My Chances at Rice?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Rice University
1

<p>Rice is my first choice school, but I applied to it last minute after researching it and realizing it was exactly what I wanted. Unfortunately, this meant I didn't schedule an interview because I decided to apply after the deadline for scheduling the interview. I applied to the college of natural sciences, regular decision, as an environmental science major with an interest in biology, political science, and architecture. Here are my stats:</p>

<p>Out of state applicant from California
Caucasian female
SAT: 2140 (CR: 720, M:660, W:760)
SAT II's: Literature(680), Chemistry (670), Math II (610)
GPA: 3.78 unweighted, 4.3 weighted
Class Rank: 31 out of 822 (This puts me in top 4%). </p>

<p>AP Tests: Human Geography(5), Environmental Science(5), English Language & Comp(4), Art History(4), Chemistry(1) [note: my school does not offer AP chemistry, so I took this test w/o taking the class, but I know it's still bad].</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:</p>

<p>-President of the Environmental Club (participated since sophomore year, president since junior year)
-Member of the Debate Team (participated since junior year; successful at many college invitationals, but only one is presented on my application because the other successes happened after the app was sent. In combination with this, I am a member of the National Forensic League)
-Honor Society Member (participated since sophomore year; 20+ hours of community service per year)
-Spanish Honor Society Member (participated since junior year)</p>

<p>Awards:</p>

<p>-Viking Valor Award (school award recognizing participation in class, character, and academic performance)
-AP Scholar with Honor </p>

<p>Senior Schedule:
AP Physics B
AP English Lit & Comp
Economics
AP Calc AB
AP Spanish Language</p>

<p>In addition, my common app essay was well written and strong, although it was about something very personal in my life. And I aced the question that asked why I decided to apply to Rice, and my other supplementary answers were strong as well.
I submitted a picture of the Pantheon as a part of the "image that appeals to you" section. </p>

<p>So...I would appreciate feedback about what my chances are. I've taken some online calculators and they all put it at about 50%. Also, as a side note, is there any way I can appeal a rejection decision? Thanks a ton!</p>

2

<p>Hello. Your credentials are good, but your math could be better. Also, a little more community involvement is nice, but knowing that you have not signed up for an interview, you will just have wait on an email from rice itself. Also the reason all websites chance you at 50% is because Rice’s decisions are really 50-50. People with high scores and credentials get rejected just as much as people with a slightly lower scores and credentials. So, think about it, what do they really look at…? Only rice knows. So, yes your scores might help but they really cannot determine your standing in the admission process because people of all scores and credentials are accepted and rejected. Good luck.</p>

3

<p>You will find out soon. Don’t think too much into chancing yourself. </p>

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</p>

<p>Why?</p>

4

<p>I had similar stats as you and I got into Rice last year. I think your chances are pretty good…</p>

5

<p>Thanks for all the feedback!</p>

<p>As for the appeal, I haven’t yet decided if I would appeal a rejection. But the reason I ask is because Rice has (almost) everything I want in a university and is more appealing to me than the other schools to which I applied. I want to know if it’s possible for me to appeal so if I get rejected and really believe it’s the best place for me, I can try to receive a different decision.</p>

6

<p>I don’t think that a school that rejects someone would change their mind, unless there was something significant that changed or there were factors that were not addressed. </p>

<p>Regarding your stats, your SAT is a little low, but you have a good GPA and more importantly, an excellent class rank.If you made a good case for yourself in your essays, you are well in rage to get in</p>

7

<p>You have a fairly good shot I’d say. I had similar stats and got in. But I really think my application essays were what got me in.</p>

<p>Get those essays revised numerous times.</p>

8

<p>I have really similar stats and I’m dead-set on Rice, so I’m giving you a thumbs up. It may not mean much coming from me, but if your chances are good, it’ll make me feel better too :D</p>

9

<p>Well, I was rejected by Rice :(</p>

10

<p>Do not worry. Focus on your studies, not the college :slight_smile: good luck…!!</p>