<p>Hi everyone! I am currently a sophomore in high school and I was wondering if Rice is harder on early graduates. I have been in public school my entire life until the second semester of my sophomore year (this year). I am currently attending an accredited, online school and if I wanted to, I would be able to graduate next spring. I will still earn a diploma and fulfill all of the graduation requirements (including calculus). I have taken all honors classes and I have a 4.0 GPA. During my freshman year I did several extracurricular activities, and this year I have volunteered through Big Brothers Big Sisters and am planning to do more volunteer work over the summer. I also have a steady job that will continue through the summer and next year. I have not taken the ACT yet, but I am planning to in June. Basically, if I get a high enough ACT score, maintain my GPA, and earn my diploma, will it be harder for me to get into Rice because I am graduating a year early?</p>
<p>Tease, I don’t think that anyone of us can tell you whether it would be harder or not. What I think will really make a difference is how well you tell your story. Why you switched to online with lots of specifics, how involved you were with your ec’s, and what you have accomplished at work COULD make you a strong candidate. Build a strong case. I also think that recommendations will matter, as well as your test scores. Will it be harder – not if you show Admissions how well prepared you are for the rigors ahead at Rice and what you can offer the campus. Lots of good luck to you!</p>