<p>so my transfer app is already into Rice. My dilemma is now to go if they accept me. I got to UT right now with a 4.0 gpa and 48 hrs + 15 hrs this semester. I am going to do this thing called business foundation where you get exposed to the business side of things. I am a pre med neurobiology major. The question I am facing is that inevitably classes at rice will be harder than UT and also I will more than likely loose some credits and have to live off campus. So for med schools is it better to have a higher GPA from UT or a possibly lower one from Rice? I am currently going back and forth about the issue. I like the rice atmosphere but it sucks that I hear transfers have to stay off campus. So what do ya'll think? Thanks</p>
<p>bump....nobody?</p>
<p>It seems like you are having a reasonable time at UT, a stellar institution. 4.0 never hurts for med school. Rice is awesome, but UT seems to be good enough for you.</p>
<p>right now I am leaning towards staying at UT i just hating being a face in the crowd here. anybody else?</p>
<p>hey a fellow texan! rice is one of those excellent, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity institutions, and if you feel that the opportunities there would surpass those at UT, you should go. as you probably know, rice is well known for its fantastic science programs. a smaller more nurturing environment can be of great value to some students, so if you feel like you're just a face, you should seriously consider this. this is the reason i am transferring out of berkeley (well, there are several more reasons). of course, it really depends on what kind of a learner you are and how class size affects you personally. also, are there any other reasons that you want to transfer besides the size issue? do a serious comparison of the two schools in terms of program strength, affordability, and overall quality of educational and social life. where do you imagine yourself going for the next few years? hope that helps!</p>
<p>Both are great schools, and it seems that you're doing really well at UT. I guess it depends on atmosphere, if you want a smaller school or a much larger one. Also, yes, strength of programs do matter, as well as financial issues. But I think the overall qualifier is if the university fits your academic and career goals and if you are happy there. If that is true for UT, then stay. If you think you'd have an overall better time at Rice, then by all means go, and I'm pretty sure you'll get in. But you have to think about credits and you could possibly graduate early or do more in another field at UT or maybe even some research before medical school (maybe even at Rice). I've visited both, and both are great. Yes, Rice might be a little more intellectual and have stronger programs both in general and for your major. For me, I decided against applying to Rice as a transfer because it doesn't really have the academic program I want. Also, it's hella hot down there, and I'm from the Windy City, and I don't think I could handle hearing Y'all all the time lol (stereotype I know). That was my choice, in not applying. In the end, it just comes to your choice and what you feel is the best for you. But do your reasearch about Rice, go visit, get a feel for it, you know, before making a decision. That's what I plan on doing when I apply in the winter for some other schools. The worst thing can happen if you go into Rice without knowing what it's like. But you seem smart, so I think you'll end up making the right decision, whatever it may be. And let us know!</p>
<p>yea thanks for the replies. I know rice is a great chance thats why I am having sucha hard time deciding. See the thing is I think I would get the full rice experience if I could stay on campus, but from what I know transfers have little chance of getting housing. I will definetly visit if I get accepted. As far as finances go I have to take out a loan whether I am at UT or Rice but the amount obviosuly differs. Rice is about 8,000 more per semester. I love small schools but this is going to be one hell of a decision for me to make. I think it is essential for me to on campus housing if I go to rice. I dont mind living off campus as I have been doing at UT but I think at Rice you miss out on their residential college system otherwise. If anybody has any other input I wouldnt mind hearing from ya. I mailed everything about 3rd week of september. when do you think I'll hear from Rice? End of October? Well thanks again and I will keep yall posted.</p>
<p>Damn Texans...sry just hate TX after living there for a little while. Both schools have great program, but i think that money should play a major factor. Your going into medicine right? I am not sure if you have to pay off your loans starting after med school or during residency or whenever, but that is something important to think about? Do you like the excitement of a large univeresity, or possibly a more social environment with school pride. I know rice has proud for itself, but nothing like that of a Public school, and that is why i think UT is better. I think you would miss out on a lot of fun during your college years. But that is my perspective. And although a public school especially UT is larger, there are always programs and or your own time to visit the profs that will make your classes seem that much more personal</p>
<p>you make a good point about UT and thats why I am currently leaning towards UT still. I just felt Rice had a real intimate feeling. But we'll see how it all plays out. I am not going to make a permanent decision right now but I know I will have to soon. thanks</p>