I got rejected on my first try. My midyear transcript didn’t reach them on time because a CPS investigation started my senior year and I got put in a really bad foster home, which threw off everything I was planning by months.
With no opportunities for campus visits, my major of choice (computer science) at UH (last resort), but NOT UT (second choice), I’m leaning towards UH, but I absolutely don’t like the school. I hated UH orientation for a number of reasons. I can’t see myself happy there, but UTA is a huge risk.
With the same GPA, would it be easier for me to transfer into Rice from UH or UT? Is the security worth going to a school I hate?
Female, Indian, Independent (no income at all), graduated summa.
I would pick a school where you can see yourself long term. I don’t know the statistics but transferring into Rice may not happen. (don’t know your stats/etc. UH and UT are not the only schools in Texas. Have you considered anywhere else?
(and a small note - UTA is University of Texas at Arlington. I think you are considering UT-Austin which is only “UT”)
My final GPA was 6.57/7.00 (weird district GPA system). Without the strange weighting, 3.9.
Your high school GPA is solid but as a transfer student, the rules are different. They will look at your college load. (I don’t know how your high school resume plays into it as a transfer student)
Another though, you commented that you are “independent (no income at all)” – how are you planning to pay for college? I am not aware of available loans that would cover 100% need. It may be that any of these schools are out of reach 
Stats:
Grades: Straight As or all As one B every semester of high school but the last, with one C. 13 AP credits, mostly in STEM areas like Calc and Physics.
SAT 1500, ACT 35.
Recommendations: I can contact my former government teacher and my former guidance counselor if needed.
Activities: Self taught programmer, Mu Alpha Theta math honors society, GSA vice president, Computer Club manager, worked part time through school.
Second generation Indian-American, female, lost contact with parents after a CPS investigation involving severe neglect, applying to university as an independent.
According to the most recent CDS, Rice accepts ~10% of transfer applicants. That’s actually more than I thought.
I received 26,000 dollars a year from UT and 16,000 a year from UH (combined schols+loans). I’m going to feel horribly lost at UT, but I don’t have a place to attend community college from (no car), and nowhere to live otherwise. My life literally just got turned upside down, and I don’t feel mentally ready to attend at all.
On page 9 of this document you can see how many transfers Rice took last year and the requirements.
https://oir.rice.edu/sites/g/files/bxs1496/f/2017-18%202.%20CDS_2017-2018_WEBSITE.pdf
If accepted, Rice does meet 100% of demonstrated financial need. -Also there are programs that help pay for your college if you have been in foster care. For what it’s worth contact:
http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Child_Protection/Youth_and_Young_Adults/Preparation_For_Adult_Living/PAL_coordinators.asp
I understand that is is hard to get in or transfer into the computer science major at UT. You may hate U of H but it has the major you want and you have a place to live. UT is widely regarded as a better school than U of H. Your AP credits might allow you to graduate early and save some college costs. Have you aged out of foster care? Is it possible for you to take a gap year and work/go to community college to save up money for college and reapply next year or in two years when things are more stable? In Houston, some of the community colleges are accessible through public transportation (bus or rail). Some colleges allow you to defer your start date for one or more years. Perhaps UT or U of H would do this. Rice is considerably more expensive than UT or U of H. However, if admitted you can major in anything you like except architecture and music. If you take a gap year, you might be able to apply through Questbridge to a number of schools including Rice for full ride scholarships since your grades and stats are good.
What makes you feel Austin is a huge risk, the chance you cannot study computer science? I would say you will be able to get As at UT Austin, given your record so far.
Have you looked at photos of the Austin area? What major can you study at Austin, and does it interest you? How about statistics and math with a CS minor ?
I think you will enjoy the openness in Austin, lots of diverse people and wonderful programs in many areas of study, science, business, math, engineering. I don’t think its too big for you. Houston is almost as big anyway, at 44,000 students. UT Austin has 39,000 undergrads and a large graduate school. I think they are about the same for size.
Look at the housing options at Austin. I think its better than Houston for rank, so it will serve you better.
As far as Rice, I do not believe its significantly better than UT Austin for most engineering, science, math and business majors. I would not worry about Rice. Its a school that is so small, it would feel stifling to some, socially and academically. Rice used to have a reputation for a lot of cutthroat premedical students who cheated, but maybe that has calmed down.
Larger public schools have better alumni networks. You cannot go wrong at UT Austin, and Austin is arguably
a nicer city than Houston as well. I loved the lakes and green trees and food in Austin. Its a bit safer for crime than Houston as well.