<p>Hi all CCers out there. I am a Jr. and really interested in Rice. But looking at many profiles of accepted students, it seems that the average GPA is about 3.8UW +. So here's the thing. I have a 3.44ish UW GPA. I know, it's plain bad, but should I even bother applying in the future? I don't know if it's worth it, because my GPA is just bad. Would applying be a waste of money, or should I try at least? </p>
<p>Some things I might add:
Asian+OOS(california)+Int'l status+lived in Guatemala for 14 years (if that's relevant in any way)</p>
<p>if you really want to go to rice, i dont see how appying there, regardless of whether you get in or not, would be a waste of money. APPLY. you'll NEVER get in if you dont :-)</p>
<p>Although it seems that Rice does place a lot of importance on GPA and class rank, you shouldn't let your GPA prevent you from applying there. You'll still have at least some chance of getting in over the zero chance of getting in if you don't apply at all. Plus, like Cincinntistudent said, it'll definitely make a difference if your school/curriculum is particularly difficult. Good luck! :)</p>
<p>Whats your rank and do you have an upward trend in your GPA?
If you are interested, go for it! Or else you might regret not trying at all later on. ):</p>
<p>1) Cincinnatistudent - I would consider my school to be a competitive public school (even my counselor said it). Top school in the disctrict and highly regarded in the county. One of the top public schools in California. I am not sure about rank, because I know plenty of students (whether they might have easy courseloads or hard courseloads) that have higher GPA than me. I would be really surprised if I fit in the top 10% of my class. (equals to ~top 50-55 students)</p>
<p>2) Airu - Again, I don't know my rank. I should try to ask my GC. I have an upward trend: (FRSH) 3.4 (int'l school/no honors system/APs avail., but only for Jrs and Snrs) -> (SPH) 3.75 (UW, school I go to right now/ no Honors or anything, because I never knew about it).</p>
<p>I am thinking of other schools (sorry, no Ivies) , but I'm sticking with Rice as my first choice :)</p>
<p>you know you don't have to have a first choice.. everyone seems to on CC but there are plenty of people out there who just apply, see what happens (admissions, financial aid), then visit and make a decision.</p>
<p>my sat's in the 2100 range, still got in. also in ca :) you need to supplement your app with extracurricular stuff. internship, community service. also difficult classes help too.</p>
<p>Since your GPA is a bit less than the average, strive to have a higher than average (for Rice's acceptees) SAT. I would say that an SAT score of 2100 would be slightly too low to "make up" for a low GPA. I would try to get into at least the 2200 range. I don't mean to be critical or harsh, but many people with 2100 (and much higher) SAT scores and high GPA are rejected, so it would probably raise your chance more if you're at least in the 2200 range (2300 if possible - you just want it to be as high as possible, basically).</p>
<p>Thanks for the responses! I'm pretty sure the Rice AdComs are going to be surprised with my GPA. I forgot to mention my W GPA, it's a 3.53. Still, very weak. I hope I can do well on the SAT (for the time being, not so good either, first time taking in June) ..lawl I sound like the dumbest kid in CC. :p</p>
<p>Regarding with the SAT,when would be the last time I should be taking the SAT? (Based on CB's website, APP. deadline is Nov. 2, but SAT/ACT scores are due Jan 31st.) So would the December SAT be my last hope? :|</p>
<p>if you can keep your GPA increasing, its good because they can see you're trying and you have potential. or at least thats what i thought.. cos i had a 3.5 fresh/soph year and brought it up to a 3.85 junior yr. XD and your living in guatemala sounds pretty cool / unique, are you going to write an essay about it?</p>
<p>i think the last time you can take the SAT is the jan. test date.. you just have to put it on the app that you -will- take it on that date. the last SAT i took was in dec, so someone correct me if i'm wrong. (:</p>
<p>Don't be too focused on your GPA ... it's only one of many things that Rice (and every other selective school in the US) looks at. I constantly meet people on campus who claim "I have no idea how I got into Rice; it wasn't my test scores/GPA/etc."<br>
Don't wait until the last second to take your SATs, and, obviously, aim for the highest score you can (just wondering, how do you aim for a 2100 .... don't you just try to answer every question as well as possible?).</p>