I’m only a sophomore, so I still have plenty of time to become a more well-rounded student, but I feel that I am off to a week start and would like some advice. These are my stats so far (keep in mind I’m only a sophomore):
GPA: 4.0
AP Exams: AP Comp Sci with a 5
8th Grade
High school courses: Algebra I and Woodshop
Award: Outstanding Musician in Orchestra
National Junior Honor Society member
9th Grade
Courses: PreAP English/Geometry/Biology, AP Comp Sci, PE, beginner orchestra, Spanish for Spanish Speakers I/II
Won 1 in UIL for Viola Solo
10th Grade
Courses: PreAP English II/Algebra II/Chemistry/Comp Sci 2/Spanish for Spanish Speakers III/IV, second level orchestra (out of 4), AP World History
In Computer Science club
Considering joining Quiz Bowl and/or Debate clubs and starting a Gay-Straight Alliance club (though there’s sadly a chance of my school not allowing me to make one 
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Will most likely attend UIL for Group and Solo
I’m Hispanic, from Texas, and am on the very low end of middle class. I go to an extremely academically competitive school. I’m also gay, but I’m not sure if that would have even the tiniest of influence for college admissions, negative or positive (thoughts on this?). While I do feel like I am pushing myself academically, I don’t know if my somewhat lack of extracurricular activities, and especially my lack of volunteering will really hurt me. I am trying to find causes I actually would work hard for and not just do it for the resume. In any case, what should I do from here on out to help myself get a spot into Rice? I plan on taking all the AP courses I can, but how do I know when to stop? I have absolutely no interest in any AP math subjects, but should I just do them anyway because I am (most likely) academically able to do them? Will my lack of four years of social studies really hurt me? I am planning on taking AP Psychology because that actually interests me, but would that really count as a fourth course in social studies?
Does Rice have a 4 year social studies requirement? I forget. Also, good for you wanting to do things you’re actually passionate about! That will pay off come college apps, because that’s what they want to see.
The AP math thing depends on your intended area of study. Do you think you are interested in an engineering major like CS? If you are entering humanities then it won’t matter much and your effort would be spent better on your interested or more relevant coursework. For engineering, yeah I’d do it. I mean, you definitely wouldn’t be the only student taking MATH 101 and 102 (calc 1 and 2) in college, but it would be advisable even just for not having to take those in college. By AP math subjects, are you just referring to Calculus? I guess you might be including stat as well, but I found that class pretty boring compared to real statistics I’ve taken in college. I’m on a tangent. Before I get back on track, AP Psych is a fun class.
I think volunteering is great. I’m not sure what the right answer is because I’m pretty sure almost every serious applicant at Rice did some. Most were because of college apps. Does that mean it’s a disadvantage if you don’t? I’m not sure. If you think you’ve otherwise shown that you’re a socially conscious, kind, motivated person, I would guess it’s not important. That’s the whole point of it in my opinion. Volunteering it charity 5k walks isn’t what makes somone Rice material 
Feel free to ask follow ups!
You seem really smart and your URM status is definitely a great hook! Why won’t your school let you make a gay straight alliance club? My school approves of like every club. Haha we even have a Meninist Club…
How good are you at viola? Like can you win competitions and be principal chair? If yes, then that’s a great EC.
Eh, I wouldn’t worry too much about volunteering. I’m a pretty vanilla white guy with middling academic stats, (like 2280 SAT, 800 & 780 SAT II) and I got into the Rice fly-in without a spot of volunteering on my record.
Since you’ll be getting an URM bump, I feel like if you do pretty solid on your SAT/ACT that you should be fine. That’s really the biggest thing to worry about. If you want to volunteer, by all means, go volunteer but don’t think that Rice only admits people with 500+ hours at the animal shelter.