Texas A&M vs. Rice vs. Duke

College Search & Selection
1

Time is running out and I am torn between my final three college choices. I am looking into pre-med (also interested in Health Administration) and will be majoring in a combination of biology/global health studies at any of these schools. In terms of cost, at TAMU I have full tuition covered while at Rice and Duke I will be paying full sticker price (which while affordable for my family I’m somewhat concerned about the practicality of the choice). Here is my rundown of the schools.

TAMU:
Pros: Save lots of $$$ as NMF, easier to get a 4.0 for med school in comparison to Rice and Duke, large Texas alumni network
Cons: Large class sizes (and less professor interaction), College Station

Rice:
Pros: Small class size so easier access to professors, residential college system, opportunities at the Texas Medical Center, Houston
Cons: Rigor? , cost

Duke: Prestige, school spirit (I’m a sports guy), access to Duke Medical School for shadowing/research, small/medium sized school, Duke Engage
Cons: Rigor? , cost

At the end of the day, my question is this: Are the experiences and opportunities that Rice or Duke provide worth turning down full tuition covered at TAMU? I’m one to get blinded by prestige so I’d greatly appreciate others’ opinions.

2

Hey, if you’re the type of guy/gal to get blinded by prestige then there is no harm in picking the most prestigious school. Go to Duke (specially since you can afford it).

3

If you are a sports guy then Duke or A & M would be more interesting for you. Sporting events at Rice are not very well attended. Duke seems to be the best fit if cost is no object.

4

If money truly is not an issue, choose Duke or Rice. But if saving $250-$300k would make a difference, choose aTm. A&M is still a very solid school. Med school is very expensive.

5

If you are in Texas then to give you percpective, my kid was eligible for full rides at every Texas college but Rice and UT. UT wasn’t free but economical and he was selected for their coveted honors programs. We picked Rice with a partial scholarship. He also turned down some full price higher ranked schools for Rice. We felt Rice may not be highest ranked or free or cheap but it is definitely best value among his options. I din’t know what works best for you but good luck with whichever you pick. We still have few days left before it becomes final but deadline is almost here.