Should I even bother (chance me)

Colleges and Universities A-Z Rice University
1

Rice was one of the schools I was legit looking forward to during my start of searching for college. Then I became incredibly discouraged.

SAT 1250 superscore, 630 Reading 620 Math

ACT 20 Reading 24 Math

No subject tests, couldn’t afford it

GPA 2.716

Notably jumped from a 2.26 GPA my sophomore year to a 3.75 my junior. Made sure to write my personal essay about it because I understand my cumulative GPA is terribly low.

From Delaware, African American

Currently taking multiple AP’s , online college courses, took multiple honors and dual enrollments last year

EC- Student body president. I didn’t get this position because I was popular or anything, I got here because, long story short, I took it very seriously and campaigned as if it was real.

Founded a leadership development club at my school, I work with my retired naval Captain who graduated from USNA to mentor younger students into becoming great leaders/presenters.

On a volunteer “youth philanthropy board” program in which top students across the county meet as a board, we are given $15,000, and we have to evaluate where and why to donate that money. Ironically, it feels like being in the admissions office because places are applying to US for thousands of dollars.

Business Professionals of America officer for three years, Philosophy club, participated in Cross Country

Notable achievements: I invited my congresswoman, Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware to my school. I personally wrote a letter to invite her, gave her a tour of my school, and an introductory speech in front of the ENTIRE school.

Nominated for a state wide charter school award

Accepted into USNA’s summer seminar

that’s a rough copy of my apps so far. I typed it in a hurry but that’s the meat and potatoes.

I intend on majoring in political science with a minor in engineering (preferably Aerospace but anything is find) and an ROTC program (preferably Navy or Air Force). As long as I have those two things I’m honestly happy.

2

Here is a snapshot of Rice’s admission statistics from last year. I predict the stats will go up for the class of 2023 because of the Rice Investment financial aid initiative. I would say your chances would be better somewhere else. Rice has an ROTC program and good political science offerings.

https://admission.rice.edu/apply/freshman/admission-statistics

3

I would definitely scratch Rice off the list. I think your best shot is a couple of semesters at community college, then transfer to a good affordable university that has an ROTC program. Whether you graduate from Rice or a local university, you’re still an Ensign/Second Lieutenant with the same pay as every other commissioned graduate.

4

Ask for an application fee waiver, if you get one then do give it a shot. What do you have to loose?

5

I strongly agree with @Riversider. Have a backup plan. But before you quit, try!

6

Your GPA will be the deal breaker for most colleges, as you probably already know. The SAT/ACT scores could also be a bit higher. I think it will be a struggle for you to get into any of the top colleges.

Have you considered applying to boarding schools as a “Post-Grad”?? This is basically 13th grade, where you take college level courses. There are many boarding schools on the east coast that offer this as an option. Look into it. You might even be able to get good financial aid. If you can demonstrate good grades during a PG year, this will certainly help.

7

I also agree with @Riversider. If you are able to explain your GPA well, and if you have stellar recommendations, you may have a shot.