<p>I'm conflicted. Rice is amazing--I visited in October, and I fell in love with it. It was my top choice until I found out I was accepted to Stanford--I had applied, but I didn't even consider it until now since I didn't think I could get in, with admissions there being so unpredictable (not that I don't like Stanford--I definitely do).</p>
<p>I'm thinking about majoring in Electrical Engineering and going to grad school for Biomedical Engineering (I might change majors, though--I'm trying to keep an open mind and try different things. But if I do, it would most likely be into a math/science major). Anyways, which would be better for an undergraduate education? How is living in Houston, weather-wise and city-wise? And is the Residential College System really as amazing as people say? And while I know the small size is a benefit, is it ever TOO small? (I go to a high school with 350 students, and I am so over the gossip/cliqueyness/terrible dating atmosphere :P)</p>
<p>Also, finance-wise, both schools gave us fairly similar financial aid packages, so money isn't a factor in my decision.</p>
<p>I know posting on this board will bring people biased towards Rice, but it's all good, I'm already hearing lots of pro-Stanford people anyways lol.</p>
<p>(P.S. I live in SoCal, if that makes any difference.)</p>
<p>Stanford is probably the smarter choice. </p>
<p>Not that we wouldn’t well-educate you here, but I think you’ll find that Stanford is really, in every sense, a properly international institution.</p>
<p>It depends on some factors that you have to decide for yourself:
- Size (Rice=smaller=easier to know professors and get research opportunities)
- Palo Alto or Houston (since you are already in California, it might be a good idea to go to Rice to live in a different place and explore the US sort of…)
- Rice has beer bike, Stanford doesn’t (this really is a big deal since beer bike is pretty much the greatest thing ever)
- Also, many people will tell you go to Stanford because its more “prestigious,” but its important to realize that most of the people who decide where you go after you graduate (gradutate schools, companies, etc.) all consider Rice to be very prestigious. So unless you really really care about that random hobo down the street’s opinion, prestige should not be a factor in your decision.
- Rice is awesome</p>
<p>Anyways, in the end, you have to make the decision. Having said that, I hope to see you at Rice next year.</p>
<p>I’m not sure what Riceward! means, but Rice really gives me an “international institution” vibe. The quality of the professors here (especially the math and engineering professors I’ve had so far) amazes me, considering the small size of Rice. I don’t doubt that Stanford has amazing faculty as well, but don’t discount Rice for that reason.</p>
<p>I’m from SoCal as well, and the transition to Houston wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. The first few weeks were more humid than anything I’d ever experienced, but after that it settled into 3 months of the most beautiful weather ever. Winter was a bit cold, but nothing I couldn’t handle. It was also pretty exciting to see snow! Palo Alto has really nice weather as well though, so the tiebreaker for location comes down to things you can do, and there, Houston definitely wins. There are so many things to do in the 4 block radius around campus, not to mention the rest of the city, that I doubt I’ll even get to experience half of it in the 4 years I’m here. You won’t be bored here, trust me.</p>
<p>I’ve really become a huge fan of the college system. It fosters an immediate sense of community that doesn’t break easily. Each college is about the size of your high school, and yes, it can be a bit clique-ish at times, but don’t forget that there are 10 other colleges within walking distance. My high school was about 750 kids, and I was sick of all the high school drama and whatnot by my sophomore year, but I have yet to feel that way here. I’m meeting new people everyday as well, so I don’t feel like I’m limited to a small group of friends. </p>
<p>At Stanford, you’ll definitely get a great education and meet some awesome people. I’ve heard that a Stanford undergraduate education is an experience without equal. Just don’t forget that Rice has no equal either.</p>