<p>i don't know whether rice takes essays too seriously, but could anyone help me with like what stuff I shouldn't write about? Some guidelines or even samples would be really helpful. I would termendously appreciate if a rice acceptee could describe me their writing manner. When I say writing manner, it mainly means your literature style. I am very fond of authors that are very eloquent and creative writers. If someone could give me some tips, that would be awesome! =-)</p>
<p>Write in such a way that best portrays who you are. The same goes for content. The goal is to set yourself apart from the other applicants. what unique experience/perspectives on life do you have? write about those. Essays are very important at rice or at least i think so.</p>
<p>seriously, just be yourself. I know it’s cliche but your essay is one of the few chances the admission committee will get to get to know the person behind the numbers, and if you try to adopt someone else’s writing style, it won’t come as naturally to you.</p>
<p>two very general pieces of advice:
- try to write about something you didn’t already mention in your Common App extracurricular essay. that way, admissions will see multiple dimensions of your personality.
- be careful/wary of writing about things like death, eating disorders, genocide, etc. unless you’re sure you can pull it off. You run the risk of sounding like a group therapy session and you want to make sure they know you’re mature enough for college.</p>
<p>most essays are quirky, nerdy, and passionate.</p>
<p>My experience:</p>
<p>My common app was about things I care about.</p>
<p>My Why Rice? was about how I loved them with all of my heart and wanted to make babies with the university (Seriously). </p>
<p>My “What will you bring to Rice?” was about cooking and how it related to me.</p>
<p>My box was Chuck Norris dividing by 0. Boom, done.</p>
<p>just don’t put a picture of rice (the food) in the box. been done ten billion times</p>
<p>
I heard that they also don’t like it when there’s nothing in the box, but outside along the border is the statement: “This is where I think.” lol</p>
<p>I’m not heading to Rice next year, but I did get in (just looking through the boards since summer has already been boring me…).</p>
<p>For Rice, I do think the “quirkier” the better. That’s not to say as to create manufacture your uniqueness, but Rice does pride itself on being an individual within the “elite” colleges, so for the topic on diversity, just make sure you truly have something interesting to say about you. </p>
<p>Truth be told, I’m not really unique, at least comparatively, but I presented myself through my writing as someone who takes pride in what makes me different. And actually, my Rice supplemental essay was my last minute essay, but turned out to be one of my favorites, so much so that I wished I could have used it as my Common App one. I just literally wrote about me, in a somewhat different format. </p>
<p>As for some writers, I guess maybe Dave Eggers and Junot Diaz are some writers who definitely emphasize the “quirkiness” I’m talking about. However, once again, remember it’s about showing who you are in 2 to 3 pages, not following someone else’s style. And don’t panic if you have nothing by the end of the summer. Just brainstorm throughout and see what emerges. Sometimes the last thing can be the best thing. Good luck!</p>
<p>Wise words from WakeUp …
Taking pride in what makes you different …</p>
<p>As I see it, it’s not just quirky for the sake of quirky …
The Rice essays are a chance to show the admissions department who you are – that you’ll both stand out and fit in the community. Give them a vivid glimpse into your life and show them your best. Brainstorming can be very helpful – and trusting your own voice!</p>
<p>And be sure your essays are interesting for the hard-working readers – strong details and sharp focus. Imagine all the essays they read day after day – make yours memorable and earnest. </p>
<p>All the best to you, WakeUp!</p>
<p>haha that’s really funny about the rice box thing. </p>
<p>Overall, I don’t think I can reflect on any interesting thing happen in HS. What would a person do if they have the most boring lifestyle and experience? I don’t wanna discuss about academics and stuff like that b/c that wouldn’t declare anything beside that I might sound like a nerd.</p>
<p>HB: I’d take a really good look at the website, as if you were looking at it for the first time and see what catches your eye … a class? a club? a lab? the Baker Institute? a prof? Maybe, it will trigger ways to approach the essays. </p>
<p>Now, about those authors you admire – would you be able to explore their work in any lit classes offered at Rice? Maybe you’d like to write about why you admire them and what you hope to find at Rice… Who are the authors you’d like to hear lecture at Rice … would you like to work on a lecture series to help bring specific writers to campus?</p>
<p>hoppingbunny, as I noted, I am so NOT unique. The most exciting part of my day is getting the chance to watch TV. </p>
<p>But really, I did have some experiences and some parts that ended up distinguishing me. And for my particular essay, I noted just about all the biggies, from my culture to my preferences to my nerdiness and so on. You can take that catch-all approach if you are having trouble getting to two pages. Otherwise, just write maybe write one thing down a day on that’s unique or diverse about you for the next month and see what may stick as a full-blown essay. One day you can just realize something totally unique you never knew before. </p>
<p>If you need any more help, I’m MORE than happy for you to PM me with questions or even critique an essay, including the dreaded why this college essay. I’ve got a lot of spare time on my hands. :)</p>
<p>thanks for that, I’ll just get busy with those letters since now i am finished with everything school related…except the SAT?! 
Is it alright to not send Sat II profile to colleges like Rice if you never got around taking those in time for application?</p>
<p>^bump…can anyone answer my final essay question? thanks!</p>
<p>I believe SAT II (at least 2) are required.</p>
<p>Sat 2s are required only if you are submitting the Sat 1.
If you submit the Act, then you do not have to submit subject tests.</p>