boston university or rice university

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by jude84, Jan 13, 2012.

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  1. jude84

    jude84 New Member

    Hi guys, I am back and here with more questions about academic reputation.

    I am wondering if I should pursue a trad degree at Rice University or follow my dream of attending Boston U?

    Money is not that much of an issue, but I am also hoping that my choice would pay off later in life.

    Which school do you guys think has more opportunities and offers more as an institution?

    Which school is more reputable and academically well known, at home and abroad?

    Rice or BU?
     
  2. mbaonline

    mbaonline New Member

    I think in the US and world-wide that Boston U would be more recognizable than Rice just because Boston is a well-known city.

    Rice is very well regarded too but less well known unless you're going to live in the Southern US. If you live below the Mason-Dixon line (or intend to in the future) I'd choose Rice otherwise I'd choose Boston.

    Good choice to have to make.
     
  3. Steve King

    Steve King Member

    If it's truly your dream to attend Boston University then I suspect that you'll always regret not going to BU when you had the chance. You only live once and Boston is a great city. I say, go for it! :dance:
     
  4. jude84

    jude84 New Member

    I think I am leaning toward BU because it's in Boston and it's probably more well known abroad.

    Rice is rated higher in the US News Rankings, but every single international rankings has BU placed way above Rice.

    I am just looking for a school that has ample opportunities as far as access to well known professors, internships, assistantships, clubs, organizations, networking, academic reputation and international academic recognition.

    I really want to take the degree as far as it can go along with whatever the school has to offer.

    Plus, I am planning on jumping ship and working abroad for a while.
     
  5. dlcurious

    dlcurious Member

    Rice is local for me and considered THE school to attend in the Houston area. Baylor is second, and if you feel like slumming it, U of Houston, followed by their many branch campuses. If you want to learn how to get mugged or shot, try Texas Southern.

    That being said, I've seen where many Rice graduates have gone abroad and done very well for themselves, especially in research related fields. Not si sure about BU.

    Can someone post where a legitimate international ranking puts BU about RU?
     
  6. Ian Anderson

    Ian Anderson Active Member

    Both are fine universities but the best one for you depends on several factors; perhaps one university is better than the other for your planned area of academic study, what are the relative expenses (both academic and living), which city has the best lifestyle for you, and which has the best weather.
     
  7. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    I agree with Ian. Both are good schools. I'm a Boston kid but I know about Rice. It's a quality brand. Is one better known internationally? I don't know and I wouldn't believe anyone who said they did know. In my own opinion people are making much more of these rankings than is warranted. They're really just a device to sell magazines to nervous parents of 17 year old high school kids. There's no real reason to believe that they reflect some universally felt reality.
     
  8. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    To steal a comparison from John Bear, that's like asking which apple is better, the Golden Delicious or the Red Delicious; both are very tasty & good for you, so it comes down to personal preference.

    I don't think you can go wrong with either school, but if your dream is to attend BU (I'm not even going to ask why), then I say go with BU.
     
  9. picklehead

    picklehead New Member

    I do not know much about Boston U, but Rice is a heavy hitter as far as I am concerned. Still, I would follow my heart. I would love a degree from Mississippi State....just a personal feeling about the right fit.
     
  10. jude84

    jude84 New Member

    The point is to get the most out of a school and I was wondering which one of these two would I get the most out of. Which one offers more in terms of academic opportunities, access to reknown professors in their field, and ample networking opportunities that stretch across the country and beyond.
     
  11. BobbyJim

    BobbyJim New Member

    Maybe the real question is....can you get into either?
     
  12. jude84

    jude84 New Member

    I got into both which is why I am asking.
     
  13. BobbyJim

    BobbyJim New Member


    Great! Must have missed that point. I would vote for Rice then. I have a few family members that graduated from Rice and had no problems with international recognition and success.

    Bob
     
  14. jude84

    jude84 New Member

    that's one vote for Rice. anyone else?
     
  15. BobbyJim

    BobbyJim New Member


    Actually it looks to me that there are at least 3 for Rice, but that's just our opinions. Do what works best for your goals....not what we would do! Both are good schools and I doubt you would go wrong with either....or a bunch of other schools.:wink:

    Best wishes,
    Bob
     
  16. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    Put me down for Boston University.....as someone else said, if one of your dreams is to attend BU, then go for it. As I said before, you won't go wrong with either school, so live a little and follow your dream.
     
  17. b4cz28

    b4cz28 Active Member

    It's a Southern thing but when I hear Rice I think top tier school, and when I hear BU I thing of the town.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 15, 2012
  18. Balios

    Balios New Member

    It's your school and your call, but if you're asking for outside votes, I'm +1 for Rice.
     
  19. Ian Anderson

    Ian Anderson Active Member

    Have you considered the climate of the two areas? I lived and worked just North of Boston for two years - I found the winters so depressing that I moved back to California. I understand that Houston is hot and humid in the Summer. So climate may be a consideration.
     
  20. jude84

    jude84 New Member

    Climate doesn't bother me. Unless it's way too cold, like Chicago cold, which I hear Boston is not.

    I figured that Boston U would attract top professors and guest lecturers. It seems like it would be a batter networking hub with more opportunities.

    But are people in here saying Rice U is more prestigious?
     

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