Going to Rice

<p>I'm highly considering applying ED to rice, but i want to know from the students, as honest as possible, if they have a good time here. Do you have any regrets for coming here? (if you had the chance, would you have went somewhere else, etc?)</p>

<p>I'm from Chicago, where Rice isn't very well-known, so it was a big step deciding to attend. I'm a third year now, and I have no regrets. I'm a science major and a pre-med, so there are opportunities that I have at Rice that I would have difficulty finding in another undergrad program.</p>

<p>I imagine the decision must be especially hard for you, because when I applied, ID was still an admission option, and that's how I got in. ED is great if you're decided on Rice/prepared to come financially even if you get no scholarships.</p>

<p>If you have any specific questions about Rice/want to discuss this more, feel free to PM me.</p>

<p>From someone entering his senior year:</p>

<p>I'm really glad I chose Rice. I'll admit that I've occasionally had the thought of "what if I had chosen ____ University instead." While I can sometimes think of a few some advantages to other schools (such as, Houston is actually a pretty cool city to live in, but Boston would probably be cooler) I always come back to being really glad that I chose Rice.</p>

<p>A lot of the common concerns/negative stereotypes that people will give about Rice on here, such as that it's really "bookish" or socially claustrophobia-inducing due to its small size have not seemed to be that apparent to me at all. Yes, Rice students do work hard, but we also know how to stop studying and relax a bit. It's not that uncommon for me to work in the library until 10 or 11 and then go to the campus pub to hang out with some friends (or out for a late-night meal or something). </p>

<p>And, at 3000 students, Rice isn't actually that small. It's just small enough to feel close-knit, but large enough for you to be constantly meeting new people.</p>

<p>I also applied ID, which is sadly no longer an option. If you really like Rice and financial aid isn't a limiting factor, I'd say apply ED, but I'd really recommend coming for a few days this fall and taking advantage of the program where you actually stay on campus with a student, even if you've been to Rice before. I visited my junior year, did the standard campus tour and everything, but came back my senior year and stayed on campus and I'd say I got to know Rice about 10 times better the second time.</p>

<p>On the campus overnight stay suggested by thelonious, you need to reserve a spot well in advance if you're interested. Last year, a kid of my friend wanted to do the same but it was all booked up (not sure if in Feb?).</p>

<p>My son is a third year(also applied ID) and he cannot be more happy attending Rice.</p>

<p>My son, now at BCM, chose Rice over Harvard and Duke with no financial aid and a couple of other "top 25's" that offered full merit scholarships. For him it was a perfect fit and he has not regretted his choice for a second.</p>

<p>As fanatically devoted to and fiercely defensive about Rice as I am, I will admit that I have thought about "what if I had gone to ____," once or twice, but the benefits of Rice always outweigh those of another school. I love the college system, I love the tight-knit atmosphere, I love the classes, and I love the off-campus dining. If there is one thing I could change about Rice, it would be to place it in a thriving college town like Boulder or Athens (I like divey coffeeshops and independent bookstores), but then I realize that I wouldn't be able to have a small school in a college town, since the school wouldn't be able to support the town.</p>

<p>I have never known so many people who are as happy with the fact that they are where they are than at Rice.</p>

<p>I love it. Applied E/D over possible apps of Yale/Northwestern and state schools, and didn't even fill out their apps when I got my acceptance.</p>

<p>Haha, NYSkins1, I think I share your penchant for coffee shops and small bookstores. That's something that really appealed to me about U-Chicago's campus - there is a coffee shop in just about every building.</p>