Brandeis University Top Questions

"Sapere Aude" -Dare to Know One of my biggest regrets during my senior year was that I never truly pushed myself beyond my comfortable limits; I always played it by the book. Know don't get me wrong, that doesn't mean that you have to go all Grand Theft Auto on life, but sometimes you have to find balance between doing what you know will garner you success and doing what you are truly interested in-even if that subject might frighten you at first. Whether it's academic like, finding an interest in a subject that isn't offereed at your school and taking the initiative to learn it on your own time. Or something personal like, questioning your faith or sexuality. I think it's important to take a step back and ask yourself why am I doing what I'm doing, and does it make me happy? lest you forget to feel anything at all. Just remember to breath, take a step back, and to evaluate your life choices every now and then because at the end of the day, you hold the key to your destiny.

Dear 17 year old Sam, Two years from now you will be doing everything you dreamed of, I promise. I know you think you're doing what you're supposed to be doing, but you're not. You're doing exactly what you are being told to do. That's okay a lot of the time, but don't follow rules because they are rules. Follow them because you agree with them. Go out. Make leaps and make mistakes. You are doing fantastic, everyone sees that, you can stop trying to provie it. Don't worry about that A because it doesn't have a + next to it. Skip that very last homework assignment and go spend time with Amy, she is more important to you than any grade ever will be. Get to know more of the people in your town, but stay ready to leave. Dream big and don't give yourself limits. Better yet don't give yourself a plan and a path. Do things that you want, when you want, and most important don't forget about Amy. She's going to need you soon, and you are going to need her even more. Sincerely, Yourself

"Don't worry about a thing, cause every little thing is gonna be alright" -Bob Marley Annie- do not worry, everything will work out. Brandeis will admit you into their Midyear class, which is actually a fantastic thing! During your semester off you will travel the world- you will intern with the World Wildlife Fund in Vietnam, visit a Buddhist temple in Singapore, and experience Diwali in India. You will make friends across the globe. You will see that you are a talented and confident young woman who can tackle whatever challenge life throws at her. But don't stress- everything will fall into place and your eighteenth year will be your best yet. Just relax, smile, and continue to be the cheerful and carefree person that you are, because this is just the beginning.

Don't let your fear of what others will think hold you back from doing anything. College has more opportunities that you can possibly dream of one of which is the opportunity to completely reinvent yourself and grow into the person you want to be. Don't get stuck feeling like you have to do the same things that your friends from freshman orientation are doing - branch out, find friends with similar interests and do what you want to do. Only by being true to you will you find the friends that will last a lifetime - and that's what college is really for right? If you attend college with one of your friends from high school, don't be afraid to make new friends without them. Sometimes hanging out with the same old people that you've known forever will hold you back from growing up and moving forward. Finally, if you're nervous about choosing because you're not sure if a school has everything you're looking for: think about how you changed from a high school freshman to a high school senior because you'll see a similar transformation happen from college freshman to college senior.

If I could go back and give myself advice before coming to college, there are a lot of things I would say. First, I would tell myself to enjoy my mother’s cooking while I have the chance to – you don’t realize how much you’ll miss it until it’s gone. I would mention it is okay to be nostalgic. Others might say you’re too young to reminisce about the good ol’ days, but this has been your life so far, the only thing you’ve known; things will change and you will miss it sometimes. Most importantly though, and this applies to myself even now, your life is not finite. Nothing is written in stone and you shouldn’t fight the changes. One class after another, one experience after another, your experiences and outlook will change. Every person you meet and will meet has an influence on your life - some have small, transient impacts, and others will alter your perspective form the moment you meet them. Embrace what life has to offer you. More often than not, it is something wonderful.

Dear high school self, Don't worry, you are going to be great! It will take time, you aren't there yet as you write this letter, but where you are, it's the right place for you, and you're on your way. Take the gap year you are thinking about taking, it will change your life. Go to Brandeis. It is your dream school for a reason (you get in by the way)! Don't ever look back. You will make friends, you will change the world, you will change YOUR world, and you will be ready, before you know it, to save lives. Get ready girl, life is gonna be great! Love, a very excited, inspired future self

As I was approaching my entrance into college, I had a set plan as to what majors I would declare in college, as well as what clubs I would probably join. Thus, when I got to college, I did not open myself up to the possibility that there were other majors I would find more stimulating, and clubs that I had not even heard of before. Over the past two years however, I have begun to realize that there is a whole world within Brandeis of which I need to take advantage. I am just now, beginning to try to add a new major, one which is a bit outside my comfort zone (American Studies). Additionally, I have started to familiarize myself with more students on campus as well as alumni who graduated long before I came here. Were I to speak to my high school self now, I would tell myself to start stretching myself sooner and to never box myself in to the parameters I set for myself before understanding just how much the world of Brandeis has to offer. By doing that, I would grow as a person even sooner and learn even more over four years.

You're excited about attending Brandeis, and have decided not to take a gap year. You'll regret that decision, but it'll be okay. Don't change your mind. Go straight to college, what you accomplish there is irreplacable. Take time off later. Be more sure of yourself, right now. You'll know what you want to study the moment you begin school, so don't doubt yourself. Who cares that you're not in conservatory? Start that music major track now. Take music theory right away, don't wait, because it's stressful being behind. Your second major and study abroad will be much easier if you do. Other than that, your academics are great - so now on to you. Get some distance from that guy, he's not the one. It hurts, but it'll hurt less if you don't drag things out so long. Spend more time with your friends; the guy thing might not happen in college, but who cares? Relax about all that, and enjoy the friends you've made. Also, get help (therapy) right away. You're okay now, don't wait until things fall apart, it'll be easier that way.

Have fun! College truly an experience of a lifetime but it is a lot of work. Enjoy your high school years and make them the best you possibly can. Be involved as this will help shape the classes you'll take and maybe even your career. Make sure you apply to scholarships and as many schools as you can - you never know how life will work out! Be a good friend to those in your class and promise each other that you will stay in touch! It's easy to get caught up in the new people that you meet in college so make sure to promise that you will use your breaks wisely. High school is important, but don't get too caught up on the numbers as every college truly does have its pros and cons. Last but not least, enjoy your family as much as possible as your time with them will decrease greatly once you enter the university realm.

Pick classes which seem fascinating or unique. Don't take a course just because it satisfies a requirement, because you yourself may not find that course satisfying. Take advantage of opportunities to speak with professors and teaching assistants. You'll build important relationships, and you'll get importance guidance on assignments you might not have thought of on your own. Finally, join sports teams, clubs, or religious groups to meet other students. Your college experience will be a much more positive one if you have a group of friends to connect with and rely on.

When I was high school age, I lived in a very conservative Mennonite community. If I would have chosen to go past the ninth grade, the expected age to stop high school, I would most likely have had to defy my parents’ wishes. Basically, the attitude was that “higher education” was unnecessary, and that we could survive quite well in the world without it. My peers also would have thought I was a little strange, perhaps even conceited, if I would have chosen to finish high school. The advice I would give my high school self is: “Do not let peer pressure define what you do. Just because something is the accepted thing to do does not mean it is the wisest thing to do. Learn to evaluate things for yourself. Sometimes that means doing things that are considered strange or different.” “Never undervalue the strengths of your community, but realize that your community does not have all the answers. Do not be too proud to admit the flaws of your community. Be brave enough to challenge those weaknesses and to not be defined by them.”

Going back in time is something I think everyone would enjoy doing. Changing my past to make a better future is something I can only wish for and write about. My first semester of college was exciting, challenging, and eye opening in many ways. All the confidence I started off with faded away little by little as the semester went on. Having confidence in one's self is one thing but having the knowledge and study habits to secure it is a total different thing. Going back in time I would give myself two pieces of advice. The first being to never stop studying and to plan my everyday so that when things like student union events go on for too long I can easily adjust because I am already ahead in my work. The second would be picking something and sticking from the beginning. I was dedicated to alot of clubs from the beginning but as time went on I couldn't continue to assist in those clubs and left with disappointment in my heart. If i could go back I would tell myself the important organizations and clubs to hang on to and steer clear of the rest.

If I could go back to last year and give my high-school-senior self advice, I would say: -DON'T let the application process keep you awake at night. Whether you end up at your first-choice school (as I did, fortunately) or life takes you in a different direction, you will find your niche and end up happy. -Find a healthy balance between studying, socializing, and breaks. -Don't stay up so late that you wear out your immune system. -Build a support system in college. Never be afraid to ask for help, or too proud to accept it. Just a month after beginning college far from home, I broke my ankle and ended up on crutches in a boot. I had no idea how I'd even get myself to class on a very hilly campus. Now I am physically healed and emotionally stronger than ever. I know I could not have gotten by without the kindness of friends or strangers. My new friends who cheered me on when I finally made it up the stairs, the strangers who carried my cafeteria trays for me, all of them showed me the meaning and value of kindness.

The first thing you should know is that the 21 meals a week plan is a rip off meant to confuse Freshman and their parents. There are not actually 21 meals a week served in the dining halls, on Saturday and Sunday breakfast and lunch are combined into brunch. It is also the most expensive meal plan, and it means you cannot take advantage of the better eating options on campus like Einsteins, the Stein, or the Faculty Club. Instead immediately get the 10 meals a week, 550 points plan. That way you can eat in the dining halls when you want, and can use dining point in the other places. As well, if you go to the dining halls more than 10 times a week, guess what, you can use points in the place of a meal. You will also save your parents a few hundred dollars in the process by going on this plan, its a win-win. Secondly, if your Jewish, don't think you will be forced to be involved in Jewish life. It is definitely there if you want it. Hillel, and BOO, the Brandeis Orthodox Organization, are both very active, however, if you don't want to be a part of that you don't have too. Two good friends of mine are from orthodox families but decided to make friends with people who weren't orthodox so could experience something they never had before. Thirdly, if you aren't Jewish, don't worry about that being an issue. Brandeis is a very accepting place, and people don't care what your religious background is. I'm personally an agnostic Jew, but I have friends who are Episcopalian, Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, and Orthodox Jewish. It is the norm at Brandeis to have friends of diverse religious backgrounds. The only religious group who ever came to Brandeis who were ostracized was the Westboro Baptist Church, a hate group who call themselves Baptists, but are not in any way.

The first thing you should know is that the 21 meals a week plan is a rip off meant to confuse Freshman and their parents. There are not actually 21 meals a week served in the dining halls, on Saturday and Sunday breakfast and lunch are combined into brunch. It is also the most expensive meal plan, and it means you cannot take advantage of the better eating options on campus like Einsteins, the Stein, or the Faculty Club. Instead immediately get the 10 meals a week, 550 points plan. That way you can eat in the dining halls when you want, and can use dining point in the other places. As well, if you go to the dining halls more than 10 times a week, guess what, you can use points in the place of a meal. You will also save your parents a few hundred dollars in the process by going on this plan, its a win-win. Secondly, if your Jewish, don't think you will be forced to be involved in Jewish life. It is definitely there if you want it. Hillel, and BOO, the Brandeis Orthodox Organization, are both very active, however, if you don't want to be a part of that you don't have too. Two good friends of mine are from orthodox families but decided to make friends with people who weren't orthodox so could experience something they never had before. Thirdly, if you aren't Jewish, don't worry about that being an issue. Brandeis is a very accepting place, and people don't care what your religious background is. I'm personally an agnostic Jew, but I have friends who are Episcopalian, Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, and Orthodox Jewish. It is the norm at Brandeis to have friends of diverse religious backgrounds. The only religious group who ever came to Brandeis who were ostracized was the Westboro Baptist Church, a hate group who call themselves Baptists, but are not in any way.

The first thing you should know is that the 21 meals a week plan is a rip off meant to confuse Freshman and their parents. There are not actually 21 meals a week served in the dining halls, on Saturday and Sunday breakfast and lunch are combined into brunch. It is also the most expensive meal plan, and it means you cannot take advantage of the better eating options on campus like Einsteins, the Stein, or the Faculty Club. Instead immediately get the 10 meals a week, 550 points plan. That way you can eat in the dining halls when you want, and can use dining point in the other places. As well, if you go to the dining halls more than 10 times a week, guess what, you can use points in the place of a meal. You will also save your parents a few hundred dollars in the process by going on this plan, its a win-win. Secondly, if your Jewish, don't think you will be forced to be involved in Jewish life. It is definitely there if you want it. Hillel, and BOO, the Brandeis Orthodox Organization, are both very active, however, if you don't want to be a part of that you don't have too. Two good friends of mine are from orthodox families but decided to make friends with people who weren't orthodox so could experience something they never had before. Thirdly, if you aren't Jewish, don't worry about that being an issue. Brandeis is a very accepting place, and people don't care what your religious background is. I'm personally an agnostic Jew, but I have friends who are Episcopalian, Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, and Orthodox Jewish. It is the norm at Brandeis to have friends of diverse religious backgrounds. The only religious group who ever came to Brandeis who were ostracized was the Westboro Baptist Church, a hate group who call themselves Baptists, but are not in any way.

I would tell myself not to stress out about classes. I mean that in the way of, don't freak out if you get an A- instead of an A. I'd also tell myself that even though college isn't madetory, I need to go anyway. Because I'll meet my best friend, discover so much about myself, and have the chance to have a great job in the end. Oh yeah, I would also tell myself to study harder in biology so I wouldn't get a B+. Thank you for your time.

If I had the chance to go back and talk to myself, first, I would tell myself not to wait a few years to get into college as I did. The second tip, to give myself is to keep up with the homework and out of class reading. It is so easy to not do those things but you will fall far behind real quick. Third, and most important, do not let partying get in the way of school. Lastly, do not ditch class to hang out with friends, it is not worth it by any means. All in all, if you follow these tips you will do fine and be sucessful.

I would tell myself to stay in school and get the proper education needed to suceed in life. I choose to at the end of my high school years to get married and raise a family instead. I would encourage myself to get the proper trainning for what the future had in store. I have deadicated myself to helping save our planet, and find alternate fuel sources for humanity. I would have directed my future in the renewable energy sources. I am curruently trainning as a Wind Technologist, and want to make our future as bright as I can for future generations to come.

Getting caught up in the luxuries of ordering Chinese take-out at two in the morning and not having to attend class every day makes it easy for students to think that they do not need to finish the required readings for class. Even myself, who timely completed every assignment in high school, managed to find myself with 200 pages of reading a few days before my first psychology exam. I would tell my high school self what I quickly learned after that experience—that keeping up with assignments, even if they are not checked, avoids unnecessary stress and allows students to understand the material better than if they cram. I would also tell myself that other students are very welcoming and non-judgmental at Brandeis. I avoided joining several clubs that I was interested in because I was afraid of being rejected. For months, I would read emails about the week’s agenda and upcoming games and long to join my peers. One day, I decided to attend a meeting and quickly found that this was not the case. I only wish that I were encouraged to join sooner so that I could have enjoyed these activities more.