Topic: Rice University
Chat Participants
Amy Atcheson, Assistant Director of Admissions
Bonnie Rogeres, Director of Financial Aid
Mary Niemann, Student
Transcript: September 12, 2006. 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Jordan
Welcome everyone. My name is Jordan, a Program Associate at QuestBrige and also the Alumni Services Manager. I will be your moderator today.
Rice_Bonnie
Hi! This is Bonnie Rogers; I'm the Financial Aid Director at Rice.
Rice_Amy
Hello all! My name is Amy Atcheson and I'm an Assistant Director of Admission for Rice.
Rice_Mary
Hi! I'm Mary Niemann, a senior at Rice. I've been involved with a lot of different parts of campus life, so if you have questions about what it's like to be at Rice, send them my way!
Jordan
Thank you Bonnie, Amy, and Mary. Let’s begin the session.
vicky
What's the city like? How is Rice interactive and involved with the community?
Rice_Mary
Houston is the fourth largest city in the nation, so there is plenty to do here! Rice is right on the public transportation rail system, so we go downtown a lot to the theater district, to movies, and other things. Rice is a big name around the city, and we definitely have a presence in Houston.
Quynh
Hi. I actually completed and submitted part 1 of my Rice application before I received any information about QuestBridge. Should I discontinue my Rice application?
Rice_Amy
That's fine. We'll keep the Part I on file for you. Go through the Quest program as you would normally, and if you do not match through Quest, you can finish the Rice application by January 10.
Embry
Hi Mary! What are the various housing options at Rice and where did you stay?
Rice_Mary
Most students at Rice want to live on campus. We have a residential college system that means that a lot of your friends and social events happen around the dorms. I've lived on campus for all four years here, in the same dorm, Hanszen. For the most part you either live in a double, with one roommate, or a quad, with three roommates (with two bedrooms and a common room). Some bathrooms are attached to the rooms, and some are down the hall; your specific room depends on the dorm you stay in.
Spencer
Can I apply for Rice's interim admission through QuestBridge, or do I have to do regular admission to be eligible for the scholarship?
Rice_Amy
Because Rice's Interim Decision deadline is Dec. 1, it does not give you enough time to submit a Rice application if you find that you have not matched through Quest. You should then plan to apply to Rice under Regular Decision.
sscott07
Hi everyone! Mary, I'm thinking about majoring in Sociology and I know that Rice isn't well known for its sociology program, so what can you tell me of the sociology department and what career do you plan to pursue through the major?
Rice_Mary
I am planning to go to law school when I graduate. Although Rice is well known for its science and engineering programs, we have great Social Sciences and Humanities as well. I have LOVED my experiences with the sociology department, the faculty is absolutely wonderful. The professor that taught my Intro to Sociology class was voted the “best brain in Houston” by the Houston Press!
mahe
Hello! How many subject tests do I need for Rice?
Rice_Amy
Rice requires two SAT Subject Tests. You get to pick which two you want to take. We recommend they relate somehow to your proposed major.
vicky
How's the weather like?
Rice_Mary
I'm not going to lie; Houston can get hot and humid. The good news is that the hottest part of the year is the summer when we aren't in school. If you're from the south, the weather won't be a huge change from what you're used to. But the good news (at least I think this is good news) is that it doesn't get super cold in the winter. So from about October through March it ranges from 30 (in the dead of winter) to 75ish.
PopTart
How do students handle the high temperatures in the Rice University area?
Rice_Mary
You get used to the weather really quickly. The only times that it's really uncomfortable are the first few weeks of classes. Our fall feels kind of like summer does in the North East. And, because this is Texas, air conditioner is EVERYWHERE. Most of your time is spent inside anyway.
Erin
I did the same thing as Quynh, and I have an interview scheduled. Will that be considered in the Match program, or just through regular admissions?
Rice_Amy
If you have a Rice Part I on file, that is fine, but you will be considered a Quest applicant if you go through the QuestBridge process. Your interview with Rice would be part of a Rice application process, which you would complete if you do not match through Quest.
Danielle
I have a question about the dorms - I know that they are co-ed, but is it by hall or by floor? Also, are the bathrooms co-ed or are there private bathrooms?
Rice_Mary
All of the dorms at Rice have coed floors. It's really not as scary as it might sound...you get used to it really quickly and all the bathrooms are single sex, so you definitely dont have to worry about that. And if you live in a suite (the kind of room with 4 people) you probably have your own bathroom anyway.
JonJon
Hi! How many students does Rice accept into their engineering school each year?
Rice_Amy
Rice enrolls about a third of our students in Engineering, a third in the Natural Sciences, and a third in Humanities/Social Sciences. A smaller percentage come in through Music and Architecture.
Katya
Do the two subject tests have to be done for the QuestBridge app or for regular decision?
Rice_Amy
The two subject tests are for a regular Rice application.
sscott07
I also submitted my application before I knew about QuestBridge, but I selected the Early Decision option, so is it too late to change my application status?
Rice_Amy
No. Feel free to change your Rice application status. Just be sure to do it before the November 1 Rice Early Decision Deadline.
Ale
Hi. Do we get to choose our residential college?
Rice_Mary
What college you get put into is completely random. Rice wants to make sure that each college is a microcosm of the university itself and that each student gets exposed to people that are different from them. The only way you get to choose is if you have had a family member attend Rice, then you can choose whether to be in the same college as they were, or anything but that one.
vicky
what percent of graduates go on to graduate school?
Rice_Amy
Upon graduation, about half the class goes to work and half go directly into graduate school. 70% of Rice students who go to graduate school are admitted to their first choice programs.
Erin
What's the athletic tone on campus, in regards to both regular sports and intramurals?
Rice_Mary
Since Rice is a small school, our athletics are fun because you often know the people playing. During the College World Series last year, one of my friends, Joe Savery, was a starting pitcher, and I got to watch him on ESPN! Obviously, most kids aren’t going play a varsity sport, but there are TONS of IM and College level options to choose from. We have everything from racquetball, to basketball, to Inner tube Water polo.
vicky
How big are the class sizes?
Rice_Mary
It really depends, but most classes are pretty small. Introductory classes will be bigger than other kinds, but even those won't be over about 100 people. Our biggest lecture hall on campus only has 200ish seats, so even if we wanted to, we couldn’t have a class bigger than that. But the average class that I'm in is about 20-30 students. Some are smaller though. I have a class this semester with only 5 people in it.
Katya
Hi! I am very interested in biochemistry - how is the science department at Rice?
Rice_Amy
The BioChem dept is fantastic. Rice is right across the street from the Texas Medical Center, the largest med center in the world right now. Students volunteer and conduct research at the Med Center regularly, and it really lends strength to all our science programs.
PopTart
Will I have any loans in my package if I am a QuestBridge match scholar?
Rice_Bonnie
No.
PopTart
What can I expect to see in my financial aid package if I am a QuestBridge match scholar with Rice?
Rice_Bonnie
You will see grants to cover tuition, fees, room and board, and a book allowance.
vicky
Do you have any classes taught by T.As?
Rice_Mary
I only know of two classes at Rice that are taught by TAs. That’s one thing that’s fantastic about this school; the student-faculty ratio is so small that almost all Intro classes are taught by real professors, many of which are big in their field. As I mentioned earlier, my Intro to Sociology professor has written over a dozen books and was voted “best brain in Houston” by the Houston Press.
mahe
How is Rice's Visual Arts department?
Rice_Amy
The Visual Arts department just recently separated from the Art History dept in order to grow its studio programs. We have painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, digital arts, and film studies. We have an Art Gallery on campus, and we provide all students free access to many Houston museums.
Ale
Hi, are there any sororities in Rice?
Rice_Mary
Rice doesn't have fraternities or sororities. Instead, we have the college system. Basically, you're randomly assigned to a college and eat, sleep, study, play sports, and hang out there. It's kind of like the system in Harry Potter. Both Rice and Hogwarts were modeled after Oxford's college system.
sscott07
Does Rice pay for interested students to visit the school?
Rice_Amy
Not typically, but if we can help you make arrangements in other ways, please call. (713)348-7423.
panther07
Is it hard to switch majors or schools if I decide to change my mind? Are social sciences as strong of an area as other academic fields at Rice?
Rice_Amy
About 40% of students double-major in different schools of study at Rice. You don't have to formally declare a major until your sophomore year, and it is not difficult to switch if you change your mind. (The only exceptions to that are Music and Architecture majors.)
Meredith
What percentage of students receive merit scholarships?
Rice_Bonnie
It really varies from year to year. Last year about 15% of the class had an admissions merit scholarship; about 60% of the class had some sort of merit or need-based awards.
alyssa
What are the requirements for merit based scholarships?
Rice_Bonnie
It varies--a strong academic background and committed involvement in some activities both in and out of school is a good base.
panther07
Will changing my admission status from early to interim hurt my chances getting accepted? I have already submitted part one as interim.
Rice_Bonnie
No, it won't hurt your chances. You need to make a decision about what plan you want and inform Rice by November 1.
vicky
How many students attend Rice?
Rice_Mary
There are 2800 Undergraduates and 1900 Graduate students. This campus is definitely run by Undergraduates. We are the University's focus.
Ale
I was planning on applying by early decision to Rice; can I do de same if I apply through QuestBridge?
Rice_Amy
No, because the QuestBridge match is binding, and you cannot apply to two binding college applications plans. If you would like to participate in the QuestBridge Match, you could apply to Rice under Regular Decision if you don't match through QuestBridge.
Meredith
Does Part I need to be submitted in order to have an interview?
Rice_Mary
Yes.
DC
Hi, I had originally planned to apply interim decision to Rice, but now that I'm doing QuestBridge, is it still possible to make it by the Dec 1 deadline? Is there a way I can write a letter to Rice and let them know?
Rice_Amy
Yes, do let us know what you decide to do. If you don't match with a school through QuestBridge, you can apply to Rice under Regular Decision.
Quynh
So should I still schedule an interview? The deadline's Oct. 15, and the Quest finalists don't get notified until Oct. 20.
Rice_Amy
Sure. It won't do you any harm to have an interview with us.
andreasim
I've heard that Rice students are pretty competitive and that many classes are graded on a curve, can you comment on that?
Rice_Mary
One of the big reasons I chose to come to Rice is that when I visited campus, I saw how NON-competitive students were. Everyone here is intelligent, and we all recognize that if you come to Rice, you're probably a smart person. So students don't really feel the need to compete with each other for grades. There is also a fantastic support system in the professors; they want everyone to do well. Many of them would give As to everyone in the class if everyone earned them. That supportive academic atmosphere is something that I love about Rice.
panther07
What types of programs and schools does Rice offer graduates?
Rice_Bonnie
It would take a long time to fully share this. I recommend you take a look at the Rice website for details.
sscott07
I have a Part I on file and I am currently working on Part II but since I am applying through QB do I still need to fill out the Part II of the application?
Rice_Amy
No. Apply through QuestBridge, and if you don't match with a school through Quest, you can complete a special Rice supplement for QuestBridge students that will allow us to consider you for Regular Decision to Rice.
vicky
Do you strongly recommend interviews on regular admissions?
Rice_Mary
Interviews are always helpful, because it lets us get to know you as a person, instead of just a file. If you can't make it to Houston to interview, there is a network of alumni interviewers all around the country that you can meet with.
alyssa
If I am planning to take the SAT again this October and the QuestBridge application is due October 1st with my not so high first time SAT score; will Rice take this into consideration?
Rice_Bonnie
If Rice gets the October score before your application is reviewed for QuestBridge, it will be considered. If you apply as Regular Decision, then the score should be available for consideration for that plan. Good Luck with the test!
Erin
Is there a freshman seminar, or other similar focus group?
Rice_Mary
There are freshmen seminars that are offered as classes. None are required, however every year there are about 10 discussion classes designed specifically for freshmen to allow them a place to polish their writing and have open discussion with each other. These seminars have topics like “The Legend of King Arthur,” “Famous Southerners,” “Thomas Jefferson” and other fun topics.
BenBen
Does Rice have a 7 year med program with Baylor? If so, can we apply to that as QuestBridge Applicants?
Rice_Amy
Rice has an 8 year BA/MD program with Baylor College of Medicine, but only students who apply to Rice under Early or Interim decision to Rice are eligible.
Ale
Of all the students applying through QuestBridge, what percent gets in?
Rice_Bonnie
In the past Rice, has accepted 3-5 students as QuestBridge scholars each year. Other students, however, also apply as regular decision and are considered for admission.
vicky
How is the racial diversity?
Rice_Mary
Rice actually was just ranked by the Princeton Review as one of the colleges with the most racial integration and dialogue (or something to that effect). Rice is an extremely diverse place, not only racially, but intellectually, geographically and otherwise.
Sam
I am home schooled, and my state does not require grade reports. Consequently, I have no official transcripts. Would my parents’ records be accepted? Would they need to be assembled in transcript form?
Rice_Amy
Rice receives a number of applications from home schooled students. The best thing to do is have your parents (or whoever has taught you) write a detailed description of your curriculum along with a list of textbooks used and a reading list.
vicky
I keep seeing the word "interim"; could you explain what that is?
Rice_Bonnie
Interim is one of the decision plans; this plan allows students to find out a little earlier if they have been accepted to Rice than under the regular admission plan. Please see the Rice website for more details.
vicky
Do you require an interview?
Rice_Bonnie
No; it is optional. Many interviews are conducted off campus by alumni.
Erin
When do you declare a major at Rice, and what are the pros/cons of an undeclared major for applying?
Rice_Bonnie
You select a school of study on your application; you do not commit to a major until your sophomore year, which gives you time to really choose what you want.
PopTart
Who at Rice can I contact if I have questions regarding Rice and the match?
Rice_Amy
You are welcome to call the Admission Office and ask to speak with me or another counselor. 1-800-527-6957. We are open Mon-Fri 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Central Time.
Meredith
Is there an international relations program at Rice?
Rice_Mary
It isn't a separate degree, but the Political Science major has an international relations focus that you can choose to do.
Ale
Is there any kind of honors program??
Rice_Mary
Each major has its own separate honors program requirements. There is no formal campus-wide honors program. Most majors require extra classes and possibly some independent research or a senior thesis for the honor programs.
alyssa
How is the premed program and what do you know about majoring in sports medicine at Rice?
Rice_Bonnie
We have a number of students who prepare for a career in medicine. Being across the street from the world renowned medical center is a plus for internships. Rice has a really good sports medicine program.
Quynh
I was looking at the Rice supplement for the QuestBridge Regular admissions and there seems to only be one essay. Is this correct?
Rice_Bonnie
On the Rice application, there is only one essay. (The common application has two.)
Danielle
How many of Rice's pre-med students are accepted into Medical School? How many actually apply to med school?
Rice_Amy
90% of Rice students who apply to Med School are accepted. I do not know the raw numbers of how many actually apply.
Quynh
How are Rice's research facilities/labs?
Rice_Mary
SO many students at Rice do research! Almost every professor and grad student do research, and they all need undergrad research assistants. There are dozens of labs on campus that students work at. If you look for a research experience, chances are you'll be able to find one.
JonJon
I'm in Houston and would like to have an on-campus interview. How do I do that?
Rice_Bonnie
Please call the admission office (713)348-2910 to set up an interview.
Sam
If we fail to Match with Rice through QB, what are our chances of being admitted to Rice Regular Decision?
Rice_Amy
The same as all other Rice applicants. Our admit rate is 24% overall.
RDP
Does Rice require that we send AP or IB scores?
Rice_Amy
No, but if you've done well, you should send them. We give Rice college credit for scores of 4 or 5 on AP's and 6 or 7 on IB Higher Level exams.
BenBen
Can you change your major after declaring? How easy is that process?
Rice_Mary
It’s as easy as filling out a form and having your advisor sign it. And you don't even have to fill out the major declaration form until the end of your sophomore year. People jump from major to major all the time, without much red tape to cross through. I know people that have started out as Bioengineers and ended up Religious Studies and History majors.
Quynh
How many applicants get admitted through the Quest Regular admission?
Rice_Bonnie
3-5 students are selected as QuestBridge Scholars. Other students who apply for regular decision are evaluated on their application strengths.
panther07
What are the average scores of the subject tests that Rice is looking for, particularly in physics and math level 2.
Rice_Amy
We don't calculate averages, but I would recommend that you aim for 600's and higher on the Subject Tests.
DC
I have the paperwork version of the application instead of the online. On the student form, there are short answer questions with lines provided to answer them. Can I type the answers on a separate sheet of paper and attach it? If so, what is the maximum number of words do you suggest?
Rice_Bonnie
If you want to type, you should complete online. For paper you need to write the answers. There is no word min or max.
Ale
Mary, how much time do you spend studying? If I get into a varsity team, is there a chance it affects my grades??
Rice_Mary
Varsity athletics and academics together definitely require time management skills. But that's true when you play sports in high school, too. Students at Rice definitely work hard, but I know few people here who find the work completely overwhelming. You wouldn't be going to Rice if there was someone who thought you wouldn’t be able handle the load. I don't play sports, but I'm really involved in extracurriculars, and I love it. I definitely have to manage my time well, but I'm not too stressed about it and can still enjoy my college experience.
colin
This may sound ignorant of the situation but does a QuestBridge application take place of a regular Common application.
Rice_Bonnie
If you don't match through Quest, as long as you complete the Rice application supplement, your application will be complete.
JonJon
Does Rice have a theatre program?
Rice_Mary
We don't have a theater major, but it is a concentration within the Visual Arts department. We also have non-academic theater opportunities through our campus troupe, the Rice Players. Also, each college puts on several plays and musicals throughout the year.
Katya
What does Rice look for in an applicant: GPA? Test scores? A well-rounded student?
Rice_Amy
Good question! We look at six main characteristics: a strong curriculum, good grades (A/B mix in tough classes), standardized testing, recommendations, an essay, and leadership in extracurriculars. We do not weigh any of these factors more than the other. We look for overall strong applicants in all of these areas.
nida89
Do freshman have to live on campus dorms?
Rice_Mary
Freshmen don't have to live on campus, but almost all choose to. The truth is, so much of the college life and making friends process is centered around hanging out in the dorms. You can live off campus, but no one really wants to, especially freshmen year.
Quynh
I started my Rice app on paper: can I change my application status online?
Rice_Amy
The best thing to do is call us. 1-800-527-6957.
Quynh
How can I apply for the Science Honors Program through Questbridge? Or is that after being admitted?
Rice_Bonnie
Rice does not have a designated Science Honors Program.
Quynh
If we fail to become a QuestBridge scholar, but get admitted to Rice through the Regular admissions, is that binding?
Rice_Bonnie
Regular admission is not binding.
Kimberly
How prevalent is alcohol on campus?
Rice_Mary
This is a college campus, so there is alcohol, but Rice is very smart about it. Those students that choose to drink do so fairly responsibly. If you don't choose to drink, there are plenty of people who don't. Whatever your choice, you will find people at Rice that like the same social environment you do.
Kimberly
I am scheduled to take the SAT IIs in Nov. Will my scores even be considered?
Rice_Amy
I cannot say whether they will be considered by QuestBridge, but if you do not match with a school through Quest and you then apply to Rice under Regular Decision, November scores WILL be considered.
alyssa
What is your advice for my final year in high school?
Rice_Mary
Have FUN!!! It's your senior year in High School; enjoy yourself. This is the last time for your life to be the way it has been for the last 18 years. Don't go crazy, but don't stress out too much. The college admission process can definitely be stressful, but don't forget to have fun in between stressing.
Ale
Ok, so will Rice take in consideration that we first tried applying through QuestBridge if we have to apply again for the regular decision?
Rice_Amy
Yes. In fact, we have a special Rice-QuestBridge supplement that you can fill out to complete your Rice(regular decision) application if you do not match through Quest.
vicky
Since Rice is a small school, do students know each other very well?
Rice_Mary
By your senior year, you will know a lot of people on campus. However, we have 3000 people, so chances are you won't know everyone. I've gotten to the point where I definitely don't know everyone on campus, but when I'm out around Houston, I can usually recognize people as Rice students. But even having been here for 4 years, I meet new people all the time. It's definitely not as small as it seems.
panther07
How much does financial conflict matter when trying to get out of early decision admission if you have been accepted? Can I decide on my own if the financial aid offered is enough for me to decline acceptance?
Rice_Bonnie
You can't apply for both early decision and through Quest. If you are only applying early decision, and get an aid estimate and determine you cannot come, you have until Jan 2 to decline the offer.
vicky
Once we choose a major in a department, such as engineering, can we switch out to another department like humanities?
Rice_Mary
Definitely! Changing schools is not a big deal, especially before you declare your major sophomore year. Doing that is as easy as saying “I don’t want to be an engineer anymore; I'm now an English major.” That’s all it takes. But be careful. Many engineering majors have stricter requirements than humaninities or social sciences majors. So if you think you want to be an engineer, starting out with the basic classes is a good idea.
Jordan
Hi folks, a lot of great questions being asked. Be sure to send them in because we have about 10 minutes left.
PopTart
If I want to send in supplementary teacher recommendation letters, and perhaps a video of my playing the harp, to whom and where do I send those?
Rice_Amy
Please limit your supplementary recs to 1 or 2 at the most. If this is part of your Quest app, send them to QuestBridge. If this is for a regular Rice application, send them to Rice University, Office of Admission MS-17, PO Box 1892, Houston TX 77251-1892.
Quynh
Does QuestBridge require SAT II scores? Do they influence the finalist decision?
Rice_Bonnie
Rice requires the SAT or ACT and two SAT II subject tests.
Kimberly
What does "focus" in international relations mean?
Rice_Mary
It means that your degree is in Political Sciences, but you've taken classes within the major that specifically relate to international relations. So if you are a Poli Sci major you can choose to take classes focused on that, or classes focused on the American Government, or ones focused on policy study. So within the broad topic of Political Science, you have specifically taken several classes in that concentration, or focus.
PopTart
Does Rice use the federal or institutional methodology to calculate financial aid?
Rice_Bonnie
Both--federal for federal funds and institutional for institutional funds.
alyssa
Do you take into consideration the SAT writing/essay?
Rice_Amy
Yes, we are considering the new SAT writing section as part of our evaluation, but we have not calculated an average score or mid-range on the new test. We are currently using that score in conjunction with our own required essay to make an overall evaluation on a student's writing.
alyssa
Does rice have a golf team?
Rice_Mary
Rice has a Varsity Men's golf team only, but there are plenty of other students at Rice who like golf and many students play it recreationally.
DC
I submitted Part I via paperwork. How do I submit Part II online?
Rice_Amy
You have to go back and submit Part I online again. Click on the "fee waiver" option online and we won't double charge you.
Ale
Does Rice have any kind of program for graduating students to help them find jobs?
Rice_Mary
There is a staff of about 6 people called the “career services office” that help students with finding both summer internships and jobs after they graduate. They bring in recruiters from all over the country to interview on Rice campus.
panther07
If I have extra information I would like to submit such as recording of volunteer hours, how should I do that? Can I send a transcript of that in as well?
Rice_Amy
You are welcome to submit any additional info that you would like, but please do it in written form (so that it can go into your hardcopy file), and do not send a large number of extra recommendations.
colin
What SAT Subject Tests would you recommend to take if one were planning to study engineering?
Rice_Amy
A math and a science.
alyssa
Do you take work experience into account ?
Rice_Amy
Absolutely. Be sure to tell us about your job and the number of hours you've worked.
PopTart
Does Rice offer counselors or guidance and accommodations for disabled students?
Rice_Mary
Definitely. They work with each individual student to accommodate to their specific needs.
BenBen
How competitive is Rice? Are the students cooperative with each other?
Rice_Mary
Rice is very non-competitive. Students study and work together a lot.
Quynh
When do applicants through the QB Rice regular app get notified of admission?
Rice_Bonnie
Regular decision applicants are notified around April 1.
panther07
I am not taking as many classes this senior year because I have taken many courses already and our school does not have any others of interest. Will this look bad on my application if I only have 5 classes fall sem. and 4 in spring?
Rice_Amy
Not as long as you explain why. Send a short letter of explanation with your app, and that will take care of it.
Quynh
How significant is the financial aid given to QB Regular applicants?
Rice_Bonnie
Regular applicants are fully considered for aid. The amount of aid varies based on the family resources and other factors such as number of family members.
Quynh
How do I notify Rice about changing my application status from early to interim or regular? I started on paper, can I switch to online?
Rice_Amy
Call us to switch your plan. 1-800-527-6957. Or submit an email to Riceapps@rice.edu. You can switch to online, but you will have to submit the Part I again. Click on the fee waiver option so you don't have to pay twice.
colin
Houston is such a large city that I have almost considered not even looking at Rice as a college choice. Is Rice a "self contained" school in that one would not have to go out into the city too often? Or is it a school which almost requires a student to go out into the city every day?
Rice_Mary
You rarely need to go outside the hedges of Rice if you don't want to. There is more to do on campus than you could possibly do. People go into the city because they choose to, not because they have to, and many students like spending most or all of their time on campus
AdrianKJ
Does Rice have Division One Swimming?
Rice_Mary
Yes we do.
Jordan
Hi students, all question submission is now close in order to answer the remaining questions we do have. The room will close in several minutes. A transcript of this chat will be available for your review.
panther07
Do any of the teacher/counselor recommendation letters have to be in sealed confidential envelopes if we are sending all forms together?
Rice_Bonnie
All letters need to be sealed and marked confidential.
nida89
How is the Journalism program at Rice?
Rice_Mary
We don't have a Journalism program, but many English majors plan to be journalists with their degrees.
patrick
If I attended a community college for a course in a subject that I would like to major in, do I have to send the transcript to QuestBridge or one of its partner colleges as I am applying or after I get matched?
Rice_Bonnie
Yes, you need to submit a transcript to Rice as part of your application.
Ale
Ok, let me rephrase. I am taking the SAT II Spanish and Math tests, but in Math, instead of choosing Math 2, I selected Math 1. Should I change it???
Rice_Amy
No, we accept Math 1. That's fine.
AdrianKJ
So there is no swimming program? Just golf?
Rice_Mary
We have Division 1 swimming.
Kimberly
Does my ACT score fulfill the SAT II subject test requirements?
Rice_Amy
No. If you take the ACT, you must still take two SAT Subject Tests.
Meredith
If you don't end up being a QuestBridge finalist, can you apply interim decision?
Rice_Bonnie
You should apply regular decision due to timing of when your items are due.
nida89
How is the art history program at rice?
Rice_Mary
I've heard great things about the art history program, though I’ve never taken a class
Erin
My school does not offer AP, IB, or even “Honors” classes. If I've taken the most rigorous courses, will the context be taken into consideration?
Rice_Amy
We only evaluate your curriculum in the context of your own school. If your school does not offer advanced classes, we will not penalize you for that. We do expect, however, that you have taken every academic course available to you in that case.
Sam
I've heard that the purpose to the admission essay is to allow the applicant's personal facets to show through. What traits do you look for?
Rice_Amy
We are looking to get to know you! So the traits vary from person to person, but the best thing you can do is be yourself.
Jordan
Thank you so much to everyone for being an active participant in this discussion. Special thanks goes out to our Rice representatives Amy, Bonnie, and Mary. A transcript of this chat will be available. We do apologize if your question was not answered. We will have more schedule chats in the following weeks.
