<p>I wouldn’t make a gamble with that being one of your only safeties. Rice especially considers demonstrated interest in their program, so if you haven’t visited or whatnot they may give less preference to you than someone who’s demonstrated interest in the program from day 1. I am, by the question, assuming you haven’t visited; just note that it’s perfectly fine to apply for a fairly reputable school, but it’s probably better to have a progressive range of safeties (with a guaranteed full ride, then a school with decent financial assistance, then a low match like Rice, etc.) than to put up a gambit for a fairly selective program with virtually no financial assistance. Obviously this changes if you qualify for FAFSA money or have parents willing to pay for your education.</p>