<p>So far, nobody from my school as applied to Rice. Ever. This year, we have ~5 applicants, all very strong (and some of us with similar ECs, although different ambitions.) I think I've also heard that it's harder for OOS students to get to Rice, so I'm kind of worried. (I'm from Ohio.)</p>
<p>Discounting that, I'd be somewhat confident in my application. My counselor, who's had students get into Yale, Brown, Duke, Williams, Vassar etc. thinks I'm a competitive applicant at Ivys (although I think she's being a bit overconfident.)</p>
<p>Harder from out-of-state? This is the first time I’ve ever heard/read that before. If anything, coming from out-of-state can be an advantage, as i understand it.</p>
<p>If your counselor is pointing you toward Ivies, then it sounds like you’re also in range for Rice. Does Rice meet your criteria? If it feels like a fit, nothing should stop you from applying! As for inner-school competition and common EC’s – essays matter a great deal and offer an opportunity to describe your ambitions and explain what you think you can add to the campus. Help Rice understand how you stand out!</p>
<p>Yeah, I know for a fact that they actually prefer out of state students. Kind of unfortunate for me, but it should help you!</p>
<p>On the other hand, the largeness of the group of applicants from your school might hurt your chances. It’s not like it was ever going to be easy though. Good luck!</p>
<p>I was in a similar situation when I applied three years ago. My school had had two students in recent years go to Rice, but my year we had five apply - four of us with very similar ECs and awards. Four of us got in and ended up attending, and three of those four got merit money.</p>
<p>Not sure how strong anecdotal evidence is, but I certainly wasn’t penalized. Rice like strong students, and will accept them regardless of how many other strong students from the same location apply. They’re not going to read all of your apps right in a row, and should consider all of you independently.</p>
<p>Yes they will be comparing you to your fellow applicants. So, if you are the strongest of the group of 5, you stand a good chance of getting in.</p>
<p>Also, it is slightly easier to get in as an out of state student</p>