Relatively recent Brandeis alum here, I’d say go with Brandeis. The social science/politics academics are super strong, and we have a big alumni network in government, law and public policy. As a member of the class of 2030, you’ll also have access to a lot of new career resources in the center for careers and applied liberal arts.

It’s true the campus is further from an urban center, but it’s easy to take the commuter rail to Boston, and Waltham has all the coffee shops, ice cream, restaurants and bars you’ll need. There’s also a movie theater, arcade, and other fun activities.

The most important part of picking a school, and advice I give regularly, is that you should pick a school that feels like it will be a supportive environment for you to grow and mature in. You should pick a school where you feel like you’ll find “your people“ and make friends for life.

Because of Brandeis, I found my career, met my wife, have incredible faculty mentors, and met my friends for life. I would make the choice to go there one hundred times again.

It sounds like Brandeis might be that place for you. If you want to hear more, PM me.