Hi guys, I really really love Rice Uni and I’m applying there ED! I have a senior interview with them coming up soon as well. Please leave your opinions about my chances getting accepted to Rice.
Demographics
State/Location of residency: Washington State
*I’m an international student because my family doesn’t have a green card yet.
Type of high school Public:
Gender/Race/Ethnicity Female, Indian Asian:
Intended Major(s)
Chemistry or Chemical Engineering
GPA, Rank, and Test Scores
Unweighted HS GPA: 4.0
Weighted HS GPA *: NA
Class Rank: School doesn’t rank
ACT/SAT Scores:
ACT (took once): 36 Composite - 36 English, 36 Math, 35 Reading, 35 Writing
SAT Math Level 2 - 800
SAT Chemistry - 800
Coursework
AP Chem - 5
took 3rd quarter/semester General Chem (after AP Chem) at local community college
AP Physics 1- 5
AP Bio - 5
AP Calc AB - 5
AP World History - 5
APUSH - 5
AP Comp Sci A - 5
AP Eng Lang - 4
12 grade classes:
Data Programming (Python)
AP Gov
AP Physics 2
AP Stats
AP Calc BC
College English
Science Mentor for AP Chem
Awards
AP Scholar with Distinction
Girl Scouts of America Gold Award, Silver Award, Bronze Award Girl Scout
School District Council PTSA 2020-21 Outstanding Student Advocate Award Recipient
Women Ikon 1st Place Folk Dance Award
TSA - 1st place Engineering Design in State, 3rd place Biotechnology Design at Nationals
HOSA - 8th place in Health Education at the HOSA International Conference, 6th place in Pathophysiology at the HOSA State Conference
*FBLA - 1st place in State for like 3 events, Top 10 at Nationals for Business Plan
Extracurriculars
Founded and directed a school distrcit-wide elementary science olympiad program to create opportunities for kids in my community ( 3 years). 200+ kids (including special ed and low-income kids)
President of Tech Student Association. Did tech competitions, won nationally (3rd place)
Summer 10 week research program ( semi-competitive) in organic chemistry
Classical Indian dancer for 9+ years
HOSA (Health Occupations STudents of America) - won in Health Education, extended my project by presenting it to drug abusers at rehab centers
Girl Scouts for 9+ years - several community service projects, lots of adventurous activities
FBLA (business stuff)
short 1/2 week research training programs
math tutor
MUN, Speech and Debate - won several regional awards, especially in 9th/10th grade but my interests took a full 180 so I didn’t pursue it further
LORs
Counselor - I just met him this year - 5/10
AP Chem teacher - 10/10
Honors English 10/part of AP Eng Lang teacher - 8/10
Superintendent of my school district - 10/10
Essays
Personal Statement - 6/10
Why Major - 4/10
Why Rice - 5/10
Diversity - 7/10
Cost Constraints / Budget
I don’t qualify for any need-based aid.
I hope I get some merit scholarships but if I don’t, then my parents and I can share the cost through loans, etc.
I think you are in great shape and I am sure your essays are fine given all of these accomplishments.
You have a high chance of being among the 15% to 20% admitted ED if there are a similar numbers of applicants as last year -
If Rice attracts more ED applications from high achievers looking for admit rates that slightly favor their chances it will be a little tougher, but still looks good.
Keep working on fine tuning your other essays and review the purpose of the Senior interviews and have your thoughts and questions ready. They value demonstrated interest - but in ED that in theory is everyone.
Why are you rating your essays as mediocre? Did someone look at them and tell you they were written poorly or are you just a harsh critic of your own work. I would be happy to look at them.
Rice is a reach for all, and more so for an international student.
Have you run Rice’s net price calculator? Does it show that you would be full pay? Students can take out $27K max in loans over the 4 years of undergrad ($5.5K the first year). Any loans needed beyond that would be on your parents, either directly or as a co-signer.
Make sure you have a balanced college list, including at least one affordable safety school that you would be happy to attend. The admissions process will be more difficult for you as an international student.
You have amazing stats! Just note that for Girl Scouts you can only mention the Gold Award, as the others are earned before high school. Good luck! I’m sure you’ll get in somewhere fantastic and do really well.
Amazing achievement. ED chances very high for Rice, have you visit Rice before? Note that for Chemistry Rice ranks below UT Austin and Texas A&M.
I work in HR field, we know students from Rice are smart but at the end we prioritize higher ranking colleges and look at students’ performance in college.
You achievement is so high you should also consider Ivies as cost will be close to Rice.
You have excellent credentials and should have a good chance to be admitted. However, Rice has many more ED applicants than spots. Keep preparing your other applications in case ED does not work out so you are not caught short on time for the other applications. Some of Rice’s financial aid programs such as the Rice Investment are not available to international applicants. International Students | Office of Financial Aid | Rice University