Does Rice compare you to other applicants from your school??

Theres this one kid in my grade who has perfect grades and hes applying to Rice during the RD round like me. I’m pretty sure that we’re the only two people from my school applying, since historically students from here never really apply there. No one from my school has ever been accepted there either since very few people apply, and also because our state is pretty far away.
I was wondering if I would be measured up against the other guy thats applying, who is most likely the valedictorian :frowning: My schedule is more rigorous than his so I guess that’s good, but he still has a better GPA and test scores. Hes known to be pretty mean and standoffish though, so I’m not sure if his rude personality will show in his application. Will I look bad compared to him? And also, are my chances not that great because of my schools history with the university?

I wouldn’t worry about comparisons, because it doesn’t really matter and it’s not under your control! If you’re worried about your school being a factor, call admissions and ask what their policy is regarding that.