Hey, all! It’s almost time for college app season to start, so I thought I’d go ahead and make this thread!
Checking in. International Rice EDer here.
Has anyone looked at the Rice supplements from last year? with question 2 (With the understanding that the choice of academic school you indicated is not binding, explain why you are applying to that particular school of study.), must it be specifically tailored to rice or can I write a general why engineering essay(assuming that I’m applying to George R. Brown school of engineering)? The prompt seems to imply the latter but I’m not sure.
Also, should you talk about the school (engineering) or the specific major(eg. mechanical engineering) in question 2?
I would think that it’d be good to write about the major in the context of the school. And definitely talk about Rice specifically!
When applying to Rice, you have to apply to one of the specific schools. However, if you are admitted to Rice, you can major in any discipline in any of the schools (except architecture and music). You also can take courses in any of the schools. Architecture and Music have specific requirements for admission. If you are applying to the George R. Brown engineering school at Rice say why. The more you can tailor your application to Rice specifically, the better. Rice students do not have to declare a major until the end of sophomore year. Many students come in undecided on a major and/or change their major while at Rice. However, if you have an interest in a particular major that could be the reason you are applying to a particular school at Rice.
Your reply is really helpful, I just wanted to add on that there are a few classes non-major students an take in the architecture and music schools. For instance, Architecture for Non-Architects and (Music) Theory for Non-Majors. These are mostly meant to be additional elective classes and might not satisfy university requirements, but do offer students the ability to take a class in a different area of interest.
Yes @RiceElec thanks for the clarification. Those classes are great for enrolled students to take. To apply to the Architecture School or Music School in order to major a prospective student must also submit a portfolio or audition, and the number of students admitted to those specialties is relatively low. https://arch.rice.edu/apply/undergraduate https://music.rice.edu/undergraduate/audition-dates-requirements
Here is a heads up on the Rice application - there is an essay that does not show up until you fill in the academics section of the Rice questions on the common app. It is set up this way because there are unique questions that appear if you are applying to architecture. But it could surprise someone if they are just glancing at the essays without filling out the basic data first.
Here is the essay question:
Rice is lauded for creating a collaborative atmosphere that enhances the quality of life for all members of our campus community. The Residential College System is heavily influenced by the unique life experiences and cultural traditions each student brings. What personal perspectives would you contribute to life at Rice? (500 word limit)
Thank you!!! I thought they had done away with that essay, and I was confused.
Has anyone else finished their application and is just waiting to turn it in?
I still have to do all the writing… RIP
Has anyone seen the admitted or enrolled student standardized test score ranges for Rice’s class of 2022? Thanks.
It’s not up on the most recent CDS 
@GTDAD According to the O-Week video, it is stated that the avg SAT is 1510 and ACT is 33 for the class of 2022.
Great, thanks. Guess we’ll need to wait a little longer for the ranges.
Can someone clarify? I thought Rice offered an Early Decision (binding) and an Early Action (non binding). My daughter’s application portal lists her as Regular Decision. She thought she applied for Early Action (she does not want to limit her choices so she did not chose ED). Is there such a thing as Early Action that is non binding? And, also, does it really take till April 1st to hear back on Regular Decision?
“Is there such a thing as Early Action that is non binding?” Not at Rice. They have ED (binding) and RD (non-binding).
“And, also, does it really take till April 1st to hear back on Regular Decision?” Yes, about then – maybe late March.
Some schools other than Rice, such as University of Chicago, Caltech, MIT, and Georgetown offer Early Action (EA)(not binding) or Single Choice Early Action (not binding) (SCEA). SCEA schools include Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Stanford. Rice does not offer EA or SCEA. Rice offers two admission plans: nonbinding Regular Decision (RD), hear back by April 1, or binding Early Decision (ED), hear back by December 1. If your daughter didn’t choose to apply Early Decision, her application is automatically considered for regular decision. If she wants to change her application to be for binding Early Decision, she can do that before November 1. She would need to complete the early decision agreement and add it to her application materials. https://riceadmission.rice.edu/documents/2019_Early_Decision_Agreement.pdf
They had EA many years ago (2004 ish) but did away with it a few years later.
How much should I tailor my responses towards RICE for the prompt “There is a breadth of intellectual opportunities here at Rice. Further explain your intended major and other areas of academic focus you may explore?”
I kind of went general and explained the experience that made me want to major in that subject.
Also, I feel like my response to the personal perspective essay similar to my common app… is that bad?
10 days left.
Feel the pressure building, bit by bit…