Rice SOAR 2020

Hi guys, I got an email to register for the SOAR 2020. In the past it was a very competitive fly-in program. Did it change this year? I am wondering if anybody else got this e-mail from Rice. Do you guys think it is a huge deal or they sent to everybody on their mailing list??

I got this email as well! I asked a similar question on reddit, but no one has really given input. I’ll let you know if I find anything else about it

I was wondering the same thing.

It will probably be virtual this year instead of the usual group fly in because of Covid. Contact the admissions office for more information. I doubt Rice is inviting everyone on the mailing list to apply for SOAR. Usually SOAR invites are very selective and are for high achieving students from underrepresented groups at Rice, such as POC, first generation to attend college, etc. However, things may be different this year as it is a unique one in college admissions due to the pandemic. https://admission.rice.edu/visit/on-campus-events

Anyone have further thoughts on this? Besides being an additional virtual opportunity to get to know the school, and showing interest, would it be helpful at all for admission chances? Missing a day of (live zoom class) high school seems like a big price to pay for virtual college info sessions when the college’s regular info sessions are available at times that don’t conflict with high school classes. But, if increased chances were involved as with a traditional fly-in, that might tip the balance.

In past years, an invitation to SOAR was tantamount to an offer of admission. However, that may be very different this year. Rice may be casting a wider net because the event is virtual. If Rice is a school you are very interested in attending, the day might be worth it.