For Hong Lin, Brown '26, the journey to Rice began when he saw a QuestBridge flyer on a counselor’s resource table and received a surprise invitation in the mail. He started his College Prep Scholars application soon after, not realizing that this seemingly small step would mark a pivotal moment in his academic journey.

Applying to college is a marathon — and let's be honest, it's hard. But the first step to staying sane is realizing that what you're doing is one of the most difficult and complex things you'll ever do. Dorothy '29, a Natural Sciences major, is here to share her tips on how to manage stress during the college application process.

Applying to college as a first-generation and/or limited-income (FLI) student can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate the process alone. To help you get started, Rice admission counselor and FLI alumna Karen Salinas ’24 shares advice that she wishes she had received before applying to college!

Brian, McMurtry ‘27, applied to Rice not knowing what he wanted to major in. Learn more about how Rice provided him with the time, support, and freedom to make thoughtful academic decisions, and hear about the journey that his unconventional path led him on.

Deciding to transfer schools is a big step. Maybe you're at a college that doesn't feel right or perhaps you're looking for a new academic challenge. Learn more about why Chaianan, Hanszen ‘27, decided to transfer to Rice, and discover the resources that helped him successfully transition to life on campus.

Are you thinking about transferring colleges? Students choose to transfer for all kinds of reasons, whether it’s to meet academic goals, to find a better campus fit, or to seek out new opportunities. If you’re considering a college transfer, it might be hard to know where to begin. To help you get started, a Rice admission counselor (and former transfer student and Rice alumna!), shares her insights.

How close does expectation come to reality at Rice? We asked current students, from first-years to seniors, to recall their initial perceptions of Rice and compare it to their actual experience. In these quotes, shared anonymously from verbal interviews, students explore how Rice has fulfilled their expectations and what's surprised them so far.

When it comes to applying to highly selective schools, strong grades and test scores are just the beginning. Supplemental essays can help set an applicant apart as they offer admission officers a glimpse into your personality and potential fit for a school. Whether you're drafting or refining, these four essential tips from a Rice admission counselor will help your essays stand out.

The process of requesting college recommendation letters is often unclear to students. Here, a Rice admission counselor offers advice on how to secure personalized letters that enhance your application. Learn how to communicate effectively with your letter writers to achieve the best results!

Choosing which college to attend doesn't have to be overwhelming. Here are some factors that Regular Decision applicants may want to consider as they make plans for the fall. 

Rice admission counselors share the importance of context when reviewing college applications. 

How do you know if a school is the right fit for you? Here are some factors that college-bound students may want to consider as they figure out where they want to apply!