UT vs. Rice (BME/premed) help!!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Rice University
1

<p>I applied as a transfer student to Rice for BME, and I was accepted.</p>

<p>Quick info about me:
-current UT freshman in BME
-waitlisted at Rice last year (did not get off the waitlist)</p>

<p>A year ago, I would've leaned towards Rice. However, after being at UT for a year, I'm not sure if it's worth it to pay the extra tuition for a Rice degree in BME. (note: money is not an issue, but I don't my parents to pay so much more if it's not worth it)
I feel like the BME department here is very strong, and the students are just as smart. BME at UT only takes the top 1%.</p>

<p>My mother and uncle are really pushing me to go to Rice though. They cite the higher ranking (Rice is 6th in BME, whereas UT is 14th I think), higher quality of education, and the higher level of prestige (UT is highly though of in Texas, but Rice is respected nationally).</p>

<p>My future plans are to apply to medical school. Everyone I have ever talked to about this matter has told me that your grad/professional school is the one that matters, and where you go for undergrad has little to no bearing on where you get accepted into grad/prof school.</p>

<p>I know that Rice also has the Texas Medical Center and such, but there are hospitals in Austin at which I can volunteer and shadow.</p>

<p>Just wanted some advice/thoughts on if a Rice degree is REALLY that much more valuable in terms of future prospects (nationwide) and better BME education.</p>

<p>Thanks in advance for your help! I really really appreciate it!</p>

2

<p>What caused you to apply for transfer in the first place?</p>

<p>Do you have your financial aid offer from Rice already?</p>

<p>Your undergrad experience where you can sink or swim at any school, is the first stepping stone toward your higher education. If you go to UT and become a top student with outstanding recommendations and GRE score, then there is no reason to leave, however, if you are a mediocre student with mediocre recs, etc, and if the same would apply to Rice, then you would be better off with a Rice education, in terms of doors being open for higher education/opportunities.</p>

<p>The difference between 6th and 14th is insignificant. If these rankings are accurate, then they are both strong programs. Probably the rankings though do not apply to undergrad.</p>

<p>Unless your parents have money growing on trees, the money IS an issue, as you (they?) will be paying LOTS for medical school.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>