<p>I know that both Rice and Northwestern have top notch engineering programs, but my parents both think that Northwestern has an overall better program because there are more majors, opportunities, etc. Is this true? And if not, what are some specifics that I can use to prove to my parents that the Rice engineering program is just as good/better?</p>
<p>Its not the program thats the only thing. Which school do you like better? have you visited them?</p>
<p>Well, that is exactly what I told my parents: since both programs are top-notch, it should be a non-factor in my decision. But they still need to be convinced that Rice’s engineering is just as good as Northwestern’s. I have visited both schools and I really like both school. I had a better feel for Rice, slightly. My one concern is in regards to the social life at each school. Perhaps this is a better direction for the thread. I’m worried that Rice would not be as fun as Northwestern…please prove me wrong!</p>
<p>why do you feel that Rice would not be fun? Its a great place. You need to give us details about the visit… other than that all I can say is Rice is awesome!</p>
<ol>
<li>Chicago has highest murder rate; Houston is ranked #1 City to live in.</li>
<li>Northwestern’s quality of life ranking is 76; Rice’s is 99- see 2009 Princeton Review</li>
<li>Do you like to have fun in your dorm room in the Winter, or get out and explore the city.</li>
<li>I have never heard anyone describe Northwestern as a fun place. Houston, is a fun place.</li>
<li>If your parents spend some time learning about Rice, compared to Northwestern, I don’t think they will feel the same way.</li>
<li>There are more opportunities at Rice (Texas Med. Center, bioengineering, NASA, Energy capital, etc). Also, more dollars in the endownment per student at Rice.</li>
<li>D got into both, and Northwestern became one that her and us determined not even to visit. Came down to Ivies and Rice, particularly for sciences, math, and engineering. </li>
</ol>
<p>Good luck</p>
<p>waesei,
Check out my recent posts on NU’s Engineering First. That’s where the most significant difference comes from as far as academics goes (assuming you have no interest in industrial engg & management sciences which Rice doesn’t offer).</p>
<p>LOL If Old Card had visited he/she might be in a position to know what she is talking about with respect to NU. NU’s campus in Evanston, which borders on Chicago’s toney North Shore. To claim that crime is an issue there as compared to at Rice is ridiculous. Moreover, Evanston and North Shore of Chicago are full of entertainment spots that supplement a very active and enjoyable campus.</p>
<p>NU is sooo pretty. BUT, Rice is love.</p>
<p>NU’s campus sucks… By that, I mean Sheridan Road ruins everything. Also, yeah, there’s a lake and beach, which are very beautiful, but you wouldn’t be able to enjoy it with snow and during the winter.</p>
<p>I have no reason to believe that Rice isn’t fun, except for biased people telling me so. But this is such an important decision that these rumors had been making me hesitant. But after talking with my college counselor, I have now decided to accept my admission to Rice and I will submit my deposit the minute I get home from track practice tonight! I am officially and Owl!!!</p>
<p>Yay!!! Hope to see you in the fall!</p>
<p>sweet. see you then!</p>
<p>congrats!!!</p>
<p>Yeaaahhrsss!</p>
<p>Rollins-- if you take a closer look at my remarks, I was comparing Houston and Chicago, not Evanston and Rice Village-- have been to both and stayed off lake shore drive. Remarks and comparisons stand.</p>
<p>^Your items #5 and #7 seem contradictary. </p>
<p>Also, US News ranks Northwestern higher in bio, chem, phys, math, and most engineering. Not that it necessarily matters much, but I want to point it out since you seemed to imply Rice is somehow superior in these fields (#7 in your post #5). I just don’t want other readers get a wrong idea because of what you wrote.</p>