I have narrowed my decision down to either Rice or UVA. I received a scholarship for $24,000 a year at Rice (now about $34,000 per year), and full tuition at UVA (still have to pay room and board, etc - it’ll be roughly $13,000 per year). The price is a big factor, but I’m more interested in the school that will give me both the most pleasurable undergrad experience and the best opportunity/education to get into a quality medical school afterwards. I would be perfectly happy at both schools, but is it worth the extra money to go to Rice??? Any help is appreciated, thanks.
So going to Rice will cost $84,000 more over 4 years?
No, I don’t think Rice is worth that much more than UVA, especially if you are thinking of professional school afterward, which is expensive and generally has nearly zero financial aid apart from loans.
Of course, if your family is wealthy and $84,000 is considered chump change, go for it.
I’m prepared to apply for more outside scholarships and work to shave some numbers off that price-tag, but my main concern is which school would be a better environment. So the cost is still something to consider, but I am willing to take it on if it means being at a school where I will enjoy myself more and be able to excel comfortably. Just wondering if Rice kids fare better than UVA kids when it comes to med school admissions. I know their scores are generally higher, but the quality of their pre-med tracks is what I’m really trying to assess.
You can get just as great an education at UVA as you could at Rice, and both will be excellent preparation for med school. The difference in quality of education is marginal at best.
It is unlikely you will be able to get significant outside scholarships to make a dent in $84,000 difference. I also think you are not appreciating how much money that is… it is not just something you suck up.
I am fully aware of how much money that is, and I do not take it lightly. I am, as I said, trying to get a better feel for the programs so that I make the best decision that will leave me the happiest. Thanks for your help!
UVA is a great school with great academics and an outstanding premed program. Rice isn’t worth that much more.