Low GPA, Low SAT, Strong ECs. ED Chances for Rice?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Rice University
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<p>I really want to go to Rice and I'm super excited about the school. I had an interview today and it went really well. I'm really worried because I don't think my GPA or SATs are high enough and I don't know if I am a fantastic essay writer. Enough so that they look past my low stats. I really want this. My friend thinks I should stop worrying because very few people applying ED will be black and out of state and that my unusual circumstances should make up for my stats but I just cant be sure.</p>

<p>SAT MA-650, CR-620, WR-600
SAT II Bio 750, US History 630</p>

<p>Last year had AP classes in Gov, Hist(4) , and Bio(3)</p>

<p>Senior Schedule
AP Cal AB
Environmental Sci
AP Economics
AP Literature
AP Physics B
AP Psychology
Anatomy and Physiology
My GPA is only a 3.5 and I'm ranked abt 50/500 (just about top 10%)
I have taken THE MOST demanding schedule including Three yrs of French and a yr of Latin</p>

<p>EC's
I was a MIT (minister in training) at church
Sunday School Teacher
Co-founder and leader of Teen Ministry
Choir Director
Heavily involved in Total Man Ministry (our outreach/missionary/homeless group)
-Ran numerous clothing food drives. Was at the shelter every other Sat. morning
Pres of Latin Club
Founder of Environmental Sci Club
Blood Drive Team Leader
Pro-Life Club VP
Peer Tutor
Elementary School Tutor
Mentor to boy with autism
Horse back riding (LOVE IT!)
Designing houses
Attended National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine</p>

<p>Hooks
I'm a black male
I went to Africa this summer on a medical mission
Overcame abuse, rape, death of grandmother resulting in me moving from OH to GA in the middle of junior year
Worked 15-20hr/week (part of that at church though, I was there nearly every day!) to supplement our family income</p>

<p>Awards - Nothing special</p>

<p>Honor Roll
Commended Nat'l Merit Scholar
Published Poet
Gold Metal on Nat'l Latin Exam
Made Homecoming Court
Some church awards</p>

<p>I think it looks like I do too much but I was actually very involved in everything that I did.
I wanted to visit but I will have to do it AFTER the ED deadline.</p>

<p>I had an interview last Saturday</p>

<p>Recs - One from AP US History teacher, GREAT
Other from my pastor it should be great too. He said he had to chop it down from 2 pgs though.</p>

<p>Essays</p>

<p>Common - About me overcoming abuse, rape, suicide, and my grandma's death and how it helped me to become a better person</p>

<p>Perspective Supplement - How being in Africa changed me and I now value others way more</p>

<p>So any chance??
Is it more likely than not?</p>

<p>I really really want to go.
Out of the 500 who apply ED, only 150 will make it. Will I be an Owl?</p>

2

<p>and I promise this will be my LAST chance thread</p>

3

<p>you'll probably make it because you are an urm and you have overcome rape, no offense, good luck</p>

4

<p>were you raped or somebody close? i don't want to sound crude, it is horrific either way, but that is probably one distinction you should try to make clearer..</p>

5

<p>It was by my mother's ex-boyfriend. I did not specify in the essay. I am trying to play up my strengths</p>

6

<p>Okay so everything is submitted. All I have to do is wait. Thanks</p>

7

<p>You have a better chance.
The Dean of Admissions at Rice said he was looking to expand the freshman class to 850 this year :]</p>

8

<p>yay!!! Another bonus is that I called the Alexis Kramer to report a problem on her website and then I was able to meet her face to face and she will actually be reading my application! (crosses fingers)</p>