<p>I can't choose between University of Michigan and Rice!
I am going to study engineering, and am an international student so I have no idea how either campus looks/feels like, but I can't visit because they're too far away (I am in Japan)</p>
<p>Since this is the Umich forum, I expect the answers to be slightly biased, but any advice is welcome.
What do you guys think?</p>
<p>It depends what you want. Both are awesome schools. </p>
<p>Michigan is larger and probably more well known internationally, Rice is smaller and offers a more intimate atmosphere.</p>
<p>Because of its size and research activity, Michigan is obviously ranked higher in Engineering, but in terms of undergraduate education, Rice is just as good, so don't let the rankings fool you. </p>
<p>Michigan's campus is probably livelier and more spirited, offering an abundance of ahletic, cultural, artistic and intellectual events. Rice is probably quieter and not as spirited, but the students at Rice also fun and welcoming. </p>
<p>The Rice student body is much smaller and as such, Rice can be more choosy as to the students it admits. As such, it is fair to say that although Michigan's top two thirds of the student population compares nicely to Rice's, the bottom third probably doesn't. </p>
<p>In terms of professional placement, Michigan 's size and research attracts a huge number of recruiters, so the advantage probably goes to Michigan here, but not by much. </p>
<p>Finally, when it comes to graduate school placement, both schools are very highly respected in academe and will provide undergrads with a highly recognized degree.</p>
<p>Rice is located in Houston, a large city in Texas. Michigan is located in Ann Arbor, a college town in the Midwest. </p>
<p>In short, both are great, but they are vastly different. What type of environment do you prefer. If you don't care about environment and only care about prestige and career placement, toss a coin to decide!</p>
<p>rodolfo08, i'm in the same situation as you! international pursuing engineering and choosing between the 2! (and mayb NU).. i posted a similar thread in both the rice and UoM forums a couple of weeks back.. and received quite a few responses and opinions..perhaps you cld look at those too.</p>
<p>what i gather from others:
Rice has a more personal feel. 'Cos its so small, you get a lot of attention and help from the faculty. The residential college system also allows students to settle in and feel at home really easily. The general impression i get is that Rice students are v friendly (though a little quirky) and the environment is very welcoming. Internships and opportunities are also readily available.. Oh. and the weather gets real hot in summer (but we won't be there then..)
Also, varsity sports are not as popular as at Umich. Guess it's different in a Big Ten school! but a lot of students participate in intramural and club sports, so if you're into such activities, that'll be good.</p>
<p>UoM is huge.. at least in comparison to Rice. My cousin's there and says it's a beautiful college town. The engineering department is very strong too. (ranked highly in almost all fields) And.. football's a big deal there! The feeling I get is that school spirit is REALLY STONG! </p>
<p>okay, that's just my 2cents worth. correct me if i'm wrong! but i guess like wad Alex said, it all comes down to the kinda environment you prefer. Rice and UoM's seem world's apart to me.. How i wish i could visit them before making a decisioN!</p>
<p>similar threads about Rice/Umich:</p>
<p>Thanks so much for the replies guys. </p>
<p>smashin - which one are you leaning towards?</p>
<p>more towards Rice i suppose.
for the personal touch. residential college system. feel in general.
how abt you? PM if you're gg! (it'll be great to have more int'ls gg to Rice!)</p>
<p>Rice is extremely well-respected for Engineering. I think you should feel confident that you cannot make a wrong choice, whichever you choose. Good luck, and congratulations on having such fine choices.</p>
<p>Rice is somewhat underrated in the States outside of the South. This may be a factor to consider since you are international. How well known is Rice in your country?</p>
<p>nobody in japan has heard of rice.
maybe a tenth of the students at my highschool have heard of it. but i dont think that really matters as long as its a good school, which both umich and rice is so im back at square one</p>
<p>I think, the answer lies with your profile!</p>
<p>If you are a go-getter, independent, can decide on your priorities, and require "less hand holding", then a large research university like Michigan will be a good choice. On the other hand, if you need an environment where inter-dependence is very vital for your success, then a smaller university like Rice will be a better fit! </p>
<p>In terms of name recognition, Michigan has an edge. Partly due to the size of the alumni body and partly due to the fact that Michigan has very strong graduate/professional schools. Be it, Medicine,Engineering, Law, Business. </p>
<p>If you are looking for typical residential college life, Rice will be the right choice. In terms of academic experience, Rice may have an edge due to smaller class sizes and higher interaction with the faculty members.</p>
<p>These are my personal opinion and many may have different viewpoints.</p>
<p>Rodolfo, if you intend to move to the US, then I agree that Rice's reputation in Japan in inconsequential. However, if you wish/are forced to return to Japan when you are done with your studies, and if Rice is, as you put it, not that well known in Japan, then I think that should be a factor in your decision.</p>