<p>Aisha, with a weighted GPA of 4.3, and being a minority as well, I have a very hard time imagining that you wouldn’t get into Rice, assuming your test scores are as good as your grades. Don’t rule it out.</p>
<p>Perhaps you can talk about a college which is not in Houston, but is only a few hours away such as UT-Austin. Maybe they would feel better if they could come and visit often (and feel like they are keeping tabs on you sort to speak). If it is expected that you might find your spouse at college you can argue that your parents should want you at an elite school so you can meet high quality men (not an argument I’d normally make but…). I’d also research what top schools have large Muslim populations, offer halal dining etc…
I hope Rice works out for you because that would be an option that could satisfy everyone.</p>
<p>I second (third) women’s colleges that are part of a consortium. Very little drinking comparing to other colleges. Wellesley, Barnard, Bryn Mawr, Mount Holyoke, and Scripps would all be good picks for a 4.3 student. Agnes Scott for a safety (you could always date one of the Georgia Tech guys 
but they wouldn’t live on your campus). If your parents want a conservative school, some Catholic schools like Notre Dame have parietals (meaning dorms are not co-ed and there are rules as to where/when men and women can interact in the dorms); however, it’s a seriously Catholic university so it may be difficult for you as a Muslim.</p>