“It’s true that Rice students are almost shockingly happy”
That was our impression on our tour. I loved it; felt like a summer camp for smart and totally unstuck up people. My son - more of a mad scientist introvert type - found it odd and was suspicious. While I was busy figuring out how to go back to college so I could go to Rice, he was visibly withdrawing and commenting “it’s so weird, mom. They’re all just so, so nice!” I tried to convince him to apply as a diversity admit - he could be the Lone Pessimist on campus.