How To Get Into Rice University: Strategies And Essays That Worked

Part 1: Introduction

Your child has worked hard and excelled in high school, so now you’re exploring what colleges would be the right fit—somewhere prestigious where they’ll be both valued and challenged. You’re considering Ivy League and Ivy+ universities, but also expanding your search to other selective schools. If your child dreams of making an impact and would thrive in a close-knit, spirited community, they might be a perfect candidate for Rice University.

Founded in 1912, Rice may seem young compared to Ivies or schools in the Northeast, but its Byzantine-style architecture creates a wise, established feel to the campus. Rice is also rich in tradition—including its residential college system. Every new undergraduate student is assigned to one of eleven residential colleges. Each college has its own dorms, dining halls, shared public spaces, and a revered set of customs.

The residential college system contributes to social and academic life at Rice. Each college elects its own student government officials, resulting in more potential leadership roles than you’d find at other colleges. The student leaders will arrange lecture series and innovative course opportunities for the members of their college, as well as social events and service activities.

In the classroom, Rice emphasizes research, teaching, and service in its curriculum, with practical application centered on improving the surrounding Houston community. While some colleges seem to exist in an insular “bubble,” Rice students learn to engage their city—both for cultural enrichment and for social activism.

Sometimes referred to as the “Harvard of Texas,” Rice has become more challenging to get into than some Ivy League institutions. It attracts a large number of high-achieving Texas students, as well as competitive applicants from all over the world.

Getting into Rice means accessing a world-class academic and social experience. On any given day, a Rice student might discuss the rising temperature of Earth with a Guggenheim Fellow, walk to the DiverseWorks museum for the latest innovative exhibit, grab fresh produce from the Rice Farmer’s Market, then deliver a health education program to local refugee communities.

And after Rice? The ambition and integrity instilled by four years at Rice will follow your child to any successful career field or further graduate study. Rice graduates use their leadership and analytical thinking skills to improve communities, make groundbreaking scientific advances, and become society’s greatest leaders.