<p>"I got accepted to Rice as a freshman, its a fabulous school, I just never considered it as it was really far away. I heard that the students are brilliant and the students are really passionate and interesting."</p>
<p>Rice may be a very good option for you. The school is prestigious with great research opportunities for undergraduates. Rice is located in the heart of Houston in absolutely gorgeous West U with the Texas Medical Center literally across the street. If you pursued poli-sci, I believe you would do so through the Baker Institute. </p>
<p>I have made several visits with my daughter and the kids are incredibly bright, well adjusted, tolerant and very supportive of each other. Also, I think transfer chances may be better there as well. (And while the summers are hot and sticky, the weather during the school year is pretty darned good.)</p>
<p>Visit the Rice board...there are a couple of Rice students who are regulars. I'm sure they would be delighted to help you with any questions.</p>
<p>GL!</p>
<p>One other thing....Rice has a true residential college system modeled on that of Oxford and Harvard....hard to feel isolated when you have an almost immediate 'family' waiting for you at your college. Another plus.</p>