<p>Also, I cannot emphasize enough that Rice takes a HOLISTIC approach to the admissions process. You could be valedictorian and have a 2300 SAT score, but if you don’t show your commitment to extracurriculars or write thoughtful, sincere essays, you will not get in. Even if you are committed to extracurriculars and write excellent essays, you might not get in either. Rice has many compelling applicants, and they cannot accept all the compelling applicants.</p>
<p>Sure, statistically, 50 percent of valedictorians/salutatorians get into Rice, but that is mainly because these students are driven and tend to be involved in extracurriculars and tend to write great essays.</p>
<p>Think of it this way: 50 percent of the students that graduate top in the class get rejected from Rice. If you graduate near the top of your class, your chances are definitely greater in terms of getting into Rice, but that alone does not guarantee you will be admitted.</p>