Rice vs USC

Colleges and Universities A-Z Rice University
1

I am a pre-med student from Texas currently deciding between USC and Rice and I have 15 days to do it.

For Rice, I like the fact that students are practically handed research, shadowing, and volunteer opportunities because it’s across the street from the world’s largest medical center. I also like how small the classes are, allowing me to have close relationships with professors. Lastly, I was given an instate-only scholarship that gives me $7500/year including medical school coupled with a medical doctor mentor in the field that I’m interested in. However, Rice would still cost about $31,000/year which is gonna make me have to take out about an extra $14,000/year in loans relative to USC. I think that I could definitely be happy there, but I could also see myself happy if not happier at USC because the social atmosphere there seems to fit me a little better.

For USC, I love the location and social-academic balance. It’s the complete college experience and it feels the most “me.” I also was awarded the Trustee scholarship, so it would only be about $17,500/year for me to attend there. However, my main concerns are that I’m choosing USC with heart rather than logic. USC offers everything that Rice does, but definitely to a lesser degree. Also, would med schools care about the difference in prestige between Rice and USC?

I’d appreciate some insight from anyone who has experience at/with either schools!

2

Medical schools will not care, and USC is not much less in terms of prestige except perhaps in Texas.

3

Sounds like you’d be much happier at USC, and Rice is not worth taking on undergraduate debt, ESPECIALLY if you have med school on the way. I think USC is a good choice based on how you’ve described yourself. Of course, you can’t really go wrong here, but I’d suggest saving your money and go where you’ll be happier anyway.

4

They’re both excellent options, and it’s clear as day that you know exactly why they’re both excellent options. I do agree with the above user, you shouldn’t go into unnecessary debt if you can avoid it. Medical school will be a huge cost to you down the road, and you should prepare for it now more than ever. Go for the most affordable option, and try to achieve the highest GPA possible. I’m confident most medical schools will look at both USC and Rice favorably, so no issue there.

Save costs, internships/shadowing, and strive for that 4.0, or anything close. That’s the name of the game for the goals you’re pursuing. Good luck!