Application Essays

Application Essays Due to limited availability, you will need to submit your application for admission before requesting an interview with RAVA. Then access your online applicant portal and request your virtual interview by the deadlines below. A limited number of interviews with current Rice University seniors will be available beginning in late August through our campus visit website. However, if someone has unique and personal knowledge about an applicant's accomplishments or talents, the applicant may have that individual submit a supplemental recommendation. For example, this could include an employer, supervisor, coach, mentor, or another teacher. Supplemental recommendations must include the applicant’s full name, date of birth, or applicant ID and should be submitted through the application platform or to Students applying for Fall 2022 or later will be required to submit results of either the SAT or ACT for admission to Rice. Should further disruption to standardized testing persist into 2021, a reconsideration of our testing policy will occur at that time. Those accepted under Early Decision who demonstrate financial aid eligibility and submit all required materials by the deadline will receive a financial aid package at the time of admission. Rice is lauded for creating a collaborative atmosphere that enhances the quality of life for all members of our campus community. The Residential College System and undergraduate life is heavily influenced by the unique life experiences and cultural tradition each student brings. What life perspectives would you contribute to the Rice community? Students admitted with curriculum deficiencies will be asked to complete the required work by taking high school or college-level courses during the summer before enrollment at Rice. Rice seeks students who demonstrate intellectual vitality through their course selection and their grade performance. Most applicants will challenge themselves by taking advantage of the rigorous coursework available to them. Those accepted under Regular Decision who demonstrate financial aid eligibility and submit all required materials by the deadline will receive a financial aid package at the time of admission. Rice University awards transfer credit for International Baccalaureate examinations for students who hold the International Baccalaureate Diploma and have obtained a score of 6 or 7 on higher level exams. For more information about the IB transfer credit process, please visit the International Baccalaureate Credit page. The only valid notification of an admission decision is a formal communication from the Rice University Office for Enrollment. We reserve the right to close your application if you are admitted under a binding Early Decision plan at another institution. Interviews are a great way to demonstrate interest in Rice and an excellent opportunity to showcase academic and personal successes while learning more about the campus experience. An inability to schedule an interview will not negatively impact your application. The required counselor recommendation and two teacher recommendations provide the Admission Committee with all the information we need to make an informed admission decision. You do not need to have submitted your admission application to schedule an interview with a current senior, but interview slots are on a first-come, first-served basis. Please follow the deadlines below when scheduling an interview with a current senior. Due to Covid-19, all interviews for the application cycle will be conducted virtually. A trained alumnus or current Rice University senior will virtually meet with you to learn more about your accomplishments and academic interests and to answer your questions about studying at Rice. InterviewsWe recommend an interview for first-year applicants, though they are optional and not guaranteed. She takes on challenges, sticks with her convictions, yet she does so with pleasing open-mindedness and humility. In short, she demonstrates the qualities that are a great match for a small liberal arts college. Make sure your personality, attributes and voice come through loud and clear. Don’t share anything that doesn’t make you sound good, unless you absolutely have to and you can turn it around to show the positive. Sophie grapples with tough issues and shows herself to be eager to learn. She successfully presents herself as a good match for a competitive liberal arts college. Sophie presents herself as someone who is continually learning, rethinking her convictions and embracing her uncertainty. Create a story that showcases your individuality and personal point of view. This is the entire purpose of the essay, as opposed to the rest of the applications process. Don’t be afraid to express a personal belief or opinion, as long as it is presented respectfully, with support, and with acknowledgement of the other side’s perspective. It's important to note that Sophie does have strong convictions, but she is open-minded enough to challenge them. The essay shows Sophie to be an engaged, thoughtful and questioning community member.