<p>I'm an International student, and have never lived in the US, although I have visited a few times. I am pretty confident that I would like to major in Chemical Engineering as of now, although I would still like to keep a few options open (just in case). I have managed to narrow down my choices to the places listed below-</p>
<p>Rice University (with a scholarship that makes the cost comparable to most State Universities)
Univ of Wisconsin- Madison
UCLA
Univ of Minnesota- Twin Cities (least expensive)
Univ of Washington- Seattle (Honors Program) </p>
<p>I am a somewhat quiet and reserved sort of person, and I feel that I would do better in a place with smaller class sizes and some amount of personal attention. Although UW-Madison and UMN are both highly regarded for my subject of choice, I feel a bit apprehensive about 'getting lost' in such large places. Also, I have been admitted only to the College of Engineering (not for Chemical Engineering), and have been given to understand that getting in to the ChemE program at Madison and Minnesota is uncertain, as there is a fair amount of competition to get into this major at both these universities. Keeping these points in mind, any information/advice/suggestions would be most welcome from current students, alumni or parents at these places, especially from those related to, or in the field of chemical engineering.</p>
<p>UCLA is a very large school - as in huge. Looking at your uncertainties regarding the other two programs, I would say that Rice or Washington would be your best bet. Washington also has a large enrollment, however I feel like being part of their honors program would give you a better sense of community and a more personal feel that would be beneficial for someone who describes themselves as reserved. Rice is a much smaller school and you would find the smaller class sizes and more personal attention there. You should also consider finances and weather - Washington is rainy, as I’m sure you know 
Best of luck.</p>
<p>Yeah those were more or less my thoughts as well. As of now, I’m leaning toward Rice for the same reason(s), and with the scholarship it works out to be about the same cost as Washington or Madison.</p>
<p>Those are fantastic choices. All are desirable locations, with Rice being least that way in my preferences, but still has good points location-wise… Rice giving you such a scholarship indicates that you must be a very desirable candidate and can do well anywhere you go. But I have to say the small class size and luxuries you get in terms of personal attention and access to opportunities at Rice would be my pick as well. At small private uni’s you don’t usually have a problem getting into the classes that you want as you would at the others. Class sizes are orders of magnitude smaller, at least at first.There are forums for individual colleges here and you can talk more about Rice (same with others):
<a href=“Rice University - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/rice-university/</a></p>
<p>Well, Rice has a good location for me, because I come from a hot and dry country, and although I’m willing to adjust to almost any weather conditions, going somewhere a bit closer to home in terms of weather would be a nice thing. Houston is also a good city for engineers to find employment and internships (or so I’ve heard) so that’s another plus point.</p>
<p>Does anyone know how easy/difficult it is to get the subject of your choice at Rice?</p>
<p>I don’t think there are restrictions on subject choices at Rice. Majors are not impacted, if that’s what you mean, anyone with a basic grade in prerequisites can choose whatever major.</p>
<p>O.K. Thanks, that’s good to know</p>