How to get into Brandeis
John Phelan | CC BY 3.0

How to Get Into Brandeis—General Information

Brandeis University is a private liberal arts university located in Waltham, Massachusetts. The university has an undergraduate enrollment of 3,591 students across more than 43 majors.

What we’ll cover in this “How to get into Brandeis” guide: 

  • Average Brandeis University GPA scores
  • The policy on Brandeis University SAT and ACT scores
  • Brandeis acceptance rate (including Brandeis Early Decision acceptance rate)
  • How to meet the Brandeis application deadline
  • Writing the Brandeis essay, and much more about Brandeis admissions!

If you’re researching how to get into Brandeis, familiarize yourself with all the factors which influence Brandeis admissions. This includes the average Brandeis University GPA, average Brandeis University SATs, Brandeis essay, Brandeis acceptance rate and Brandeis Early Decision acceptance rate. Secondly, start preparing your “how to get into Brandeis” strategy as early as possible. Then, when the Brandeis application deadline comes around, you’ll be sure to impress Brandeis admissions!

Figuring out how to get into Brandeis takes strategy. We can help. CollegeAdvisor.com has a network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former admissions officers) from the country’s top schools. Want to maximize your Brandeis admissions odds? Create your free account or schedule a free consultation by calling (844) 343-6272. 

How do I get into Brandeis University?

Wondering how to get into Brandeis University? This “How to get into Brandeis” guide is the best place to start. 

The school is home to just 3,500 students, and the Brandeis acceptance rate and Brandeis Early Decision acceptance rate are low. As such, Brandeis admissions has to be selective. Brandeis admissions looks for indicators that a student is smart and capable. They also want to see that students are a fit for the Brandeis campus, coursework, and culture. 

How do you prove to Brandeis admissions that you’re a fit? The first step to success is research. Familiarize yourself with the qualities that make the school a unique place to live and learn. Many campuses, particularly smaller ones, have a distinct personality that they tend to attract. By researching what this personality is for Brandeis, you can ensure that you and the school are truly a fit. Moreover, this research will show through in your Brandeis essay, giving you an edge in Brandeis admissions.

Finally, think carefully about which Brandeis application deadline you choose. Brandeis offers two rounds of Early Decision. For each of these, acceptance is binding. Note that the Brandeis Early Decision acceptance rate is slightly higher than the Regular Decision Brandeis acceptance rate. For this reason, you may want to make Early Decision a part of your “how to get into Brandeis” strategy.

Is it hard to get into Brandeis University?

If you’re working out how to get into Brandeis, you’re probably wondering how hard it is to get into the school. You can get a sense of the difficulty by looking at the average Brandeis University GPA, average Brandeis University SAT, Brandeis acceptance rate, and Brandeis Early Decision acceptance rate.

Brandeis’ class of 2025 was one of the school’s most selective years yet. The school received 10,223 applicants, and the overall Brandeis acceptance rate was 34%. The Brandeis Early Decision acceptance rate was slightly higher at 37.25%. Given the average US college acceptance rate is 68%, the Brandeis acceptance rate and Brandeis Early Decision acceptance rate are low.

Furthermore, Brandeis attracts high achievers. The average Brandeis University GPA amongst accepted applicants was 3.84 and average SAT scores were between 1350 and 1470. 

How do these numbers factor into your “how to get into Brandeis” strategy? In short, Brandeis is a competitive school. As such, it’s vital that you meet or exceed the Brandeis University GPA and strive for a high Brandeis University SAT. Start studying early to boost your Brandeis University SAT scores or ACT scores, and build a strong GPA long before the Brandeis application deadline.  

However, as you plan how to get into Brandeis, it’s also important to be realistic. Have some safety schools on your list in case Brandeis admissions doesn’t pan out for you. 

What is the acceptance rate at Brandeis?

Some of the most important metrics for students wondering how to get into Brandeis are the Brandeis acceptance rate and Brandeis Early Decision acceptance rate. 

For the class of 2025, Brandeis received 10,223 applications before the final Brandeis application deadline. The overall Brandeis acceptance rate was 34%. The Brandeis Early Decision acceptance rate was slightly higher at 37%.

Whether you’re looking at the Brandeis Early Decision acceptance rate or the overall Brandeis acceptance rate, Brandeis admissions is competitive. That’s why it’s so important to have a clear “how to get into Brandeis” game plan.

For more tips on how to interpret the Brandeis acceptance rate and Brandeis Early Decision acceptance rate, check out this guide.

What is the average GPA for Brandeis University?

As you plan how to get into Brandeis, ask yourself whether your GPA measures up to the average Brandeis University GPA.

For the class of 2025, the average Brandeis University GPA was 3.84. To exceed this Brandeis University GPA and impress Brandeis admissions, aim for As in all your classes. Take challenging classes early in high school so that your GPA is on a par with the Brandeis University GPA average. That will give you the best chance of beating that Brandeis acceptance rate. 

Once you’re weeks away from the Brandeis application deadline, it will be too late to change your GPA. This is why figuring out how to get into Brandeis University takes advance planning. For tips to boost your Brandeis University GPA, check out this guide. 

However, note that there is no Brandeis University GPA threshold. This means you won’t be ruled out for having a GPA much lower than the average Brandeis University GPA.  

If your GPA is lower than the average Brandeis University GPA, consider sharing your Brandeis University SAT scores to prove your academic ability. The average Brandeis University SAT score is between 1350 and 1470. While sending Brandeis University SAT test scores is optional, your Brandeis University SAT can make up for a lower GPA.

What does the Brandeis application look like?

One of the most important things you can do for your “how to get into Brandeis” strategy is get familiar with the application in advance of the Brandeis application deadline.

Brandeis asks prospective students to apply via the Common Application. 

The following components must be submitted before the Brandeis application deadline: 

  • Application fee or a fee waiver
  • High school transcript (used to calculate your Brandeis University GPA) 
  • School report and guidance counselor letter of recommendation
  • Brandeis University SAT scores, ACT scores, or academic paper (read the Brandeis’ test-optional policy)
  • Teacher letter of recommendation
  • High school senior grades 

Also, if you’re applying to Early Decision I or Early Decision II, you must complete an Early Decision Agreement Form. 

If you’re considering whether to send a Brandeis University SAT or ACT score, be sure to read the university’s policy on standardized testing. 

The earlier you can start preparing each part of your application, the more smoothly the process will go when the Brandeis application deadline nears. For tips on how to meet the Brandeis application deadline with a standout application, click here. 

What extracurriculars do I need for Brandeis University?

Students researching how to get into Brandeis naturally wonder how their extracurriculars come into play in Brandeis admissions. Extracurriculars—like your Brandeis University GPA, Brandeis essay, and Brandeis University SAT—can’t be achieved at the last minute. They need to be honed long before the Brandeis application deadline. But how?

The good news is that there is no typical profile for a Brandeis admit. A Brandeis education spans 43 majors, and the university prides itself on diversity. This means that when you’re planning your extracurriculars, there’s no need to cater to Brandeis admissions—this is not how to get into Brandeis.

Rather, you should spend your early high school years discovering the activities you are passionate about. Once you’ve found these, challenge yourself and take these activities to the next level. Start a business, work with a charity, raise money, publish research—there’s no limit to your options, so long as you’re inspired. 

Choosing enriching extracurriculars is especially important in light of the Brandeis acceptance rate and Brandeis Early Decision acceptance rate. You’ll be up against a lot of candidates with strong academic profiles, so extracurriculars are your chance to really stand out. Brandeis admissions wants to see that you’re excited to learn and willing to take the initiative to do so. Proving this is a key step in beating the Brandeis acceptance rate.

Does Brandeis University offer interviews?

While Brandeis admissions doesn’t require you to interview before the Brandeis application deadline, they do offer first-year applicants the chance to request a short, casual interview. For Early Decision applicants, these can be requested once you’ve started your application. Regular Decision applicants must wait until after the Brandeis application deadline to request an interview.

Like your Brandeis essay, interviews are a chance to show your personality more fully than your Brandeis University GPA and Brandeis University SAT allow. You should go into your interview prepared to speak to your background, accomplishments, and interest in Brandeis. 

If you want to know how to get into Brandeis in spite of the low Brandeis acceptance rate (and Brandeis Early Decision acceptance rate), take every chance to show Brandeis what you’re made of—interview included.

How do you write a Brandeis supplemental essay?

The Brandeis essay is an often overlooked part of students’ “how to get into Brandeis” strategies. However, given the low Brandeis acceptance rate and Brandeis Early Decision acceptance rate, a strong Brandeis essay is essential. 

Brandeis admissions asks students to write one Brandeis essay response, with a limit of 250 words. The Brandeis essay prompt asks applicants to share a time they used critical thinking skills. 

Firstly, just because the Brandeis essay is short doesn’t mean it’s any less important than your Brandeis University SAT scores, Brandeis University GPA, or any other core component of the application. In fact, it’s one of your only chances to show personality and individuality within the application. So, make the most of this space. 

How do you write a good Brandeis essay? Don’t try to write the Brandeis essay at the last minute—this is not how to get into Brandeis. We recommend brainstorming many possible responses before choosing a direction. Find a topic that will let you tell a compelling story that speaks to your character and accomplishments. 

Once you have written the Brandeis essay, be sure to proofread it several times. In addition, ask someone else to read over your response and ensure it makes sense and reads well. Check out our webinar on how to avoid common mistakes in your Brandeis essay! 

How does Brandeis University review applications?

If you want to know how to get into Brandeis, you’re likely curious about what happens after the Brandeis application deadline has passed. How does Brandeis admissions decide who makes it through that Brandeis acceptance rate (or Brandeis Early Decision acceptance rate) to the Brandeis enrollment? 

Brandeis weighs three factors in admissions: 

  • Academic qualification (largely based on your Brandeis University GPA, Brandeis University SAT, and high school course choice)
  • Likelihood of social and academic success
  • Potential for contribution to the community

Applications will be assigned to admissions officers by geographic territory and are guaranteed at least one thorough read. After that, undetermined applications go to committee. Decisions are then finalized.

Will Brandeis University consider my social media accounts?

As students make their “how to get into Brandeis” strategies, many will wonder whether Brandeis admissions factor social media accounts into their decisions.

On the one hand, we want to reassure students that it’s highly unlikely that a Brandeis admissions officer will search for them online. The reality is that Brandeis admissions simply doesn’t have the time to research the thousands of students who apply before the Brandeis application deadline. So, rest assured, you don’t need to overly stress.

On the other hand, it’s better to be safe than sorry. We always encourage learning healthy habits around social media use. And there have been cases of admissions offers being rescinded for poor judgment calls online.

Is Brandeis University the school for me?

So, you’ve researched the Brandeis acceptance rate, Brandeis Early Decision acceptance rate, average Brandeis University SAT, and Brandeis essay requirements… but is Brandeis the school for you?

Some students get so caught up in how to get into Brandeis that they forget to take a step back and make sure it’s truly the right place for them. The best way to check a school’s fit is to research what makes the school unique.

Social justice is a core pillar of the community at Brandeis. Almost every student makes it a part of their undergraduate experience in one way or another. In addition, Brandeis is known for fostering diversity on campus, and students love the opportunities this provides to learn from one another. 

In addition, Brandeis students pride themselves on being very involved in campus life. The average student is a member of several organizations, promoting a social and tight-knit student body. Especially as there are just 3,500 undergraduate students, you will get to know other students well over the course of your four years.

This “how to get into Brandeis” guide is just a jumping off point. Thorough research is the key to ensuring Brandeis is the right school for you.

Additional tips to get into Brandeis University

In this article, we’ve covered the many aspects of crafting your “how to get into Brandeis” plan, including: 

  • Brandeis University SAT and ACT scores
  • The Brandeis acceptance rate (including the Brandeis Early Decision acceptance rate!)
  • How to write the Brandeis essay
  • Completing the Brandeis interview
  • The Brandeis application deadline, and more.

Looking for more tips on how to get into Brandeis?

Build relationships

Find people who will support your application process. This includes teachers who might write your recommendation letters or help you achieve a strong Brandeis University GPA. Talk to your guidance counselor early in high school. Seek out mentors. The more people you have to talk you through Brandeis admissions, the smoother the process will be.

Start early

The Brandeis application deadline will sneak up on you. Plus, the Brandeis application deadline will fall around the same time as that of many other schools. So, get your application components together early on to leave yourself room for mistakes and revisions. You’ll never regret starting early.

This guide was written by Becky Weinstein. If you want to know how to get into Brandeis, we’ve got you covered. CollegeAdvisor.com has a network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former admissions officers) from some of the country’s top schools. Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.