College admissions stress is at an all-time high for families around the world. The schools that used to admit the majority of their applicants have now descended into incredibly high selectivity, meaning students these days have to work twice as hard to secure acceptance to the schools their parents could often get into with ease. However, certain schools show us that it doesn’t have to be this way and that acceptance rates don’t have to dwindle with each cycle.

Brandeis University is the perfect example of this type of school. This private research university has been a hub of research and cross-cultural pollination since 1948. There’s a common misconception out there that Brandeis is only for Jewish students, and while Jewish students have historically found a tolerant and welcoming home at Brandeis, the Waltham, Massachusetts-based institution is nonsectarian and open to applicants of all denominations.

But Brandeis is also welcoming in another sense: in the last ten years, as acceptance rates at comparable institutions have dwindled to record lows, Brandeis’ acceptance rate has held steady:

Brandeis University Acceptance Rate Over the Last Ten Years

Brandeis University Class Year	Overall Acceptance Rate
Class of 2028	35.31%
Class of 2027	39.41%
Class of 2026	39.00%
Class of 2025	33.40%
Class of 2024	29.90%
Class of 2023	31.35%
Class of 2022	34.22%
Class of 2021	33.44%
Class of 2020	34.02%
Class of 2019	35.22%
Class of 2018	37.04%

During the 2013-14 admissions cycle, 37.04% of Brandeis applicants were granted admission. Ten years later, in 2023-2024, that number has not shifted significantly, as 35.31% of applicants were granted admission last year. That might not sound particularly remarkable, but when one considers that comparable institutions like Northeastern University saw acceptances taper off into the single digits over this same period, it’s suddenly much more of an anomaly.

Students and families should welcome this news, as an elite college education is not yet out of reach for those unsure of their admissions competitiveness. Of course, a 35% acceptance rate is still moderately selective and will require some strategic planning (and the help of the college admissions experts at Ivy Coach certainly wouldn’t hurt!). But, fortunately, the famously-accurate Ivy Coach crystal ball predicts that when the data for the Class of 2029 finally arrives, Brandeis won’t have experienced a significant dip in acceptance.

Brandeis is an excellent choice for any student searching for a rigorous academic curriculum, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a lively campus of programs, events, and parties. But don’t let their moderately selective acceptance rate fool you. Admissions officers at Brandeis won’t fall for any well-rounded applications or students who fail to demonstrate their interest in attending. Let’s review how you can optimize your child’s odds of admission to this world-class institution.

Ivy Coach’s Assistance With Brandeis Acceptance

Don’t rely on the luck of the draw to get into Brandeis. A lot has changed about the college admissions process since the 1980s and 90s, so if you’re a parent navigating your child’s admission to a top school, be careful not to fall into the many pitfalls that line your way. By steering clear of a well-rounded approach in favor of a strategy centered around a singular admissions hook, your child will make a convincing case that they will make the most of their time at Brandeis if accepted. 

Your child’s singular hook is the specific passion, pursuit, or cause that drives them forward. It’s the highly unique and often small thing that makes them tick and provides a roadmap for engaging with the resources and opportunities of their future campus. Admissions officers go nuts over students with singular hooks because these are the students who go on to make meaningful contributions to our world.

Unsure of where to begin? Turning to our team of former elite college admissions officers to help get your child into Brandeis allows you to sit back and leave it to us. To get started, fill out our complimentary consultation form, and we’ll be in touch to delineate our services.