The window of opportunity is closing, and I’m still having trouble between Rice and UVA. I don’t know what I want to major in, but I’m considering business, physics, astronomy, and statistics as possible choices. I’m looking for a school where I can have fun, but also receive a strong undergraduate education and grow as a person (currently pretty quiet and socially awkward).
UVA Pros:
In-state tuition
McIntire Business
Lots to do in Charlottesville
Will have friends already
Echols
UVA Cons:
Too close to home
Physics isn’t good
McIntire is not guaranteed
Rice Pros:
Amazing weather
Beautiful campus
Undergraduate focus
More one on one attention
Strong physics department
Rice Cons;
Tuition
No business major
Heard people are very reserved and weird (not sure if there’s much room for growth if that’s the case)
The trouble I see with possibly going into physics is that I would probably end up going for a PhD, and I don’t see myself going to school for that long. Physicists also don’t seem to have many job prospects, though that isn’t a big concern for me right now. Any advice?
Although Rice and UVA are comparable, if you are mostly focused on business I would go with UVA.
I think this really comes down to this: Do you see yourself working and living in Texas, or on the East Coast? While both are certainly national schools with great reputations, you still are going to be more likely to end up working for a firm in Texas if you go to Rice, and the opposite if you attend UVA.
I would add that the business climate in Texas is booming! Tons of wonderful opportunities.
Good Luck!
When we toured Rice with our daughter last year, it was probably the warmest vibe that I felt at all the schools we looked at, and we looked at a lot. It is a gorgeous campus, too. The weather can be very humid so not sure I would say amazing. Our tour guide was far from reserved and weird and she chose rice over penn because she was from Philly. If you describe yourself as quiet and socially awkward, then I’m not sure I would say the UVA culture is right for you even though you already have friends going. The money factor is a big one so I really think that your parents should have a big say in your decision. If money is not an issue, I would say spread your wings and go to Rice. I am a little biased because I fell in love with the school…