Chance (ED)?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Rice University
1

<p>Korean-American living abroad. I spent my freshman year in TX.</p>

<p>GPA: 3.70/ 4.0 (The maximum GPA is 4.0, not 4.3. Anything above 94 is an A and something in between 84 and 93 is a solid B.)
SAT I: 2270 (710 C/R, 780 Math, 780 Writing. I will take it again in Oct.)
SAT IIs: IIC 790, Chem 770, US history 700 (crap)
APs: I haven't checked my scores yet, but I have taken AP Chem, AP English Lang. and Comp., and AP US History.
TOEFL: 280
English is my second language, and I have been under American curriculum for 3 years.</p>

<p>Senior year schedule: AP English Literature, AP Calculus AB, AP Biology, AP Spanish Language, Physics (1st year), Global Issue (real easy class), and Strings (which is the same as "orchestra" class in American public schools)</p>

<p>My GPA for the first semester of junior year is really crappy. I got something like 3.15, so my cumulative GPA went down significantly. However, I bounced back by getting a 3.75 in the second semester.</p>

<p>E/C and Awards
* Orchestra for all 4 years (I have been playing the cello since 1998)
* University Interscholastic League Cello Solo 1st Class in 9th grade
* 1st place winner for The 15th Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association Math Contest (9)
* Spanish Club President (12)
* PSAT National Merit Commended Scholar (11)
* National Honors Society (12)
* 200 hours of community service at Chimsulwon (It's a nonprofit organization in Korea where old ppl and the phsically challenged people are treated with oriental medicine. I treat patients with acupuncture and moxibustion)
* Taekwondo 2nd Dan holder
* Internship at two hospitals
* Track and Fields, basketball, and starting DB for freshman football in 9th grade (my current school doesn't have teams for Track and Fields and Fball. Therefore, this prolly doesn't count at all). I don't play any sports at this moment</p>

<p>My GPA and E/C suck, but am I likely to get in if I apply ED?</p>

2

<p>GPA and rank are the most important qualitative factors for admissions, despite the greater social pressure of standardized tests. Without knowing your rank or grades (i.e. 3.15 from B's, C's, a D or F?), it is hard to say. Your improved SAT I score will likely not affect your chances because you are already above average for Rice. I understand there is a tendency to do even better and score even higher, but your scores are not what will hold you back at all. Other than that make straight A's first semester senior year, and look passionate about something (which I'm sure you are) on your application so that you can add something distinctive to Rice. I think your background is a plus and if you make that interesting in writing, I would say ED you have a decent shot.</p>