Well, aside from the fact that Reed is in the PNW and Rice is in Houston, TX, Reed is one of the most liberal campuses in the US, including naked week. While Rice is “liberal” for TX, it is a long, long ways from Reed.
Good luck!
@SoMuch2Learn I’ll probably just send it as an official report for some of the schools that seem like they recommend subject tests. I’ll have to talk to my counselor about the fee waivers, since I was under the impression that only people who qualify for aid programs such as free or reduced lunch qualify for fee waivers.
On another note, do you think the schools that I have selected so far are categorized properly into safety, match, and reach?
@lalalemma Thanks. Why do you say Colby is more selective? The three schools’ acceptance rates seem to be pretty similar.
@annaerhear Colby is 28%, Macalester is 34%, Reed is 36%. Generally speaking (of course there are some exceptions), it’s a good idea to look at most schools with <30% acceptance rates as reaches, so that makes the difference more significant. Though obviously it would be a lower reach than, say, Pomona.
While the NPC is a helpful indicator, it is no guarantee. With that in mind, are you sure you want to apply ED to Rice, when you have Michigan as a tremendous in state option with in state tuition? Do you value Rice that much above Michigan?
@wayneandgarth For some, Rice’s aid would be better than their instate flagship’s.
^ The OP could receive fantastic aid at a school like Rice. The University of Michigan says they meet the full need of in-state students. I would run the NPCs for both schools. See how much in loans each school offers. Rice and U Michigan could be close in COA.
@Qwerty568 - you are likely correct but it is not assured. The OP should apply either way to Michigan EA but could choose to apply to Rice RD. The OP can apply to Michigan EA and Rice ED and drop Rice if aid is not enough I suppose. Just viewed ED anywhere as a financial risk for someone in need of aid.
Also - the OP should keep in mind greater transportation costs. Tough drive from Michigan to Houston.
@wayneandgarth @txstella My situation might be a little different; I actually live in Ann Arbor, where UM is, so I want to try moving away for once. I still really love Michigan and I know it’s a great school though! I think I just like Rice better on many aspects. And while the npc is no guarantee, rice did come out as slightly cheaper than michigan, although they were both afforable ;] And as for transportation costs, I probably will only visit michigan once a year or so during summer break, since my family is not going to be living there anymore (back to home country).
Sounds great. Rice will be fantastic - best of luck! Though I doubt Houston has a Frito Bandito 
Are you an American citizen? Rice grants limited aid to international students.
I just want to make sure that you qualify for financial aid at Rice.
@txstella I am currently a permanent resident, but my mom is in the process of becoming an American citizen, meaning that I would automatically become a US citizen in a couple of months (definitely before college starts next fall).
You have done your homework. Best wishes!
I would suggest applying UChicago early in conjunction with Rice- its a good way to snag the opportunity to apply early to two privates, and boost your chances of admission (I applied UChic early with my ED, and am very happy that I didn’t wait for RD).
@puzzled123 Yep I was planning on applying early action to Chicago as well. Does it boost your chances even though it’s nonbinding? Also, if you don’t mind, how much of a chance do you think I have at UChicago early action?
@annaerhear Yes it definitely boosts your chances: EA acceptance rate was approx 10% while RD was approx 3%. I think you have the numbers and ECs, so admission will depend on your essays. Don’t underestimate the importance of the why chicago essay.
Also, just noticed your income- I am near certain that if you get into UChicago, it will be free
@puzzled123 Hahaha to be honest I’m pretty stumped on the chicago essays. I’ve been working on the why chicago one, but the other supplement is killing me >< Any tips for the essays in general?
I did check the npc for chicago AND it turned out to be nearly free, which I was very very excited about! The school seems extremely accommodating for low income students.
Update on my college list:
Michigan
Rice
Michigan State
UChicago
Stanford
Grinnell
URochester
Northwestern.
As an update, I will be attending Rice University in the fall paying $3k a year!
Congrats! Awesome school, and I hope you really enjoy the “college system” there, which really seems to build comradery with your fellow students.