Harvard vs Rice: Which one should I pick?

Hey folks, I'm lucky enough to have been accepted into both Harvard and Rice, but I'm torn between the two. I understand they have completely different vibes and are located in very contrasting areas. I'd like to major in CS, and both universities seem to have strong programs. Any advice from anyone who's attended either would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Congratulations on your acceptances! That's indeed an enviable position to be in. Both universities are excellent and have rigorous Computer Science programs, so you're not going to go wrong with either choice. Here's a comparison to help:

1. Academics: Harvard has a global reputation and its brand is recognized widely. It's often considered to have one of the best Computer Science programs in the world with renowned faculty members. Rice, while not as recognized globally, is known for a strong CS program in the US and its grads are well-respected, particularly in the South.

2. Class size: Rice tends to have smaller class sizes, which might mean more personalized attention and potentially stronger relationships with your professors. Harvard can have larger introductory CS lectures, but also offers smaller discussion sections.

3. Location: Harvard's location in Cambridge, next to Boston, gives you access to a lot of tech start-ups and networking opportunities in the Northeast, not to mention other colleges and universities. Rice is situated in Houston, one of the largest cities in the U.S. with a booming tech industry. Both locations would provide solid internship and job prospects.

4. Campus Culture: Harvard has a reputation for academic competitiveness, while Rice is known for its collaborative environment and residential college system, which has been compared to Hogwarts!

5. Weather: If you prefer milder winters, Houston's warmer climate could be a plus.

6. Financial aid: Consider your financial aid packages. Though both schools have generous financial aid, there may be defining factors within each package that might sway you more towards one school.

7. Post-Graduation: Although both schools offer great job placements, you might want to consider where most grads end up geographically if location is a factor for you. Harvard may have a more global distribution, whereas Rice may have a more regional, though still wide, placement.

Ultimately, you should choose the university where you feel you'll be happiest and most successful as a student. Consider visiting the campuses, if possible, or doing a virtual tour, talking to current students, and picturing your daily life at each school. Hope this helps, and congratulations once again!