my last applicable sat score was a 1460 (760 reading, 700 math) which i know is below the avg for rice university. however, rice recommends people submit test scores, and my score isn’t like, abysmal (though i suppose when compared to a 1570 or whatever it’s decidedly subpar). so while my test score probably isn’t gonna help my application, would it be worse if i applied without it?
superscoring only brings me up to a 1470 btw.
i’m not planning on applying to a stem program so i don’t know how much they’ll care about the math score. also i’m in ap calc ab so like. idk doesn’t that prove i’m good at math??
Rice is not test optional but test recommended. 70% of students who enrolled in last year’s freshman class submitted standardized test scores, so it’s possible to be admitted without them but I wouldn’t recommend it. Assuming that hooked applicants make up a good chunk of that 30% who didn’t submit, I’d say that the vast majority submitted scores and that it’s really hard to be admitted without them.
1470 is an excellent score. It’s at the 99th %ile. So, yes I would submit that score.
Also, Rice is not test optional. Someone better have a pretty good reason for not submitting and a pretty strong case to make without the recommended standardized test result.
So, give it. 1460–1470 is still a strong result, especially not for STEM. Rice is advised to send, and your ball will not be damaged. AP Calc AB shows that you can handle math
I’m facing the same concern as you are. Though my SAT is lower than yours. I currently have a 1410 for my SAT (680 reading, 730 math). My school is Title 1 with an average SAT of 922. I do have extenuating circumstances with my score (my parents are sponsoring immigration of my extended family from a different country, and I’m spending my extra time outside of school translating and interpreting). I’m planning to major in business and also in AP Calc AB.
I decided to go with submitting my score given my circumstances, yet I am still unsure if I should’ve went TO.
Rice is test recommended, not required. From their website:
Rice recommends first-year and transfer student applicants to undergraduate degree-seeking programs to submit SAT or ACT test scores, if available. Students who are unable to submit test scores or prefer not to submit test scores will be given full consideration in the admission selection process.
Standardized tests have long served as an external benchmark of college-readiness, suggesting a student’s preparedness for the rigors of a Rice education. As is consistent with our holistic review, test scores are one factor of many that are considered in the admission process.
Yes, I posted earlier in this thread that Rive is test recommended. Let me note two other bits of information. On the common data set, Rice lists standardized test scores as “very important”. Second 70% of the current freshman class submitted standardized test scores. That is a very high percent these days. Undoubtedly the vast majority of the 30% who did not submit were hooked applicants or others who had compelling reasons for admission without test scores.
While the write up from which you quoted says that those who don’t submit test scores “Will be given full consideration”, I wouldn’t want to bet the house on that. I think that an applicant who is not hooked better have an overwhelming case for admission if they are going to go test optional at a school which is test recommended. Without any test scores the admissions review will only assume the worst about a piece of information which they’ve already told us is “very important” to their decision making.
should i bother superscoring? i’d have to submit my july sat (1370 total, 770 reading and 600 math) which i do not really want them to see + how much does 10 points really matter?
Rice accepts self reported test scores. In the common app, you report your two highest section scores for the SAT. That’s it. Rice doesn’t see all the scores. The only way they would see all the scores is upon matriculation, when students have to send official test scores.
A 1470 is a GREAT score, congratulations. A friend’s kid with ZERO hooks, no crazy ECs, but good grades etc got into Cornell’s Arts & Sciences with a 1470 last year. It’s only the test optional years that made kids think everyone had a 1500+.