<p>^lol. </p>
<p>Truth is Rice is not Columbia.</p>
<p>Very astute observation, simplystated.</p>
<p>“Truth is Rice is not Columbia.” Yep, & us Texans are glad it’s not. ;-)</p>
<p>@kendamon, once more thing to throw into the mix as you decide between two excellent alternatives. What academic/social environment are you more likely to thrive in? Rice is a much more intimate learning environment (c. 6,600 grad and undergrad students) compared to the larger, more “corporate” Ivies (c. 20,000+ total students). Also socially, Rice offers the residential hall system modelled on the Oxford and Cambridge college system which in my biased opinion (I’m an Oxford undergrad and Wharton/U of Penn postgrad) is one of Rice’s biggest selling points. The Ivy social environment, while great, is just less intimate (with maybe the exception of Brown). The key question is, therefore, which of these different environments are you most likely to thrive in? Where do you fit in best?</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Another thing you have to consider about the two schools is how supportive your peers are. Even among pre-meds, Rice is surprisingly very collaborative which can translate to you reaching your potential much better and not stressing as much. I wouldn’t call it crazy at all to pick Rice over Columbia and if there is a significant financial difference, I would pick Rice. I don’t believe Columbia’s name will weigh in as much as you think. Medical schools know Rice very well and the opportunities you can get at the Medical Center are unmatched.</p>
<p>DorianMode and Franko</p>
<p>I was just laughing at the fact that crazymomster made the statement about HYP and Columbia. Nobody seemed to be bothered with her comparison but bothered by me pointing it out. Dare I say double standard. :)</p>
<p>I didn’t actually notice crazymomster’s statement, but neither are particularly helpful to discussion.</p>
<p>If someone needs an explanation about my comparison and the reason for it, I can do so, but I do not feel that it would be “particularly helpful to the discussion”. </p>
<p>In short, I was commenting that things should be kept in perspective.</p>
<p>Dorian your statement was not very helpful either. Carry on.</p>
<p>simplystated: crazymomster’s post had 4 parts. I just ignored the first and third. I appreciated the second and fourth.</p>
<p>kendamom,</p>
<p>It is not necessary for you to tell me your thoughts regarding crazymomster’s post. I truly was interested in pointing out the comparison she was making. In a backward way crazymomster was trying to downplay Columbia which I felt was not necessary. There are many Rice advocates on this thread and they have jump down my throat rather quickly.</p>
<p>You should visit both schools. They both are fine institutions and offer an excellent education. Both have affiliations with a Medical school and a hospital. As has been stated many times before, “fit” is most important.</p>
<p>simplystated, I was sure my statement would be understood as good old Texas jesting.</p>