Should I apply to Rice as my ED?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Rice University
1

I’m a current Junior in HS trying to figure out where I want to apply to college for my ED. I plan to major in Biology or Psychology (science department) in college, and Rice is one of my top picks right now. Do I stand a good chance, or should I consider applying to another school? Also, would applying to Rice with ED boost my chances?

Ethnicity: Asian
Gender: Female
Income Bracket: 100k+
Hooks: None, really :frowning:

Unweighted GPA: 3.965
Weighted GPA: >4.5
AP/Honor Classes by graduation (15): AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Biology, AP Lang, APUSH, APES, AP World, AP Psychology, AP Computer Science, AP Econ, AP Lit, AP Gov, AP Physics B, and I took Honors English my freshman and sophomore years
SAT Score: 2250 (780- writing, 760 math, 710 reading)
SAT2 Scores: 790 Math, still need to take Bio and US History in the Fall but hoping for >750 for both

Extracurriculars:
Swimming (4 Year Varsity)
Speech and Debate (President junior and senior year, VP sophomore year)
Piano (ABRSM Level 8 Distinction award… I played for 10 years but quit after sophomore year)
Volunteer Work (300+ hours)

Other in school activities:
National Honor Society
Link Leader for incoming Freshman

Summer Activities:
Mercer Slough Environmental Internship (2014) (selective program)
Microsoft Girls Who Code Camp (2015) (selective program)
Created a Debate Camp for Middle Schoolers as Volunteer Project

I’m worried about my extracurriculars because my performance in swimming and debate (besides being president) is only somewhat above average, without outstanding performance. I didn’t participate in 9 clubs like my friend who got into Rice last year did.
Should I retake my SAT in the fall to try to improve my reading score? Would having a 2300 instead of a 2240 boost my chances?

I’m new to CC so any input would be helpful! Thanks! :slight_smile:

2

ED acceptance rate is about 20%, so if rice is your top choice, i’d say you should apply. you definitely have a really good shot at getting in. a 2240 vs a 2300 really won’t make a difference, imo. they don’t necessarily want to see 9 clubs; they want a strong student, and you are one, so don’t worry. good luck!

3

@purpledragons… My son will be attending Rice this fall and he plans on majoring in Economics and Policy Studies. His is also Asian. He was top 10% with 3.88 GPA (unweighted). His final GPA was 3.9 and 34 ACT / 2250 SAT. He had SATII scores of Math II 780, Physics 750 and US History 750. He had very good extracurriculars as well. He was wait listed at Chicago and then did not make it. But Rice was his top choice. He got into Carnegie, UT, UCLA, Berkeley, WashU, Vanderbilt and Rice. We are from TX as well (DFW). Your GPA and SAT look good, Take SAT II and try to score above 750 in at least 2 or 3 subjects. Apply EA if Rice is your top choice. Show lots of interest in Rice and try to schedule an interview on campus. Best of luck to you!

4

Don’t apply to Rice ED just to boost your chances: you should only apply ED if you are 100% positive that Rice is your first choice since ED is binding.

5

@purpledragons I sent you a private message :slight_smile: