Brandeis University
Location: Waltham, MA (small city, suburban)
Size: 3,493 students
Avg percent need-met: 99%
Acceptance rate: 33%
Middle 50% ACT: 31-33 **Test Optional**
Middle 50% SAT: 1350-1470 **Test Optional**
Brandeis embraces a policy of academic flexibility, so undergrads can study whatever they want, which allows students to explore dual degrees or additional interests. Coursework is challenging yet rewarding, and professors are insightful and responsive. Academics definitely take priority on campus, but there are still plenty of opportunities for fun. If you are interested in taking courses at BC, BU and Tufts you can do it as a Brandeis student, because it’s part of the Boston Consortium. There is no Greek life allowed on campus, but they have lots of clubs and community service organizations, and Boston is nearby for easy city access. Students are kind-hearted and care for each other. Brandeis offers an abundance of opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research.
Popular majors / known for: Economics, Psychology, Biology, Business, Computer Science
Academic approach: Private research university with a liberal arts focus.
Fun fact: Brandeis University has a castle!
Campus tradition: Liquid Latex is an annual body-positive dance show featuring Brandeis students dancing in latex paint -- and only latex paint. Students come together with friends to choreograph dances, design latex costumes, and perform before their peers. Past performances have included choreographed dances to Hansel and Gretel, Pokémon, an Greek and Roman mythology.
Check out campus photos here!
Aspects of Diversity
Brandeis University was founded on the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion.
The Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion hosts programming to promote equitable social change
The Intercultural Center supports student clubs and organizations
The Office of DEI Programming, Training, Education, and Development creates workshops such as the Dialogues program to facilitate conversations around race, identity, and inequalities.
The school is also known for being DACA Friendly.
Diversity Statistics
44% White, 5% Black, 15% Asian, 8% Latinx, 20% International, 4% Multi-racial
18% Pell-Eligible
Overall graduation rate: 89%
Graduation rates by race*: 88% White, 86% Latinx, 91% Asian, 93% Black, 95% multiracial
*Percentage of Full-time, First-time Students Who Began Their Studies in Fall 2014 and Received a Degree or Award Within 150% of "Normal Time" to Completion for Their Program. Source: NCES.
16% faculty of color
Application Details
RD deadline: January 1st
Early Action deadline: None
Supplemental essays: Yes - At least one supplemental essay
Application fee: $80
On Common App: Yes
CSS profile: Required, due January 1st
Interviews: Considered
School also featured in: Tech/Computer Science, Beyond the Classroom, Similar to Highly Selective - Harvard