<p>I put Applied Mathematics on my application, and I've recently been thinking about switching back to majoring in Biology and doing pre-med. I consider math to be my best subject, but I'm worried that the fact that math is my lowest ACT section might hurt my chances of acceptance. (I have an overall 35 with a 32 on math and a 35 on everything else.) My grades in math are really good, almost perfect. I had a 99 in AP Calculus last nine-weeks. I'm just worried that this one weak spot might negatively affect my chances . . .</p>
<p>Basically, how much will this hurt me if at all? I'm kind of stressing about this and I'll keep stressing until I find out if I've been accepted or not.</p>
<p>The first and most obvious questions: do you have any significant math-related EC’s? If yes, I guess that your lower score on math won’t matter much if at all.</p>
<p>I don’t . . .The only math related EC my school offers is Mu Alpha Theta and I didn’t join that until this year because last year the announcement for applying for the club was made last year when I was outside for band.</p>
<p>I have made a 33 on the ACT before but that was from my sophomore year, and I’ve also made a 34 before but that was on an ACT that didn’t include writing. The one from my sophomore year was an overall 33. The main reason for my lower math score I think is that I get stressed with the restrained time and I work too fast and make careless mistakes . . .</p>
<p>EDIT: I will say though that my math grades have consistently been my highest grades throughout my high school career. Could that offset that in any way?</p>
<p>You aren’t applying to the school of applied mathematics or biology, but to Rice University as a whole. Your major choice shouldn’t affect your application chances.</p>
<p>The admission FAQs state that “In your application to Rice you must specify which one of our six academic schools is your primary area of interest. The six schools are architecture, engineering, humanities, music, natural sciences or social sciences. Although this is not a binding choice, the decision should not be made lightly. We are looking for a thoughtful response to this question. Our academic schools are looking for different strengths and qualities in applicants, so you will need to choose the school in which you feel the most confident of your abilities and interest. If your application is denied, you cannot be reconsidered under a different school.”</p>