Hi! My niece has recently been admitted to both Rice and USC as an undergrad business major.
She is an outgoing girl who enjoys cheerleading and community service. She will have econ/finance as her main track, and may want to have a minor in computer science later on to potentially dabble in to AI and computational finance.
Location is not a big concern. We had some concerns with USC surroundings previously, but have been told that the tougher neighborhoods have been acquired by the university and since gentrified. Can anybody verify this?
Would you describe the vibe and academics at Rice? It is such a small school that we do not know anyone in our social circles.
Any insights or feedback would be greatly appreciated.
I’m a Rice parent and would lean toward Rice over USC, all things being equal. But the way you describe your daughter, both socially and academically, makes me think USC could be the better fit for her.
First of all, the undergrad business major at Rice is new and doesn’t offer as many different tracks and concentrations. Secondly, USC goes out of its way to encourage cross-disciplinary pursuits. Rice doesn’t actually offer a minor in CS - this is not to say that she couldn’t pursue coursework in that area, but it sounds as if she’d appreciate the structure that USC provides. If she’s interested in pursuing cheer, there is much (MUCH!) more school spirit around sports at USC. And if she wants to network in the business world, particularly in California, the USC network is huge and supportive.
I’m a fan of Rice, and if your daughter prefers the vibe there, she could definitely make everything happen that she’s looking for. But based on limited information, I just feel as if you may be describing a kid who would vibe more with USC. Are costs comparable?
Hi, thank you so much for the quick response. USC costs more but her parents are willing to offer full financial support. I appreciate your candor despite being a Rice parent.
It’s just a thirdhand impression though; as roycroftmom says, your daughter’s direct experience of “fit” by visiting both should really be the deciding factor, if at all possible. There’s no wrong choice here - if she’d only gotten into one, she would have gone to that one and probably loved it. That the choice exists is a good problem to have, and I’m sure she’ll have a great experience no matter what she decides. The fact that I got a more USC-ish vibe from your post is merely anectodal, but just seemed worth a comment.
USC has a joint CS and Business degree. It is administered by the CS (Viterbi) department, not Marshall.
USC is very urban and “tougher neighborhoods” still surround the campus. They have not been “acquired” or “gentrified” by the university. USC has security patrolling the streets (DPS Zone) but it does not exist in a bubble and students must be aware of their surroundings at all times.
Where does she live? I would really recommend a visit but it is April 18 and a decision needs to be made in 12 days.
I’m from Texas, and I have a freshman daughter at USC School of Marshall. I have nothing to compare it to, but I can tell you that my daughter LOVES USC! She’s very outgoing and just joined a sorority. There are many opportunities for community service, and the students prove it everywhere by doing so many wonderful things. The school spirit is amazing, and there are many clubs and organizations. The weather is amazing, too! My daughter has different circles of friends from her dorm, business cohort, and sorority. She didn’t know a single person, and has made great friendships. I would say that it’s a work hard/play hard environment. Marshall is top-notch! My daughter is in the World Bachelor in Business program. In one of her classes, she is doing consulting with Amazon, SpaceX, and Samsung as a joint effort with students from different universities around the world. She is also using her Spanish skills and is working to become more fluent. Marshall offers so many great speakers, professors, and students. Follow their social media. I love that USC encourages interdisciplinary studies. Ease of transfer is easy for most majors as well. USC encourages majoring and/or minoring in two or more totally opposite fields of study (Renaissance Scholars). The alumni network is strong, and LA is wonderful for internships and employment opportunities. My daughter feels safe on campus. She knows to be in groups for walking the surrounding area and be aware of her surroundings. DPS is a big presence, and I feel at peace with my daughter’s safety. She has her car there (definitely not necessary though), and has been able to explore the city, Santa Monica, Malibu, and other places without any problems. It has been a wonderful city experience for someone from a rural area. I’m curious to know more about Rice’s new business undergrad degree. I think it would appeal to my high school junior son. We have a visit planned next month. Houston should be a great area for a business major. I still feel USC has more plusses than Rice and will be a good fit for your niece. My son will apply to both, but he says he doesn’t want to “copy” his sister lol I vote USC for your niece!! Congratulations on both acceptances. That is truly an honor!
My daughter is a junior at Rice, not business though.
I would say the vibe at Rice is very “work hard, play hard” and extremely collaborative. My daughter says the kids are competitive with themselves, not each other. The students are also very friendly and accepting. The residential college system makes it unique and their is no greek system. Rice prides itself of it’s “culture of care” and really encourages the kids to look out for one another and take care of one another when needed. It’s a smallish, friendly, kinda quirky, academically rigorous environment.
While Rice is in Houston it’s border on one side by the huge medical center complex and other sides by very high-end homes. The area is relatively safe - though it IS in a city so basic precautions are important, especially off campus.
I echo everything @PrdMomto1 says about Rice. My daughter is a junior Mech E student - it’s very much a work hard, play hard place. My daughter absolutely LOVES it!
