<p>I am currently planning on applying to Rice Early Decision. I want to make sure that I am not entirely "blinded by the dream" whilst trying to find other options. I am considering adding two other schools to my currently three-college list: College of Charleston and University of Washington. I have my concerns about both schools, though. I am not interested in the Greek system at College of Charleston and I worry that I might have a difficult time socially if I attend the school and decide against joining a sorority; does the greek system dominate the campus? For any parents whose students attend the school: What does your son or daughter think of it--clearly their opinions will be biased, I just like to hear that students enjoy the school they are attending. I'm just trying to gather information on University of Washington--it is such a big school and I'd really like to hear opinions of the school from current students. What do you think of the school--anything from campus to classes? Thank you for your assistance! :)</p>
<p>Before you apply ED, can you afford to pay for the school? If you need financial aid, you need to apply to multiple schools.</p>
<p>Your 3 schools are all very different from one another. What attracts you to them? You might want to further expand your list. If Rice is your dream school, there are other, less selective schools more similar to Rice than U. Washington and College of Charleston.</p>
<p>@sacchi: These two schools are not yet “on my list.” The three schools that make up my list are: Rice University, Washington University in St. Louis, and UCLA. I want to have some solid safety schools and the people I’ve talked to have told me to look into the two schools I mentioned in my original post–I don’t think they were taking into account qualities a school might share with my top choices.</p>
<p>You will probably get better luck posting in the school specific forums for feedback on U. Wash and College of Charleston. </p>
<p>Rice and WashU are somewhat similar - small to mid-sized research Universities, with a strong focus on undergrads. I’ve heard Tulane mentioned as a less selective alternative to Rice and WashU. Tufts also, although it is only very slightly less selective, so won’t be a safety. </p>
<p>If you describe more about what characteristics you would like in a school, as well as some of your stats, you could probably get some good suggestions here of other schools to consider. What state do you live in? Your instate flagship may belong on your list.</p>