<p>For those of you who have experience with these schools, could anyone comment on them?</p>
<p>I know that they both have tremendous pre-med programs and that Johns Hopkins is a little more well-known than Rice, but other than that, I am still in need for information.</p>
<p>If possible, could someone comment on the following areas:
-Academics
-Social life
-Quality of professors/TAs
-Workload
-Food/Dorms
-Surrounding area
-Success of pre-meds in admission to med school (both in quality and quantity)</p>
<p>A little information about myself: I'm a senior from California, I'd like to go to a medium-sized school (not so big that I don't know professors and not so small that there aren't many clubs/organizations) with relatively nice but reserved and hard-working people (fun on weekends, not many parties though, you get the point) with decent food and dorms. (Edited to add: I'm ok with almost all surrounding areas, just nothing too rural)</p>
<p>I think Rice is great, i mean, if you are looking for that "wow" omg, u go to Rice across the country, you aren't going to get it. Does that mean it's not great, no. JHU may carry more weight, but grad schools really like Rice kids, b/c they know they are some of the brightest students in the country.</p>
<p>Honestly, you can't go wrong either way.
I have friends at both places...and they both love it.
I would personally pick JHU (I didn't even apply to Rice because it's too far away), partially because of location and partially because of name recognition, but it's really up to you.
Rice is a lot more generous with merit (and need-based I think) aid than JHU, though so that may be one thing to consider.</p>
<p>As a Baltimore native and a Texas transplant, I'll give you my two cents concerning surrounding areas of both schools. While JHU used to be in a fairly stable, older area of Balto, the area has really gone downhill in the past 10 years, and is fairly unsafe, with alot of crime. Rice, on the other hand, is surrounded on 2 sides by an upscale neighborhood, on one side by Rice Village (a nice area filled with eclectic and upscale shops and restaurants), and on the other side by the Texas Medical Center (the largest medical center complex in the world consisting of 14 hospitals, medical office buildings, clinics, etc.) The Texas Medical Center has a vast amount of research and volunteer opportunities for aspiring med students. There is also a light rail stop next to the Rice campus that can take you downtown easily, as well as to some great museums (including a natural science museum, art museum, medical museum).</p>
<p>Third Year Hopkins undegrad (premed) Student</p>
<p>Academics- HOPKINS IS HARD...I DONT WANNA SCARE YOU BUT...YOU BETTER BE READY TO PUT IN SOME SLEEPLESS NIGHTS AND MAYBE EVEN CANS OF REDBULL!!. But dont get me wrong there are thos easy A classes that will boost your GPA...basically it depends on your major...i think public health is the best ... imean if your bme...you will have a tough time...(biology-very science focused)...i mean do what you like
social life - its what you make of it..hey im not in a soror or frat..i feel they have the most fun...otherwise,,,forget it....you will be studying 90% of time and swithcing between sleeping and relaxing for the other 10% of the time
Professors- some are strict and others are nice...same with TA;s...same everywhere...
Workload-depends on your major and credit load...BMES have it the worst by far
Food/Dorms - Food quality varies....dorms are nice (SUite style that is)</p>
<p>SURROUNDING AREA - Anywhere you go your gonna have crime..you have to be careful...because people will prey on college students (you think - hey there probably not from around here- hence easy target) Yes they have been muggings and an 2 unfortunate murderss (one case the person knew her killer and that has been solved...and the other is still unsolved) Security has increased..but honestly as a female I do not feel 100% safe...</p>
<p>Sucess of premeds---we get into the top med schools..yeah harvard, hopkins..etc..and some choose to attend and apply to their state schools .typically people apply to 20 ...i am not quite sure how many they get into HOPE THIS HELPS</p>
<p>Yeah I've heard that before, thanks for the honest postthough (times like these I wish I applied to Duke)...at least I applied to Rice, but I'm still pretty undecided</p>
<p>Can you elaborate a bit about it being HARD? I mean, I know that it's hard (and I stay up nights these days, so no worries) but the question is, do you get what you give? Based on studying alone (not talent) if you study, can you pull the A? (I'm willing to study and I think I'm smart enough, I'm just afraid some super genius will beat me out without studying)</p>
<p>Can you comment on this a bit?</p>
<p>Oh yeah, and a Rice undergrad's view would be much appreciated.</p>
<p>by hard I mean...its not a school where you can study for a little bit and still expect to pull an A...I mean some people can do it...but bottom line is that you have to study....</p>
<p>do you always get what you put in? no....bc sometimes your best wasnt enough...as in every case...therell be that one exam you studied for all night...and then when you get the test...its either not the material you studied for...or it is on a level that required you to master the information. and in terms of a super genius beating you out....people will always be smarter than you at that school....but not to worry..bc some classes are curved (ex Biology - real nice curve by the way) and others arent (orgo- you get what you get 90 is an A- and 73 is a C) so you do not have to worry about other students..I have worked all my years at hopkins and I have had some setbacks...but it gets better as you reach your soph/ junior years. Plus bc first smester is covered you can have a chance to adjust...in terms of Rice...cant comment bc i know no one that goes there..just what i have read in magazines...hope this helps</p>