Essay Question

Colleges and Universities A-Z Rice University
1

<p>I have a general question about Rice's essays (and this probably applies to other schools too). For Rice there are four essays to write.</p>

<p>1) Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (150 word limit)</p>

<p>2) With the understanding that the choice of academic school you indicated is not binding, explain why you are applying to that particular school of study. (150 word limit)</p>

<p>3) How did you first learn about Rice University and what motivated you to apply? (250 word limit)</p>

<p>4) The Committee on Admission is interested in getting to know each candidate as well as possible through the application process. The following essay question is designed to demonstrate your writing skills and facilitate our full appreciation of your unique perspective. The quality of Rice's academic life and the Residential College System are heavily influenced by the unique life experiences and cultural traditions each student brings. What personal perspective do you feel that you will contribute to life at Rice? (500 word limit)</p>

<p>Other than the 4th essay, what can Rice get from the other essays? At 150 word limit, that only ends up being around 10 sentences--a couple of paragraphs max. At 250 words you might squeak out 3 paragraphs. </p>

<p>Not that my son is complaining about short essays!!!</p>

2

<p>My S tried to portray his interest in Rice by writing about his view of what he sees as unique about Rice (and himself) and not the same experience as anywhere else. Essentially he was very genuine in describing himself and how his perspective lines up with what others have experienced at Rice. So essentially he gave them something of a look into his head and hopefully the admissions counselors see him fitting on campus the same way he sees himself fitting in there. He felt the shorter essays were harder as he had to be concise in 150 words. I think the first essay is just a way for them to see what he does besides academics that would define him and perhaps show what he might continue to pursue on campus.</p>

3

<p>Rice can get a short and descriptive answer without having to wade through pages and pages of verbose language. the first 3 aren’t really essays but more like short questions.</p>

4

<p>Good point Antarius. It is amazing how different each school’s approach to applications are.</p>