<p>I'm just calling it what it calls itself :p</p>
<p>As for "prestige", my gut feeling is this: Dartmouth is pretty much known across the country (maybe not in certain areas, but its known the people you need to know). Rice has a very strong reputation in the Southeast. Essentially Dartmouth is more national, and Rice is more regional (and its a powerhouse in the region). Overall they both put you in the top consideration set to pretty much do what you want if you do well.</p>
<p>I see. Yes, Dartmouth and Boston College are two such scools with sizeable graduate populations that still call themselves colleges. Schools like Wesleyan and Washington and Lee, which are more typical of colleges call themselves universities because they have tiny graduate populations.</p>
<p>"Here's hoping your daughter comes back! I totally understand your feeling."</p>
<p>Coming back or not, it explains why the so-called "prestige" factor attached to either of these schools is a total non-issue out here. Now if they were basketball powerhouses....</p>
<p>(I think the most important ACADEMIC distinction between these two schools IS the weather - some folks really can't function well in cold weather, and some in warm, and that will make a huge difference in the quality of the academic experience.)</p>
<p>Academically both are amazing. But the social life and dynamic of the schools are very different. </p>
<p>From the Princeton Review: I have found their rankings to be garbage, but the student reviews are usually on target. Having gone to Dartmouth, I can say that these are the most accurate depictions of the school I have read anywhere. As you can see, the differences between the schools are much more than the weather. </p>
<p>RICE - </p>
<p>What Rice students say about the student body...</p>
<p>At a "school notoriously composed of geeks, dorks, and nerds," Rice is home to students who are generally "very future-oriented, looking for internships, summer jobs, and study abroad programs," to the extent that, "if it won't look good on a resume, most students aren't interested." Students discuss diversity in terms of personality rather than race: "Everyone is an individual, with an interesting story and different background, so you don't have as many large cliques of people who all think alike." The more moneyed students are called "pretentious" and "self-important," and reportedly "students that are not rich, white, or straight are tolerated only superficially." On the other hand, a student comments, "We are here to learn and become friends, not show off our cars." Many female students agree that "the environment for women leaves a bit to be desired at times," partially due to the "politically apathetic" environment that tolerates some ongoing male-centric practices.</p>
<p>What Rice students say about campus life...</p>
<p>Rice social life is defined by the college system wherein dorms serve as "coed fraternities/sororities" and provide an "instant social net," which soon turns into "cults" or "tribe-like identities." Rivalries between colleges at this "nerdy party school" are heated but friendly, especially in powder puff football. Campus parties, often replete with themes and costumes, "are safe and well attended," partly due to the school's notably lenient alcohol policies. As the administration gets more conservative, many traditional Rice pranks and rituals are dying a politically correct death; many students share the sentiment, "I hope tradition wins." Some antagonism exists between the "vocal" Christian community and the nonreligious population, which exhibits significant "anti-Christian sentiment." The secure and usually picturesque campus is marred by construction"Everywhere I turn stands another crane"which aims to solve the housing shortage but remains an eyesore until fruition. Venturing "beyond the hedges," as students refer to the off-campus world, Houston offers "anything you want to do" including "nearby dance and jazz clubs." </p>
<p>DARTMOUTH</p>
<p>What Dartmouth students say about student body...</p>
<p>Student Body
Dartmouth students look alike, for reasons that have nothing to do with their backgrounds. "The average Dartmouth student is usually too bundled up in warm clothes to distinguish them from everyone else," undergraduates clarify. However, "once you get past the ten layers of clothing that everyone wears, Dartmouth students are a bunch of extraordinarily bright, sexually charged, procrastinating, sensitive comedians who go out of their way to make you feel like the most important person in the world." They tend to be "outdoorsy people, but there are also those who aren't athletic at all and everyone fits in fine." Dartmouth students "are either very liberal or very conservative." One student adds, "The campus is politically active. When talking to my friends at other schools, they are always amazed to hear how many people at Dartmouth are involved and aware of politics, both national and global." However, they never let political differences spoil the genial atmosphere. Students are "friendly, eloquent, and generally very happy." </p>
<p>What Dartmouth students say about campus life...</p>
<p>Campus Life
Undergraduates agree that "life is like summer camp" at Dartmouth. Students explain that "you're in a beautiful place, living with your best friends, and having as much fun as you can. The only difference is going to class and studying, both things Dartmouth students take very seriously." Students are understandably happy to be at Dartmouth, and that helps generate "an incredible sense of community. As soon as you get here, you immediately feel like you're part of a group." Greek life adds to the community spirit. Students regard it as "an amazing compliment to the sometimes arduous demands of academia" and praise the Greek houses' "welcoming atmosphere and the 'come one, come all' attitude at their parties." That's good news for GDIs, since "the Greek scene is pervasive and positive." Students note that "there's never any pressure to drink" and that there are a lot of things to do on campus. The Hop has shows and movies every night, the skating rink has open skate all winter long, and there are all kinds of lectures and discussions put on by the college and by groups on campus. Everyone goes to home games, especially hockey; intramural sports are big; there are several newspapers and literary publications; there are dance and a cappella groups [and] the list goes on." Campus grounds include a golf course and ski way and excellent rock-climbing areas and hiking trails. In short, the school's outdoorsy reputation is well deserved</p>
<p>I really disagree with both the descriptions of Rice. I think that is really out of date, which has been one of the main criticisms of the PR book. I think the anti-Christian thing is no longer an issue at all, and the geekiness factor is not what it was ten years ago. Jenskate, agree?</p>
<p>I agree with you momofwildchild. The Princeton Review is usually way off. The Michigan section was writen by an Ohio State fan! LOL I usually disagree completely with what it has to say.</p>
<p>does it seem weird to anyone else that someone may have narrowed their search down to a choice between Dartmouth and Rice?</p>
<p>It's not too far from, "I can't decide between Brigham Young or Notre Dame" or "UTexas or McGill"</p>
<p>Wouldn't something like Washington U and Rice be a more likely comparison?</p>
<p>Yeah, PR can be behind in certain ways (like its new admissions selectivity ratings). The Dartmouth student viewpoint is completely on target though in my opinion.</p>
<p>Rice is not even close to Dartmouth in being well known except for in Texas. Mini, I think you insult Washingtonians. There are a growing number of sophisticated concerns where the ivy league is well understood.</p>
<p>I agree with the Washingtonian comment. Almost everywhere I go people know Dartmouth (while meeting girls, talking to friends of friends, interviewers, family friends, etc) and that is in Illinois/ Chicago!</p>
<p>I have no experience with Rice, didnt go there. My gut is its not as well known outside of the Southeast.</p>
<p>Rice University used to own Yankee Stadium - baseball trivia.</p>
<p>"Rice is not even close to Dartmouth in being well known except for in Texas. Mini, I think you insult Washingtonians. There are a growing number of sophisticated concerns where the ivy league is well understood."</p>
<p>I have no idea what students talk about, but sorry - I work in the State Capital. 20,000 employees, and the state's leaders. I know lots of the state senators and representatives on a first name basis, and lots of the attorneys. In 14 years, I have yet to meet a Dartmouth grad. Not one. It might make the first 30 seconds in a conversation over a cup of coffee, and that's about it. But it wouldn't matter: you'd get the first 30 seconds out of the Ivy League distinction, and then folks would ask what you'd done for them lately.</p>
<p>Now, in certain circles, Brigham Young would be a totally different matter. I happen to think Dartmouth (and all the Ivies) and Rice (and Smith and Williams) are terrific schools, but prestige has nothing to do with it. (and, as for alumni networking, you'd do much better with Gonzaga or Washington State.)</p>
<p>But mini, you work in state politics, an area usually full of local grads. Also, you work in Olympia which is not exactly Seattle. In Chicago for example everyone knows Dartmouth, but maybe not in Peoria. Most of the Ivy grads end up in business or in professions, often in bigger cities if they leave the Northeast.</p>
<p>So I've looked through the list of state senators: these are the folks who hire the lawyers, the analysts, the aids, etc., and usually have long arms back in their districts. So if prestige is going to have an impact, and if alumni networking is going to be effective, this would be a great place to start. This is what we have:</p>
<p>8 UW grads
4 WSU grads
3 Whitman grads
2 Univ. of Puget Sound grads
2 UC Berkelely grads
2 Brigham Young grads
2 Univ. of WI grads
1 Oregon State
1 Seatte U.
1 Univ. of Illinois
1 Johns Hopkins
1 Pacific Lutheran
1 George Fox College
1 Iowa State
1 Phoenix College
1 Evergreen
1 Concordia (Portland)
1 Central Washington University
1 Alfred University
1 Cal-State Northridge
1 Spokane Comm. College
1 Clark College
1 Columbia Basin College
4 Military</p>
<p>As I said, the alum networks from east coast won't travel real well down here. And this INCLUDES all the Seattle folks - mostly lawyers. Our federal folks - senators, congressmen, Governor - the same. Perhaps Dartmouth grads become Governors of New Hampshire?</p>
<p>Ah, but we do have one Yale. He also happens to be a Rockefeller.</p>
<p>You can't eat prestige. Not only don't I know a single Dartmouth (or Rice) graduate, being ignorant as I am, I can't name a single Dartmouth (or Rice) graduate who, as I far as I know, is today having even the remotest impact on my life.</p>
<p>Again, both great schools. But don't get hung up on prestige and connections - they don't necessarily travel well.</p>
<p>Agree that PR section on Rice is not very accurate, though the campus life section is closer to reality than the student body section, which is ridiculous.
Agree that Dartmouth is more prestigious than Rice in some circles, including at home.
Agree that Rice is more prestigious in other circles, including in the south.</p>
<p>Disagree that Rice and Dartmouth are not reasonable schools to compare. Both have top notch academics and research, with a small student body and a focus on undergrads. I for one, loved Rice and hated Wash U. So there you go.</p>
<p>Patuxent - I applaud your knowledge of Rice/baseball trivia... do you know the story of how Mr. Rice died?</p>
<p>Rice reputation ought to be more regional - it is 50% Texans.</p>
<p>Mini,</p>
<p>Come on. US Senator Slade Gorton Dartmouth '50 was a Senator from Washington within the last 4 years! </p>
<p>Like I said, you wont find many Dartmouth grads at the local state politics level, you will find them in DC or other major cities.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I can't name a single Dartmouth (or Rice) graduate who, as I far as I know, is today having even the remotest impact on my life.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Do you buy anything from GE?</p>
<p>
[quote]
do you know the story of how Mr. Rice died?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Babe Ruth hit a baseball through his head?</p>
<p>"Mini,</p>
<p>Come on. US Senator Slade Gorton Dartmouth '50 was a Senator from Washington within the last 4 years! "</p>
<p>He's ancient history around here! (I've often wondered whether he was in any way connected to the east coast fishsticks fortune....)</p>
<p>(No, I don't buy anything from GE. but yes, I am ignorant, as I said. The fact that I buy a lightbulb is not likely to help me, or anyone else, with a job.)</p>