<p>How good is the undergrad physics program at Rice?</p>
<p>Are there good chances to do undergrad research?</p>
<p>My s. is double majoring in Mech. Engineering and Physics. He had hoped to do the BS in Physics with the concentration in Applied Physics, but apparently with the extra courses required to do the Applied Physics it couldn't be done with the requirements of the Mech. E. major in 4 yrs (he'd have to stay an extra year, which he doesn't want to do) So, he is getting the B.A, in Physicis rather than the B.S. He is happy with the Physics Dept, and yes, there are plenty of opportunities for research. This was an important requirement for him before he applied.</p>
<p>Thanks for your reply. Son wants to major in physics and thinks he is interested in astronomy too. But he does not want to go to a tech school -- wants something more well rounded and wants the college experience of rooting for the college team etc. So what does your son like best and least about Rice?</p>
<p>Hello helpingmom, and welcome to CC!
I will try to sum up what my s. likes/dislikes about Rice, but the list will be lop-sided (and for those of you who have heard me say this stuff before, I apologize). He absolutely LOVES Rice. He looked at a lot of schools, and Rice felt like the perfect fit. He applied ED. He had the same feeling your s. does-- wanted a school with a strong science/tech program, but didn't want to go to a tech school. Probably the biggest draw to him was the residential college program- an instant sense of family and social connectivity. He isn't a big "frat boy" of guy, but wanted a social network. The Res. college fit the bill perfectly. He wanted a small school where the faculty would know him by his first name and they invite you to their house for dinner. He also didn't want to have to take a lot of required courses, and wasn't keen on a language requirement. He likes the availablity of all the opportunities off campus in Houston, but loves the serenity of the enclosed campus (which is beautiful, if you haven't yet been there). The students are very supportive of each other-- it is not a cut-throat school. They accept and enjoy differences of backfround and opinion. He was active in the Young Democrats society during the Kerry-Bush election last yr. </p>
<p>Dislikes-- his bike was stolen twice, and the lack of guaranteed housing oushed him off campus this year .Though he is happy with his house and housemates, he'd rather be on campus. He'll return to campus next year.
Hope this helps. Go visit the school- you'll love it. What part of the country are you from?</p>
<p>Thanks jym626! My s sounds similar -- hates the idea of frats, but really
like the sound of the res college. We live in St. Louis. He went to a Rice presentation a few weeks ago here and was impressed. We will definitely visit -- probably in the spring. He has no other schools in the south that he is interested in though. So it doesn't really work out well for a college "tour".
Thanks for all your info-- it sound like a great school.</p>
<p>DD attends and loves it - also kicked off campus this year, but is living in a cheap little place only a few blocks from campus - and saving some money because cheaper than dorm. She rides bike to and from school. She is not a tech/sci person - very liberal artsy. She is involved in lots of club sports, pickup sports, intermural teams, attends lectures with fabulous speakers, concerts, parties, rides the lightrail places... It's an enthusiastic campus, and there's tons going on. So many opportunities, and she says VERY nice people and laidback. PM me if you have any specific questions.</p>