<p>I was originally very interested in Yale for its residential college system, quality academics and great social scene and I discovered that Rice shares many of these aspects (albeit it's slightly more attainable for me). Besides the obvious location difference, what are some comparisons/contrasts with regards to:</p>
<ul>
<li>undergraduate teaching</li>
<li>strength in social sciences</li>
<li>quality of life</li>
<li>atmosphere (close-knit student body?)</li>
<li>party scene</li>
<li>grade inflation/deflation</li>
</ul>
<p>Please note: I don't want the words "ivy league", "prestige" or the US News rankings to be a part of the argument.</p>
<p>Undergraduate teaching - I would say they're about equal, Yale may have an edge.
No idea about social sciences
Quality of life - Rice, unless you like dirty, dangerous, port cities
Atmosphere - Same as above
Party Scene - Rice
No idea about grades</p>
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Undergraduate teaching - I would say they're about equal, Yale may have an edge.
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<p>Although I love Yale, I'm going to have to give this one to Rice. I agree with you on the rest of your picks. The two schools are actually more similar than you think, but Yale does have that whole "prestige" thing going for it.</p>
<p>I know you said you didn't want to hear the word "prestige," but if you seriously do not care for prestige at all, I think Rice is a much better place to spend your four years as undergrad than Yale: laid-back atmosphere, great academics focused on the undergraduates, reasonable tuition, great weather all year long (vs. Northeastern winters), beautiful campus with access to a major city (vs. the infamous New Haven). Only downside, and why I would never apply to Rice, is that it's in Texas... I'm not a fan, I'm biased.</p>
<p>But really, I'd just apply to both and struggle with this if it even becomes an issue. Statistically speaking, there's probably a much better chance of your choice being made for you.</p>
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[quote]
Only downside, and why I would never apply to Rice, is that it's in Texas... I'm not a fan, I'm biased.
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<p>The funny thing about Texas is that not every corner of the state is predominantly conservative (If that's what you worry about.) For example, just a couple of days ago, the county where Houston (and Rice) are located was won by Obama and not McCain.</p>
<p>... and if you say you'd never go to school in Texas without ever having visited Houston, then you're doing yourself a disservice. Houston is a diverse, open, friendly, cosmopolitan, multi-cultural city with world-class arts, museums, and professional sports. It has a low cost of living and a wealth of shopping and restaurants, as well as the largest medical center complex in the world (next door to Rice with 13 hospitals and 2 medical schools). It's also home to many Fortune 500 businesses and embassies.</p>
<p>Ignore the stereotypes of Texas. They're not accurate -- at least for Houston.</p>
<p>My liberal daughter loved Rice and Houston, and had sworn not to go to college in Texas (she grew up in Dallas). I give Rice the edge over Yale for overall undergraduate experience. Yale is wonderful of course, but Rice is a true gem in a wonderful part of Houston with a better climate than the NE.</p>
<p>I have not only visited Houston, I've spent an entire summer there. Again, like I've stated before, I think Rice is nothing but great, but there's something about Texas that I personally can't do. You'll have to understand, I'm from the healthy living, ecofriendly, liberal northwest.</p>
<p>I'm from the northeast, too, and after I moved to Texas I couldn't believe anyone would actually want to live in the northeast. I had a kid go to Rice and a kid go to a northeast college, and I frequently compare quality of life. Just my opinion.....but it's right, as usual. :)</p>
<p>^^ Sorry. I was multi-tasking and mis-read that. Yes, my co-workers from the northwest don't like anyplace else in the country! I can see how Texas would be unappealing. One plus is that the Gulf is actually warm enough to swim in.</p>