So Rice invited me to Vision back in February. I had just gotten deferred from Princeton, so I thought okay fine why not, but I didn’t really expect too much. Fast forward two and a half days and I was 100% set on Rice—I told myself that I would take Rice even if I got into HYP (which I honestly would). I’ve just never felt so happy in my entire life—I blew off a lot of the planned events and just hung out with the students at Rice and I just felt like I’d finally found my place.
Once I got my official acceptance from Rice, I was overjoyed. And then Stanford happened… No one in my family’s ever gone to college (parents came here from Mexico, blah blah you get the story), so when I got into Stanford, my entire family blew up. Cousins, grandparents, relatives I never even knew I had were fawning over me saying they always knew I was a genius. Seriously, the whole world must know I got into Stanford by now.
Financially, Stanford’s parent contribution is 1k while Rice’s is 9k. My parents say to not worry about the money, that they can pay and they just want me to be happy (I am going to try to see if Rice will give me more money). But now that it’s come down to Rice vs. Stanford, it’s an endless game of tug-of-war; I just don’t know what I want anymore. As for my major, I’m completely undecided, so that doesn’t help. I know that most people in this position would probably choose Stanford, but something always pulls me back to Rice. I was in Houston this weekend and I just couldn’t stop thinking about Rice and how much I would regret not going there. On the other hand, I still haven’t visited Stanford, but I’m going to admit weekend. Maybe I’m underestimating Stanford.
I just don’t want to make the mistake of choosing Stanford just because of the name and its prestige. Rice is so underrated, and I just can’t imagine turning my back on it. I’ve always wanted to leave Texas (lived here all my life), but now I’m second guessing myself and honestly idk what to do. Any thoughts?? Opinions??? Suggestions??
sorry if this post is really fragmented and long-winded lol im just really emotional and scatterbrained atm
You’re off to the admit weekend at Stanford. Hold off on further musings until then. Try to keep an open mind. Palo Alto weather is beautiful – I can testify to that!
Unless you are planning on taking many classes at Rice’s Music conservatory, I’d say Stanford is a no brainer.
[Stanford does not have a great music program these days]
A Stanford education , {and at virtually no cost!!}, will open many more doors to your future than Rice.
I think you are underestimating Stanford, and will change your mind after admit weekend.
I guess I’m also just afraid because I don’t feel like I’m good enough for Stanford. I feel like a Stanfraud sometimes.
I haven’t had the best time in high school. Not really any friends, not many people to talk to… I guess that’s one of the reasons why I latched onto Rice so quickly. Stanford’s social atmosphere seems to be relatively similar, so I hope that I love it just as much.
“I guess I’m also just afraid because I don’t feel like I’m good enough for Stanford. I feel like a Stanfraud sometimes.”
This is natural to feel but Stanford is a very prestigious school and is extremely difficult to get into. You made the cut and that’s something to be proud of.
I think you’ll feel a similar sensation after going to Stanford’s admitted student’s day. Those things really have the ability to get you fired up about a school!
I think you feel this way about Rice because that was your first impression. I agree with the others. Give Stanford a chance, and you will be overwhelmed with the opportunities you’ll have after graduation. Why else do you think Stanford has been all over the news recently? I’d choose Stanford in a heartbeat.
Also, if you end up disliking it for any reason, it’ll be MUCH easier to transfer from Stanford to Rice than the other way around.
You can’t go wrong with two such great schools! My son is in a similar position and is choosing between Rice and Columbia. In fact, we are in Houston right now revisiting Rice and it is sooo beautiful. Congratulations on having such a great but tough decision to make! (and I love the Stanfraud comment, hilarious… I am sure you would do great there)
You really can’t make a decision until you see Stanford. You did not know you loved Rice until you spent a few days there. Give them both the same chance. Don’t miss out on Stanford because of fear of being a fraud. If you pass on Stanford because of distance or a bad fit, that makes sense, but you will regret it if you pass because you are afraid. They turn away thousands of qualified applicants. They didn’t make a mistake letting you in. Rice is a great school. They steal a lot of top students from HPYS every year. You would not be the first one to fall in love with Rice. You have great choices!
No, not at all crazy…but, yes, do hold off on decisions and judgment 'til you have the Stanford campus experience. [Deciding here between Rice, Vanderbilt and Northwestern. Weather isn’t a major factor, but the academic and social fit is.] And, yes, money matters. It just does. Aid packages are not at all 1:1:1. Debt is not a pretty thing. And given your options, debt (or overspending) is not necessary. It just isn’t. Both are great schools. Once you visit Stanford…after you’ve asked (and had answered) all of the salient questions, go with your instincts.
Just purely looking at the money, $1k is a whole lot cheaper than $9k. That’s like comparing a modest $100k house to one luxury home just under $1 million. How could your parents afford that? Go visit stanford so you can make an informed decision. You somehow have in your mind that Rice is academically the safer choice. That may not be true.
The Stanford Admissions Office didn’t accidently put your application in the wrong pile! They chose you out of tens of thousands of applicants because you stood out from among them. They would not offer admission to anyone whom they had any doubt that they would not succeed nor excel in the Stanford atmosphere. You deserved it and you can do it!
Now, if you say that you don’t want to go because of the fit and you like Rice better, then go Rice all the way! You only live once, make it count
