Recently, I was accepted to both Rice and Penn and I’m been struggling to make a decision. I’m first generation so I’m hoping I can get some advice here 
I would be studying bio in both universities, money is not a problem since they offer me relatively the same amount. I’m really big on a strong Latino community, research opportunities, rigorous classes, and a fun city. I’m from Texas but I really want to go out of state for medical school- also I’ve heard that it’s hard for Texas undergrads to get accepted to out of state top medical schools. Please please help!
Texas resident wanting pre-Med, Latino community, research opportunities, rigorous classes and fun city would be better off at Rice. Texas has lots of medical colleges and being a resident here would give you many options, if you are still interested in an out of state medical school after four years, you can apply there as well. With a good GPA, high MCAT, Rice degree and medical district research experience, you’ll be a competitive candidate anywhere.
In current situation, staying within driving distance from family makes even more sense for a freshman.
Latino community is much more significant in Houston than in Philly.
Although a year or two old, UPenn reported 10% Hispanic undergraduate student population while Rice reported 16%.
Congratulations on your acceptances! Penn and Rice are both great universities, but I will discuss Penn because I am most familiar with it as my D is a current bio major there.
You will work hard at Penn. The introductory bio classes are weed out classes with harsh curves. My D spends 6-8+hrs on homework per night and more during exam weeks. But, Penn is a supportive and collaborative environment so your peers will be working just as hard. Research opportunities are available to undergrads via the Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (CURF). Many of D’s friends got lab positions through CURF during their first semester.
Although Penn may have a smaller Latino population, they try to provide cultural and social support to their Latino students. The Center for Hispanic Excellence: La Casa Latina exists to serve the needs of Latinx students. If you choose Penn, look into it. My non-Latina D attended some of their events and had a really fun time. https://www.vpul.upenn.edu/lacasa/
Lastly, Philadelphia is a major East Coast city. It’s diverse, vibrant, and there is always something to do. Penn or Rice—there is no bad choice. Best of luck to you.
1 Like
Is Houston a fun city?
I wound choose Rice’s community and environment over Penn any day. The only reason I would choose Penn is if I lived on the east coast and travel to penn was easier.
1 Like
Houston is a very fun city. Great food scene, arts, public spaces, no winter. I went to Med school in Philadelphia and lived in Houston afterwards. Would pick Houston hands down. As with all college decisions, pick where you would be most engaged with the school/community. That will give you the best chance of success in your future endeavors.
If you want a large and well known school, Penn may work better, Rice is a smaller school and not as well known among general public.