My DD is a freshman at Rice so that is my perspective…
I don’t know anything about IB so don’t have any feel for how that translates into a GPA equivalent.
You are correct about their “super scoring” policy… but note that for the class of 2022, an ACT composite of 33 was 25th percentile and 35 was 75% percentile. I would be concerned about your math scores - both on the ACT and the SAT Math II test - if you are indeed interested in going into engineering. I would expect a prospective engineer to have a math score at least the same as the English and Reading scores. And your Math II score is 50th percentile, smack dab in the middle of all the students who took it. Note that 21% of students receive a perfect score.
Also make sure you understand that for Rice you do not apply to a specific major and only identify interest in a particular school of study.
There is an essay question: “Further explain your intended major and other areas of academic focus you may explore.”
From Rice’s website:
“Yes, in your application to Rice you must specify which one of our six academic schools is your primary area of interest. The six schools are architecture, engineering, humanities, music, natural sciences or social sciences. Although this is not a binding choice, the decision should not be made lightly. We are looking for a thoughtful response to this question. Our academic schools are looking for different strengths and qualities in applicants, so you will need to choose the school in which you feel the most confident of your abilities and interests.”