<p>I've read that the two schools have a very similar feel, and student body. I was hoping this is true because while I've been to Tufts, I've haven't been to Rice yet (super far away, I'll make it eventually). Some of the things I loved about Tufts was everyone seemed to be super friendly and accepting. Also, when I was there it was very gay friendly (tour guide was gay, gay flags all over, ect.), seemed like a nice, fun place to be. Would you say people comparing these aspects would be right?</p>
<p>I had both schools on my shortlist. They are both similar and different in many ways. Both are small private schools that are heavily undergraduate focused in major metropolitan cities. You will have small classes and get to know your professors well. The residential college system, though, sets them apart. It is a very inclusive environment that fosters friendship between majors, classes, demographics and athlete/non-athletes. </p>
<p>Both are fun places to go. Rice is also extremely diverse and gay friendly, so do not worry about that.</p>
<p>thanks, I had heard that Tufts was more laid back, and Rice was more uptight, but either way, although “uptight” sounds worse, I might even like it better that way, not sure. Any input on this?
Also, here in New England most people (not me) think of Texas in general as being super conservative and republican, filled with super religious gun owning Americans. When I told my grandparents I might apply they freaked out (they’re pretty liberal). What can I tell them so that they understand that these rumors aren’t true, at least in Houston. Also, I know they have a lesbian mayor, but I would feel a little awkward telling my 80 year old grandparents that, anything else I could say?</p>
<p>Tufts was on my short list as well. I’m from the Chicago area, and there’s a similar perception of Texas up there. It’s unfortunate. Houston is the 4th largest city in the country. Texas is a very large state, and therefore very diverse, and that stereotype only applies to a small section of the state.</p>
<p>You will definitely find a larger religious presence on campus here than elsewhere. There are many more religious groups on campus than I expected. None of them are in your face; they’re just here for those that want them.</p>
<p>premed4 - I am from New England as well (Go Patriots!). The way I explain it is that there is a big difference between Houston and Texas. The former is a large diverse city with a bunch of fortune 500 companies and a large influx of money and capital. People come to Houston for work from all over. The same applies (in terms of being large and cosmopolitan) to Austin/San Antonio and Dallas.</p>
<p>The state as a whole is not too far from “super conservative and republican, filled with super religious gun owning Americans.” Once you leave the major cities, it goes steadily downhill.</p>
<p>You can certainly find the stereotype you are looking for here, premed4 - a couple of my good friends sort of fit that, actually. However, even they are still accepting of alternate sexualities, etc. They may love guns and conservative values, but they also seem to understand perfectly well why someone wouldn’t (one of my friends actually stated outright that his views made no sense, but he stuck to them anyway).</p>
<p>You will find these types of people, especially as you stray away from the large cities in Texas. Within the cities, though, you will not find much of this at all, so I wouldn’t stress about it. I’m extremely moderate; I dislike partisan politics because I see it as only creating a standoff that gets us nowhere. I originally dreaded coming down to the (gasp) Republic of Texas, but now that I’m here I actually really enjoy the state.</p>
<p>Honestly, Urban cities are pretty much the extreme opposite of the many small towns that take up a good chunk of the state. I’ve lived in Texas for a good portion of my life and there definitely are a lot of pop 5000 towns that are made up entirely of ultra-conservative, confederate flag waiving gun owners. This really, really does go away once you go into the city. I’m in San Antonio right now, and it’s incredibly rare to come across those characteristics. Yes, there are a good bunch of GOP supporters, but there are easily the same, if not more, liberals. Houston itself is a pretty laid back city. It isn’t at all what Texas is typically associated with. I genuinely wouldn’t worry for a second about it; Houston is a fabulous city (when you aren’t stuck in traffic).</p>
<p>Houston has its mix of liberals and conservatives. It’s not like some of the lesser-known cities in deep Texas at all.</p>
<p>premed4 - As an immigrant Asian who has lived in Houston for 20 + years, I have never felt like I needed to be conservative when I was liberal until 5 years ago and vice versa now. I live in a city where more than 50% of population is considered minorities who tend to be liberal. </p>
<p>Btw, the mayor was no one term fluke but was reelected last month for a second term. We don’t judge people by labels but more on performance. She considers herself a fiscal conservative which appeals to all Houstonians who pay taxes.</p>