<p>So I'm really thinking about applying to Rice but then I started to think of some doubts...</p>
<ol>
<li>Do a lot of the teachers have a slow, Southern accent? How about a majority of the students?</li>
<li>Are the students racist? (I'm born in the US but Indian)</li>
<li>Is the surrounding area racist? (Being in Texas and all)</li>
<li>What's the biggest difference between Rice and an East-Coast School?</li>
<li>What's the biggest difference between Texas and the East-Coast?</li>
<li>Is the area religious?</li>
<li>How fun is the school?</li>
<li>What's the percentage split between work and play? (80% work, 20% play?)</li>
</ol>
<p>If I apply and get in, I'll visit, but right now I don't know if I should apply. </p>
<p>Having grown up in MA and living in TX now, the “culture” is certainly different. To me, Texans are very Texas-centric and very proud of the state they come from. I don’t remember anyone having such a pride of Massachusetts… </p>
<ol>
<li>No and no</li>
<li>No </li>
<li>No</li>
<li>Weather and Rice has the college system (some east coast schools have them)</li>
<li>Weather</li>
<li>Not really</li>
<li>Quite fun - not a crazy party school but it is a wet campus, which is nice</li>
<li>Depends on your major</li>
</ol>
<p>Seriously, Houston is the 4th largest city in the country (after NYC, LA and Chicago), the MOST diverse city in the country, has a massive and diverse population of Hispanic, Vietnamese, indian, Chinese, Korean etc etc people, has an openly gay mayor and houses one of the largest and best medical centers in the world.</p>
<p>This is not some hillbilly town in the middle of nowhere. </p>
<p>Trust me, Houston is a huge, inclusive, metropolitan city. Rice is one of the best schools in the country, and it attracts students and professors from everywhere. </p>
<p>I wish I could find the map that the school issued which shows the home states of the students. Texas was the largest source of students, followed by California. I think Florida was near the top of the list.</p>
<p>Keep an open mind; you might be surprised by what you find at Rice and in Houston.</p>
<ol>
<li>None of my teachers have Southern accents. None of my friends have strong Southern accents.</li>
<li>I am surprised at how little racism I see on campus (comparing it to my very racist high school). I’m sure it happens, but we respect diversity here.
3, There are racist and non-racist people here as anywhere.</li>
<li>I don’t know.</li>
<li>I can’t say.</li>
<li>There are churches and other places of worship nearby. Most students here are non-religious or nominally religious but respect all faith systems.</li>
<li>Rice is insanely fun. I can’t imagine myself anywhere else now. Somehow in the middle of all the academic stress I can always consider how grateful I am to be here. My friends are talented, smart, and diverse. There is almost always something to do on campus.</li>
<li>Most people I know put first priority on academics but are usually up to hang out or go to a party, etc.</li>
</ol>