General

I sent in test scores previously but don’t wish to use them for my application since testing is optional. Is that possible?

Yes. You will have an opportunity on the application to tell us if you do not want your test scores used in your evaluation.

How does Rice review applications?

Our admission process is centered on evaluating each student in the context of their background, community, and school circumstances. At Rice, we consider your entire application and all of the information contained therein helps us to understand as much as we can about you before making a decision. In addition, we evaluate applications through committee based evaluation which ensures that every application to Rice is evaluated and discussed by a minimum of two admission officers to identify the strengths and potential of each student. For more information, visit the Admission Philosophy page.

When you apply to Rice, how do you indicate an interest in a particular major?

As a part of your application, you will select a Division of Study and up to three majors/areas of interest including minors. You will have the opportunity to elaborate on your academic areas of interest in your Rice Writing Supplement. Students will be assessed on their preparedness and alignment to the majors they selected. For more information, visit the Admission Philosophy page.

Are my chances better if I apply Early Decision?

Not necessarily. The most important consideration must always be whether the university is your absolute top choice and you are ready to make a commitment to enroll.

May I submit supplementary materials with my application?

The required application components provide the Admission Committee with all the information we need to make an informed admission decision. However, if someone in your network has unique, personal knowledge about your achievements or talents, you may have that person submit a supplemental recommendation. A supplemental letter is not required or expected, but you may choose to submit one if you feel it can bring forth an aspect of your personal life or experience that has not been covered in your application. Additional recommendations can be from a community-based organization advisor, a coach, mentor, a job/work supervisor, music teacher, research advisor or summer program director, or religious leader.

Your supplemental recommendation must include the applicant’s full name, date of birth, or applicant ID and should be submitted through the application platform or to riceapps@rice.edu.

Do I need to submit an English Language proficiency test if I am a US citizen?

Regardless of citizenship, if your first language is English you are not required to submit a proficiency exam. If your first language is not English but you have completed at least two years of full-time study in an English language curriculum you are not required to submit a proficiency exam. If you do not meet either of these criteria you will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency. For more information visit the English Language Proficiency section of the First Year International page.

Special Populations

If I am a homeschooled student, should I submit testing?

Some students may feel that their standardized test performance demonstrates their academic preparation beyond the context of their secondary education curriculum. If you feel as though your level of academic preparation may be reflected through testing, then you may submit your scores or other materials listed on our website.

Can I apply to Rice to pursue a second Bachelor's degree if I already have one from another institution?

Students who already have a Bachelor’s degree are not eligible to enroll as a degree-seeking undergraduate student at Rice.

Transfer

If I applied as a first year student to Rice and now wish to apply as a transfer student, do I have to resubmit everything?

Since first year admission and transfer admission take place in different application cycles and have very different requirements, you would need to submit different items. If you chose to submit testing, our office can use the testing you submitted as a first year applicant if you'd like to submit testing for your transfer application. However, no other documents from your first year application can substitute required transfer documents.

I sent in test scores previously but don’t wish to use them for my application since testing is optional. Is that possible?

Yes. You will have an opportunity on the application to tell us if you do not want your test scores used in your evaluation.

How does Rice review applications?

Our holistic admission process is centered on evaluating each student in the context of their background, community, and school circumstances. At Rice, we consider your entire application and all of the information contained therein helps us to understand as much as we can about you before making a decision. In addition, we evaluate applications through committee based evaluation which ensures that every application to Rice is evaluated and discussed by a minimum of two admission officers to identify the strengths and potential of each student. For more information, visit the Admission Philosophy page.

When you apply to Rice, how do you indicate an interest in a particular major?

As a part of your application, you will select a Division of Study and up to three majors/areas of interest including minors. You will have the opportunity to elaborate on your academic areas of interest in your Rice Writing Supplement. Students will be assessed on their preparedness and alignment to the majors they selected. For more information, visit the Admission Philosophy page.

I believe my circumstances are somewhat unique. How can I share this with the admission committee?

The application process is designed to accommodate the broad spectrum of experience a transfer student might bring to the process. The application offers several opportunities for students to discuss their reasons for seeking a transfer, their interest in a particular field of study, their specific interest in Rice, what they believe is distinctive in their background and life experiences that would add to the Rice community, and if they experienced an education interruption. If you do not feel that the application questions allow you to fully explain your circumstances to the admission committee, you may email the information to us at riceapps@rice.edu.

Waitlist Policies

How many students are on the waitlist?

The size of our waitlist is dependent on how many students accept the opportunity to remain on the waitlist, therefore, we cannot give an estimate at this time.

How many admission offers will be made to waitlisted students?

This number varies from year to year depending upon a variety of factors ranging from zero students to around 150 students.

What can I do to increase my chances of admission?

We strongly encourage you to provide an update since submitting your initial application. In addition to informing us of your continued interest in Rice, we ask that you provide us with new and compelling information such as notable achievements, awards, and accolades.

Please do not send additional letters of recommendation from school officials, Rice alumni or others. Additions to the file should be directly from the student. Please upload updates directly via your Rice Admission Student Portal. We cannot guarantee updates sent via other methods will be included in our future considerations.

Is the waitlist rank-ordered?

No. All students who accept their place on the waitlist will be reviewed for any available spaces.

Is it appropriate for me to accept an offer of admission from another school while I wait to hear from Rice? What about other waitlists?

Yes, you may commit to another school and remain on the waitlist for Rice. If you are offered admission from the waitlist and choose to attend Rice, you must then withdraw your previous enrollment.

If admitted from the waitlist, how will I be notified?

We will contact you by phone or email. For this reason it is important that you notify us of any changes to your contact information. Be sure we have a correct phone number where you can be reached throughout the summer months.

Is admission from the waitlist need-blind?

Admission is need-blind for domestic students, including those admitted from the waitlist.

Are financial aid opportunities different for those students admitted from the waitlist?

We guarantee need-based financial aid for all admitted students who qualify. If your financial aid application is complete, we will prepare an aid package at the time of acceptance.

Is on-campus housing guaranteed for students admitted off the waitlist?

We are usually able to accommodate all incoming students from the waitlist who desire on-campus housing. In the extremely unlikely event that you are admitted but housing is not available, we will notify you at the time you receive your offer of admission.