Can I get into Rice University, with a 4.283 weighted GPA and 30 ACT? I have started 2 clubs (a music club including all performing arts and a VEX Robotics team), held STEM leadership positions, have 150+ hrs of volunteering, got a 720 on the bio. sub. SAT, and have done research in a college setting in a program called The Governor’s School at Innovation Park. I know that my scores are lower than the average at Rice but my common application essay explains my core personality traits through a unique life story (I’m not going to elaborate on the essay because it’s very personal).
Half of Rice students score between 33 and 35 on the ACT so you would be considerably below average there. Rice heavily weights URM status in its admissions decisions so you’d still have a reasonable shot if you fall into that category. Otherwise your odds would be quite low, though there are a few admits whose compelling life stories allow them to overcome low test scores.