Hi! I got an application fee waiver from Rice which really suprised me. Sure, I’ve gotten them from Tulane, Case Western etc. but that makes sense. Rice is a top school. Do I actually have a decent shot at getting into Rice and that’s why they contacted me or is this just a marketing scheme?
It is marketing and does not give an indication as to if you will be admitted or not.
The fact that you got a fee waiver usually indicates that you did well in standardized testing, and it’s certainly a good sign! It doesn’t mean that you’ll necessarily be admitted, but it does mean that your scores are likely on par with what Rice is looking for.
How about the reverse question: if a student submitted standard testing scores to Rice but didn’t receive fee waiver, should he even try to apply?
Sure. My daughter paid the $75 app fee and was admitted regular decision. Most folks probably pay the fee unless they have economic hardship. The fee waivers may be for a certain demographic Rice is trying to attract.