Just an FYI for OP and anybody who gives out advice about Pitt but doesn’t follow it closely - Pitt seems to have changed its process this year. No applicant has received a decision yet, even those that applied right on Aug 1. This is a big change from prior years. Rumors are circulating that say acceptances may not start until mid October. There is low level panic on the Pitt threads right now.
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I teach high school in Texas. I have two former students in Northwestern and some in Rice. My daughter graduated from Rice so consider my input biased. Rice is overall more collaborative than Northwestern. Students believe they have a say in everything on campus, and are in charge of a lot of things. Oweek is the best freshmen drop-off and bonding experience. The students run the daily in-and-outs of campus newspaper, cafe, radio station, bike shop, and EMS. They must collaborate (negotiate and compromise) way beyond coursework. It’s everywhere and in everything. I have discouraged two former students from applying to Rice because they were the capable and dominating kids who would, upon receiving a group project assignment, do it all and ask the team members to sit and watch. That’s not how Rice students work.
My Northwestern students feedback described a stunning campus with ambitious and busy students everywhere. The impression is that the majority of undergrad students are double/triple major or dual degree or in a combined Bachelor/Master program. There’s not much energy spared beyond studying and working. Their Quarter system is much more demanding than their peers feel in Rice and UT.
Houston weather is nothing to be desired from early May to early November; however, Evanston winter is far from enjoyable. Rice food is overall better than Northwestern. Northwestern sports are stronger than Rice. Both are great schools. I would suggest that you talk to several current students in both universities to get more information.
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Thank you for the suggestions! I will definitely check those out too.
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Thank you for the insight- this is an amazing perspective comparing the two schools! I would certainly appreciate Rice’s collaborative nature, and I’m sure I will make some good like-minded friends during my time there. On the other hand, I feel that Northwestern’s engagement and busy students would be very motivating, especially with the work ethic you described.
I have a few old friends who went to or are going to Northwestern, but I don’t really know anyone from Rice. However, I will certainly try to find student opinions-I’m sure they will give me a better perspective into the university than any college rep or tour can give me!
Ask admissions for an opportunity to speak with a student ambassador or for a student in your area of interest to speak with.
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I think your chances are good. My son who was accepted to NU has a similar profile as yours though he had a higher GPA. But your EC’s are stronger.
He also applied RD to both Rice and NU. But was WL at Rice. Although, he did not do any of the optional stuff at Rice. At that time, he was already accepted EA to a different school so was very unmotivated and was just humoring me with the Rice application
Either way you go, I think you will land at a great school. Good luck!
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