<p>So I'm pretty much deciding between USC or Rice (unless my waitlisted schools come through which is a long shot!) but I was wondering which school is better for Global/Public Health. I know USC has a whole major in Global Health and when I visited for Explore USC, they presented the programs in an amazing way that made me really like the school and program. As for Rice, I haven't visited yet (I'm going April 12 - April 13) but I know they only have a minor in Global Health but some of the people I have been talking to have said that they have a good Health Sciences major that would be ideal for me. I'm not sure if that would work in the Global Health/Public Health spectrum though so I was wondering if anyone could help enlighten me on what you think is better!</p>
<p>Since college students are more than not likely to change their intended majors after going to college, I'm also very much considering other factors in deciding between the two schools (like money, class sizes, professor availability etc). I want to go to a smaller school with smaller size classes which Rice definitively has more prevalent than USC but I did receive a merit based, half scholarship (Presidential Scholar) from USC which is rather enticing as not only does it give half tuition off but I get to live in a special Brinkrant dorm which is pretty awesome! </p>
<p>Sorry for long post, but with all these mind, what do you guys think is better for me?</p>
<p>Thanks for any input!!</p>
<p>P.S Just for more information, I DO plan on going to med school if that plays a factor in any way!</p>
<p>I would see how you feel after your visit to Rice. Rice is an awesome school and campus. It would not have as fun of an athletic scene as USC (Southern Cal I presume) but aren’t they under some sanctions anyway? Rice is smaller and my daughter had a great experience there. See what you think,</p>
<p>If you are planning on medicine, does your major work with that goal? Do you need to take classes outside of the major and core to fulfill your requirements which means additional work?</p>
<p>Rice names any APs that fulfill your requirements for medicine as part of the transcript given to medical schools. I have seen a list on CC in the past on how Rice does that. The school is also in the middle of the largest medical center in the world with major research initiatives between Rice and the two medical schools within walking distance.</p>
<p>MomofWildChild- Yeap Southern Cal! And yeah I’ve heard that visiting Rice basically makes or break it so hopefully it will help do it for me! Thanks!</p>
<p>Texaspg - Mmm, well I mean some of the courses necessary for Med School will overlap because Global Health does require those classes but I do think I will need to take additional classes outside my major which does mean additional work…</p>
<p>Oh wait, I’m confused on that naming part? Could you explain that to me please? Does that mean Rice takes all AP credit that only works towards Med School?</p>
<p>That is true…the Houston Medical Center is pretty amazing with tons of opportunities for Rice students I’m assuming. That is another thing USC does falter on… but does Rice help you get those opportunities or is it all self search?</p>
<p>From what I remember Rice does the following as an example.</p>
<p>You have taken biology AP and submitted the AP score transcript to Rice for credit. When they provide a transcript to medical schools showing you have met your credit requirements and you need 2 classes of Biology, they will list your AP Biology credit as meeting one of the classes needed. Look at this chart and see if you can figure it out. </p>
<p>No, it just means Rice is accommodating in giving you credit for AP exams as well as counting them as part of the college transcript. So it is a good deal if you have done well in APs and don’t want to retake some of those classes to count for medical school.</p>
<p>Oh I see, yeah I’ve taken quite a bit of AP and IB classes so that should help! USC takes credit as well but not sure what their exact policy is so I should look that up and compare but thanks for the link and information!</p>
<p>Come on? Really? Have you been to Houston? Can you say hot and humid? Which school will allow you to graduate with the least amount of debt? If you want to go to med school, your grades and MCAT score are what counts- no one on a committee will say USC is better/worse than Rice, they’ll look at your scores. Go to USC, have fun, you’ll see some great football games.</p>
<p>Academically USC does not compare to Rice. USC’s rankings have been a recent phenomenon - Rice has been an outstanding institution for a long time. I’d take Rice easily.</p>
<p>Duke58 - Well I would say USC does cost less but Med Schools look at internships and other opportunities as well and Rice, since it is situated near the largest medical facility in the nation, provides much more ample choices. But your point is well taken, thanks!</p>
<p>Fliqer - Hrm what do you mean a recent phenomenon for the USC rankings?</p>
<p>I did the Health Science major (under Kinesiology department) and really liked it. There were several friends that I knew that did the Health Science major, minored in Global Health, and were pre-meds so it’s very doable. And like you mentioned, the Medical Center in Houston can’t be matched anywhere. There are so many opportunities available there.
If you have any questions on the major, you cam PM me.</p>
<p>Go to Rice - the nice thing about attending an undergraduate focused school with a great endowment is the incredible resources you will have. If you want to go to med school both schools will have similar curves, but knowing Deans and having access to thesis research, paid study abroad, and other benefits make Rice will make it easily the right choice in my opinion. I have seen the way small schools just prep students vs larger academic institutions - its a benefit to consider.</p>
<p>I ended up choosing Rice! The academics, environment and overall feel felt better at Rice. Visiting Rice during Owl Days truly helped shape my decision! It’s a tough choice you have, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with either one! Good luck choosing!</p>