<p>I only just decided to apply to Rice, and being that it is December 21st, I obviously missed the interview deadline. Is this an automatic rejection? My stats are pretty solid (for a normal, not super-human high schooler) otherwise, and I would hate to miss out on such a great university because I made my decision late in the game.</p>
<p>Also, on the Rice signature page, what did you guys put in the box? I already have a good idea of what I'm going to do, but I'm curious as to what others did. I think it's an awesome question to put on an application. :)</p>
<p>I think the interview is a way for Rice to make sure that
a) you're a "normal" human being, and not some psychopath
b) you're interested enough in Rice that you'd be willing to give up a few hours of your busy day to wear a suit to a Starbucks and open up to a stranger</p>
<p>But mostly b). </p>
<p>If I were you, I'd try to show interest in Rice in other ways, because that is definitely one thing they do take into account when making decisions. Make sure you do your research and write a good short-answer reply to the "Why Rice" prompt. Visit the school if you can. Don't suck up and worship Rice on your app, but definitely make sure your interest in it comes across. </p>
<p>I wore a suit, and it was a good thing because at the end of the interview I asked "So do you think I was too formal?" and she said "No, you should always dress your best for this kind of thing." </p>
<p>It's strictly up to the interviewer, but dressing up definitely shows you care enough about it to go the extra mile to make a good impression. Mine happened to like the fact that I wore a suit to Starbucks (I did feel awkward) but I know friends whose Rice interviewers didn't mind them going casually at all.</p>
<p>My advice: go formal just in case in case your interviewer is anything like mine (not to say she was bad or anything, she was actually pretty nice)</p>
<p>Besides, does it really hurt to wear a suit? Sure some say the interviewer's report doesn't count for a lot, but I wouldn't take the chance.</p>
<p>The interview is only a "considered" factor in the application, not a "very important" factor (according to the Princeton Review, which is so much better than College Board!). It's probably given the same weight as being a legacy. As many of the other posters have implied, you have nothing to worry about.</p>