Hi there,
My son got admission in both these programs. We are having a tough time deciding which University to accept. UT Deans scholars also has a smaller class as does Rice. I need help on factors which makes Rice better than UT Deans scholars and Plan II or vice versa.
Thanks
I think this is the most difficult one of these “help me make a decision” things I’ve seen posted. I love Rice and the residential college system. However, I also love Plan II and just read up on the Dean’s Scholars program. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal. Talk about some other factors … Is money an issue? Do you live close to either of the schools? You’ll get strong academics at both places; what other things matter to your son?
I would pick Austin over Houston, but that’s just me! 
My kid has exactly the same decision to make, in exactly the same programs. It’s a tough call. UT is supposed to treat its Dean’s Scholars/Plan II students well, and my kid liked the admitted-students event, but the reputation, intimacy and house system at Rice is hard to pass up. Rice costs a good bit more for us though.
Has your kid visited each one? Maybe an overnight stay will help him make up his mind? The two campuses have a completely different feel, one is like a medium sized city unto itself, and the other is like a village. Is the cost the same, or cost doesn’t matter? Does he want to be closer to home, or farther? Does he want to be able to be in classes and parts of campus where he doesn’t recognize anyone, or does he want to be able to see a lot of the same people every day (although I suppose in the UT Honors he will still see a lot of the same people). Also, look at what kind of major he might be interested in and which college has a better program with that major.
@MaineLonghorn your name says it all!