<p>Hi. I am trying to decide between these two schools. They seem like apples and oranges, but they are both similar in the fact that they have strong focuses on undergraduates and have strong senses of community. If given the option, which school would you choose and why?</p>
<p>P.S. I've posted this in a few forums because I want to hear as many opinions as possible. I'm so torn!</p>
<ol>
<li>What do you want to study?</li>
<li>Where are you from?</li>
<li>What kind of weather do you prefer?</li>
<li>Any difference in cost?</li>
</ol>
<ol>
<li>Engineering, but I’m not set on it (and I know that it’s a no-brainer for Rice)</li>
<li>I’m from Washington D.C.</li>
<li>I like 40s-60s, so Dartmouth probably wins in terms of weather.</li>
<li>Cost doesn’t matter much, but I got some money from Rice.</li>
</ol>
<p>Also, what do you plan on doing after graduation (rough idea) –> job, MBA/Law school/ med school/ PhD etc.</p>
<p>I like Rice personally (thought about Dartmouth for a while) for a multitude of reasons. The UG education is excellent, the residential college system is fun and the quality of life is #1. Rice also has great opportunities for UG research. Further, Houston is a great city; Large with plenty to do and places to eat. At the same time, the campus is nice and green with almost a secluded feel, despite being a few miles from downtown.</p>
<p>Yeah, all those reasons draw me to Rice. I probably want to work for a few years then pursue a PhD</p>
<p>So, which did you decide on and why?</p>
<p>Dartmouth because of its engineering philosophy. I feel like it is better for me to explore many fields of engineering (and even fields outside of engineering). I don’t think Dartmouth’s degree puts me at a disadvantage.</p>
<p>To be clear, I still love Rice. It’s a terrific school, just not the best academic fit for me.</p>
<p>Interesting… I can’t comment because I’m not an engineer, but I’m glad you’re happy with the fit. Everybody’s different in that regard.</p>
<p>I don’t think Dartmouth’s degree will put you at a disadvantage, either; although it is hard to beat a degree from Rice in engineering. You can always come to Rice for grad school though! 
Have fun in Hanover.</p>
<p>Sorry I won’t be meeting you in the fall. I love Dartmouth though (I might be going there if they didn’t waitlist me haha), so I can’t hate. I wish you the best of luck in the future!</p>
<p>Good Luck at Dartmouth!</p>