Should I apply to RIce?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

I am a junior currently looking at Rice University for an undergrad for biology with pre-vet courses. I was sent an email by Rice that for 2022 they would not be mandating the sending in of ACT/SAT scores (I still have at least two more of each to take before I graduate.) Currently, my ACT is at 30 as of the last time I took it sophomore year. I have not yet taken my SAT but I just took my PSAT and am awaiting scores.

My current GPA is 4.0 with a 98.1 average.
3rd in my class out of 56.
Family income of under $65,000 (also interested in their financial aid for students who are in very low-income households.)
I am currently taking 4 Ap/Dual Credit Classes and I took 1 last year. Planning on taking 5 more next year.
All of my sciences are very high in grades. I have completed Chemistry and working on AP/Dual Credit Biology. (Would taking physics help admission chance because I am debating on taking either that or AP Psychology next year.)
I am currently taking Pre-Cal and will take College Algebra over the summer and Calculus next year.
I am taking AP/Dual Credit English III this year and AP/DC English IIII next year.
I am in FFA, U.I.L., NHS with over 30 hours of volunteer work so far.
I am in varsity basketball, varsity cross country, and varsity track.

2

Also I was considering Cornell as well?

My high school counselor doesn’t know how to do weighted GPAs so the 4.0 is unweighted I believe. I’ve tried calculating it and it says my weighted is 4.6 or something I don’t know.

3

Sounds to me like you should definitely apply! (The 30 ACT likely isn’t high enough, but you could apply test-optional, or try to get your score up to 33-35.) You have a great profile! If the application fee is an impediment, perhaps they will waive it. Rice offers amazing financial aid. Cornell has a great vet school. For biology, you could apply to Arts & Sci, or the Ag School. Cast a wide net, if you can. Make sure to demonstrate interest. Make sure to include target schools, not just reach. My D is a senior this year and is learning that schools she thought were targets are now all reach, due to an explosion of applications (which is due to schools being test-optional.) I expect this phenomenon will continue. Good luck!