<p>Hi guys! I'm currently an asian junior male, and Rice has been my top school for quite some time (I plan on EDing this November). However, I'm not sure whether I'll be able to get in due to my relatively low GPA compared to previous Rice admits. I currently have around a 3.6-3.7, but I have taken the most rigorous course load at every grade level. Also, my SAT Superscore is a 2360, my ACT is a 35, and my Math II is a 800 (will take Chem and Bio in June, expect 740+ on both). I also hold leadership positions in activities I've been doing since freshman year, such as in band (leader), NHS (VP), Science club (President), and Amnesty (VP). I also have quite a few semi-major awards, for example earning semifinalist standing in USABO, qualifying for AIME, and getting top placements at the state science fair. I've been involved in research for 2 years, and will be going to SIMR (Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program - top 3 high school research program in the US) this summer. I also plan on applying as something to do with either chemistry or bio. Please let me know whether the GPA will hurt me or not; I really need y'all's opinion on this. Thanks!</p>
<p>Nobody here knows. Apply and find out!</p>
<p>Any comments on the items in my application (e.g. what I should emphasize, whether I should offer explanations for my low GPA, etc.)</p>
<p>Rice doesn’t superscore the SAT. There is some debate on these forums about whether EVERY test score needs to be submitted, but your ACT puts you in the top 25% of Rice applicant test scores. Hopefully your GPA is unweighted. Have you taken any AP exams? Some good scores on APs would be nice to see. Your activities and ACT definitely put you in the running with other applicants. You should apply, but its hard to know how they’ll look at your GPA relative to the difficulty of your classes.</p>
<p>Are you from Texas? Being from another state is better for admissions.</p>
<p>My GPA mentioned in my original post is unweighted; my school does not weight GPA. Also, I am a student from a public boarding school in Texas, and take actual college courses rather than the standard AP courses offered in traditional high schools. My course load, in comparison to my classmates, is relatively difficult. Also, my SAT score unsuperscored is a 2290. </p>
<p>Basically, I feel like everything else in my application besides my GPA is definitely competitive; I just don’t know how much my GPA is going to drag me down :(</p>
<p>What is your rank? </p>
<p>Some schools are harder than others. A 3.6 that is rank 1 in a rigorous school is perfectly legit.</p>
<p>Our school does not rank, but I’m guessing it’d be in or just outside the top 10%.</p>
<p>Definitely worth applying and see. Rice is hard to get into, but your stats look pretty good. If your GC can describe your course rigor and approximate rank, it will be helpful</p>
<p>Thanks for the feedback @Antarius! Another question, if you don’t mind: do you know how much emphasis Rice puts into GPA compared to the other aspects of the application?</p>
<p>Not sure if anyone can answer that question. Rice looks at all aspects of the application and makes a decision; the weighting of each is a mystery.</p>
<p>If Rice sees GPA and test scores as a ‘hurdle’ to be beaten, then you are fine. If ‘more-is-better’ then your chances are a bit tougher.</p>
<p>Unless you go to TAMS (in Texas) or a school like that, forget what you believe about the rigor in your HS. Almost everyone seems to think that their school is more competitive than others. </p>
<p>@yellowboy You are a good applicant, you should apply. You are well within the range of students who are accepted every year. That being said, Rice isn’t a school where anyone is assured entrance. That’s just how college admissions go. Keep up the hard work in school, but at this point the most important thing you can do to help your application are your essays. Start at the beginning of summer, and put as many hours as you can into them. I would even suggest just spending a month brainstorming. By that I mean don’t read the prompt and use the first idea you come up with. The more work you put into it, the better it will be! Rice doesn’t place supreme importance on GPAs so don’t worry. Good luck and feel free to ask any questions! </p>
<p>Experience: Current Rice student</p>