I read on the Future Owls web site that interview is “not required, but strongly encouraged.” However, to qualify for an off-campus interview, application must be submitted by 12/11, only a week from now. My son may not be able to finish all essays by then. If interview is important, should he even apply to Rice if he misses the 12/11 deadline?
@bogeyorpar They always encourage interviews. When my son visited they said the interview can help if it goes good, but if not it could hurt. So that was a risk he took. it is a way to show interest and maybe standout. I am positive lots get in without doing an interview and would not worry about it. Though if he has a chance to see the school and do a tour that is good. I actually heard there were tours over even christmas break. Also following them on social media may be someone he could do. .Any way to show interest! Not sure where he is from.
If he doesn’t get it done in time, he should still apply. If he is from a place close enough to easily visit Rice, he should try to visit. Alumni do the off campus interviews. Rice considers demonstrated interest. At my daughter’s school in Houston, the counselors encouraged all of the serious Rice applicants to do an overnight visit and interview. Of course, it is very easy to do so living in town. Light a fire under him to get his app in and request an alumni interview asap.
We are a few thousand miles from Houston. He’s been to the Rice info session in his school and shook hands with the AO, but hasn’t been to Houston yet. We are planning to visit during the winter break (for the school and for the warmer Texas winter weather), but it seems the on-campus interview has already concluded and the off campus interview is in jeopardy as well.
Have your son email the admissions office and let them know you all will be visiting in Dec/Jan and ask if he could sit down with someone in the office. He might also email a few professors in his major and see if any would be available to talk with him about Rice/opportunities. Demonstrated interest does not have to be an alumni interview. Good luck!
Due to timing issues, my son never interviewed but still was admitted RD (now a freshman). We did two formal on-site visits prior to the admission decision in order to “demonstrate interest”. I assume that helped.
@bogeyorpar it sounds like he has done what he can to demonstrate interest. As @phokie said an interview is not required. @cheetahgirl121 has some great suggestions. Enjoy your visit during winter break. We usually have pretty nice weather then in Houston. My daughter is serving as a campus tour guide over the break.
@Houston1021 , cool, PM me her schedule and we’ll try to book that session 