<p>You sold me on Oregon. I want to go there. That picture is georgeous, with the trees and mountains in the background. I’m sure you’re aware you will have gray, misty weather most of the school year, but people seem to adjust to that just fine. I want to hear your comparisons with UDub. </p>
<p>I noticed that you might consider Rice. Fine to look at it, it is beautiful, but it doesn’t sound like a match to me. It is anything but laid back. People may be nice, but you will be studying most of the time. It is extremely intense and academically hard. I have a friend who went to Rice whom I consider close to a genius. He says it was damned hard and his GPA wasn’t that good. He is proud of the degree, though. If you go for a visit there or UT Austin, get ready to be blown away by the heat this time of year, but bear in mind these schools have beautiful, clear, warmish weather all during the school year.</p>