<p>First off, this isn't a "decision thread", merely, I'm trying to decide where I want to ED next year. For a while I'd been set on applying to Rice ED, but it just seems so similar to WUSTL that I'm having a hard time choosing. I really can't find many huge difference between the two. Also, I've visited WUSTL, but won't be visiting Rice till around september. That would be a good time to make sure what I'm applying ED to, is actually the right choice, and it would allow me to switch if there was something that I just hated about my ED school, but I think it would be beneficial to know before september/october. Thanks if you have any input.</p>
<p>Rice benefits:
-Houston seems like it has more to offer than St. Louis
-Hospital right across the street
-Better weather during the time I'd be there
-Residential Colleges*
WUSTL benefits:
-Seems to be more liberal/has more "activists"
-LGBT life
-Nicer dorms</p>
<p>A lot of the things for WUSTL are just things I've heard, not necessarily facts.</p>
<p>Thanks if you can help</p>
<p>Sincerely, Overanalyzing Student</p>
<p>I would say Rice because I know a lot more about Rice. </p>
<p>you should check to ensure it is feasible financially etc using their online calculators, and also ensuring your numbers work.</p>
<p>How about your interests in college? What about your major?</p>
<p>Money isn’t really an issue, we’re in one of the higher income brackets so my parents are able to afford it. As in interests, I’m most interested in Biology and Math, although that could change. I am relatively sure though that I will stay focused on mainly math and science. Maybe if I see a really interesting course in something else I’d take it. I think really both have great academics and their isn’t much of a point in splitting hairs over that.</p>
<p>Nicer dorms/food is irrelevant in this context, because at the quality that Rice/WUSTL provide (I’ve experienced both) it doesn’t matter whether one is just slightly better. haha</p>
<p>In terms of weather, if you don’t like bitter winters, WUSTL is not great. Having grown up in StL, I can say for sure Rice winters are so much more enjoyable to me.</p>
<p>As far as the residential college system goes, I would say that they completely change the social atmosphere of Rice vs. WashU. If you eliminate that aspect of Rice, then I would argue the two campuses are similar, but while that is in the picture you can’t exactly compare the two universities socially. They are just so different. haha I would seriously consider this when determining where you want to ED, either way.</p>
<p>@FallenAngel9: can you please elaborate how the social atmosphere is different. How much free time is “dictated” by the residenital colleges? Can you compare the student body in terms of personality? </p>
<p>Also, I would think the sports culture also differs greatly… div1 Rice vs. div3 WUSTL?</p>
<p>It’s honestly hard to explain how deeply the residential college system impacts residential life. You essentially have a “home base” where you know and recognize everyone. It’s a specific community and culture that you learn to love. However, the other colleges all have their own versions of your “home base” as well, and as such it’s like a variety of communities all living together under one united umbrella community. This allows for a unique spin on campus-wide events and traditions, a very unique social life, and so on. It’s a really great dynamic, and without it a campus just misses a one-of-a-kind aspect of residential life.</p>
<p>That said, universities without the residential college system have their own unique way of life too. The residential college system may not be what everyone is looking for. They may prefer a traditional format, which is fine.</p>
<p>Regarding sports culture, I would say that they differ, but not greatly. Rice baseball is outstanding, but unfortunately some of our other sports teams are not very stellar for DI, so although we are D1 vs. DIII, there isn’t TOO much of a difference (especially since WUSTL wins a lot of their DIII sports).</p>