<p>2 factors with schools I know very well – Both Rice and WashU aren’t located in the safest of areas. In their little pockets of community (immediate surroundings of homes) they are affluent areas, but there is NO WAY I’d want my child walking around either of those campuses after dark. (or driving in the parking lot). Both are in cities that I don’t think of as “city feel” – not exactly great subway transportation system or that “downtown feel.” Rice has a greater range of students (income, backgrounds, etc.) than WashU, which is mostly white middle to upper class. WashU is on my daughter’s list - and I’m trying to dissuade her. I do know WashU is hurting on giving good financial packages. So, if money is an option - it’s a high cost versus what the others may be. I think Rice has a better national presence when it comes to where a degree is from, so does Northwestern. UChicago and WashU - although strong schools - aren’t generally known to the common public as being just as strong academically as Rice and Northwestern. In this tough economy, where your degree is from may be a more pressing factor. I never - ever heard of Rice as an musical or literature school. My general thought was that it was heavy hard-science/engineering. Literature and Music - very strong in Chicago, so there may be more contacts and more things your student may like to do. If your child wants more of a college life atmosphere - some of those don’t have sports teams; some do. Some are heavier into the greek system and some shun it. I’d also look for “commuter issues.” My son went to a school was was NOT considered a commuter school, but still about 1/2 the kids lived within a couple hours drive and all went home over the weekend. It made for a lonely first year, and he switched schools. Rice is definitely not a commuter school. WashU is very popular for students from St. Louis who do live at home or go home for everything.</p>
<p>All those schools are SO DIFFERENT… it’s hard to think upon a visit you wouldn’t instantly have a preference of one over the other. I’d also look at a school like TCU in Ft. Worth - very strong academically and socially, very strong Lit and music programs - big financial packages.</p>