<p>I know what you mean man. I’m dealing with the same situation myself. My parents are Indian, and my dad really wants me to go to Duke. He thinks that Rice is inferior to Duke because Rice does not have the same name in the Midwest or the prestige as Duke does. Rice is also a lot cheaper for me, so it makes no sense why my dad would want to pay an extra $100,000 for me over 4 years just so he can brag to others that I go to Duke.</p>
<p>In your situation, as others have stated on this thread, I would find people that support you. Luckily, my mom supports me (even though she wants me to go to Duke as well). However, I have discussed this situation with 3 guidance counselors, and they all support and agree with my decision. I would talk to your guidance counselors and have them become your “allies.” Also, be sure to mention that Rice is a smaller school that NU and JHU, and that means you will be able to shine more at Rice than at the other schools. In fact, Rice has one of the largest endowments per student of any university (just behind Harvard and Stanford). Find other reasons why Rice is better than the other two schools as well.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, Asian parents tend to have the view that the only good schools are the Ivies, Duke, Stanford, Northwestern, JHU, or MIT. I am sick and tired of this ignorance myself, and especially the ignorance about Rice in my high school (I was the only one who applied to Rice from my school) and city. I feel that college admissions would not be so competitive if it wasn’t for this ignorant view that only the Ivies/similar caliber schools are the only good schools out there.</p>
<p>Hope to see you at Rice next year!</p>