<p>Hi.</p>
<p>I'd like to know about the general atmosphere at Rice and the academic life.</p>
<p>Also, i'd like a non-biased view on the applied math/comp sci/econ undergraduate academics at rice.</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>That’s pretty broad…what do you mean general atmosphere?</p>
<p>Rice is undeniably the best college ever.</p>
<p>(Just putting that out there)</p>
<p>More specifically: the atmosphere is friendly. All of the students I’ve met are smart and interesting, but also know how to have fun. I’m a math-econ major and the first-semester classes have been decent. The upper-level econ classes have a better reputation than the intros (Principles of economics kind of sucks). Applied math is great. Check out the CAAM department. A BS in comp sci is really time-consuming, but well-respected. A BA is easier, I think.</p>
<p>The general atmosphere at Rice is amazing.</p>
<p>People care about what’s important–academics, social life, being a good friend, arts, music, the environment, having strong relationships, Rice pride, etc.</p>
<p>They do not care about the following–Greek system (we don’t have one), clothing, how you look, who your parents are, how much money you have, who you know, your background, how wasted you got over the weekend, what car you drive.</p>
<p>Coming from someone who went to high school in Florida, this is a very refreshing atmosphere. Everyone is very friendly and open to meeting new people. The residential college system encourages an attitude of family and togetherness without the exclusivity of a Greek system. </p>
<p>Pretty much everyone fits in–you aren’t judged on really anything. There is plenty to do if you drink, if you don’t drink, if you’re religious, if you’re not, if you’re athletic, if you’re not, if you’re artistically inclined, if you’re not, etc.etc.etc.</p>
<p>People take their grades seriously but are by no means cutthroat about it. There are friendly rivalries on campus between the colleges but that’s really just about college spirit and there’s no mean-spirited undercurrent.</p>
<p>Having Houston right here is really helpful because people can get out if they want to, without feeling trapped in a super-small town. The weather is such a plus because it’s always bright and sunny, leading to general happiness among the student body.</p>
<p>I have a attended a large state school and Rice, and I love Rice’s social life much better.</p>
<p>The people here are a lot more motivated, and if you want, you can make things very personalized with your professors. Just e-mail them, go to office hours,…etc. </p>
<p>Although we don’t have a Greek System, the residential colleges are really awesome, because you meet and hang out with people from all different majors. I’m at Lovett, which has a commons that a lot of people will hang out in, and it is really fantastic. </p>
<p>Lastly, I’m a CAAM (Applied Math) and Math-Econ double major, so if you have any questions, just PM me!</p>