Do I have a shot at entry into Rice?

<p>Hello aspiring students and members of CC!</p>

<p>I decided to do the Rice Early Decision at the start of this school year, and so far I think my application is going well. However, today I got the results of my second SAT back, and it was lower than my first (and my first score was not something to brag about either). Anyway, right now, I am really worried if I can get into Rice since it's my dream school, but if I don't, I guess it's ok, and I'll try again next year. I plan to major in Bioengineering.</p>

<p>Some main points of my resume follow. Please give it a holistic approach, and tell me your honest opinions at my chances for entry into Rice. Your time is very much appreciated!</p>

<p>Education</p>

<p>Rank: 9 out of 791 students (unweighted) - top 1.1%
GPA: 5.488 out of a 6.000 scale (weighted)
AP classes I have taken/ am taking: World History, Psychology, Economics, Spanish Language, Spanish Literature, English Language, English Literature, United States History, Biology, Chemistry, U.S. Government, Calculus BC.
ACT (only once): 31 Composite--35 English, 34 Math, 29 Reading, 27 Science, & 8 Writing
SAT (first attempt): 2050 Composite--630 Reading, 690 Math, 730 Writing, & 8 Essay
SAT (second attempt :/): 1970 Composite--640 Reading, 650 Math, 680 Writing, & 8 Essay
SAT II Biology: 760
SAT II Math Lv 2: Taking November 2</p>

<p>Extracurriculars/ Activities/ Leadership/ Volunteering</p>

<p>Founder & Administrator of a Facebook group designed to promote learning and "students helping students." This is a site where students can ask each other for help, and I, most of the time, put reviews for upcoming tests and a schedules of the week.
Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) member & volunteer
Assistant Editor & Assistant Designer - Literary Magazine Club
Volunteering at Methodist Hospital
Volunteering at St. Luke's Hospital
Academic Challenge--National Academic Quiz Tournaments-- member, competitor, and assistant coach
Asian American Club member
Mu Alpha Theta (Math Club) tutor
Interact (Rotary Exchange) member & volunteer
Computer Science Club - competitor and member
Volunteered at Aunt's OB/GYN clinic</p>

<p>Total Volunteer hours: 150-200 </p>

<p>Honors</p>

<ol>
<li>National Honor Society</li>
<li>National Spanish Honor Society</li>
<li>St. Luke's Service Award</li>
<li>AP Scholar with Distinction Award</li>
</ol>

<p>I know my resume is not that great compared to those of some of you out there! I don't have that many awards, and I don't think I have ever gotten an award for competition, but I always did try my best. </p>

<p>Other Remarks/ Questions</p>

<p>I have good essays and 2 great recommendation letters. </p>

<p>I have a couple of questions though. 1) Should I send in both my SAT scores in conjunction with my ACT score? For the SAT, I am heavily banking on my subject tests, but I don't know how important those are to the admissions officers. My ACT score is in the range, and I hope they look at it and find it good enough. I am also hoping they only look at the English and Math, which brings me to this question: 2) Do they look at the Reading & Science scores? I have checked online on many sites, and I have found that there is only data for English and Math, which makes me wonder if they really do consider the other two subscores. On another note, I have signed up for an interview with Rice. I really want to show them that I am highly interested. I also want to try and tell them more about myself so that may look past my pitiful standardized test scores. However, I have signed up for this interview on November 22. 3) Is that too late? Is their enough time before the final decision for the admissions officers to consider the interview? Furthermore, I live in Houston, Texas. 4) Will this lessen my chances of getting in?</p>

<p>If you have any comments, please post them. And I am so grateful to those who spent their time reading this and trying to help me out! You guys are awesome! </p>

<p>I hope you guys have a great day, and good luck to anyone else applying to Rice!</p>

<p>What are your AP scores? What is your unweighted GPA?</p>

<p>I don’t see anything outstanding, but nothing bad either. I suspect you will be waitlisted.</p>

<p>Thank you for the reply!</p>

<p>My unweighted GPA is 3.83, or close to it.</p>

<p>My AP scores:</p>

<p>World History - 4
Psychology - 5
Economics - 4
Spanish Language - 4
Spanish Literature - taking currently
English Language - 3
English Literature - taking currently
United States History - 5
Biology - 3 (retaking)
Chemistry - taking currently
U.S. Government - taking currently
Calculus BC - taking currently</p>

<p>What do you think is “outstanding” for them? And can I show that through my essay?</p>

<p>Thank you again!</p>

<p>I think your rank is impressive. If you can get your ACT/SAT up a bit, that will definitely help your case.</p>

<p>Good Luck.</p>

<p>The thing is I can’t since I am applying early :/. If I get deferred, then I will definitely take it again. Otherwise, I think I will rely on my essays.</p>

<p>Thank you for your reply! I really appreciate it. :)</p>

<p>Your SAT scores are a little low but your gpa and extracuriculars are excellent. SATs aren’t everything, plus you’re applying early which really shows your interest in Rice. I think you have a pretty decent chance. :)</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>Thank you so much for your response!</p>