<p>Hi all,
I have recently been admitted to UCSD with a Regents Scholarship and also to Rice University, although I recieved no merit aid and no financial aid from them. In addition, I was also admitted to UCLA and Northwestern, but I feel that they are weaker schools for biochemistry.
I am a CA resident and I am having a tough time deciding between these two schools. While the small class sizes at Rice and greater access to research are really attractive, I'm not sure if its worth the cost.
Another thing is that I have more of a "quirky" personality (UChicago was my top choice school, but I was rejected) and I am not sure which school I would fit into better.
Any advise would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>UCSD is hard to beat in biosciences and the industry is all around San Diego. Advanced science classes are always smaller--even at a state school.</p>
<p>Biosciences is one of Rice's strongest programs. </p>
<p>I think you should go to Rice, and I don't know much about UCSD, but at Rice it's a very inclusive community and you'll have no problem fitting in. Rice's residential college system is amazing.</p>
<p>If you want to consider class sizes, Rice has a student-faculty ratio of 5:1 and has a MUCH, MUCH smaller student body than UCSD, like <3000 versus 20,000+ at UCSD.</p>
<p>I think if you can visit both schools to get a better idea.</p>
<p>For biochemistry:</p>
<p>in-state tuition @ UCSD >>> full price @ Rice</p>
<p>I like Rice a lot. It is a very fine university and has a much smaller, undergrad-focused environment. I just don't think it's worth the premium over UCSD. </p>
<p>Also, San Diego's year-round room temperature weather >>> Houston's heat and humidity.</p>