Brandeis University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Brandeis University know before they start?

Elise

I entered Brandeis University without the slightest clue as to what I wanted to do or study. I thought there would be a huge time restraint in college to how much I could explore and still pick a track on time to graduate. As it turns out, there aren't really any "tracks" at Brandeis (well, pre-med maybe) but I have not yet gone a semester without taking a class strictly out of personal interest. I have uncovered so many passions, but still have managed to set up a graduation plan--incidently stumbled into 1 major and 3 minors. The professors here are incredible, expert, and accessible, as the faculty. Academics aren't all, of course, and the experience with clubs, sports, the community, and the area are all of great value as well. I know I am getting the most out of my experience because when I consider if I had done something differently with my life (chosen another school for example), I think how horrible it would be if I had never made that friend, won that grant for my internship, experienced college athletics, or gained that perspective. I love my life because of where I am.

Etan

I learned so much about myself while still completing numerous requirements to become a professional. I am a third year in SUNY Dowstate Medical School now and I feel so prepared both academically and socially based on my experience at Brandeis. I go back there sometimes, which always brings back good memories. Brandeis was not only a stepping stone to attend medical school but also a place of tremendous personal grownth. I have developed life long skills that will serve me well no matter what I choose to do pursue in life. I was able to continue playing music in the Jazz Ensemble all of my four years at Brandeis which for me has been an interest of mine since I was 11. I was able to build connections with professors of all subjects and engage in debates with experts in various academic fields. I have friends that I see every winter that help me stay sane throughout medical school. I have an amazing girlfriend whom I met at Brandeis. In sum, Brandeis was the best school for me, maybe not for all but I encourage anyone to consider it.

Shawn

In my experience in college, I have gained the most valuable treasure a person could ever receive, an education. With this education I have realized just how lucky I am to HAVE an education, for I am aware of the individuals in this world, and even within my own society, who have not received a proper education. An education, beyond that of grade schooling, is the most valuable necessity a person could have. Not only does going through college increase a person's chances of attaining gainful employment, it gives them a greater understanding of the world around them by way of the diverse demography they experience in campus life. College is truley a valuable experience that will carry with every individual who undertakes its course.

Rinita

During my first year at Brandeis University I learned more than just my schoolwork. I was paired with two roommates of different religions; we quickly became best friends and learned about each other's religions intensively. It helped me respect my own religion and learn more about the people in the world around myself. As mentioned before, I gained a newfound interest in the arts; Brandeis is always offering plays and has art displays all over campus. In addition, one of my roommates was a painter, which sparked my original interest. I never thought I'd have cared much for the arts or any of the other smaller activities I took part in, but a good school will open you to new paths. I believe the most important thing a school can do is actively show you other options so that you can find out how you really, where you want to go in life, and how you can help others while doing it.

Ynbal

I never thought I would end up at Brandeis University. Upon my acceptance, however, I attended an open day for admitted students and was blown away by the wonderful atmosphere on this campus. Now in my third semester here, I can comfortably say that the friendliness of students and faculty, along with the incredible teaching ability of all of my professors, has made this experience one that I am very thankful for. My professors care deeply about the subjects they teach, and it shows through every lesson. Students care about the material as well, so I frequently find myself engaged in conversation about what I've been learning long after class is over. I am constantly surrounded by so many interesting, intellectual people who I'm sure will go on to effect positive changes wherever they may end up; I am proud to say that I see myself in that category as well. I often hear people saying that it doesn't matter where one gets an undergraduate degree, but I believe that earning mine at Brandeis will make all the difference for me.

Neysha

College is a experience that everyone should go through in order to become someone important. I know the beginning of the semsters most professors ask us what do we want to me, what is it that we are here for in college and most of the students have a respond. Every student wants to be a nurse,police,doctors,or lawyers,etc. If you think about it all those names are important people, persons that don't depend on someone its actually the opposite people depend on them. For example usually all lawyers doctors have their own offices and they are the bosses what good is it to be a boss and not just another employee. I know that I would like to be my own boss and in order to be that you have to go through college. College is a choose or not because if you don't have to go to college or are in college but don't do the homework then you won't go nowhere. In college theirs a lot of work but many help around to get your career done. So take the chance to to study and become that boss !

Adam

Making the decision to attend Brandeis University was the wisest decision I have ever made. From the first day when I attended Orientation I felt like I was not only part of a community of informed and well-educated people,, but a diverse culture of students who cared about the environment, the world and giving back to the community. I have been able to take unusual and interesting classes and encouraged to explore my options before declaring my major. This exploration has uncovered possibilities for majors that I had never even thought about. Brandeis is well known for the arts and I have attended many screenings, concerts, art exhibits and performances that have really enhanced my experience. I am tenor in an a cappella group on campus and this has brought so much joy into my life. The Study Abroad program is a large part of the culture here and I am now filling out the paperwork to apply for the program. I feel that when I graduate from Brandeis I will have received a top-notch education, a high regard for ethics and morals, a love of the arts, and a respect for many diverse cultures.

Kendrick

My transition to the collegiate world was riddled with the usual obstacles: new classes, new people, and all around (I think you could use a better phrase or word) better new experiences. However, unlike most college students I also had to deal with grief of losing my father a day before orientation started and a week before I was actually able to begin college. I learned more about myself and the world around me than I could have ever expected during that first semester. I learned of pain and perseverance, of the coexistence of strength and unimaginable weakness, but mostly I learned who I was. So if I could travel back to my senior year, and give myself a piece of advice, I wouldn?t. I know now there are no shortcuts to growing up, and that every event good or bad has shaped me into who I am today. Sometimes true knowledge comes at a terrible price, but it is a price we must pay. Why, then, spoil my last summer of innocence and unbridled optimism with knowledge that I needed to and only could have learned the hard way?

Elysha

Remember that everything happens for a reason. You will discover the reason that you will end up at this University, despite the fact that it might not have been your first choice. In making the transition to University life, it is incredibly imporant to get involved. Join clubs that you are interested in, because this is the best time to try things that you may never again have the opportunity to. Become involved in a research lab early as it will be some of the greatest experience you will have. It's simple- do what you love and live every day knowing that you love what you're doing.

Grace

My advice to myself would be to constantly work hard and study hard. Never think that the way something is at the moment is the way it has to be.You can change your grades, your friends, and your dreams. Explore and learn all that you can. Use your time wisely. Acknowledge your mistakes and grow from them. Utilize your gifts and graces to make the world a more socially just placee as we share life together upon this globe.