<p>You are completely correct about the energy opportunities in Houston, it is the energy capital of the world. However most of Rice’s research is heavy on alternative resources. Cornell has great energy research also, so my guess that the NY are should have opportunities also. </p>
<p>If anybody can shed some light on this discrepancy please do so. I am having a difficult time comparing which one I would go to if I was accepted to both since they are virtually the same in my book.</p>
<p>Your are over-thinking this, at this stage in the game.</p>
<p>During the application process, you want to focus on finding a spread of suitable programs. Find programs where you fit well, doing the kind of things you want to do, and where you would be happy (which often touches outside the realm of academics). Make sure you have a good spread of competitiveness - you obviously want a couple of offers, but you should also get rejected from a couple to show you didn’t aim too low.</p>
<p>When you get acceptance offers, THEN you can start comparing program A directly to program B, after eliminating all of the rejections and hopefully having visited the campus and advisors. NO ONE goes into the applications knowing everything - the resources are too sparse, time too limited.</p>
<p>So… figure out to how many programs you are going to apply, and once you have a reasonable confidence that you have identified them - STOP! You are just spinning your wheels.</p>
<p>Maybe I am overreacting but I just don’t want to be caught unprepared or letting that semester be a reason to destroy any chances at a good school.</p>
<p>I understand what you are saying and thanks for the advice but does that mean you all think I should apply to some more selective schools that I like? I know MIT, Berkley,Stanford and such are out of reach but should I feel more comfortable aiming higher or is it a waste of money?</p>