At Rice, I’m thinking I would double major in economics and math or economics and computer science. At UT Austin, I’m thinking I would do Business Honors, Finance, and possibly Computer Science. Ultimately, I would really love to work at a top tier consulting company (McKinsey, Bain etc.). I might be interested in Investment Banking as well but I know it is really unlikely to get into Ib from UT or Rice.
I was pretty set on going to UT BHP until Rice gave me a 98k scholarship. I’m really confused right now and I was wondering if some knowledgeable people could help me list pros and cons for both programs. I really want to know if either school is clearly better in getting on the path that I want to. I know people from UT BHP do end up in consulting but I honestly don’t know anything about Rice.
As for the social aspect of college, after talking to friends at both schools, I’m pretty sure I would fit in to both schools pretty well.
So I can’t offer all the answers you want, but I do have a couple of questions. First, what makes you want to do consulting? I’m just curious.
Also, I see you listed computer science, and I assume you’ve heard that knowing how to program is a good skill for a career in consulting. While this isn’t wrong, in my opinion as a CS major, that’s a really bad reason to major in CS. The schedule you’re suggesting is pretty rigorous, and with a CS degree you’re kind of prepped for a lot of jobs that are better in a lot of ways than consulting, unless you just love consulting for the sake of it.
@idkschool I am very familiar with your question. My son last year was going through the same issue UT BHP vs Rice. Since Rice has offered you almost 100,000 in scholarship, therefore cost of education is not a big issue. So lets focus on BHP vs Rice. First you have been misinformed that Rice and UT BHP students are not admitted into Top I banking companies. You should do some home work on Linkedin and you will see several students from BHP and Rice go onto Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan, Credit Suisse etc. Now to your consulting question, There are several kids that go to McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte etc from both schools as well (in case of UT primarily from BHP) – again check the company web site and you will see several consultants from UT BHP and Rice based out of Houston and Dallas offices. If you did not get into BHP then the choice is very clear – its Rice. But since you have UT BHP admission now it becomes very close. Having said that, i would still give advantage to Rice. Why ? For the following reasons:
- Smaller, close knit community
- More 1:1 time with top professors and small class size
- Much better ranked overall school (in case you change your mind and want to do something else Rice will always be a top tier choice of many companies and future colleges in case you decide to do a Masters degree).
- The residential college system is unmatched in US ! the best system of any college in USA.
- Majority of student body is as smart as you! competition makes you better…
- Culture – Rice is one of the few top schools in the country where its about collaboration rather than cut throat competition.
- Very flexible curriculum – The only school to offer a more flexible system is perhaps Brown.
- A top class Economics program in the nation (Top 15) with ability to minor in business (top 25 MBA program)
- A far more rigorous Economics and business program.
- A larger city with ample opportunities for job placements
My son is also on the same track. He is looking to get into McKinsey, BCG, Bain or Deloitte. He has already done externships at Deloitte and Bain in his freshman year. So all in all I would give a slight edge to Rice over UT BHP. Hope this hepls. If I can answer any other questions, please send me an email directly. Good Luck! You are very fortunate to have two great choices!