soo0461

So I'm a Psych major, and even if I might change my major, I know that I'm not going to go into sciences. This is one factor that makes me lean towards UCLA, since it has a better psych program than Rice (Rice's undergrad psych program, sadly, isn't ranked). The fact that Rice is more famous for its engineering, biochemistry and other math/science fields is not a plus for my side. Also I know I don't want to live in Houston or the South forever, so while Southerners might really love Rice, UCLA's international reputation might be more beneficial for me, somebody who still doesn't know which country she will end up in (Korea, Australia which I used to live in, the States...). And also there's no one-way flight from Seoul to Houston, which makes it bad for my family to come over and go back frequently. My family would definitely prefer me to be in Cali than Texas. On the other hand, I'm almost in love with the school Rice itself, everybody who went there seems to love it so much, and I can already see that I'm going to love my four years there. And UCLA's humongous population and its enormous Asian population is not what I wanted for my future university, although I think I will be able to adjust if I choose to go there. Additional information: I'm shooting for going to grad school later, and hopefully, ultimately, being a professor in my field. Is it true that going to an undergrad program that's stronger can help me for going to grad school?
I know this is a LOT to consider, and I definitely need second opinions! Please help.

jiceo1

Well, choosing a stronger undergrad program might help getting you into grad because you get more opportunities overall, but school doesn't matter that much as many people say. Since you're international (I'm too, 1st year here), my question for you is: "How important is the cost?" If Rice gave you SOME amount of aid and since UCLA doesn't give any aid for intl, I'd choose Rice. (and you also said you loved the school).

soo0461

Thanks for the response, jiceo1 - the problem is Rice didn't give me any aid I asked them for it after being admitted, but I doubt that will change anything. And in the Rice financial statement it said I won't be allowed to work off-campus as stipulated by U.S. immigration regulations, does this mean I can't get an intern too?

strangequark

RICE. there is no question about the school itself and private is always > public.