ArchonPraetor

Hey all. I'm an asian male from an urban public texan school. I want to go to Rice the most right now, but I'm applying interim decision (long story). I thought i had a good shot, but I don't know anymore. I know the essay is very crucial too but how do things look so far?

I hope to major in Bioengineering btw.


Rank: 54/807

SAT I: 2300 (Math: 800 Reading: 740 Writing: 760)

SAT II: Math IIC: 720
Physics: 570 (retaking math 2 and physics in dec. lol).
Literature: 700

AP's: Calculus AB (5) English Lang (5) Statistics (3) World History (3)

Senior Year Classes: Calculus BC AP, Physics AP, Biology AP, Latin Vergil AP, English GT AP, Macroeconomics AP, Microeconomics AP, Anatomy & Physiology, U.S. Government, Teacher Aide.

Always took hardest possible courses throughout H.S.

Accomplishments and Extracurricular:

National Merit Semifinalist
JV Tennis (9-10)
-Chess Club (9-12): Undefeated Champion all four years (been doing chess for long time)
-United States Chess Federation Member since 1997
-3rd place in the Texas Region 6 tournament junior year
Latin Club (9-12) Lots of Area, State, and National Latin Exam awards
Junior Classical League (9-12)
Key Club (11-12): Reporter (12)
Underclassmen Honor Society (9-10)
National Honor Society (11-12)
Math Club (11-12)
Orchestra (JV 9, Varsity 10): Concertino Region Orchestra (2nd violin sect, freshman)
Calculus Club (12)
Junior Engineering Technical Society (11-12): 2005 TEAMS Competition at UT Austin
Model United Nations (10-12): Recognition as China (Disarm.) at Baylor 2004
Technology Students Association (11)



- Attended San Antonio PREP (PreFreshman Engineering Program) 8 weeks a summer for three summers. Upon graduation of the program (Summer 2003), I got a scholarship offer of $10,000 from St. Mary’s.
-Interned at the University of Texas San Antonio Health Science Center over the summer after junior year. Worked in a lab that focused on cancer research in the Cell and Structural Biology department.
- Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP) over summer 2004·
- Work as a grader at a Kumon Math/Reading Center·

Community Service:

- Volunteered at a Kumon Center for a total of 80 hours over the period of Dec. 2003 to June 2004.
- Tutor peers before school on wednesdays
- Volunteer teaching Chess class on sundays to young children
- Community service hours through Key Club

To explain the terrible Physics SAT II score, I took it in a rush realizing that Rice needed two subject tests related to your major. I actually did not sign up for the physics until the day of the test itself (originally just chose Math and Lit). I'm retaking Math and Physics in december, and this time i'll actually prepare for Phys. Hopefully it should be a 650+


I'd appreciate any input on my situation. Thanks.

pilebay

You have amazing stats. Especially on the SAT I score and all of your awards. All I can say is thank god you didn't apply early decision and compete against me.

rj1988

Ditto. ^_^

wrprice

Great looking stats; it looks like you should be able to handle the Rice workload. So, without the need to worry about your numbers, the only other thing is to make sure your essays are thoughtful, complete, well presented, and -- most importantly -- uniquely you. Make sure you show your passion for your skills, your hobbies and other interests, and Rice.

Since you're coming from Texas, your geographical competition will be steep. Numbers alone aren't enough, but if you can be anything but boring on your application, you should do well!

vtao11

The only thing I have to say about Rice is that it's quirky. Although your physics and lit isn't too great (though decent), I've seen people with less get in. On the other hand, some awesome people have been rejected (valedictorians, perfect scores across the board, all rolled into one) get rejected. So, my advice is, you've done all you can do. The fact that you had the bravery to even TAKE the physics subject test says a lot about you in my opinion.

When it comes to Rice, weird things happen. You can't count on anything.

Samian Quazi

dont mean to make ur hopes go down, but according to the rice viewbook more the 3/4 of the admitted students are in the top 5% of their HS class, so i'd remain vigilant through this application process