<p>I've been thinking alot lately, mostly of two school's. UT and Rice. I intend to do Electrical Engineering, but despite what should be a clear cut choice of UT (more financially sound, better engineering program) there are many aspects of Rice that draw me. </p>
<p>It's really frustrating right now...and there's alot I wonder about. When I'm applying to grad school, with say a 3.8 GPA from Rice....and someone at UT is applying with a 3.6...are they going to get more consideration because the took a curriculum at a better engineering school? </p>
<p>I have lots of friends at or going to be at UT, and it's a great school to do EE. But can any Rice people here give me some of their input on the matter? If anyone turned down UT engineering for Rice, what was your rationale?</p>
<p>I don't know enough to compare the two programs. But, I just want you to know that even if Rice doesn't have the better program, it's still a VERY difficult major here. I'm dating an elec major, and from what I see, you'd have to be very, very brilliant to graduate with a 3.8 as an elec major. It's a lot of work, so you'd have to be really committed. I'm sure that's true at both schools.</p>
<p>Just because Rice's engineering program isn't ranked quite as highly (partially to do w/ the fact that our class sizes are so small and get less exposure), don't discount "The Rice Experience."</p>
<p>I was CS, not EE -- though I know a bunch of EEs -- and I can say Rice graduates some excellent engineers.</p>
<p>Engineering in general at Rice isn't as highly ranked as UT's programs are, but let me tell you this: ALL of the civil engineering majors at Rice (whose undergraduate program isn't even on the RADAR when it comes to civ eng rankings) in the past two years that have gone on to graduate schools have ALL gone to Berkeley, UIUC, or MIT-- all the top programs.</p>
<p>This is how it is for all the engineering programs, in general. Rice may not be ranked in all the magazines, but boy howdy does it pack a hefty punch in academic reputation within the field. IE, a 3.5 from Rice will get you into programs that a 3.9 from UT might not.</p>