<p>I just got accepted from the waitlist at Rice. Before I found out though, I've convinced myself for the past few weeks that USC would be the best choice. Rice was my #1 dream college for the past two years. I LOVED this school...but now, I can't even think of any reasons why I like it more than USC. What is luring at USC is that I got into the Annenberg school for Communications (journalism) and the location (L.A) which would really help in finding internships/jobs (and the alumni networking)... Is there a certain major at Rice or other similarities that could equate? I want to find reasons for me to go to Rice, cuz doggone this was THE school! but USC is getting the upper hand.</p>
<p>Would my only choice be to major in English and then just go to grad school for journalism? I'm going to visit Rice one more time before I make the decision, but PLEASE! If any student would just write/list what they love about Rice...things that you've experienced and can't find in a book somewhere.</p>
<p>THANK YOU!</p>
<p>why do you need reasons to convince yourself? Pick the place you want... and our opinions wont/cant determine that</p>
<p>i think i understand the psychological effect that has happened. i feel this even when i change my schedule around, and then think back and im like, "why did i even sign up for that first class?" it is probably for the worst, but i think maybe you should back up and look at the big picture. </p>
<p>i will speak from personal experience. the biggest factor is student body and how you mesh with it. this includes size, atmosphere, and of course for the college system. things that are less than important than you think are majors that are offered and the possibility of internships due to location. </p>
<p>there is no major that can "equate" because rice has very few majors and the academic aspect is very laid back and broad. sorry. things arent as visible ane perhaps not as marketable for those in a situation like yours, but thats just something you neednt criticize. i mean if you love journalism, you will ending up writing for the thresher and taking your english classes very seriously. there is no reason to think that rice is not as good simply because it lacks the major.</p>
<p>Like Antarius, I think you should pick the school you absolutely love. I'm personally going to Rice because I love the school but alot of my friends love USC and are going there.</p>
<p>Since I'm from LA and I'm going to assume you're not, I can tell you a bit about USC from a Westsider's perspective. USC has soooooo many connections it's UNBELIEVABLE, but they're mainly in LA. So, if someone wants to live/work in LA when he/she is older, USC has many opportunities. USC is in a shadier part of LA. Basically, you don't walk around outside campus "walls," especially not at night and downtown LA really doesn't have much going for it. They are starting to build lofts downtown, trying to bring the nightlife back because downtown is only thriving from 9am to 5pm. If you do go to USC, I'd say a car is pretty necessary because there's ALOT of stuff to do around LA. Of course, I'm sure most people on campus will have a car since I believe many people are from LA. There's alot of stuff to do outside downtown too. The beach is only about 20 minutes west of campus and you can go skiing in Big Bear in the winter, which is only about 2-3 hours northeast of campus. Lots of places to shop/eat especially on the Westside aka Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Santa Monica, Westwood, Century City, etc. And of course, there are the Lakers, Clippers, Kings, Dodgers. Angels and Ducks are about 1 hour away in Anaheim. So if you like sports, there's ALOT...oh and how can you forget the trojans???? lol.</p>
<p>I also believe USC's academics are growing more and more superior. They really really want good students at their school, which they demonstrate when they throw scholarships to these students, and I think they're succeeding. Rice, of course, has good academics also. Like sreis said, alot has to do with the size of the school since both are complete opposites. Oh yeah, I forgot. The greek life at USC is pretty big. Rice doesn't have one, though they have residential colleges which pretty much makes up for the social aspect. </p>
<p>I think both are great schools with a lot of opportunities. Good luck deciding!!!!</p>
<p>Thank you, you guys!</p>
<p>SREIS- there's no question that Rice is an undeniably great school. It is a privilege to just be accepted. you're right that I shouldn't let a major (or lack there of) get in the way. I did some research and I discovered RTV (and the Thresher, of course), which gives students a lot of experience in broadcasting...so all is good! Do you know why there are so few majors or why there aren't minors allowed? </p>
<p>Grdzgrl8- Thanks for the westcoast input! It was extremely helpful! So the trojan connections are true? You seem to know USC really well :) what were your reasons on going to Rice? </p>
<p>I know I have to decide for myself, like my gut feeling of where I belong, but I just think I'm biased for having just visited USC. I know what others say shouldn't matter, but I really want to give Rice a fair chance. I truly love the school, but it just doesn't seem to offer as much in terms of occupational pursuits (and finaid). I'm going to visit Rice one more time, but any more info would be tremendously appreciated!</p>
<p>Yes, the USC connections are true. lol. Now, if you're thinking Wall Street type, USC may not be the one for you. They are very connected to the entertainment industry whether it's acting, law, advertisement, etc. But, it's not only that, don't get me wrong. Much of LA is connected with USC. Of course, they're not going to give you any opportunities if you're a bad student, but I assume you have nothing to worry about.
I had many reasons why I didn't go to USC. Firstly, it's too close to home and if I had gone there, I think I actually would've spent more $ because I know where to eat/shop/go in LA. Also, I didn't like the large school aspect. I go to a smaller private all girls school on the westside so Rice's small student body appealed to me. Also, Rice had the major that I wanted, so that was a bonus. Umm what else. Oh, the tuition/room and board and that stuff is at least $10,000 cheaper at rice if you don't have scholarships to either.<br>
In general, i never thought of USC as being one of my top picks. However, USC is a good school and they really are getting better. The valedictorian at my school (she's a genius child) chose USC over a couple of Ivies because of the opportunities she believed she would have. She wants to go into the entertainment industry and if you've seen any of the Trojan football games, you can see they have a strong hold on Hollywood.
So yeah, there's that. Hopefully it helps. Good luck!</p>
<p>oh ps. Rice is very strong undergrad and there are many work opportunities.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Do you know why there are so few majors or why there aren't minors allowed?
[/quote]
i can't be sure, but what i have gathered is that rice has been very conservative with its requirements for a long time (ie stayed the same). that rice is small certainly plays into it because the bigger schools have more majors. but still many schools at one time had the about the same number and type of majors, it is just that rice hasnt really tried to change. i think that is a good thing. </p>
<p>only recently has there been a push for minors, which has been headed by our dean of undergraduates. </p>
<p>what i like about few majors and minors though is the simplicity of it all. you won't be wrapped up in whether you want to minor here or there or worry about numerous specialities; basically your choices are going to be generally different due to the distinctnees of the majors and won't be complicated in terms of requirements. ive looked at other schools and it takes forever to see exactly what you have to do. thankfully its clear here and lets you focus on other things and keep your head above water.</p>
<p>yeah there arent minors (yet), but i found more people double-majoring at rice than anywhere else hehe its even the 2006 "hottest school in the us for double majoring"</p>
<p>ccbouncer thats so tough to be admitted from waitlist! good luck with deciding...
i almost applied to USC... i had all my stuff ready and at the last minute decided i didnt want to be in such a big school. the thing i liked about rice was (as grudzgirl mentioned) the residential colleges instead of frats and sororities, and i wasnt psyched about living in watts - i would feel more comfortable living in houston than la in sophomore or junior year just cause i like southerners and their hospitality :) no offense though grudz!
oh and my english teacher lived in LA and she calls usc the university of spoiled children - from what ive heard, theres more overpriveledged bitter ivy-rejects settling for good weather at usc than at rice, but i cant truly judge cause i myself only visited rice and im relying on my friends opinion who only visited usc.</p>
<p>Thank you jcro2006, I've decided! I spent all day at Rice, going on another campus tour/info session just to make sure..but after all that, I still felt USC was a better fit. Rice is such a great school but the atmosphere and college vibe just wasn't there. The people here aren't as "lively" (?) and going here for four years felt a little bit sheltered...that's just my take, so I hope no one is offended! </p>
<p>haha it IS true about USC being a school for spoiled children, but it only holds true for the california natives who go because they can pay the full tuition or because of legacy. A lot of smart and down to earth kids I met have turned down ivies mainly b/c of USC's generosity with scholarships/aid. (many are out of state kids). Although I dont like the large size, USC gives much more opportunities (internships, experience) to students and their alumni network is ridiculously strong. There's also several honors programs that gives students a lib arts education (small and more personal). This is not a USC forum so I'll stop here! Rice is a great school..it really just depends on the person. I hope you'll have a great time there!!</p>
<p>well, as long as u followed ur heart.. thats what matters. No one shd be offended and if they do, i wonder why... Its good, u chose substance and liking Vs. raw prestige and rankings </p>
<p>Best of luck :)</p>
<p>as selfish as this is, the less people chose rice, higher my chances on the waitlist :P heheh</p>
<p>congratulations ccbouncer!!!!!
i know you'll have a WONDERFUL time in LA and at USC. As much as I'm happy to get away from LA, i'm going to miss it soooo much!!!!
Good luck with everything!!!</p>