Hi! I’m a junior looking to get into Rice and major in a field of engineering. Could you give me my current chances of admission, and tips to improve, based on what I have so far?
-I’ve played clarinet for 7 years, been in high school marching band for two years, won an award at Texas State Solo and Ensemble
-I’ve started to learn to play the piano, plan to enter a competition
-I’m planning on entering the Scholastic Art and Photography contest with a painting and a photo
-I’m part of my school’s debate team, and I’ve participated a lot but I don’t have prestigious awards
-I’m also part of: FBLA, Science Club, Innovation Club, Model UN, Habitat for Humanity, Mu Alpha Theta, Computer Science Club, Debate, International Culture Society, NHS and SHS
- I am president of Innovation Club and an officer of Science Club
- I’ve taken my SAT and gotten 1550(750 R and 800 M) and plan to take it again for a better score
- 800 on Math 2 SAT subject, 780 on Math 1 SAT subject, 800 on World History SAT subject
- 5 on the AP exam for Computer Science and 5 on the AP for World History
- I’ve consistently taken as many AP classes as my school offers, I’m currently in 7 AP classes
- Current weighted GPA is 4.6, can get it to 4.75 by the time I graduate
- Currently in top 20 people, top 10%, but might make it to top 10 people if I get straight A’s
- I’ve made A’s in all high school courses I’ve taken besides Geometry( both semesters )
- As a junior I’m finishing Calculus BC
- I’m planning to enter in the JFK essay competition and some more video scholarship competitions
- Applying to prestigious summer programs for the summer between junior and senior year
- Volunteered at library, animal shelter, nursing home for a lot of hours
- I tutor kids whenever I have time
- I help teach kids at my temple on Sundays
- On my SAT essay I got a 7/5/7, I’m retaking it for a better score
Thanks guys!!
Also, I can probably get pretty good rec letters and I’m gonna work hard on my application essays so I’ll make them as good as I can
And i’m planning to do the interview when i apply
@firefox226
Your accomplishments, test scores, GPA and extracurriculars are great. However, you need to realize that 90% more or less of the applicants to Rice and other reach school will have the same scores etc. as you. When my student visited Rice several of the engineering students she met had ACT scores of 32-33, and of course others had perfect scores. What makes the difference in acceptance vs. rejection? Well most of the students who applied with lower scores did choose early decision. They visited the campus, met with professors and students. Additionally, many of the students accepted have “a plan.” They have thought about how their degree and future will benefit the Rice community. Is there a particular professor researching an area you are interested in pursuing? What do you want to do with engineering after graduation or during the summers? How will you combine your many other extracurricular activities into a narrative that reflects your passion for engineering? What attributes will you bring to Rice that makes you interesting… besides a list of accomplishments? Most of the top 30 schools are looking for students who are not just smart but actively engaged and passionate about their contributions either now or in the future.
Thank you! @firefox226 I’ll definietly think about making a ‘plan’ to make myself stand out
I’d also like to add that I’m a black belt in martial arts, I’ve done martial arts for 6 years
You sound like a great applicant and fit for Rice. You might be interested in the MOB (marching owl band).
No point retaking the SAT IMO. Great applicant, you have a good shot; I don’t think you can do much to improve besides writing a couple of good essays.