn’t show you the kind of ignorance on this campus, I don’t know what will. The school always raves about its library but all that’s in there is a greek zoo. You step foot inside and all you can hear is dumb fraternity boys and sorority girls yelling. And the librarians have no problem with this, HOWEVER when a group of African American students sat silently in peace to hold up names of the loved ones their community had lost, the librarians decided the best course of action was to call the POLICE on them. Brandeis claims to be all about social justice, «social justice rah rah rah, we think everyone is equal but we hate palestinians and black people and students and women. go israel!!!» When an employee of the student run coffee house, chums, broke the fire code, instead of firing him/​her and giving everyone else extra fire safety training before opening the place back up, the administration decided it was best to shut the whole thing down and fire all the work-​study employed students. Two days later, they shut down the women’s resource center to create a prayer space. The same week, they changed meal plans so that they were more expensive and you got less meals and less points, and they became mandatory for everyone, even in dorms with kitchens. Because brandeis doesn’t care about you, they just care about your $ 6K. When an extremely wealthy, jewish, white supremacist student intentionally put a black student’s life in danger by writing about her activist twitter comments on his white supremacy promoting website and making public her Facebook, phone number, email address, school address, etc– knowing that she would be receiving death threats, rape threats and the like– you know what the school did? NOTHING. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. moving onto student life– if you LOVED high school and if you LOVE cliques, Brandeis is the place for you. in fact, you’ll probably feel like you never left middle school! The sorority girls, the frat boys, the a cappella groups, the orthodox jews, the basketball players, soccer players, etc etc etc. Everyone on this campus is part of a clique, and they don’t associate with anyone else. And if you’re not part of a clique you’re probably slightly more sane than the rest, but you’ll feel pretty damn alone. the school is so small that you know at least 18 things about every single student there, everyone knows everyone’s business and gossip spreads like wildfire. So if you like EVERYONE around you to know your personal life, definitely go to Brandeis. all in all Brandeis is really, really horrible but if you like being somewhere where mortifying stuff happens every day and you can’t do anything about it (like a girl gets raped by a fellow student and the admin does nothing), go there. give them all your money (and I mean ALL, they will milk you until your entire extended family is bankrupt). but wait if you’re super rich and jewish you will love brandeis

Undergraduate school here is predominantly Jewish people. Thanks to that, our Grad School (IBS) got the Jewish holidays as well! No complaints there haha.
Anyway, I had a good time my two years here. Campus is small but nice. It is modern and old at the same time. Parking can be a hassle but I’m sure most schools have that problem.
Buses come and go from Campus to Boston free of charge. Shuttles comes and goes around Waltham as well to pick up and drop off students that live off campus. Shuttles are also available to pick up and drop off around campus too for the lazier people.

I toured Brandeis with my daughter recently and was quite impressed with the school. The campus and facilities are first-​rate and the students we spoke to were bright, articulate and fun. The only semi-​downside I could see is that it’s in the middle of nowhere… oh, and that castle thing is pretty hokey.
4 stars.

My alma mater. I attended business school there and loved every second of it!

i like the class” internet and the society” come take it!!!

Awesome school. Period. Excellent academics, wonderful students that are my friends for life, and a social conscious that never ends. Go here.

I feel really bad giving a bad review to the university where I study, but I have to be honest, so other people can make a decision knowing how the programs really are. Enrolling in a graduate program is avery important decision.
There are probably great programs to study in Brandeis, but what I can tell you is do NOT do a graduate program in the Department of Professional Studies.
There is only one reason why you may want to do a Masters with them, if you care less about learning but just want the diploma. Brandeis University started two years ago a Distance Learning program. When I started my Masters in Software Engineering, you could choose whether you wanted to take the courses in-​class, or you wanted to do Distance Learning. Unfortunately, to decrease costs and increase profits they no longer offer courses in-​class, and all the courses must be taking on-​line (they still offer once in a while a course in-​class, but almost none at this point, and decreasing). This is a real shame, because when I started my program there used to be in-​class courses, and I really enjoyed the class lectures from great, experienced professors. But that’s all gone. The Distance Learning system is really, really lame. You basically pretty much just pay almost $ 3000 to read a book. There is no video on-​line to watch the lecture, or phone number to call a professor and ask a question, or office hours to stop by the professor’s office. At the beginning of the course they tell you what chapters to read from the textbook each week, the homework to do each week, and some questions online that you have to post an answer for. That’s it. The interaction with the professor is basically nonexistent. There is no feedback about your homework other than your grade, and getting an answer from a professor when you have a question is virtually impossible. I know some students like the online system because they don’t have time to go to class. But if you are going to do a program online, you’d better do it in Northeastern or University of Phoenix, or one of those universities that do have a good online system with video-​conferences for the classes, direct line with the professor to ask questions, and so on. And if you are like me, who live around Waltham, I just don’t think there is any reason to choose Brandeis because its location, since chances are you’ll never put a foot on its campus. You may as well study in a university on the other side of the country and it wouldn’t make a difference.
I am very disappointed with the graduate programs in the Brandeis. If you are thinking about doing a graduate program in Brandeis, just make sure you know how the courses are really taught. You don’t want to pay for a couple of courses, being forced to take online courses, and getting stuck having to finish the program.
By the way, I am not saying this becuase as revenge for getting bad grades or any problem with any professor. I am getting all A’s so far. I am just dissapointed with teaching system that Brandeis implemented.

Don’t know why I felt compelled to write this review now, I graduated from Brandeis over 20 years ago and from the looks of recent reviews it seems like not much has changed.
The campus was attractive enough, the location was good. And while the academics were strong BEWARE this school is not for everybody! The offerings revolve strictly around traditional liberal arts and sciences, with a notable (and unapologetic) condemnation of anything that prepares one for a «real world» job. Aspiring business/​communications/​engineering/​other «useful» majors beware ! If you are not on your immediate way to law or med school or an academic career good luck when you wake up back at home the next morning and realize you have no way to earn a living ! You’ll be back at square one.
But the most conspicuous deficiency, in my view, was the cliquey, elitist, parochial social environment. If you fit their typical NY/​Long Island /​NJ demographic profile and are looking to meet people from other walks of life you are going to be disappointed. True, these «other“groups exist on campus but they are driven into their own world as they so conspicuously differ from the rest of the student population. In general the campus had a summer-​camp like atmosphere. Also too much emphasis on grades and studying, not enough on developing the «whole» individual.
I am sure there are people who will disagree with me, but if I had it to do over again I would not go back to Brandeis, sorry just wasn’t my cup of tea.

I love that I can review my alma mater on Unilocal.
My Brandeis academic career spanned the late 90s and, from what I can tell, the social climate hasn’t changed much in the decade since I’ve been in the real world.
You’ll definitely receive a world-​class education and a degree that will certainly help you secure a good job. You’ll be surrounded by a population that’s two-​thirds Jewish and mostly from the Boston and New York suburbs.
As for the social life, that’s another story. My friends and I used to joke and call Brandeis the Male Wellesley. Let’s just say that Friday nights weren’t exactly exciting, Greek Life is underground (not supported by the university), and partying is not exactly cool. You know all of those college movies you see about places like Arizona State University or University of Michigan? Well, go to Boston College.
So I’m giving Brandeis one star for every year I spent there (I graduated a year early — not bragging, just the result of a semester’s worth of AP courses in high school and a few extra credits to save the $ 30K plus that this degree costs).
It’s expensive, the campus is a mixed bag of neo-​fascist, bland, regal, and just plain hideous architecture. Overall, it’s an inconsistent experience — some people meet their future spouse, others get crazy Jewish, some become disillusioned with their faith — basically, it’s par for the course at any liberal arts institution, just with lots more Jews.

Now that I’m in the «real world,» I can’t believe what a non-​existent security set-​up Brandeis has. The front door to the dorm buildings are unlocked most of the time, and nobody locks their rooms inside. You don’t have to sign in a visitor, anyone can wander into the library or the campus center or my beloved, maligned Chum’s (I still can’t believe I got paid work study money to watch Fleetwood Mac a capella and eat ice cream! But that’s another story…). Every time I’ve visited another school, and now that I’m a grad student at medium-​to-​high-​security Brooklyn College, I think, «huh, Brandeis must be thief and serial killer heaven.»
But no — Brandeis is filled with honest and lovable putzes. The only reason someone would break into something is to «find a hidden tunnel,» or mount a whimsical pirateninjaspaceman flag in the Castle. This is what is wonderful about Brandeis (and very infrequently, infuriating).
The academics were pretty great too.
Do note that it’s way more of an ordeal to get into Boston via public transportation than the Brandeis brochures depict, though.

Am I the only one who thinks it’s weird to review your uni on Unilocal?Well, I will do it anyway. Brandeis is the school we love to hate but still actually love even as we also hate it. I wish the transportation around Waltham were more expansive and more reliable and I wish we were on a T line, though the 553 is a fantastic bus which everyone should take advantage of. Our campus housing is either amazingly gorgeous or horrifically decrepit and our food is enh (though it has improved since I dropped the meal plan).
Our academics are strong, our professors are mostly good, and our student body is lovable if a touch off-​base. And I promise, no matter where any of us went to school, there would be something to complain about.

Waltham is a cruddy little town, but Brandeis is incredible. The quality of education here is top notch, and the pre-​meds aren’t nearly as cut-​throat (literally and figuratively) as those at surrounding institutions of higher learning. What I mean by that is that the people here rock. The Arabs and Jews argue into the wee hours of the morning about what to do in the Middle East as they help each other with organic chemistry homework. What a great place.

As a grad student in Neuroscience, I can’t comment on the under grad programs. But this is why if I had to do it again, I would come to the same place and get the same degree (even with what I know now).
Brandeis Neuro PhD program gives you a long rope in which to hang yourself with. But if you succeed, you are one of the elite. I have come no where close to death neither suicide nor homicide nor even murder for that matter. I have lived through a few days of tears. I have called up a mentor. I have come on the weekends, stayed late, come in early. But all in all, it is just work. Brandeis sets attainable goals/​requirements with only 6 classes, 2 TAing classes, two written proposals (Bdeis version of comp exam) and a handful of presentations.
Brandeis doesn’t get 5* because the food here is limited and you can’t walk to anything fun, the weather is awful and the library online subscriptions are limited.

The graduate program in Neuroscience was INtense. Coursework was fine, but the actual lab/​comprehensive part was rigorous, with variable degrees of mentorship (depending on how-​hands off your PI operates). Altogether the faculty is world class and facilities are fantastic. You need to be self-​motivated because you’ll get no sympathy for a poor work ethic. I agree with Laura, the journey itself was high stress and sleep deprived (resulting in a couple minor breakdowns). You’ll definitely leave there with a strong recommendation letter, great contacts and a lot more confidence in your own skills.

est. 1948 and dam proud of it!
what you might be surprised about is the actual percentage of Jews at Brandeis, which is only a surprisingly 40% or so of total enrollment. they are even trying to make strides to get back to that jewiness of yore. i know this becausei almost landed a career there, i say career and not job because i would have stayed and made a difference, but alas, my skills are going to a competitor, sorry B.
as for the campus and atmosphere, what else could a Jewish mother want for her daughter? awe, for that punum? very nice campus, great location right next to the commuter rail for an easy trip into the city, great reputation, what else… nice place to walk your poochie too, just remember to clean up after him.
again, proud to be part of the tribe, sorry for not being able to help out.

Proud to be a JEW!
I really enjoyed going to Brandeis for undergrad despite the fact that you can hear a pin drop on a Saturday night! This enabled me to easily walk clear across campus with a 6 pack without worries :) I wish I had appreciated my education more because the academics are excellent.
The student population could have been a bit more diverse (it’s pretty much all white and straight) but I also met some of the best friends of my life– most of whom have stayed in the Boston area.
The rugby team rocked too!
Gimme a Bran! Gimme a Deis! Bran! Deis!

Awesome academics: best for pre-​med track, one of the best language programs (at a liberal arts college), great social sciences courses
Horrible social life but teaches you to take the initiative and manage your life in the direction that you’d like it to go.
Athletics are secondary, no football team (thus a lack of campus spirit).
Some inferiority complex when talked about IVs.
Follow the events calendar closely as there are incredible events: political activism, concerts, shows and exhibitions.
Bad food. Not so beautiful campus. Close to Boston but still in the middle of nowhere.

I can’t believe I get to review my own school. Hilarious. Oh Brandeis… definitely am divided about this place. This might be a long review. Sorry.
The Good: Academics: OK yes they do know their academics here. You will learn something, I guarantee it. Classes are never really «super-​easy» bullshit classes so be prepared to do some work. The science program is superb. The statistics on how many people go on to med/​grad school are impressive. You will be prepared. I do owe this place for getting a job so fast out of school. You will get what you pay for.
The Bad: Social life: This is where we can knock off a star (only one I guess but if they did half stars it would get a 3.5 rating). Warning: This is NOT a party school. Not at all. The parties here are pretty bad and usually get broken up quickly. You pretty much count down the days to when you turn 21 (or until you acquire that fake ID) so that you can take the shuttle to Boston (now that was an awesome thing, a FREE shuttle that went to Boston Thursday-​Sunday). Don’t expect a happy go-​lucky unified campus here. This place is extremely cliquey and for some people it’s hard to find a niche. Half the people in my class already all knew each other from either high school or camp or from going to Israel together. The social life here completely burst my ideas about college life that I had obtained from movies. If you look at the statistics, the retention rate is not as high as other schools. I swear this is because kids don’t feel welcome when they arrive. This is not a unified friendly campus. Be prepared for that.
Summing up: You go here to learn and get a fantastic education. You do not go here if you want to party a lot and have a million friends and a party to go to every night of the week.

A very good small university, Brandeis selects professors who have both a strong academic interest and the ability to teach. Class ratios, at least at the senior and graduate level, are excellent. In computer science, it was common to take a class that had 10 students and one professor. Note that entry level courses are now sometimes taught by graduate students, and may have a much larger student to instructor ratio.
The biology program is a real standout. Computer science is also strong at the graduate level in AI and computational linguistics (in other words, if you want to work for Google, or even create the next one, you’ll get a good start here).
Student life, at the graduate level, isn’t great, as many grad students live off campus and commute to school.
Athletic facilities are excellent and include: outdoor and indoor tracks, an indoor pool, weight room, squash and raquetball courts, indoor volleyball courts, and (of course) basketball courts.