UVA is arguably top 10 undergrad business and even MBA, and you’ll fit in with other students at the university better than at Rice, I would think, as the latter is mainly for intellectuals and quants/scientists. Unless you want to enter the business side of the oil & gas industry, UVA for sure, unless cost is an issue.
Doing my due diligence and talking around, it looks like about 2 to 3 percent of the last class at Rice was placed into investment banking. The placement has doubled from two years ago. It looks like Rice is significantly improving. I think what it comes down to is fit and if I am okay with Houston as a whole and spending my career in oil and gas.
Careers are long. I don’t care the industry. Some may purposely lock themselves. Others don’t.
I don’t believe your life will be defined career wise at 22. I just don’t.
It’s great you are researching but I also think that you are being too black and white.
The other thing I’d note is - made 2% fit into IB but you’re presupposing 100% wanted that. Maybe it doubled based solely on desire - double the kids that next year wanted it ?
You’ve got two wonderful choices. You likely win with heads and tails.
Best of luck.
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Still deciding right now. UVA came back with a new financial aid offer, and they are 11k/yr cheaper than Rice. At Rice, I would have to take 10k/yr in loans out. UVA: none. Rice is guaranteed for Houston IB after I’ve talked around with Rice students. I’m looking to live in the South so that’s no problem. Should I take the risk with UVA and hope I get into McIntire?
This is a tough decision. Both excellent schools. UVA if you get into the b school is probably better for IB. But what if you don’t? It is cheaper. I hear that although competitive, sounds like people do get into the b school at McIntire at a relatively high rate. If you’d rather go to UVA, go for it, but just prepared to work hard and have a plan should things not turn out the way you hope.
Personally, I’m risk averse and would recommend Rice to my kid since it’s an awesome school with an up and coming b school that is direct admit.
Everyone gunning for IB needs a plan B. Everyone.
There are no guarantees- at all. The program and the college and all the clubs and the networking and the informational interviews can only get you so far.
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UVA McIntire acceptance rate was 51% last year. B.S. in Commerce Admissions Statistics - Experience McIntire
This year the process will be different so who knows what to expect. The issue with any secondary admission process is that things are not entirely in your control. One can have perfect grades in the required courses and still not be accepted.
If you didn’t get into McIntire, what would be your Plan B? If you are comfortable with that plan, that means things would work out either way. I expect some non-McIntire students have gotten into IB, but don’t know that for sure.
For the Rice debt, you won’t be able to take $10K per year in loans. Are your parents taking out those loans (or co-signing them?) How much debt people are comfortable with is unique to each family and their situation. Here is a loan payment calculator so you can figure out your payments and required salary to pay the debt off.
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Ooh this is a tough call. rice’s undergrad business major is new. What was the final choice?
Still deciding rn
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I just can’t get over the fact that at Rice I will be surrounded by more intelligent and ambitious students over UVA. Not to put UVA down, I love the feel, but at Rice I would own the South which is where I want to be. Rice can get me anywhere in Texas and the sunbelt. It’s a super target for Houston IB.
To state the obvious, U Virginia is the better option from a financial perspective.
Really ???
Which school would you prefer to attend if your career goal changes ?
Rice is the better option overall if my career goal changes. I’ve been dead set on business since 14 and been working in corporate settings the past couple of years.
My Rice grad was there before they had an undergraduate business program, but he had lots of doors open to him in his chosen career. @Catcherinthetoast can speak to the benefits of these programs and their potential as I believe he has previously upthread. Best to listen to people who have firsthand knowledge. Sure sounds like there’s a ghostwriter around here as well. 
Thanks for commenting. My only concern about Rice is Houston. Is it really that bad as people back it to be?
This doesn’t seem accurate. IB spots are very competitive, and it’s not only Rice students who want those jobs in Houston, or Dallas, or anywhere else.
You might readjust your attitude (said gently with kindness.)
At Rice and UVA and many other schools you will find very bright, highly capable classmates. Some will have worked in business like you have. Others will major in English, Math, or Neuroscience and go into IB jobs…because, well, some banks really like the non-business majors in these roles. So, go to college with the mindset that you have a lot to learn. You don’t ‘own’ the south or a given school’s opportunities, you will have to work hard for every opportunity no matter the school you choose.
Continued good luck making your decision today.
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You went from this…
To this…
Given you are an aspiring I banker, I will extend the courtesy of talking to you like a junior banker. Settle down killer and let’s not get crazy😀. You will have to earn it.
You will need to accomplish a lot and have a certain degree of luck before anything is even close to “guaranteed”.
Either school can get you to where you seem to want to go but please don’t allow yourself to get ahead of yourself. You are clearly very smart and either option will provide a strong platform for eventual success.
Sincerely wishing you all the best! FYI my bank is joining the growing ranks of IBs with Houston operations that will be direct recruiting at Rice.
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I spent many years in investment banking and one of the best analysts in my starting class was a Philosophy major.
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Unusual question for one so determined to be in Houston both during and after college.
Isn’t today your deadline for selecting between Rice & U Virginia ?
Yes it is. I think I’m going with UVA.
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It depends on your personal taste. My D who was born and raised in New England loves Houston. She loves going to tons of restaurants and every type of convenience a big city offers. 3 professional sports teams within 10 minutes of campus. Vast employment opportunities. She loves being able to go to a major concert. She loves walking to Rice Village. She recently went to a McKinsey networking event downtown.
When she told her class she was going to Houston, people thought she was crazy. Wouldnt you be happier at an Ivy League school? Nope.
Who cares what other people think or believe. Make the best decision for yourself.
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