Hey y’all,
for those of you with experience in transfer process @ Rice, do you know how important major specific course GPA is? Basically, about to go into my second year at CC and I have been considering applying as an engineering major, however I have two C’s in calculus classes. Straight A’s everything else. IF I stay on my current path I should end up with a GPA of about 3.5 (big IF tho, we will see after these next few quarters). I had a 32 ACT and 3.6 GPA in HS as well. I have a unique story regarding health hardships after graduation, had to fight through a lot of adversity to get to where I am today. I have some solid connections to Rice through academics and athletics, I’ve actually been in touch with coaches about walking-on to the football team. I have an interest in engineering, I wish I could retake these classes, but I’m worried that when they look at me applying for engineering and I have two C’s and two B’s in these classes that it will greatly hurt my chances. Should I apply as a different major, or are they more concerned with overall GPA and stats?
Students who score below a 33 on the ACT are in the bottom 25 percent at Rice. While your score of 32 certainly wouldn’t preclude admission, it isn’t ideal when coupled with below-average performance in calculus which is required for a fair number of Rice majors. Applying as a different major wouldn’t help much because Rice is relatively lax about letting people change majors at will. My advice would be to tell your story when you apply and cross your fingers that an admissions official will find it compelling, which is always possible. Good luck!