<p>I’m an accepted transfer for this fall and I can give you some info on my stats and app process. I’m by no means representative of the transfer Rice is looking for, but I’m a tiny sample. This is kind of long, but when I was investigating transferring, I would have loved to learn more about current transfer students. </p>
<p>sociology/ wgss major, 3.32 gpa from an LAC (now a 3.5 however), first time applicant to Rice, strong recommendations from professors outside of my major (not sure if this is the norm), great evaluation from my advisor who is also my mentor, 33 ACT (didn’t submit SAT-choose your strongest!), only 2 extracurriculars and both were long-term volunteer stints, work study jobs on app, high financial need. </p>
<p>How I think I got it? Two ideas. All speculation, take it with a grain of salt</p>
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<li><p>Really great recommendations from professors. I’m a sociology major and I got recs from my Russian professor, past poli-sci professor, and my advisor, who is an art professor/sculptor. I didn’t realize at the time, but the fact that I was able to get recommendations from teachers in other fields demonstrated my range of academic ability. I also think I exhibited passion and interest in all three fields, if not spectacular talent. On my apps, these numerous widespread recs showed my various academic interests and a capacity to do well in fields I chose not to major in. </p></li>
<li><p>Great essays. I may have spent more time writing my Why Rice essay than certain papers for class! I really poured my heart into it, and even now I’m proud of it. I talked about the things Rice offered that I couldn’t get at my current school. I also made sure not to diss my current college (bc I did somewhat like my time there)–rather, I talked about how my experience at my LAC prepared me for Rice, and taught me what I really wanted in an education. My supplement essay was much rougher (I wish I had edited it more), but still earnest and original. I approached the “diversity” angle by discussing the clash between life experiences and knowledge I gained from college. But truth be told, you can write about anything as long as it addresses the prompt. Original takes will help you tons. Keep in mind that the essays were rather reflective of my personal growth as a student. Rice wants to know that you have still managed to grow at your current school, and will continue to if you come to Rice. So, all in all, be honest, passionate, positive… and well written. </p></li>
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<p>I also think some smaller things came into play, such as economic diversity, major diversity (as a women’s studies/sociology major, I kinda stick out), and prestige of my current school.</p>
<p>But, before deciding to transfer, I’d advise you to go in with an open mind. Do what makes you happy in college. Don’t go in thinking you’re going to transfer. Make the best of your experience. Stick around for a year.</p>
<p>If at the beginning of your sophomore year things still don’t feel right, then look at transferring. The effort of doing the best you can at a not-quite-right place will show in your essays when you talk about Rice. Get the best grades you can but don’t worry if you don’t have a 3.75. Don’t bother retaking your tests, but submit your best one (looks like your SAT). Build relationships with professors across varying fields. For example, if you’re a chem major, it’ll look great if you have a recommendation from a classics professor. Take advantage of what you can at your university–at my school, my 15 person classes allowed me to get close to professors. Make sure your recommendation professors know your reasons for transferring. They’re losing you too, so they want legit reasons why!</p>