Why did you choose Rice?
I went on about 20 college visits starting the summer after my sophomore year. I was beginning to think I'd apply to a bunch and go wherever I got in because everywhere seemed beautiful and impressive: none of them stood out. However a family friend had gone to Rice and loved it and he pitched a visit quite strongly to my mom, who then planned a trip to Houston. I was rather skeptical ("oh yeah sure another visit whatever"). But while walking around Rice's campus (in 101 degree heat in August mind you) something dawned on me: it wasn't this ah-ha moment of "if I don't go here I will die." It was more of...wow, well this place just seems a little better than the rest in my eyes: it feels like it could be for me. After a second overnight visit later in the year I decided to apply Early Decision because, while I still was not 100% sure that this was where I was meant to be, I was certain that there was something drawing me closer there than anywhere else. I also figured I had a better chance of getting in ED. And it worked out.
College is better than high school because:
Your way of life is monumentally different. That was the biggest shock. No one really can convey what a huge transition it is; for the first few weeks I was walking around subconsciously thinking I was on vacation and waiting for the party to be over. I am now in complete control of my time, my class schedule, my extracurriculars, if/when I study, when I eat, whether I want to randomly go on a walk at midnight or take a weekend trip to Austin. At the same time though you have no one else to blame for any problems you may find yourself in. You think in high school (especially after you get your license) that you know what it's like to be independent: just you wait.
But I miss _____ about Visi.
the familiarity
Favorite thing about Rice so far:
My fellow students. There is such a natural diversity here. Rice may have quite a reputation for engineering and medicine, but the architecture and music schools are also world-renowned, and really each program is strong. The student body as a result ranges immensely. The one common denominator is that you can pretty much bet that everyone has worked incredibly hard to get where they are. I've talked to many people who turned down places like MIT, Harvard, RISD, Yale, etc to come here. And when you ask why, it comes down to the culture at Rice. People care about their studies here, and this makes for an intellectual student body, but they care about each other more. From what I've seen and heard, there is no real competition. I have had such great discussions about politics/current events just sitting at lunch. Yesterday someone explained to me how computers work at dinner. Mind blown. But somehow this doesn't mean we're all a bunch of stereotypical nerds. If you looked around you'd see what one might label as lacrosse bros, skater boys, hipsters, goths, barbie-looking girls, and yes some Asian computer geniuses. But what's awesome is that if you were to talk to them you'd find out that that bro is actually a biochemistry/bioengineering double major who is doing research with MD Anderson, that that vapid-looking blonde is in fact an astrophysics major who is did a semester abroad in Russia last spring, and that that Asian is actually a French major. It's kind of awesome.
What classes are you taking this semester?
--History of Modern Europe: at 50 students this is my biggest class and I love it. My professor is this great historian who consistently brings concepts we take for granted like capitalism and freedom into perspective. His lectures are incredibly well-structured and everything ties together (as it tends to with history).
--French 301: this is a small advanced grammar class which could easily be tortuous, but my eccentric professor makes it actually entertaining. Grammar gets so exciting that by the end of most classes he has broken a sweat from all his exaggerated gestures.
--History of 20th Century American Presidents: this is taught by Douglas Brinkley, a quite famous historian who knows an insane amount about America. I love this class because it basically consists of him telling us stories about American history for an hour. (Which we are tested on later.)
--America through French Eyes: this freshman seminar is nice because I've been able to get to know the other people in it. The class is centered on the unique relationship between France and America and analyzing the stereotypes, anti-Americanism, Francophobia etc. that exist between the two countries and have existed since colonial times.
--Who is (not) a Jew: another freshman seminar which I enjoy for the same reason as the other. It's about questioning the traditional definitions of Judaism and their origins: is it just a religion? An ethnicity? A culture? A way of life? A mindset? Not knowing that much about Judaism before, it's been a fascinating area for me to explore.
What is your favorite place on campus?
Probably where I'm sitting right now: this great glass-walled coffee shop (Brochstein Pavilion if you feel like googling), in the middle of campus surrounded by the live oak trees that characterize our campus. The architect designed the building trying to make sure that you don't feel separated from the open air...we call it the "People-quarium." It's a chill place to do work (as opposed to buckling down in silence in the library), with ready access to food and caffeine, and every time I'm here I see someone I know since its such a central location.
What sort of things are there to do off campus?
Houston has one of the highest percentage of per capita restaurants in the country. This makes for a basically endless variety of restaurant options that we really don't get sick of trying. (Yesterday my friend and I discovered this Greek place Niko Niko's down the street: So. Good.) I'm a fan of art museums so I've spent quite some time in the Menil Collection, the Rothko Chapel and the Museum of Fine Arts Houston: they are definitely on par with the museums in Washington. Houston is also known for the Galleria, this "mall of malls" that is quite an experience to go through. There's bungee jumping and ice skating on the first floor of the mall, along with any store you can imagine, on all price points. It should be crazy to see it decked out for the Holidays...everything is bigger in Texas.
In DC we don't hear a great deal about Houston, but it is actually the fourth most populous city in the country, is considered the "energy capital of the world," its theater district is second only to New York's in terms of concentration of seats, the Port of Houston is the US's most important receiver of international cargo, the Texas Medical Center in Houston is the world's largest (and is right next to Rice), and it also (of course...this is Texas after all) hosts the biggest rodeo in the world. All of this combines to make Houston a fascinating place with a surprisingly international and talented population. That we're in Texas also provides a fun dimension: a group of friends and I recently went to this bar/club called Wild West where you can go "two stepping" old-Texas style. I was pretty skeptical at first, but it turned out to be hilarious to watch and even try your hand at.
Best and Worst thing about having boys around?
--Best: They really do bring a different perspective to a lot of things, in and out of class.
--Worst: The things they sometimes say that they think are funny (particularly the sexist jokes).
Every Visi girls wants to know... What do you wear to class?
It's finally dropping slightly below the 70s now, so I'm starting to pull out the fall clothing most people in other areas of the world have already abandoned: pants, sweaters, scarves. Yet there are still some people walking around here with bare legs. Up until now though I've been wearing dresses, shorts and sandals. There is no typical wardrobe here: it can range from a computer genius type (think Mark Zuckerberg in the Social Network) to someone who really takes pride in getting dressed up for class. No one judges or cares: there's no real norm. Also...a lot can be said for having at least 6/7 days of the week with clear skies and sun. Yes its hot in the summer, but not really any hotter than it gets in DC. It's just hotter for longer. This gorgeous weather now makes it worth it .
Anything else you want Visi girls to know about Rice?
Honestly, Rice is not like any other place I've ever seen or heard about. I cannot stress that enough. Research it all you want and you will be hard pressed to find a really negative word about it (I definitely tried for weeks to do so). There's a reason the alumni endowment is as big as it is. A residential college system replaces Greek life with Harry Potter-like dorms each with its own crest, traditions, and fierce pride. Your college is the where you eat, sleep, and is the center of your social life. The spirit you feel for your college reminded me a lot of Gold/White and is most definitely part of my attraction to it. You are placed in a college randomly; each is meant to be a microcosm of the school so there is no "athlete" or "smart" college. I'm going to tell you that Duncan College is by far the best one on campus and I'd never ever want to switch colleges, but I will also admit to you that each college is deep down just as good. I struggled with maybe wanting to go to a larger football school with strong school spirit or going to a smaller more 1-on-1 academic college. At Rice I found both through the spirit in the residential college system. Also, the way the administration treats the students is wonderful. Most exams are unproctored because the Honor Code is so reliably followed. The alcohol policy on campus is based in trust, and it gives us the chance to be treated like adults. Nearly all events connected to the university are open to undergraduates: last night I saw Condoleezza Rice speak on campus, tomorrow I'll see the Indian Ambassador to the US. There are also so many ways to get legitimately involved as an undergraduate. Last year a sophomore made an engineering proposal to fix a ventilation problem that was making a lecture hall freezing cold. It was approved and now the problem is fixed. There are easily 40 student-taught classes every semester (Intro to DJing anyone? Exploring Magical Worlds?) We have both a completely student-run coffeehouse and pub on campus. Our President holds open office hours every week exclusively for undergraduates. Not so many research universities give their undergraduates this level of priority.
Yes, Texas is pretty far away and sometimes can feel like a different country (...some people here actually wish it was), but college is a time in your life when you can go just about anywhere, with relatively no questions asked. My thought was, why not explore a different part of the world?
If you would like to be in touch with Emma, as your college counselor for her contact information!
Published by:TSM
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