<p>Looking for advice preferably from seniors or alumni. I really love Rice and prefer it over Berkeley in so many aspects, and I definitely think I will be happier at Rice during my 4 years of undergrad. The residential college system, 20% asian to 49% at berkeley, small class and undergrad focus. However, I definitely won't be miserable at Berkeley and will definitely get along fine.</p>
<p>Financial aid wise, both are about the same costs even though I am a California resident. </p>
<p>The main three concerns I have are:
1. How is Houston's financial scene? Will Rice pigeon-hole me in Texas if I am looking for a career in banking,consulting, and maybe a more quant role like S&T (Major in MathEcon, planning to MBA after 2-3 years of work)?</p>
<ol>
<li><p>I definitely would rather work in the bay area over Texas, how would a Rice degree hold up against the competition of Haas and Stanford grads?</p></li>
<li><p>How are the strengths of Rice in what I plan on doing? I know Rice is great for engineering and the hard sciences, but what about mathematics and economics. I know Berkeley is great for them, what about Rice?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>My current plan for Rice is to get my degree in Mathematical Economic Analysis and maybe a minor in business, work for a BB or nice boutique in Houston (but SF and NY preferred) for 2-3 years, go to a top MBA school, relocate to NY or California for future employment. Is this plan sound, or should I just stick with Berkeley >> Haas?</p>
<p>to reiterate, the only things really holding me back from going to Rice are the employment prospects in California and the strengths of the program for what I am majoring in (MathEconAnalysis vs Haas with math focus)</p>
<p>I am neither a senior, nor alumni, but I do go to Rice. In my experience thus far, I would say that colleges near where you are hoping to work do have more of a name brand feel to them and could potentially carry more weight.</p>
<p>That being said, if you are applying to a company that knows what they are doing, they are going to know what Rice is. Rice is very respected in the professional community - no matter the region. And if you have the grades and the talent, a degree in from either school is gonna get you a shot at the job.</p>
<p>My best advice is do your best to visit both schools. Come to Owl Days and feel out Rice. The internet can only tell you so much!!</p>
<p>Best of luck, maybe I will see you during Owl Days!!</p>
<p>I have been on the Berkeley campus a couple of times for a period of a few days both times. It’s a pretty campus, but dang, it is huge :-).</p>
<p>Berkeley is a state/public school and has been hit hard by the economic situation in California. I saw this first hand, and talked to students about it too. I don’t know if there has been any improvement. I know everything in the area is EXPENSIVE. I saw that beds in a bedroom in a house were renting for $1000/mo (ads posted in the bathroom stalls :-)). The cost to go over the bridges (some you pay one way, same you pay both ways) adds up in a big hurry. There is a lot of good food to eat though right around Berkeley. (However I had a difficult time finding Mexican food.)</p>
<p>I know Berkeley is accepting more out of state/international students and not offering much for financial aid, so that they are able to bring in more money.</p>
<p>Rice is a private school, with plenty to offer for financial aid and the Texas economy is as good as it gets, in our current US economic situation.</p>
<p>I can’t say much though about your specific questions.</p>
<p>Do you have a regents for Berkeley? 1) lowers cost 2) get pre-registration for classes so no problems even if some classes in shorter supply 3) guaranteed housing so you can keep the housing costs lower. It is really 2 separate discussions—Rice vs Cal (with regents) and Rice vs Cal (no regents). Regents makes a difference. Cal is a top 10 in the world university. Rice is highly ranked but not in comparison to Cal. </p>
<p>Re reputation–it is local. Rice is considered like Harvard if you are in Texas. Outside Texas–its a top 20 school (which is still means its an excellent school)</p>
<p>No regents- cost wise pretty much identical between Rice and Berkeley. Leaning Rice at the moment, if not just to be able to not be in a school with 49% asians.</p>
<p>If Rice = Harvard in Texas in prestige, I think I’ll be fine. Just work in Houston for first few years, then go for an MBA.</p>
<p>P.S.: Anyone know if Rice has a breakdancing club? :D</p>
<p>“Rice is considered like Harvard if you are in Texas. Outside Texas–its a top 20 school (which is still means its an excellent school)” - Good comedy relief. Outside of Texas & California UC Berkeley is ranked LOWER than Rice. Rice like you said is Top 20, #17 to be exact. Berkeley is ranked Top 30.</p>
<p>Both are great schools but agree the recruiting is largely regional. </p>
<p>The environments are very different (Rice is smaller and will give more care and feeding; Berkeley being larger and a more dynamic environment)…including big differences between Houston and SF Bay Area weather. I would choose on the type of environment you want to spend the next 4 years, perhaps longer if going to work in the area after graduation. </p>
<p>
Very true. It’s expensive because it’s such a great place to live.
Apartment hunting in Berkeley can be stressful.
Public transportation in the Bay Area is excellent though…you won’t need a car and pay tolls over the bridges. You can take BART into downtown SF and both area airports.</p>
<p>Go to Rice. This is a no brainer. Your worries are unfounded. Go to Rice, be happy, be awesome, you’ll be able to go back to the Bay area no problem.</p>
<p>Congrats. I was just about to add that I had the same choice and very easily chose Rice. Based on what my friends at Berkeley have said, I believe I chose correctly ;). Unless Berkeley is significantly cheaper, Rice is the far better option IMO.</p>
