Switching to common app...?

<p>I submitted the Rice Part I application a week ago, in order to recieve further information so I could schedule an off-campus interview. I also gave my teacher the Rice recommendation form. </p>

<p>However, after reading through Part II of the application, I realize I'd have to write an entirely new essay for their prompt. I already have an essay I really really really like that I wrote for the Common app, and I'm not very enthusiastic of coming up with an entirely new topic and writing a "2-3 page, doublespaced" essay. Can I submit the Common app plus the Rice supplement instead, even though I've already sent in the Rice Part I form? If so, can I use the pdf supplement they have on their web site, or do I have to wait for them to send me one after I submit the common app? </p>

<p>Or is switching a really lame chickening-out on my part?</p>

<p>Does anyone know the answer to thechiiguin's question? Will Rice let you switch to the common app if you've already submitted their Part I online?</p>

<p>Answer #1: Call the admissions office and ask; they'll know better than anyone else here.</p>

<p>Answer #2: Doing something non-standard like this is a great way to bork the whole application process. If it confuses someone, your application might mistakenly be labeled "incomplete" even though you've really sent in everything that's required. In that regard, changing would be a risk... how much is not writing a new essay worth to you?</p>

<p>But I do stress, call the admissions office to find out -- they have your answer.</p>

<p>It turns out that my transcript and Rice counselor recommendation has already been sent off, so I decided not to make waves and cause a snafu either at my end (the counseling office/transcript lady is waaaaay stressed out and behind) or Rice's end. </p>

<p>Looks like I'm off to do some serious brainstorming for that essay! :)</p>

<p>I might be mistaken, but I believe Rice's common app supplement requires you to answer the same essay question. So there's really no getting out of it.</p>

<p>Last year, both essays were required. This year they removed the Rice essay question from the common app supplement - so only one essay is required (the one you select for the common app). My son called and talked to an admissions officer who told him that even if he had submitted Part 1 of the Rice app, he could still switch to the Common App. She said just to remember to send in the Common App supplement if he did switch.</p>