<p>I was always of the position that I will get out of Texas. I find many undesirable aspects of life in this state, including the terrible weather (I prefer mild or cold), the (ironically) cold attitudes of people, the sedentary lifestyle that is forced upon you because you must drive everywhere and can never walk, and plenty more things to dislike about the people. Anytime I go to the North or California I feel more in my element because I know the people are more like myself, highly accepting of others, friendly, more active, etc. Getting into Rice was completely random for me, it came out of nowhere, but now it must be considered among my options. Are there any of you who were reluctant to attend school in Texas who are now happy at Rice, or who are currently in the same position as myself, or who could offer any remotely vague advice whatsoever? If so, a response could go a long way to helping me decide where I want to go to college so it is greatly appreciated. Thank you.</p>
<p>I was always in the camp of getting out of Georgia, my home state. Ironically I may be getting out of Georgia to go to an even more conservative state, Texas. All I know is Texas is a HUGE state, and moving from one part of Texas to another can still be a big change. Maybe not in weather, but in additude of the people. If you grew up in/around Houston, you may want to go somewhere else. I grew up around Atlanta, and for that reason I don’t really want to go to Georgia Tech. From your description of what life is like around you, I believe that Rice is different than that and could be a good fit for you. :)</p>
<p>The choice you make as to where to attend school should absolutely be yours and yours alone. When you do make a choice, you need to fall in love with it and be committed to it… not questioning, not setting up the school for failure, no hesitations.</p>
<p>IMO, Rice meets your criteria of being accepting, friendly, active. My S is always out and about and doesn’t own or use a car.</p>
<p>Rice can’t do much to change the weather however :-). </p>
<p>What do you want to study? What other schools are you considering? How does Rice financially compare to your other options?</p>
<p>I got into UMich - Ann Arbor, UT, University of Virginia, USC, UC San Diego, UCLA, Rice, and NYU Stern School of Business (with a $34,000 scholarship), and I then narrowed down my choices to Rice, UCLA, and Stern, but was urged to throw UMich back into the mix so just a bit more confused now. Arguments against NYU have been that you are going to a city and not a campus, so it lacks the elements of campus life and unity that a place like Rice has. I have been doubting UCLA because something about going to a public where there are kids that are paying less than half of what I am are getting the same stuff (also I would’ve preferred Berk but got rejected, won’t lie, and I don’t like going somewhere with an inferiority complex in the back of my mind). As far as finances by the way, they don’t factor into my decision (not trying to contradict what I said about UCLA though it may seem that way) but getting such a huge scholarship to such a prestigious undergrad b-school and the 2nd most expensive school to attend the U.S. makes me feel pretty good about NYU. Haven’t visited yet though. Tbh, what worries me about Rice is that it isn’t near as recognized around the nation as somewhere like NYU or UCLA is, so when I try to ge out of the state I can anticipate some trouble and also not getting enough recognition. Also, the behavior I witnessed turned me off about Rice. For example, my host had no work to do, so he spent the night watching espn. Or some nights I would follow him to someone’s room so he could gossip about people I have no idea about for two hours. As far as the parties, he took me with but got on his own level and left me, and I didn’t know anyone, and could not identify any other prospies, it was quite awkward. The only time I met other prospies was by chance and it was at the end of the program and they were all going to sleep. The only thing that kept me from eliminating Rice was meeting these two awesome guys at the end of a party, right when I was about to leave campus for the last time, who convinced me my time could’ve been entirely different and that my host was just not doing his job. I was showed north campus for the FIRST time (after being there for 3 days) and saw the insides of dorms other than the one I was at. Anyway, I keep asking what makes these students so happy to attend to Rice and these guys showed me that enthusiasm so I decided not to completely eliminate Rice. Another thing against Rice beside location and all the boredom I experienced during owl days (sitting in my host’s dorm doing nothing fo hours alone) is that I am obviously a social sciences guy (see: Stern) and Rice is an oasis for math-science kids, while I am best at writing and dislike math greatly, as well as science but not to such a great extent. I could go on forever… The bottom line is that I know Rice is the best uni that I got into and I really want to like it, but right now I see it as a cliquey campus with kids that just drink boredom away, who sweat and get sticky on the way to class from the dorms, who live near a city that isn’t pedestrian friendly at all, etc. Someone please argue what I say because as I have mentioned, it would help me to see from another perspective.</p>
<p>Seems like you are having a hard time overcoming your bad experience at Rice. What’s wrong with NYU? The scholarship seems really good. Another thing, Texas is a pretty friendly place, pretty sad to see your experience doesn’t seem to reflect that.</p>
<p>I would reconsider USC. It may be your answer. It’s big enough to feel like a large university: diverse student body, research school, liberal arts, great music/acting scene due to L.A., very selective, Greek life, big-time sports and spirit, beautiful campus, YET, smaller class sizes than UCLA or Michigan could ever offer. USC is a private university and conducts itself as one. </p>
<p>You have great choices, and I hate to confuse you more, but I would take another look at USC.</p>
<p>OP - You don’t have to like Rice… it really is ok to not. Some schools are just not the right schools for individuals. It IS unfortunate that your host didn’t make your time better, but truthfully, I wouldn’t want anyone to make a decision based on a two day visit that one person had such a big impact on. Obviously you wouldn’t want him as your roommate :-).</p>
<p>My S rides his bicycle all over town, so the “not pedestrian friendly” comment I’m not sure how it applies. You can go anywhere you want in any fashion you want. Rice also pays for any public transportation you want to use (it works just fine). </p>
<p>If you are the type who just sits in a dorm room and doesn’t venture out to find friends and things to do (especially when all sorts of activities are available “just for you”), then you may find the transition to any school difficult. </p>
<p>Rice isn’t such a large campus that you’d be getting all that sweaty and sticky between classes. The buildings have AC, so you can cut through those :-).</p>
<p>Remember that college is about education, so your first priority IMO, should be on the quality of education you will get at a school. I don’t know about business at Rice, but I know that the humanities classes are awesome and varied with a lot of options. Check out what courses are available for next semester - [Rice</a> University - Search Courses](<a href=“http://courses.rice.edu/admweb/swkscat.main]Rice”>Course Schedule)
Just use the drop down on subject to search</p>
<p>Even the required writing course has tons of different topics of study to make it fun and interesting.</p>
<p>Why do you want us to convince you to go to Rice? It’s a great school with great students, but that can be said about most schools. Is it the right school for you? It might not be… that’s up to you.</p>
<p>One thing about the scholarship at NYU - make sure you check to see if it is renewable and what the requirements are for renewal. You may find it is a one year scholarship or that the gpa requirements are very high.</p>
<p>I think people like to think of Rice as “in Texas” but it’s in Houston which, like most of the 5 major cities (Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and somewhat Corpus Christi) is pretty liberal. There’s the Texas everyone thinks about (the gun toting Republicans and bigoted public) and then there’s Houston which is the most diverse out of the largest Metropolitan cities. It’s really liberal and accepting down here, especially the Rice Campus. </p>
<p>I’m not sure what you saw when you went to visit because I went to both Owl Days and Vision and I had great hosts both times and had a lot of fun. Rice is a very relaxed campus. At Owl Days there was this “S’mores” party (though the s’mores were made in a microwave because it was raining a little) and they started playing music. Mind you I’ve been to other college visits too and usually when you go if you can’t dance well, you shouldn’t dance, but at Rice if you couldn’t, it’s whatever because some of your friends couldn’t either and that’s okay. It’s that kind of place. </p>
<p>I live in Houston, 20 minutes from the Rice campus, and if you would’ve asked me a year ago I would’ve told you NO WAY was I going to Rice just because it’s so close. However, that’s really the only thing working against it. It’s not cliquey. It’s this type of integrated diversity that I didn’t find at schools like Duke when I went to visit. I don’t know where you’re living if you think the people in Texas are “cold”. You probably should visit NYC because I have a few friends going to Columbia and NYU and they say that the people in NYC are not as friendly. People in Texas (well I can only vouch for Houston) are really nice. </p>
<p>I do have to agree with the sedentary lifestyle though. Metro is awful so you will need a car if you want to go anywhere that’s not Rice Village. And I hate the heat too, but I’ve dealt with it this long, I think I could deal with it a little longer. I’m afraid that perhaps if I put Rice University on my resume employers might not recognize it either, but a couple of years ago I had NO idea that UChicago was so prestigious but this year it had over 30,000 applicants. It’s what’s hot and there will be other schools that’re hot, and maybe Rice will be one of them?</p>
<p>But really, you should visit NYU. I wouldn’t commit to a school without visiting my other options first, especially based on which schools offers you the most money. If you visit somewhere and you fall in love with it, commit to it. I would just like to say though: as a student you will be spending most of your time on campus, so don’t visit your school to find out you adore the surrounding city but not the campus itself. Right now I’m deciding between Rice, Duke, a couple bigger names, and I think I might choose Rice still, but I am going there for next to nothing so that definitely made the choice easier.</p>
<p>“There’s the Texas everyone thinks about (the gun toting Republicans and bigoted public) and then there’s Houston…It’s really liberal and accepting” - Doesn’t sound like your attitude is very “accepting” of those who disagree with your liberal viewpoint.</p>
<p>^^I think accepting in the above context means not racist or homophobic… Doesn’t mean in favor of liberal policies.</p>
<p>So by implication conservatives are racist & homophobic?</p>
<p>Let’s not let this (useful) conversation degrade.</p>
<p>I don’t think that’s what it means. Just saying the attitude is liberal as in open or accommodating. Houston is pretty politically conservative as far as big cities go. (For what it’s worth, liberal in the “open” sense can be used in a negative way… Like someone who is liberal with alcohol is an alcoholic. Yeah, I’m probably projecting but I like to give the benefit of the doubt).</p>
<p>Bottom line though is I don’t think he/she meant really politically liberal, as compared to northern schools it definitely isn’t. Just gay-friendly and nice? I don’t know…</p>
<p>In my S’s experience, Metro (rail and bus) is very useful. It’s not quick however.</p>
<p>Honestly, Rice was my absolute last choice because I wanted to get out of the state. If I could go back into the past, I’d apply to Rice ED in a heartbeat. </p>
<p>I’m loving it here, and I wouldn’t trade Rice for anything.</p>
<p>Just FYI: Forbes Magazine ranked Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and Fort Worth in the country’s TOP 15 HIPPEST CITIES. Yes, 5 Texas cities – along with what you’d expect, L.A., NY and Miami!</p>
<p>Fort Worth?? I don’t think so. </p>
<p>Fort Worth is many things. “Hip” is not one of them.</p>
<p>Parts of Houston are definitely hip, though.</p>
<p>I would seriously consider NYU. It sounds like a perfect match for you given your description of the things you dislike about Texas and Rice. NYU has a different type of campus than what people are used to and people criticize what they don’t understand. NYC has an incredible energy and NYU will provide you with fantastic opportunities there if you take advantage of them. I’m an alumnus of NYU Stern and I loved my time there and got a great job through the on-campus recruitment program when I graduated. </p>
<p>Sent from my DROID BIONIC using CC</p>
<p>@Franko That’s not what I meant at all really and I’m sorry that one sentence was all that was apparently concentrated on. English isn’t my first language, though it is my best, so some of the words don’t have the same knee-jerk, polarizing, connotations that they might for others. I’m usually better about using words like that, but I just forgot some people react differently than I’d expect. You’ll notice I mentioned “everyone thinks about” and I just mean that as in a stereotype. I’ve met people from abroad and even as close as up north and other Southern states like Georgia who think THAT’S what Texas is (if you throw in a couple rodeos and cowboys). I’d just also like you to know I said bigoted public with no reference to “bigoted” having any kind of political face. By liberal, I just meant free. You’re free to be a person here be that gay, foreign, artsy or whatever here without facing total ostracization.</p>
<p>@blankk I wasn’t saying it was more liberal or as liberal as Northern schools. I’m saying it’s very liberal for the state of Texas which was the OP’s concern (looking for accepting people). It’s not “just gay friendly and nice” because that’s pretty one-dimensional. The Rice campus is very open, very warm, and very accepting. I wasn’t comparing Houston to the north, but just to the rest of Texas.</p>
<p>My main point is, fear of finding a cold and close-minded surrounding area shouldn’t be the reason someone turns down Rice. In fact, I think a lot of Houston is so accepting because there’s a large population here where no one race/ethnic group makes up more than 50% of the city. There’ve been times when I’ll go to a more homogeneous college campus or meet someone who comes from a less diverse city and I’ll something like “Merhaba” and “gule gule” instead of hello and goodbye or count things out in Arabic just because that’s where my mind is, and I’ll look at others and expect them to understand and then just get blank stares. Houston is the kind of city where at Target you’re hear someone speaking Turkish in aisle three, and then have friends whose native tongue is Spanish, help you decipher your homework while trying to convince another friend’s mother to teach you how to make a traditional Vietnamese dish (true story; she hasn’t had time yet, but hopefully this summer). </p>
<p>Don’t make a mistake about it: while sometimes people comment the Rice Campus kind of makes it feel like you’re on the West Coast, it’s not on the West Coast. However, Rice isn’t revoltingly different.</p>