I have a 3.83 uw gpa, 4.96 w. 36 ACT. 37/560 is my rank. I have decent EC, and good essays/rec. Do you think that the gpa will prevent me from getting in?
No
With a 36 ACT, you are elite. Why Rice?
I really like the nanotech history and program there
I’ve seen 36 ACTs and 4.0 unwgt. not get in, whereas I have also seen lower SATs/ACTs get accepted. The 3.86 is not stellar by Rice standards, but is certainly competitive all things being equal. With a 15% acceptance rate, your essays will be crucial, particularly the “Why Rice?” essay. The key here is making a real impression with that essay and showing definite interest. Rice tends to shy away from offering high scorers who have yet to show any real interest. They want to offer people they believe will accept their offers of admission.
Do you suggest that just focus on the nanotech part of Rice, or that I incorporate stuff about rice’s values, and specific parts of rice like the engineering lab and whatnot?
My daughter is a nanotech major at Rice. While nanotech is not a major offered everywhere, there are a number of schools that offer it. Your response to Why Rice? should emphasize those aspects of Rice that you find compelling. The school has an amazing and distinct culture and the Admissions office will want to know that you have familiarized yourself and appreciate what is unique about Rice and that it is not just another school out of 15-20 to which you are applying.
No of course not. Your GPA is still really good and your test scores are great! I know people with lower GPAs who have gotten in, and people with higher GPAs who have not. I think you have a good chance. 