<p>I love Rice because I feel like I’m truly part of an academic community, not a bunch of people who happen to take classes together.</p>
<p>The learning happens inside AND out of the classroom–the residential college system gives students a great support network while at the same time fostering a ton of diversity. Genuinely nice and kind people are EVERYWHERE. it’s “cool” to be really school-spirited and involved in extracurriculars.</p>
<p>People are crazy smart but not cutthroat or overcompetitive. They want to be here for the right reasons. The school is small and everybody says hi to each other around campus. Study groups within your college are easy to form and VERY helpful.</p>
<p>Also, Rice gives merit aid–go to the Rice website and look up Century Scholars and Trustees Scholarship. There is no special application for this–everyone is considered.</p>