RICE TRANSFER

Colleges and Universities A-Z Rice University
1

Hi,

I am currently a Freshman at NYU Stern School of Business. As a high school senior, I applied to Rice. I was waitlisted but decided to take Columbia’s waitlist instead. I ended up accepting NYU Stern, but have since realized I don’t even like business… I really want to pursue my passion and be a veterinarian, something I originally strayed away from out of fear of not being successful (my family and friends told me to just do business because I will be “guaranteed” success and $$)…

So, I am now applying to Rice to transfer as an incoming sophomore. Does anyone have any advice? I’ve heard people say that Rice wants to see you explore things that aren’t related to your major, yet how do I highlight that when the whole reason I am transferring schools is because of my major!?!

Also, do you think I have a good chance?

Here’s a rough overview of my high school stats:

Unweighted GPA: 4.0
Weighted GPA: 6.02
Class Rank: 1/420
ACT: 35 composite (35 Math, 35 English, 34 Science, 34 Reading - 10 Writing)
SAT: 2050 (this is what scares me…)
I had a lot of good extracurriculars while in High School, but coming to college has made it hard. Especially being in NYC where there isn’t much outdoorsy stuff to do (my biggest extracurricular was horseback riding, something I have done since I was three years old)

What GPA should I aim for (and please be realistic!!!)

Thank you!!!

2

I think your stats are fine! Do you have to specify both SAT and ACT? It’s been a few years so I forget. If your SAT score worries you, I think you can just use only the ACT score.

I think you should focus on your essay. A lot of students have trouble doing extracurriculars freshman year. I’ve never really heard anyone mention that “Rice wants to see you explore things that aren’t related to your major.” You want to go to Rice because you care about being a veterinarian. I would suggest you talk about that, especially as a transfer student. If anyone disagrees they are free to make other suggestions. I think your question “What GPA should I aim for ?” is a little misguided. Try to get the best GPA you can. That doesn’t mean it has to be perfect. Just do your best and try to continue to be a happy and holistic person. There’s no magic number.

Source: Rice student

3

Current Rice undergrad student here. Your ACT and GPA from high school are good so don’t worry! What was your first semester college GPA? Do you have solid reccomendations? You could mention how Rice is close to the Med Center in your essay. Keep me updated!