<p>My son has been accepted to Rice as an engineering major. He will be coming to Owl Weekend to experience Rice firsthand but I am wondering if someone could talk about Rice engineering a bit and, if possible, compare what his experience would be there vs. a larger research university (like NU, Duke, Penn). Any input is appreciated!</p>
<p>Hi jenskate1, Do you have any input on engineering at Rice?</p>
<p>I'm no engineer, but people I know in engineering generally seem happy with it. I think Rice has some advantages, because the classes and departments are smaller, and you are competing much less with grad students for the professors' attention and research opportunities.</p>
<p>Go to the web page of the engineering department, pick the area that interests you, read about the special interests of the faculty and call them on the phone. Yes, they will actually talk to you and answer your questions. One of the bioengineering profs called my son at home twice between Owl week and May 1 to make sure his questions were answered.</p>