How to Write the Brandeis University Admissions Essay

By Sarah O'Neill, Coatesville, Supreme Editing

Brandeis University Excerpt:


According to Brandeis University admissions (via the website):   “We balance attention to detail with a focus on the big picture.”  We’ll consider both your academic performance and your life outside the classroom.  We want to get a true feel for who you are- what matters to you, how you spend your time, and how you engage with your family, team, workplace, or spiritual communities.   


They’re committed to a mindset of growth and discovery- both of self and of the kind of knowledge that moves society forward.  Brandeis University prides itself on its global network of alumni, engaged for a lifetime, who provide support to the community. Their mission is to engage, connect, and benefit alumni and students to strengthen Brandeis while honoring its founding principles. 


READ- What We Look For

Brandeis is a university dedicated to our founding values of inclusivity and justice. Established 75 years ago to address antisemitism and discrimination in higher education, we value the diverse array of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that our students bring to our community. 

We are steadfast in our commitment to the belief that diversity is crucial to academic excellence, innovation, and the free exchange of ideas.  

The types of students admitted consisted of three specific strengths: strong vocabulary, good transitions, and the ability to reflect on oneself. The students were movers and shakers- they took it upon themselves to see other perspectives and get informed about subjects and ideas.  They could articulate their reasoning clearly and showed they were independent thinkers and knowledge seekers.  Critical thinking, community engagement, perseverance, and demonstrating an understanding of Brandeis’ mission were common themes. 

Supplemental Essay Example:

This year, our essay question asks you to reflect on these values and how they have impacted your educational experience. On the Common Application, you’ll be asked to respond to the following prompt. We look forward to learning more about how your experience has been shaped by values so deeply important to the Brandeis community.

When I talk about music, words simply pour out of my mouth. To be honest, I am no musical expert. The pieces I enjoy are not classical works with great critical recognition. However, time flies when I share my favorite songs with my friends. I love describing the scenes I have imagined according to the lyrics, humming the parts I like most, and telling people how the rhythm makes me feel. My friends are an important part of this habit. We regularly gather to listen to our favorite songs together over coffee. In my eyes, music provides a way to communicate beyond the words. My friendships have been strengthened through listening to music together, and my worldview has been expanded. When I see another person appreciate a musical piece the same way that I do, a connection between us is built. Our friendships are strengthened through the process, because we share perspectives and emotions in common. At the same time, I love the way a song can immediately transport me to a specific time in my life, or remind me of a specific person. Ultimately, music to me is much more than a collection of notes, or even a cultural phenomenon. It’s a social constant in my life, and something that guides my internal compass at all times.


Sarah ONeill Supreme Editing 


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