<p>JWT86: I agree with tk21769 that there are other factors that determine academic strength of a school. In addition to the things he/she listed, I would add the SAT scores of the incoming student body. Rice’s scores range from 650 to 750 whereas at UT the scores range from 550 to 660. I’m sure UT has just as many high scoring students as Rice because of its large size, but UT classes will only contain a few such students whereas at Rice the classes will be filled with such students. This allows for a higher level of teaching and harder tests, especially considering that Rice has such small class sizes. In my mind, the only reason to go to UT is if you want to be the top dog academically and/or you really like the football and party scene and the college town feel of Austin. I always felt that academics was the most important reason to go to college so for me it was a no-brainer.</p>
<p>ricegal, the disparities in scores are likely a result of the top 10% rule that has been in place for several years, which will change for the incoming class of 2015, I believe. As a result of that rule, it may have been easier for a top student to gain admission to Rice than to UT, depending on what high school s/he attended. I suspect that students who pursue biochem at UT will likely be similar in incoming stats as those at Rice given the rigor of the major. This is IMHO and not based on actual data, so I am willing to be corrected.</p>
<p>Psi: I stand by my statement that the OP will find students in his/her freshman classes that will not be up to the caliber of Rice students. I’m not as sure about upper level classes because some students may have been weeded out by then or may be in less difficult majors.</p>
<p>Depends on what you want to get out of your college years. If you feel the strong academic peers and internal competition is important, then go to Rice. If you feel that the entire college experience is more important, then go to UT. </p>
<p>If you are a top caliber student, your opportunities are going to be similar out of UT and Rice.</p>
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<p>I think that is incorrect. As I said, Rice offers an incredible “entire” college experience. What it does NOT offer is frats/sororities and a major college athletics scene. If you want those things, go to UT. </p>
<p>Both are excellent, but I sometimes think people without first-hand experience with Rice do not understand how much it has to offer. It is not some small, rural LAC.</p>
<p>OP, I recall from your posts to the UT forum that your end game is pharmacy. Has that changed? If not, then your most direct path is at UT (#4 pharm school in nation per one ranking system). If you are keeping your options open, then I suggest you re-visit Rice, and ideally, do an overnight. It seems your current concern is campus culture, and the only way to reach the right decision for you is to give Rice another try!</p>
<p>I still stand my my statement that UT offers better overall college experience. Having grown up in the West U area, I have a good understanding of the culture at Rice. Furthermore, I have many friends who went to Rice, as well as those who went to both schools (UT and Rice) as an undergrad. The general idea I get is that Rice is a bit more on the academic side, and not as fun.</p>
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<p>so you are recommending that the OP go to the less academic, more fun school?</p>
<p>How much fun did undergraduate alumni claim that they had at Rice and Texas?</p>
<p>Alumni Giving Rate
33% - Rice
15% - Texas</p>
<p>How “special” will the student feel at Rice and Texas?</p>
<p>Total Undergraduate Students
38,168 - Texas
3,319 – Rice</p>
<p>Student/Faculty Ratio
17:1 - Texas
6:1 – Rice</p>
<p>Percent of classes with less than 20 students
36% - Texas
65% - Rice</p>
<p>Percent of classes with 50 or more students
23% - Texas
8% – Rice</p>
<p>TXArtemis:
Yes, my profession of choice is still pharmacy. That’s one reason why I’m leaning toward UT, since if I go to UT I can apply to their pharmacy school after only 2-3 years of undergrad pre-pharm studies. I can do the same thing at Rice, but then that defeats the purpose of going to a school like Rice. I mean, what’s the point of attending Rice for 2-3 yrs and make the hassle of transitioning to UT when I’m not even gonna earn a bachelor’s there to boost my resume later on?</p>