Why aren't more retiring in Houston?

[Leonidas]

However now she's been totally seduced by the image of being a Mighty Fighting Owl (or, as REW would say, a MFO). Rice had a great admissions brief followed by a good tour, and a student took her to lunch & class. The visit was exactly what she needed to be able to look around and say "Yeah, I could do this." She's totally jazzed and motivated to study for her next set of SATs.

During supper last night the HS kid and I were discussing the next step in college selection. The Princess chimed in with a bit of news regarding Rice admissions. She had a discussion with another HS mom, whose hubby is a Rice prof, and they were discussing our particular HS and college admission. The HS is about 40% Asian and the academic competition is brutal - of 45 National Merit Scholars in the district this year all the other schools eked out 1 each and the other 35 or so attended this HS. The Valedictorian will probably be decided on about the fifth or sixth decimal point in the GPA.

Anyway, other mom told the Princess that Rice has been slightly disappointed in the quality of incoming Owls over the last several years. They were brainiacs par exellence, many of them Asian, but the school feels that they have not been getting well rounded students. Too many kids who dedicated every waking moment to the books and didn't get very involved in non-academics. The current thinking is to adjust admissions to cut down on the maxed out SAT'ers with 5.99879 GPAs and get kids who are still wicked smart but bring some other things to the university.

This seems to follow a pattern that I've noticed that schools have started to discount, at least to some extent, the standard test scores like SAT and ACT. Older kid is a sophomore at the University of Tulsa, a school about the size of Rice, which has been vigorously recruiting NM scholars with full ride scholarships for years. He says that this years incoming Freshman had a collective SAT score that was much higher than his class, but there is grumbling around that the new frosh are not well-rounded. Or as he puts it, "outside the classroom they are a collection of dumbasses that can't carry a conversation."

Edit to add: Re-reading my post I think I need to clarify a point to keep the PC police off me. The reason I highlighted the high percentage of Asians in my posts is that there is, as with all stereotypes, a bit more than a grain of truth in this one. Not all of my son's Asian classmates are drudges who study around the clock, only about 95% of them. He had a conversation with a girl last year and he made a comment about the importance of having a life outside of studying for physics. She corrected him by saying, "No, Thomas, studying is everything".

 

[Rustic23]

My brother graduated, and later returned to teach at Rice. This was in the late 60s early 70s. One of the problem Rice identified was they were getting brainiacs that were dying at an early age. They concluded that one of the problems was lack of physical activity. They had freshman that could not throw a base ball 10 feet! They instituted a mandatory 2 year PE program for all students. The purpose was to expose students to activities that they could carry forth in life like hand ball, racket ball, running, swimming and such. I think it still exist today.

 

[Bestwifeever]

DD had to take two semesters of PE at Rice--I think she took golf. There were a ton of sports clubs--she started one herself that is still thriving--and leagues among the individual colleges. The kids were hysterically funny and smart, and the student population was pretty diverse--she is lucky to have all kinds of friends.

And the students certainly attack the most important problems of the day--most recently in the news, they've developed bio-beer :

Rice National Media Site

 

[Orchidflower]

God help their football team. They must never win a game... Still laughing at the last few comments (not PC, but oh! so true).

 

[Nords]

The HS is about 40% Asian and the academic competition is brutal - of 45 National Merit Scholars in the district this year all the other schools eked out 1 each and the other 35 or so attended this HS. The Valedictorian will probably be decided on about the fifth or sixth decimal point in the GPA.

Speaking from a state with a high percentage of residents of Asian ancestry, that's not a slur-- that's a family value. If you sort Hawaii school district GPAs by neighborhood ancestry then you'll find a similar correlation. (Admittedly it's homogenizing as the melting pot boils everyone down.) And if I was raising a family in that neighborhood and looking for money from the NMS people, then I'd move.

But maybe moving wouldn't make a difference. It seems to me that the National Merit Scholarship has become much more cut-throat than it used to be. My 1978 high-school class, not an intellectual hotbed by any standard, had two scholarship recipients out of <400. Our local 2008 high-school class had one out of at least 500, although Punahou scooped up at least a dozen NMS awards. I think the awards have dwindled from the top couple percent to the top fraction of one percent, but I haven't found any data to support this conjecture. I think the NMS cachet is only worthy of the résumé bullet, not the revenue, and that it's much easier to get major scholarship bucks anywhere else (Go Navy).

The "nice" thing about a school with such a high percentage of NMS winners is that it's self-perpetuating. The competition may be vicious but the teachers will probably be given quite a bit of support, training, and funding to keep teaching at that level. Maybe not much for homecoming parties & prom dances, but pretty good at turning out college-ready graduates.

Anyway, other mom told the Princess that Rice has been slightly disappointed in the quality of incoming Owls over the last several years. They were brainiacs par exellence, many of them Asian, but the school feels that they have not been getting well rounded students. Too many kids who dedicated every waking moment to the books and didn't get very involved in non-academics. The current thinking is to adjust admissions to cut down on the maxed out SAT'ers with 5.99879 GPAs and get kids who are still wicked smart but bring some other things to the university.

Rice admitted zero NROTC students last year, too. And if they're growing the student body 10-20% then they'll have to allow for some talent dilution... just like a major-league sports franchise. However the admissions staffer didn't bat an eye when he said "We'd like to see SAT scores of at least 1450." And he's a Rice alum with a degree in English literature.

I'm reading an excellent eye-opening college-admissions book ("What You Don't Know Can Keep You Out of College") that mentions this same problem. Schools are learning to go for a whole-person multiple, with less emphasis on GPA, or else they find themselves too inbred. Everyone stays in their room and studies instead of experiencing the "traditional" college life of passionate enthusiastic activism & exploration (& debauchery).

I'm told that Rice (and many others) are considering "norming" GPAs back to a 4.00 scale by taking away the AP course's extra GPA point. (Our school had dozens of people who scored a "5" on the AP Psychology exam. There were only three "5"s on AP World History.) They're also giving much greater weight to varsity sports letters, Scouting honors, and other leadership indicators.

Our high school has a pair of siblings who are truly phenomenal-- kids of research scientists, high-ranking finishers at Intel & Siemens national science fairs, National Merit Scholars, and simply scary smart. They've been like this since the 6th grade Geography Bee, and it's because of their parents. They look great on paper, however they're each only missing two things-- a life and a personality. One of them lacked the strength of character to avoid a cheating scandal. Neither one has even found the time to get their driver's licenses, let alone date or any of the other teen rites of passage. Those of you watching the TV show "Big Bang Theory" know the types of whom I speak.

Our kid has cut back to "only" two AP courses this year and life has never been so good, so we make the most of every opportunity to compare her new life to those two classmates of hers.

I keep meaning to spend more time on the discussion boards at CollegeBoard.com so that I can be aware of all the latest issues surrounding applications, interviews, and individual schools. Then I remember, "Hey... not my problem!"

 

[Culture]

Nords,

I meet the Senior class Valedictorian-to-be at my sons HS last week when she sat with us at a Orchestra concert. My son is a freshman, and I can 100% guarantee you that you would rather have my son working for you than this girl. She is a hard worker academically, very smart, but absolutely no other skills, socially or otherwise. Has never worked, has never dated, socially at about a average 7th-8th grade level. No knowledge of anything outside of academics.

 

[Htown Harry]

One of the problem Rice identified was they were getting brainiacs that were dying at an early age. They instituted a mandatory 2 year PE program for all students. The purpose was to expose students to activities that they could carry forth in life like hand ball, racket ball, running, swimming and such. I think it still exist today.

By the late 70's, P.E. was down to one year, but it covered about 10-15 different sports. Unless, of course, you flunked the swimming test given in the first week, which meant that you were sentenced to a semester in the natatorium. (Result: other than an occasional scholarship athlete who didn't have to take P.E., you will never meet a Rice grad who cannot swim.)

The gym facilities were terrible at the time, but like most schools they have upgraded significantly over the years. They just broke ground on a fancy new rec center scheduled to open in August 2009, just in time for Nords' daughter.

God help their football team. They must never win a game...

True more often than not.

This year Rice scheduled fewer games against big schools, and as a result they have a chance of a winning season. They are 4-3 at the moment. Somewhere there's a football bowl game with Conference USA ties getting real nervous at the thought of having to invite a school that boasts only about 35,000 living alumni.

Schools are learning to go for a whole-person multiple, with less emphasis on GPA, or else they find themselves too inbred. Everyone stays in their room and studies instead of experiencing the "traditional" college life of passionate enthusiastic activism & exploration (& debauchery).

Once the admission's office does its job, Rice's student body does their part in making sure that every former high-school nerd has a chance to widen his social horizons.

I'm guessing some of the details were not mentioned on the parent's tour, however. From last week's Thresher:

Superhero-themed NOD to have contest, burritos
​

Get ready to show off those washboard abs you've been working on all semester. This year, Wiess College's annual Halloween party, Night of Decadence, will take place tomorrow at 10 p.m. in the Wiess Commons. The theme is KryptoNOD: Horny Heroes and Villainous Vixens...

Wiess Socials Brett Wakefield and Becky Leven said they are expecting 1,200 to 1,500 people to attend. Last year, 1,391 showed up to the party, almost half the total number of undergraduates. There will be nine Rice University police officers, approximately 120 student security personnel, Emergency Medical Service volunteers on hand and three carts to transport people back to their colleges at the end of the evening organized by the College Assistance Peer Program...

Although last year there were concerns that students could wander into construction sites, Leven said she and Wakefield are less concerned about construction this year because there are currently no sites at or around Wiess. Nonetheless, RUPD Captain Phil Hassell said there will be security at the construction sites around campus to make sure students do not wander in.
​

In the commons, there will be club lighting, a fog machine, a shadow box and dancing poles. There will be many superhero-themed decorations as well, like a Batman-style spotlight and a "Fortress of Sexitude," inspired by Superman's original Fortress of Solitude. Leven said she and Wakefield are following a neon, kryptonite-based color scheme for decorations. There will be food including burritos from Mission Burrito...​

It must have all worked out. The Sunday papers had no reports of Batman suit-wearing, beer- and burrito-fueled Rice students hijacking construction equipment.

 

[Nords]

It must have all worked out. The Sunday papers had no reports of Batman suit-wearing, beer- and burrito-fueled Rice students hijacking construction equipment.

As a college alumnus, I'm deeply disappointed by the lack of spirit. Where's their engineering creativity, let alone the YouTube videos?!?

As a parent, I'm deeply conflicted. I'm not sure I care to know my daughter's opinion of the "Fortress of Sexitude", even if she was only planning to consult on the design & construction...

 

[haha]

In the commons, there will be club lighting, a fog machine, a shadow box and dancing poles.

Paging Sarah!

 

[Sarah in SC]

I think that hula hooping should be a required part of PE at every college, even the ones that don't have any hippies hanging around.

And hey, have you seen my new pole?
Yep, right by the front door!

 

[2B]

I think that hula hooping should be a required part of PE at every college, even the ones that don't have any hippies hanging around.

And hey, have you seen my new pole?
Yep, right by the front door!

This could cause me to reconsider my avoidance of financial advisors.

 

[Htown Harry]

Another reason not to retire in Houston...

Today, for for what seems like the fifteenth year in a row, I worked up a sweat putting up the outdoor christmas lights: 75 degrees with 80% humidity in mid-December.

But it did snow a bit one day last week, for the first time in four years.

 

[Leonidas]

Another reason not to retire in Houston...

Today, for for what seems like the fifteenth year in a row, I worked up a sweat putting up the outdoor christmas lights: 75 degrees with 80% humidity in mid-December.

But it did snow a bit one day last week, for the first time in four years.

I had the windows open for while today while cooking. It got so humid I had to close them and turn on the AC for a bit to make it comfortable in the house. If you don't like the weather in Houston, just wait fifteen minutes and it will change.

I heard there is a possibility for a second chance at snow next week!

 

[Orchidflower]

The first year I lived in Houston--having moved from Chicago--it just blew me away that the guy buying perfume for his lady at Nieman's was standing there in running shorts. All I could think was how un-Christmasy it seemed down there.
But, never fear, the beginning of January often has a huge turn around with too much chilly and cold weather that lasts thru mid-February or so. In fact, Houstonians have no idea how to drive on ice, so you find yourself staying home during that time alot.
However, I can say this as I found it amusing: nowhere in America are people happier than the Houstonians when it snows. They will be out there trying to scrape a cup of snow together if they can from the ground, laughing and smiling. It's rare there, and they really get a thrill from any snow that comes down as it's so unusual (maybe once every 10 years or so). One of my fondest memories of Houston is that.

 

[Victoriaplh]

I have been living in Houston for 4.5 years and start getting used to the city. Yes, it's hot and humid here (especially in the summer) but honestly don't mind the heat. There is no state income tax (a big plus) and medical facilities are generally excellent. It's a nice city to live and work and lots of activities around if that's what you are after. There are lots of high rise, cars and people. A typical big city, I would say. But for retirement, not for me. I'd prefer somewhere more relaxed and quite; something close to the water with birds landing at your front door sort of lifestyle. Having said that, I am seriously thinking about staying at Fort Myers (to be close to my mom) during winter months while renovating our winter house (inherited from my grandpa) in Ludlow, Vermont for spending my spring and summer. I love Ludlow for its natural beauty and mild weather (for the summer). I used to take the kids skiing there when I was married but I don't think I will be doing any of that when retire. To me, Houston is just too cosmopolitan. It's nice to stay for a couple of weeks but not somewhere you spend the rest of your life with. Just my personal opinion

 

[Chuckanut]

The humidity is wonderful for the skin, there is a vibrant cultural life, and fine universities. Also, no state income tax. What's so bad about that?

 

[REWahoo]

Another 'back from the long dead" thread...

 

[Nords]

Another 'back from the long dead" thread...

To a new reader it's fresh & vibrant, never-been-discussed-before! The thread, not Houston.

 

[rodi]

The humidity is wonderful for the skin, there is a vibrant cultural life, and fine universities. Also, no state income tax. What's so bad about that?

A friend I walk with likes to say that bit about humidity and the skin.
I think humidity is wonderful if you like feeling sweaty. I'd rather have a dry climate and apply lotion.

YMMV.

 

[HighRoller]

It was a great place to grow up and wo*k but after living there 60 years, I couldn't see living there in retirement. I just don't want to deal with the traffic and crowds and "rush" on a daily basis anymore. However if needed, it's only about a 2 hour drive to get there now.

 

[meierlde]

On the retire in Houston, you can get the climate and the no state income taxes in smaller towns more than 50 miles out. Or if you want a different climate do what lots do and try the hill country. A town of 30k gives you a choice of grocery stores et.al. and if ups delivers then amazon is always available. Why put up with the traffic hassle if there is no job involved.

 

[pb4uski]

Too humid, that's why.

 

[Alan]

Too humid, that's why.

Sissy





Disclosure:
We live near Houston for family reasons but leave for at least 4 months every summer

 

[pb4uski]

Sissy


Disclosure:
We live near Houston for family reasons but leave for at least 4 months every summer

You mean that you get while the getting is good.

I recall a July due diligence trip to Houston. During lunch we decided to go for a short walk like we would commonly do in many other places in the US. Big mistake. Within 1/4 mile we were soaked with sweat. So yes, I am a sissy.

 

[Alan]

You mean that you get while the getting is good.

I recall a July due diligence trip to Houston. During lunch we decided to go for a short walk like we would commonly do in many other places in the US. Big mistake. Within 1/4 mile we were soaked with sweat. So yes, I am a sissy.

The summers are brutal but the winters are pretty good (unless you miss snow and ice), and where we live has over 150 miles of bike and hike trails plus lots of tennis courts and over 100 parks all within a few mile radius and days will go by without using the car. Now that we are retired we can escape the hottest and most humid months.

However, if it wasn't for family we would be looking for somewhere else for our home base.