<p>First of all, “alternative energy” is not a major. The closest Emory offers to the study of alternative energy is “Environmental Studies.” Rice does offer an “Environmental Science” major, but it is only available as a double major… they do offer a minor in sustainability issues (water and energy).</p>
<p>Second of all, I just want to make sure that you understand that you can major in whatever you want and still go to medical school. Emory and Rice are not going to evaluate you based on what your intended major is; they realize that the most interesting applicants have interests outside of their intended career field, so don’t feel that your extracurricular activities are harming you because you are not pursuing medically related activities. By the way, I think your extracurricular activities are strong… just make sure you connect them and only describe the most important ones. Colleges don’t want to see a laundry list of activities.</p>
<p>Since you seem to like both schools a lot, I would recommend applying regular decision. You have decent extracurricular activities, great test scores, and decent grades that should put you in the running for both schools. Sure, you are not the top applicant at either school, but I think your chances are good as long as you present yourself well in your essays. I think if you apply early decision, you might have some second thoughts about not applying regular decision because you like both schools a lot. </p>
<p>I also think you have a good shot at WashU, Duke, and Vandy too. This is just an opinion of a student who just went through the admissions process; I can’t predict with certainty whether or not you will get in because college admissions is a crapshoot.</p>
<p>I was in a similar position when I was applying and in April… I really loved both Emory and Rice. I got into both and it was very hard for me to decide.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that Rice offers an 8 year med program with Baylor medical school… you may want to apply to that as well. It only requires 2 or 3 more essays on an additional supplement. Keep in mind that it is very difficult to get in though.</p>
<p>Good luck! Feel free to PM me with any questions! I know both schools very well after all the research I went through to make my college decision.</p>