<p>I've looked at both schools and have always leaned Dartmouth just cause of the Ivy name and the alumnus network that stays when I graduate. However, I love both schools in terms of life and feel. But I've been thinking recently (deadline is 6 days away so of course i start thinking) that since i want to study engineering Rice might actually be better when looking at it from the long run. Meaning that if future employers, whatever, see an application from Rice and an application from Dartmouth they would pick the Rice one (for an engineering job).</p>
<p>I’m going to say something bold here that might send you into a state of shock and will leave you muttering like an idiot, but I’m going to say it anyway — stop thinking about the future. Either school is going to give you fantastic opportunities. Which school will give you a more enjoyable four years? At which school would you be happier as a student? College is not some filler space between high school and a career — it contains four of the most formative years of your life.</p>
<p>It’s up to you to decide which school would give you a better four years, but I would argue pretty strongly for Rice. Read through this forum, and you’ll soon get an idea of what makes Rice great.</p>
<p>Thats exactly my problem though. i visited both owls days and dimensions, and found that after i loved both schools. in terms of feel, people, closeness they feel very similar to me. sure ones in a big city and the other is in the woods but i like both locations and can honestly say that id like it in the city of Houston or the rural of NH as much as i would dislike it. thats y im giving so much thought to the future, cause thats what im down to.</p>
<p>Is weather a factor? Houston is warm and humid (beautiful during the school year). If you like shorts and flip flops, Rice is a winner! Dartmouth will give you real New England seasons- fall foliage; cool, crisp fall weather; snow from November through most of March (sometimes April). Spring in New England is funny - it’s usually about 45 degrees till late April, then suddenly turns 80 (like this weekend). </p>
<p>Is travel a factor? Where are you travelling from? If you’re from far away, have you checked out ease of getting to and from school? What if you want to get off campus? What’s nearby? </p>
<p>Do you like the frat scene or the residential colleges? What are you like socially? Did you get a feel for the social life at each place? How would you fit in?</p>
<p>Do you like the Dartmouth calendar? Will all your HS friends be going off to college while you have to hangout another month with nothing to do? Will there be a problem getting summer jobs in your town if you are on the Dartmouth calendar?</p>
<p>I live in New York. But I was born in Texas. So I’ve lived with both types of weather, albeit that New York’s weather is more mild than NH, but I go to NH all the time. So basically, weather won’t bother me. One’s too hot and humid and ones too cold and snowy. I love and hate both. lol. I know, im useless.</p>
<p>As for the social scene its hard to say. I went to a very small school and have little exposure to both. I liked both though when i tried them out. I guess though frats have a bit more pressure so to speak.</p>
<p>I do like the D plan though, and i dont intend to spend many summers at home.</p>
<p>i am in the exact same position. i think i’m going to go with Rice because its cheaper but Dartmouth is awesome and dimensions was a ball. I would say go to Rice so that i’m not the only person who went to Dimensions and didn’t end up going to Dartmouth.</p>
<p>What are you looking to study? and how far are you from the two schools.</p>
<p>Also, is money the only real deciding factor for you in the end?</p>
<p>i’m undecided but probably something in the social sciences. I live in Maryland so i’m a lot closer to the D but I don’t mind the travel to Rice.</p>
<p>Unfortunately money is the big deciding factor. Had i had more, i would have chosen Dartmouth but I’m ok with Rice. To me the schools are pretty much equal, so I don’t see me taking a loss in anyway</p>
<p>juswonderin… did you try appealing Dartmouth’s financial aid? Call them up and tell them what Rice gave you.</p>
<p>It can’t hurt, and they will normally at least match, and usually beat ‘peer’ colleges.</p>