I need your advice please!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Rice University
1

<p>Recently my interest in Rice has been growing insanely because the diversity and undergraduate size appeals to me, as well as the fact that it's located in Houston (I can't imagine being away from the lights!)</p>

<p>However, no matter how excited I am, getting into the school itself is another matter. There are days when I get really hopeful but then it gets shot down because of my ridicuously low test scores (and I only say low because it doesn't even compare to the greatness of the scores that have been posted all over this site!) </p>

<p>So yes, I'm am going to make a "chance" plea, not really asking you guys what you think the chance is of me getting. Instead, I really need some suggestions as to how I could improve my standings and strengthen my app now that application time is near.</p>

<p>Decision: Interim
Rank: 2/300
GPA: 4.79
Ethnicity: Asian
SAT I: 1930 (will take for the third time in October)
SAT II: Math II, Bio, Chem in November
APs: 4 in Bio, 3 in English Lang, English Lit, Chemistry, Env. Science</p>

<p>AP classes:
10th: Biology, Computer Science A, English Language
11th: Chemistry, Physics B, Environmental Science, US History, Calculus AB, English Literature
12th: Calculus BC, Statistics, Physics C, Computer Science AB, Music Theory</p>

<p>Honor classes: Ordinary Differential Equation, Anantomy & Physiology</p>

<p>Summer courses at a community college:
US Government - A
Economics - A</p>

<p>I have 100+ community service hours at local hospitals, club functions, and from tutoring children.</p>

<p>Activities/Awards:
- Math Club: 4 years; VP for 2 years
- Science Club: 4 years; VP of Outreach; Public Relations/Recruiter
- NHS: 3 years; VP in the 11th; President in the 12th
- Varsity Tennis: 2 years; Rank 2 in Doubles in district
- Manager of Boys Varsity Soccer Team: 2 years
- Pantex Science Bowl Competition: won 4th place team in region for 2 years
- Member of school's elite Sophisticated Ladies dedicated to giving back to community</p>

<p>I don't know how appealing that might seem, but if there's one thing that sets me apart from other applicants is be my passion for journalism (even if I plan to major in Molecular Sciences!). For the past three years, I have been the Editor-in-Chief of my school's newspaper. If you are a Texan, you might know about the UIL Academic competitions held annually. Since freshman year, I have been actively participating in these journalism competitions which include Headline, News, Editorial, and Feature Writing. I have won many awards each year and have slowly progressed to a higher level each year (last year I went to State!) I am really hoping this this would make my application somewhat stand out if I place extra emphasis on it.</p>

<p>Also, I hope I also stand out when it comes to diversity. I was born in Texas but my parents left me in the care of my grandparents in China when I was two months old so they could settle here. I didn't really meet them until I came back to Texas when I was three years old. My parents have a small restaurant in which I have been literally helping out at since I was three. It has become my first home because it is where I spend all my time after school and on weekends until the wee hours of the night, helping my parents clean up. In a way this has somewhat limited the activities I have participated in as well as school, but nonetheless, I have done my best to apply myself in every situation regardless of the boundaries. I guess what I'm trying to say is, where I can talk about this situation on my application? And is it something I could add to the volunteer section or is it something for an essay or both?</p>

<p>I really need to strengthen the way I present ME but I don't know where to start. All in all, what do you think?</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

<p>(wow that was long! :])</p>

2

<p>Your story about China and working with your parents would be interesting to write about in your essay if you can tie it to how it has shaped you as a person and affected your perspective and that kind of thing...</p>

<p>Fortunately for everyone, Rice's admissions process is more hollistic than some... so even though your test scores aren't great you have a lot of other assets that will help you out. If this is the third time you are taking the SAT's, make sure that you can make some significant improvement in your score... How much of a difference is there between your first and second scores? If there isn't much... you might not want to retake a third time.</p>

<p>The bad thing about senior year is that there really isn't much more you can do to strengthen your application except write a killer essay and get some good teacher and councelor recommendations. Since you're from TX you'll have much more competition since Rice is trying to expand to reach more out of state students (hate to say it, but OOS definately has an edge) so REALLY make a point to show your interest in Rice. If you aren't in Houston or you haven't already done an on-campus interview consider scheduling one. Do lots of little things like that to make sure they know that you're there and you're interested. (That's one advantage TX kids have, cause Rice is a 12 hour drive from my home...)</p>

<p>Other than that... I'm not really sure what you have to worry about cause your stats (other than the SAT's and AP's) look great! As with any top/second-tier school, it's really a long shot for ANYONE so just apply and hope for the best.</p>