<p>I am absolutely torn between these schools. I really like Tufts; however, it does not have the exact major that I want. I would like to major in applied math or statistics, but Tufts only has a pure mathematics major. I figure I can try to talk to the math department and see if there is a way to focus the math major into something more along the lines of what I want. Rice has both an applied math major and a statistics major, but I would much rather be in Boston than in Houston. Any opinions?</p>
<p>While the major is “Math,” instead of “Applied Math,” you’ll find that the department is pretty evenly split between pure and applied mathematics. There’s a large group of applied mathematician who do a ton of interesting work around tomography, mathematical neuroscience, fractal theory, and other areas. And, in one of the most distinguishing aspects of the department, there’s a great deal of collaboration between the applied math and theoretical math folk, rather than the sharp divide that you’ll find within many other math programs, and several professors that straddle the line with projects in both areas that run simultaneously. </p>
<p>I have to say, of all the academic areas where I took classes, the professors in the math department were the ones that surprised me the most with their zeal for undergrads. The faculty member I’m closest with from my time as a student is a math prof - Todd Quinto - and students that major in math usually end up on a first name basis with most of the department and have ample opportunity to either join a faculty research project or find a faculty member to mentor them through beginning their own project. While I can’t contrast this with Rice, I would encourage you to contact departmental professors - especially those doing more applied projects - because I think you’ll find them to be really pleased to get to know you.</p>
<p>Haha, ohhh Rice… </p>
<p>I’ve lived in Houston my whole life, and I can say with confidence that about 50% of high achieving high schoolers have, at one time or another, considered going to Rice, or at least applied (myself included). Its a great school, with a great reputation, and its in the most beautiful, college-kid-friendly area of houston, by far (in my opinion). That said, its pretty hit-or-miss as far as enjoyability. </p>
<p>A lot of kids who go there are rather ******y, and have a general inability to mesh socially with people who don’t go to rice (superiority complex, maybe). Sister’s friend had a job at a coffee shop on campus and basically hated everything about having to serve those kids (picture being in a bar where you have to deal with arrogant smart asses, except theyre hopped up on caffeine instead of beer). I’ve also noticed that its kind of a safety school for houston val’s who juuuust aren’t quite unique or personable enough to get into an Ivy. </p>
<p>To be fair, rice is a reaaaally international school, so I’m sure you’d meet a lot more humble and interesting people there; just be forewarned, you WILL have to deal with the rich, semi-intelligent kids from river oaks and west university who got legacy’d in. </p>
<p>I may have only visited Tufts for a day, and some of this may exist there too, but between that and all of the people I’ve met who went there, good god I would choose tufts in a heartbeat. no question at all. (also if you want to experience houston, buy a car or get used to riding the bus, cuz this hoe is urban sprawl at its worst.</p>
<p>I’ve never been to Rice (or to Houston), though that seems a little harsh. It’s funny; I had similar impressions of the school down the street from me where I grew up. Perhaps sometimes you can know too much?</p>
<p>I like the reviews on *****… they tend to be less “farmed” (or so I think) than the reviews on other college review websites. You might find reason to dispute or confirm the above there as well.</p>
<p>[Edit: the website I attempted to type, that CC is too paranoid to let me say is U N I G O .com]</p>
<p>D is a math major and concurs with Dan that the faculty is dedicated and dazzling—also, that there is quite a bit of applied math going on and even that she believes Tufts is going to institute an applied math major. So, I would follow Dan’s suggestion about contacting members of the department to get a feel about what they’re doing and to confirm the belief about the new major.</p>
<p>HAHA, yea I probably do know too much. And as a disclaimer (though it should be obvious), that doesn’t describe everyone at Rice. Just, if you think of a school that seems to be filled with incredibly kind people (MIT and Tufts come to mind), Rice has always seemed like the opposite extreme. Obviously not a cest pool by any means, but it does seem to draw a certain “type” of locals.</p>
<p>But yea, I do apologize for that original generalization.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the help!
I will definitely contact the math department.<br>
Does anyone know about Statistics at Tufts? I really love it and want to be able to focus on that area.</p>
<p>Look at the math courses. There’s a great yearlong sequence, Math 161-161 (I think), in probability and statistics. It’s much tougher than the regular statistics, but you’ll find it more challenging and interesting.</p>
<p>My nephew (full scholarship kid) bioengineering major really blossomed at Rice. He felt Houston was much better than typical east coasters think (he’s from DC). He loved the residential college system. </p>
<p>We love Tufts too.</p>
<p>I agree with Dan, since you know what you want to do carefully compare majors and course offerings and talk to professors at both schools. I think it will become clear.</p>