<p>I'm new to this site. I wanted to ask for advice on admissions.</p>
<p>Specifically:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>What kind of homeschoolers get into Rice? Are there any unwritten rules (things you have to do) for getting in as a homeschooler?</p></li>
<li><p>I am having a difficult time with the Rice Supplement essay topic. I have written three essays on the topic since this spring, but none of them seems acceptable. I am just not sure what a homeschooler should write about.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>A note: The whole theme of my application is based on my academic strength in English. (I got an 800 on the sat cr section.) However, my mathematics are weak for Rice. (A 550 in the math.) So, my essays have to be spectacular, since English majors are supposed to be good at writing.</p>
<p>Homeschooled or conventionally schooled, it’s my sense that Admissions looks for bright, committed students who will add something special to the campus and in the classroom. Perhaps you’ve written interesting essays, op eds, plays, poems that might show the admissions officers your special spark. Maybe you might want to write about how you’d like to contribute to the Rice Thresher or start a new journal on campus… </p>
<p>Congrats on your perfect CR score --now’s the time to give your all to boost your math score. It really needs to go up – and whether it’s tackling timed practice tests or working on difficult problems until they become easy – work at it … you don’t want it to hurt your chances of getting into a wonderful school. Good luck, Austerity!</p>
<p>I have taken the ACT, but I did even worse on the ACT math. I’ve never been a math person. I especially don’t like that the math on the SAT and ACT is mostly tricks and puzzles, or so it seems to me. So, anyway, my chances for admission with the current score are zero-ish? </p>
<p>Something special? How about reading? I have read literally hundreds of classics (hence the 800 cr score). I have written a lot, but I was debating whether it was worth it to send in my best short story. I have also done a lot of organic gardening. My family (and I) grow a lot of our own food. </p>
<p>The writing and gardening could be useful talking points. The latter could be used as an essay topic or an ‘About me’ starter. The former could be sent with your application as an addendum.</p>
<p>A 550 will not automatically eliminate your from admission, but it will make it very hard to get in.</p>
<p>I would definitely send in your best short story and I would consider describing your inspiration, writing process, and how you believe that Rice could help you develop your writing and expand your love for literature. Again, I’d bring up writing for the Thresher or starting a literary magazine. I think it could be quite impressive describing how you’ve nurtured your organic garden – possibly providing a scientific slant to your reasons for going organic. I’d consider including photos.</p>
<p>Austerity, if you have visited Rice and feel this is where you belong, write outstanding essays that will help Admissions see you as an “academe” who has lots to add to the campus. And try to find a tutor or someone who did really well on the math section to share some pointers to help you boost your math score.</p>
<p>I have heard “academe” used before to describe non-science/engineering students…and
I would guess they apply with lower math scores and soaring reading scores like yours.</p>
<p>OK, you think I should write that stuff for the Rice supplement, or as supplemental material that I send in voluntarily? I try to do some of what you say in my common app. essay and supplement essay. Could I pm those to you? If you wouldn’t mind, it would be useful to me to know if they create the impression they need to.</p>
<p>This depends on you. If you feel that you have something that suits the supplement well, then go ahead. Otherwise, you can send it in as a supplemental material.</p>