<p>A lot of people tell me that most people at Rice were valedictorians of their high schools and that they're still really competitive at Rice, which puts pressure on other students.</p>
<p>Others tell me that the students at Rice are mostly social people and that the academic atmosphere is somewhat relaxed.</p>
<p>I don't know what to believe. I want to have a great time AND a good education (which I know Rice has) during my tenure in college. It's not a factor that will turn me away from Rice, but it could finalize the decision if I had to choose between Rice and another good university.</p>
<p>Can any Rice alumni help me out here? I'm sure there are others wondering the exact same thing.</p>
<p>Well, from my perspective (as sophomore at Rice, pre-med and sociology major) all of what you have heard is true. See, there are a lot of people here who were top students in their high schools and worked hard to get here. These people still work hard. Most are competitive, but they are competitive with themselves - trying to do their best. There are few people here of the high school competition variety. You know the kids I mean - the ones who cry over 98s, and refuse to study with others because they might do better. No one at Rice will steal your books, try to mess up your chem labs, etc. People are outwardly chill about studying and everyone does something (or lots of things) other than studying, but they do take learning seriously here. Most people are actually interested in their classes, which is nice, and a real change from high school. Everyone studies together (except me, actually. I hate studying with other people. But if someone asks to check homework with me, and it's allowed by the honor code, I'll do it everytime. Rice students are nice like that).</p>