Advice for a junior!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Rice University
1

<p>Hi, I’m a junior interested in Rice’s engineering program, and I wondered how to maximize my chances by senior yr.</p>

<p>Here are my prospective stats by senior yr: </p>

<p>4.0 UW, 4.35W, top 25% at competitive public HS
2100+ SAT
a few 750+ SATiis.
6 AP tests (2 5s already)/4 AP courses
Close to NO ECs!! (perhaps 50-100 hrs volunteering, 50 hrs internship, some science/math competition, a JV sport, but no leadership or other national awards)</p>

<p>What is the best way to maximize my chances by next yr?</p>

<li>Get 2300+ or 34+ on the SAT/ACT and a few ECs (but no national/ground breaking stuff though)</li>
<li>Study a college physics course during the summer and a few ECs.</li>
<li>Do some internships, research or more science competitions as well as more significant ECs</li>
</ol>

<p>Also, I’m very passionate about science and math, but my weak ECs are due to the fact I just went to the US from low income family so I don’t have as many opportunities/time to build up significant ECs. I do significant things during my free time, but they are not award winning ECs. For example, I play piano (9 yrs), guitar (2yrs), soccer (since I could walk :))… but don’t really have awards for them.</p>

<p>I wish I could do all 3 options, but they are mutually exclusive.</p>

<p>Thanks for reading. I am impatient to read your opinion/advices!!!</p>

<p>-Watson&Crick</p>

2

<p>Do option three.</p>

3

<p>enjoy some time in school and worry about this later</p>

4

<p>Do option 3; you won't regret it.</p>

5

<p>Oh actually I just noticed! They aren't really mutually exclusive.
Try to do everything at once!</p>

6

<p>Oh sorry mathnerd I was under the assumption that there are only 24 hours in a day... silly me!</p>

7

<p>hmm...these options are not mutually exclusive. make the most out of ur summer.</p>

8

<p>I am a junior too, also interested in Rice's engineering program. I just toured Rice yesterday (in fact I'm sitting in Houston right now) and absolutely LOVED it.
They seem really focused on EC's though, cause they pride themselves on their vibrant study body. Your stats fit right in with Rice, so I wouldn't focus on boosting your stats too much.
I'm voting for 3. Plus, it's what I plan on doing this summer :)</p>