Rice vs UT Austin

[Anonymous]

They are so different. I'm surprised you are choosing between the two of them (unless you are in TX of course). I don't think you can compare them at all. What type of environment do you want (small college v. large university; large city v. small city; etc.). Seriously they are not comparable in any way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:UT and Rice are both highly regarded. UT is huge though so very different experience

+1 Very different college experience, but both very good schools. I think an OOS student would have a better chance at getting into Rice than UT.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They are so different. I'm surprised you are choosing between the two of them (unless you are in TX of course). I don't think you can compare them at all. What type of environment do you want (small college v. large university; large city v. small city; etc.). Seriously they are not comparable in any way.

This. Even in Texas, they attract very different kinds of students. And I agree with the poster above who notes how integrated UT is into Austin. That's one of the biggest draws for UT students, most of whom live off campus after their first year and a good deal of socializing takes place away from campus as well. It is a good fit for a student who is independent, very self-directed, and seeking more freedom and less guidance. The school's size is good for students who have not settled on a course of study yet as there is lots to explore early on. I would also suggest that any student who is artistic/creative (even if they don't intend to major in the arts) consider UT as I think there is a more active arts culture at UT that is very tied into Austin's art scene. Rice has the Shepherd School but it small and focused on classical music. UT has more options for students who want to nurture a background in dance or minor in photography or another visual art.

Rice is a fantastic school though. It is not as laid back and attracts more "Type A" students -- very driven people with a high focus on education who often have very specific post-grad goals. It will nurture a student with those qualities and the small size of the school really gives students a chance to get to know professors. Rice is much more separated from the surrounding community than UT for undergraduate students, and could be a better fit for someone who wants a really cohesive school culture experience. But I also know lots of high performing students who would not thrive at Rice. It can be a bit of a pressure cooker and the social scene might feel somewhat limited for some students.

[Anonymous]

Are you in state or out? Does DC already have grad school/medical school in mind? Is $ a consideration?

[Anonymous]

They're both great. Much better than Michigan

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:UT and Rice are both highly regarded. UT is huge though so very different experience

+1 Very different college experience, but both very good schools. I think an OOS student would have a better chance at getting into Rice than UT.

We have a DC at Rice, but had another child with lower test scores (still pretty good) accepted at UT. I think full pay helped that child (but this was 7 years ago).

[Anonymous]

Many, many years ago when I was in high school, I was intent on going to UT (Plan 2 program) primarily because I loved Austin so much. (I grew up in NOVA.). I applied to Rice only because they accepted the Common Application, which was a relatively easy application to fill out. I was surprised when I got in and chose it based on academic strength and reputation. I told myself I could always transfer if I really hated it. I ended up loving the campus and culture. I agree that the schools offer VERY different campus experiences, and it really depends what your kid prefers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They are so different. I'm surprised you are choosing between the two of them (unless you are in TX of course). I don't think you can compare them at all. What type of environment do you want (small college v. large university; large city v. small city; etc.). Seriously they are not comparable in any way.

This. Even in Texas, they attract very different kinds of students. And I agree with the poster above who notes how integrated UT is into Austin. That's one of the biggest draws for UT students, most of whom live off campus after their first year and a good deal of socializing takes place away from campus as well. It is a good fit for a student who is independent, very self-directed, and seeking more freedom and less guidance. The school's size is good for students who have not settled on a course of study yet as there is lots to explore early on. I would also suggest that any student who is artistic/creative (even if they don't intend to major in the arts) consider UT as I think there is a more active arts culture at UT that is very tied into Austin's art scene. Rice has the Shepherd School but it small and focused on classical music. UT has more options for students who want to nurture a background in dance or minor in photography or another visual art.

Rice is a fantastic school though. It is not as laid back and attracts more "Type A" students -- very driven people with a high focus on education who often have very specific post-grad goals. It will nurture a student with those qualities and the small size of the school really gives students a chance to get to know professors. Rice is much more separated from the surrounding community than UT for undergraduate students, and could be a better fit for someone who wants a really cohesive school culture experience. But I also know lots of high performing students who would not thrive at Rice. It can be a bit of a pressure cooker and the social scene might feel somewhat limited for some students.

Totally agree with this insightful and nuanced summary. (I'm a Rice parent and aunt of 2 UT students. All three kids love their schools.)