<p>Am I crazy/dumb for even asking about these choices? Am torn between the more financially sensible option, great education, honors program, etc. offered at Tulane vs. the pre-med opportunities, residential living system, superior education, etc. at Rice. </p>
<p>Am visiting one of the schools again, but would appreciate any thoughts. Figures above include everything - dorm, expenses, etc. Pardon my ignorance. Thank you.</p>
<p>I would be grateful for Rice at 27K and run with it. No question.</p>
<p>Are either one financially feasible for you/your family? If the $27k is not a hardship, I’d say choose Rice! But if it is a hardship and you can handle living in New Orleans, then choose Tulane. I expect that you are planning more than 4 years of education. Go where you can afford for your first 4 years and do your best to take advantage of every opportunity.</p>
<p>KerriDaniels and crazymomster - Thanks for taking the time to provide insight. </p>
<p>To answer the question above: It’ll take some family sacrifices, but it won’t really be a hardship to pay for the larger balance at Rice… it’s just hard to ignore the fact that Tulane will cost significantly less over the undergraduate years. </p>
<p>Hopefully, the upcoming visit will lead us closer to the answer. Thanks.</p>
<p>I would pick Rice in a heartbeat. Part of the reason is that every single kid I know from our high school who has started at Tulane has transferred out. I’m not sure why, but if it were my kid I would feel far more confident about Rice.</p>
<p>Thanks, sally305. Nice to get feedback from Senior Members.</p>
<p>sally305, any idea as to why they transfer out out of Tulane? I’m just curious.</p>
<p>OK- speaking from experience. My s’s graduated from Rice and Tulane, paying about the exact same $ amounts you report (S at Tulane had the DHS, not the Paul Tulane scholarship, as it wasnt offered then). It was the right place for each- for different reasons.
What are your current academic plans? Goals? Likes/dislikes? Can you afford to choose betwen the two? The Paul Tulane will offer you some sweet benefits. Thats worth considering.</p>
<p>Plans are to study one of the sciences at either school and then apply to med school. Likes include social activities (but not drinking), volunteer work, diversity, intellectual conversations/humor, school spirit, and the little things that life has to offer. Not an athlete, but would enjoy watching sports events with friends. Kinda nerdy, but also goofy and light-hearted. Dislikes include elitism, drugs, and alcohol (but am not judgmental of those who choose differently). Not personally interested in Greek life (but don’t see why can’t be friends with those who are). Have always worked hard, but would also like the full college experience.</p>
<p>Yes, would be able to pay for the greater cost at Rice, but realize that it would be hard to pass on Tulane’s $ offer. </p>
<p>Thanks for the questions and helping me think out loud on this.</p>
<p>Well this is a tough one. From your description of the likes/dislikes, I think you’d find Rice a bit more to your liking. That said, if you are planning to attend med school, the extra $60K would come in handy. Have you looked into the Tulane 6+1 Accelerated Physician training program [Tulane</a> University - Tulane accelerated Physician Training Program](<a href=“http://tulane.edu/advising/prehealth/academic/tap-tp.cfm]Tulane”>http://tulane.edu/advising/prehealth/academic/tap-tp.cfm) or the Creative premedical scholars program? They might interest you [Tulane</a> University - creative premedical scholars program info](<a href=“http://tulane.edu/advising/prehealth/academic/creative-premedical-scholars-program.cfm]Tulane”>http://tulane.edu/advising/prehealth/academic/creative-premedical-scholars-program.cfm)</p>
<p>The Rice/Baylor med program thing fell through a few years back.</p>
<p>Yes, thought Tulane’s accelerated med program would be a huge deciding factor, but then read that a 5 on the AP bio exam is needed. “Only” got a 4 so would not be eligible to apply. As for the creative program, not sure about the non-science focus jr and sr year.</p>
<p>Thanks for the suggestions. Things to think about…</p>
<p>Which AP? Can you retake the exam?</p>
<p>Tulane’s accel. med program requires a 5 on the AP BIO exam to even apply. Registration for 2013 AP exams have already taken place at school, so even if there’s some late registration profess, there’s not enough time left to adequately prepare for that again and to also do well on remaining school coursework and upcoming AP exams (have all AP classes senior year). Will just have to go the traditional 8 year approach it seems.</p>