Brandeis

[Anonymous]

Please talk to me about Brandeis and how they work with SN students. DD got accepted there, has severe ADHD.

[Anonymous]

Congratulations! Can't offer much, but we got a very positive vibe when we visited last year re warmth, faculty that would look out for the kids, etc., but we were not specifically focused on SN. My sense was that Brandeis is a great school whose reputation -- while very good -- has not quite yet caught up yet to the reality of how strong the school is academically. When we investigated, I found that when one looks at its graduate school placements the school looks like it would ranked more highly as an undergrad. It is one of these schools like Tufts -- bigger than a liberal arts school but small for a University. Ultimately, our DC didn't want to apply because he sensed the campus was a bit too social action oriented for his tastes, although where he ended up is probably similar in the overall level of activism, just a bit less focused on it b/c he selected a somewhat larger school.

[Anonymous]

I went there for grad school and so was a TA for several different courses (in three different departments) and taught my own course as an adjunct. I also have a learning disability, myself, and had a few friends with physical diabilities.

I think Brandeis would be a great fit. I had several students who needed accommodation, and this was never an issue. (ADHD, newly diagnosed bipolar, and others.) The administration was great in working with me and with my friends to meet our special needs as well. They also run special week or two week summer programs for incoming students who come from (socio-economic) at-risk situations, to help them overcome some of the less tangible deficits they may have. A friend of mine ran one of these programs. In short, Brandeis does a really good job, in my opinion, of meeting students needs across a range of areas.

Also, Brandeis is small and has a very intimate feel. Full professors-- stars in their field-- are very welcoming and spend a lot of time working with undergrads, which always impressed me.