William Marsh Rice University, usually just called Rice, is a private research university in Houston’s Historic Museum District. Rice is most famous for its science and math programs but offers over 140 degrees. With only about 8,500 undergrads, some Texans would call Rice a “small school,” well, compared to the nearby University of Houston and Texas A&M.
We have written about Rice before, but we wanted to revisit the school since its acceptance rate has been declining. Last year, it hit a low of 8%.
Rice’s supplement has two essays, but they are really just two halves of the same question, “Why do you want to go here?”
Please explain why you wish to study in the academic areas you selected above.* 150 words
Okay, the only confusing thing about this question is that the selection box is not actually above. It’s on a separate page about five sections back. Also, the first choice box will not appear until you enter which school you intend to apply to.
The other trick to this essay is you really don’t have time to explain all three of our choices. For most students, we recommend choosing related topics that you are already passionate about and really only speaking to your first choice major. However, if you have really unique interests that fit together in a cool way, we also love that. For example, if you want to study Art History and/or chemistry because you hope to be an art restorer, that is awesome.
Once you have chosen your academic areas, it is time to research the corresponding programs at Rice. You should look for at least 2-higher level classes and a professor, but the more research you can do, the better. Once you have compiled your facts, it is time to write.
Start this essay with a short personal story about when you first became interested in the selected area. For example, if you hope to study Political Science, maybe it was from being in Model UN or from phone banking on a local campaign. You want to show your love for the topic through your experiences. Then you want to state that this is what you want to major in at Rice.
Next, back it up with your research. You want to mention specific opportunities in the major that Rice would allow you to take advantage of. This is where the classes and professors come in. Bring them up by name and explain why they are interesting to you.
This is a short essay, and you will need to fit a lot of information in it. You want to show your passion and its overlap with Rice specifically.
Based upon your exploration of Rice University, what elements of the Rice experience appeal to you?* 150 words
The first question is about academics at Rice; this one is about everything else. Just like in the first one, you want to show the overlap between your passions and opportunities at Rice. You are again going to have to do some research. You should be looking for clubs, opportunities, on-campus traditions, etc.
The best specifics are those you have already shown a commitment to. This allows you to talk about yourself and back up the type of Rice student you would be with evidence. For example, talking about the golf team won’t make sense if you have never played golf. However, if you are on your school’s debate team, discussing joining The George R. Brown Forensics Society, aka their speech and debate team, shows overlap between you and Rice.
Try to keep this specific. Don’t write about Rice having a pretty campus. Most schools have a nice campus. Instead, talk about a specific residential program or center on campus. The more tailored to Rice this is, the better.
The Rice Box: In keeping with Rice’s long-standing tradition, please share an image of something that appeals to you.*
This is a weird question that they have been asking for years. You have a lot of choices here; just use your best judgment.
While there are infinite things to post here, there are also things you shouldn’t. We shouldn’t have to say this, but we feel like we should. Keep it PG and avoid:
Memes
Snapchat/Capcut filters
Selfies… honestly, photos of yourself in general
Screenshots of Twitter… We are sorry, X. We know you love @jaboukie. Not here
Anything you wouldn’t show your Teacher is a good rule of thumb.
If you are nervous about the Rice Box, we are happy to help. Reach out here, but don’t stress out too much about it.
Rice’s supplement is tricky since you might not be able to explain everything you want to in full. From posting just a photo to very short essay word counts, you will need to make sure you are presenting yourself well and pithily. This takes a good amount of research and some editing. Make sure you give yourself enough time. We know it’s short, but it still takes time!
And if you need help, we are happy to! Contact us here.