<p>I understand that they are entirely different schools, but just because of their radical differences, they appeal to different sides of me which is why I'm almost split into two. I think it's time for me to put emotional struggle aside for a while and rationally take advice from others. So, any idea about why I should give up Haverford for Rice? One reason I can come up with is Rice is more affordable, but my parents will drop material concerns if Haverford is really worthwhile. And, I haven't located my academic passion yet. Though I was admitted as psychology major, secretly, I consider linguistics as a MAYBE suitable match for me. You see, I'm grappling with myself again. Please help me out.</p>
<p>What you are feeling is normal. I had the exact situation last year from April 1st to the last week of May between Rice and Duke. There were days when I woke up when I knew I wanted to go to Rice and then the next day I would wake up and realize I wanted to go to Duke. I have met many other students who were in similar situations. While I do not know anything about Haverford, just keep in mind that you cannot go wrong. Congrats on getting into two excellent institutions, and good luck with the decision!</p>
<p>go to haverford :)</p>
<p>What do you see as the “radical differences” and what are you referring to when you say they appeal to different sides of you?</p>
<p>I appreciate your question, Bird Rock. You are right that I should specify “differences” both in terms of schools and myself. </p>
<p>The school difference is, of course, a classic one between LAC and U. Haverford promises dedication of professors who care more about students than research, a small student body (around 1000) that makes personal attention possible, and intense education experience that transforms ones way of thinking and thus extends its influence well into postgraduation period. In short, I vote for Haverford out of purely academic reasons and out of the assumption that it will shape me into an educated, not merely learned person. By comparison, Rice offers a wider spectrum of courses for one to target his interest, a more approachable and diverse student body and less study pressure, though I feel that for me, the life changing quality of Rice may not be so pronounced as that of Haverford. Thus, I vote for Rice under the allure of a maybe happy and easier college life and out of fear that Haverford may not live up to my expectation. </p>
<p>Another factor to consider is that the more ambitious and future-oriented part of me urges me to accept challenge from highly rigorous education despite possible disappointment while the more conservative and happiness-oriented counterpart hopes to find its niche and academic passion at Rice.</p>
<p>(All of the comments concerning Rice and Haverford are very likely false and biased assumptions, so feel free to correct any of them. Thanks!)</p>
<p>Well, I’m not an Owl, but from what I’ve heard Rice is not considered easy. Also I believe that I read somewhere that Rice seniors get into the graduate school of their choice at a higher rate than students at any other college, so in terms of prep for the future it’s as good as it gets. Also, it’s not that big and teachers are definitely similar to Haverford profs in that they emphasize contact with undergrads. Hopefully some students or parents will weigh in with more info.</p>
<p>BTW, what’s the difference to you between educated and learned?</p>
<p>Bird rock, your statements about Rice are accurate. Yes, Rice is more preprofessional and less liberal-arts oriented than Haverford, but Rice definitely has an intellectual feel (more so than many of its peers ranked in the top 20). Professors here are very dedicated to undergrads, although the basic intro classes (psych, sociology, chemistry, biology, physics, orgo) can be very big (up to 215-230 people), but I bet such classes are pretty big at LACs too. If you can, try visiting both schools. It’s quite easy to get a flight to Houston (try Southwest… its the cheapest).</p>