<p>Hello guys, I have no Idea where i want to go. I'm majoring in chemistry/pre-med and I really am confused where to go.. Input would be welcomed! And I know it'll be biased on this thread, but I want to see different perspectives.</p>
<p>This thread discusses Rice vs. Cornell <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/rice-university/1117392-rice-vs-cornell-university.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/rice-university/1117392-rice-vs-cornell-university.html</a></p>
<p>Do you want to do the U of Chicago core curriculum? “This famed Core curriculum, a model for American general education, is the University of Chicago student’s introduction to the tools of inquiry used in every discipline—science, mathematics, humanities, and social sciences. The goal is not just to transfer knowledge, but to raise fundamental questions and become familiar with the powerful ideas that shape our society.” Rice’s distribution requirements are broader and more flexible.</p>
<p>Which aspects of each school attract your interest the most? Though you have yet to make up your mind, is there one school in particular that has you more captivated than the other two? I’d be glad to offer you my perspective, (I will be attending Rice as a freshman in the fall and a close friend of mine attends Cornell), but I think that I’d be able to provide you with better advice if you were to elaborate on your interests.</p>
<p>Well quite frankly i’m afraid of Chicago. I’m not the best in humanities (e.g. writing, i’m good at history though). My goal is to maintain a high gpa without jeopardizing “fun” in college. Also, I’m looking to “prestige” even though its not important to medical schools. its just something i want… </p>
<p>I like doing research, but also hanging out with my friends. a balance. I don’t want to be stressed out to the max…</p>
<p>Chicago and Cornell would probably be a lot more stressful and “Detrimental” to your gpa. Also it gets freakin cold at those two places. Each school has its pros/cons though. I really like uchicago but im not a fan of cornell.</p>
<p>^why not? 10 char</p>
<p>I visited and it just seemed miserable. Rice is much more lively and the students are happier. Uchicago is pretty good too but seems to be more “intense” workload wise.</p>
<p>Ok, well I’m sort of glad that you’re afraid of Chicago, because UChicago is the one school mentioned that I know very little about…haha.</p>
<p>From what I gather, the Rice environment encourages undergraduates to “study hard and play hard.” You want a balanced undergrad experience? Juggling an active social life (You decide the definition of such) and maintaining an excellent academic record isn’t easy, especially at an institution with the prestige you seek; however, what many consider to be one of the most appealing facets of the Rice experience (residential college system) is what allows you to do just that.</p>
<p>My friend the Cornell attendee is only a freshman and he already raves about his amazing experience in Ithaca; however, he is also very forthcoming with information that simply confirms the commonly-heard complaints of other Cornell students: the weather (you won’t be complaining about having to trudge across mounds of snow on your way to morning classes at Rice), the size (granted, one of the aspects of Cornell that initially attracted him was the size of the student body, but he now recognizes that at times the large number of students on campus can be somewhat intimidating), and the competitive atmosphere (I think it was in one of the many research books boasting the “Best U.S. Colleges” that I read this tidbit: “it’s not uncommon to find that pages which presumably contain valuable information relating to one of your courses have been torn from the spines of library books.” From what I’ve heard, while it’s possible that this is simply an exaggeration, the academic environment at Cornell is indeed a cutthroat one.)</p>
<p>In short: if you are looking to have an extraordinarily unique undergraduate experience at a prestigious university that boasts excellent research opportunites, a collaborative academic environment, and an intelligent and down-to-earth student body, look no further than Rice :)</p>
<p>(All of this is what I have gathered about Rice through reading about other CCer’s undergrad experiences and through my own visit to campus; I will of course be able to provide a more personal description after school starts up in August.)</p>
<p>Good luck as you make your decision and remember that Owl Days (Registration may have closed as it is this Thursday & Friday and I recently received an email from Rice Admissions about the loads of people who are eagerly snatching up their spots) and Admit Days are rapidly approaching! It would probably benefit you to attend these events and interact with the student body for yourself! :)</p>
<p>Bump!! Please advice now its cornell vs rice (same price)</p>
<p>Go to the place that you think you will enjoy more!</p>
<p>^aka…Rice haha :D</p>
<p>Cornell - Extremely high suicide rate…
Rice - Highest student satisfaction rate four years running…
Both ranked the same…
Both the same price…
It is obvious that you should go to Rice :)</p>
<p>Cornell experienced a tragic suicide cluster last year, however this followed four years where there were no such events there at all. It’s long term suicide rate, measured over longer periods, is below the national average for college students.</p>
<p>Rice does have the #1 quality of life (according to the Princeton Review)</p>
<p>^ And I believe it has for a couple years now, if I’m not mistaken.</p>