<p>I really want to go to Rice but I have a strong feeling that I won’t get accepted (my GPA is just average, though I do have AP/Honors classes, and my ECs aren’t that great either). Is there anything “outside the box” that could greatly increase my chances? (and I don’t mean crazy things like ‘run for mayor’ or ‘lead an advanced scientific research project’ or something). I am currently a junior so I don’t have much time. I need to know now, and any help is appreciated! </p>
<p>Oh and this doesn’t just have to be for Rice, but basically for any hard-to-get-into colleges.</p>
<p>Well, that would depend on how much money you have.</p>
<p>You have to realize that if there was a sure way of getting into college, all of us would know about it and already have used it to get in.</p>
<p>But to answer your question, donate at least 100 million dollars for some new department.</p>
<p>Get really good at a sport one one year…</p>
<p>Find a cure for cancer…</p>
<p>Honestly, you ask for something that would increase your chances significantly, but isn’t hard. There isn’t anything like that or else all of us would be in our first choices.</p>
<p>yea, if your last name matches one of the building parts, or if you have your grandpa donate a huge some of money.</p>
<p>pretty much the OP is asking “as a junior, is there any short-term action or project I can do that will greatly improve my chances over those who have devoted years to their ECs and excelled in the toughest courses their school offers?”</p>
<p>The answer is “no”.</p>