<p>Heyy to all!
I'm an internation student from Venezuela looking to major in BME...</p>
<p>Recently I've been accepted in Rice (no type of aid whatsoever) but I've also gotten an acceptence + full scholarship from WPI</p>
<p>I just wanted to hear opinions about how these two schools compare... I know that Rice of much higher prestige and rank... but I haven't heard any negative feedback from WPI... And also the scholarship issue is a pretty big deal </p>
<p>In the end, I just want to have a great undergraduate experience: look to meet interesting people, learn a lot from my teachers, and get into a great graduate school</p>
<p>One major difference between the two (besides the prestige of course) is location. At WPI you’re only a short drive (or a ride on the commuter rail) out of Boston, an awesome city, whereas at Rice you’re in Houston, which I hear is an ok city, but well, it’s still Texas. For most people there really is no comparison between Boston and Houston.</p>
<p>grandfatherbob – ouch! What’s with the Texas bashing? Have you actually ever been to Houston? Yes, WPI is near Boston and Boston is a nice city, but the last I noticed it was actually in Worcester and 45 minutes from Boston. Rice is located within Houston, on a beautiful Mediterranean-inspired campus (similar to Stanford). The Rice campus is in a beautiful part of Houston surrounded on 3 sides by live oak trees and an upscale neighborhood and next to a 16-block area filled with restaurants and shops and on one side by the Texas Medical Center (the largest medical complex in the world with 14 hospitals and 2 medical schools). In addition, the light rail runs right next to the campus and makes downtown Houston accessible, which has major sports teams, first class theatre and symphony, as well as access to art and science museums. Houston is a very multi-cultural and welcoming city.</p>
<p>All that aside, aleclepe, that’s a huge difference in money, so you need to carefully consider if you can afford Rice.</p>
<p>WPI and Rice? You must be kidding! Rice hands down. Houston (especially the area around Rice and the area accessible to Rice students) is awesome as a college town. I don’t know any Rice students who were disappointed in what Houston had to offer. Rice offers a great college experience and incredible academics. It is in a really nice part of town and has access to museums, parks, concerts etc. right in the area or a light rail ride away.
Worchester is NOT Boston and is not even that close to Boston. It isn’t a very appealing town.</p>
<p>My D graduated from Rice/ Architecture and loved Houston! Rice is an outstanding University with many opportunities for internships. The weather in Houston may not be ideal but the people were warm and friendly to my D from the Northeast.</p>
<p>^^ The weather is pretty ideal compared to Worchester! The students aren’t at Rice during the summer, and the rest of the year is pretty darn good. Flip flops in February- that’s part of what sold my daughter on it.</p>
<p>Depending on your focus. WPI is very tech focused, Rice is more well rounded. Both near large cities (rice directly in one). If you can afford it, go to Rice</p>
<p>Thanks for all of your replies! You’ve all been really helpful!</p>
<p>I’ve been to both Boston and Houston, and I can’t really complain about either of them… both much better college towns than where I come from!</p>
<p>I’m also concerned about diversity in the student body… Being an international student I really want to go to a college where there’ll be people like me, because I think it’ll make the “being away from home” experience a whole lot easier… </p>
<p>I’m also concerned that Rice might be a bit too overwhelming… teachers might not be as approachable, classes might be too big… that sort of stuff</p>
<p>Once again, thank you for your replies!! (:</p>
<p>Rest assured that Rice won’t be overwhelming as you fear. It’s a very close-knit, friendly, intimate experience. You will be assigned to a residential college which will be like your family. It will provide you with a support system and a social life. Professors are accessible and helpful. Rice has one of the most multi-cultural, inclusive, supportive environments you will find as an undergrad.</p>
<p>I live in Houston and am familiar with Rice. My son has been accepted to and is seriously considering WPI. Rice will have better academics, but you’ll get a good education at WPI. Throw in the full ride, and I recommend WPI. However, if you want to be in an area where you will hear Spanish on a regular basis, then choose Rice.</p>