<p>Rice as an undergraduate institution is better than UT overall. However, UTs honors programs offer a similar academic atmosphere as Rice without the price tag. However, Austin provides a much better college experience than Houston. It has great live music, better public transportation, and great outdoor scene. Houston as a whole is basically a giant suburbia. Admittedly, its a bit better in the West University area, but its still pretty bad.</p>
<p>As far as premed goes, I dont know much about Rice. UT premed is cake if you are among the academic elite. It seems half of the school is aspiring doctors, but only a few are willing to study for it. If you are among the academic elite, I would suggest applying for Natural Sciences honors program Dean Scholars. The program accepts ~60 students per year, but claims 100% medical school acceptance rate for those DSer who pursue medical school (Id take that with a grain of salt).</p>
<p>Your in-state status will not help that much on admissions to UT, since the top 8% rule applies to those who went to high school in Texas. However, if you are good enough for the honors programs, youll be good enough for UT as a whole.</p>
<p>From an academic and college life perspective (without considering cost).
If I were choosing between Rice and UT, I would choose Rice.
If I were choosing between Rice and one of the UT honors program, I would choose UT.</p>