For individuals interested in Rice University, the article includes a comprehensive guide with all the necessary details about the Rice University Acceptance Rate.
Texas, Rice University proudly stands as one of the nation’s foremost private research institutions. Boasting a modest undergraduate population of approximately 4,000 students, Rice’s exceptional performance shines through regardless of the metric.
Consistently securing a spot among the top 20 ranked universities nationwide, Rice garners particular acclaim for its outstanding undergraduate engineering program. The university’s abundant resources contribute to an impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, positioning it at the forefront of institutions excelling in both academic instruction and campus life quality. Are you eager to embark on your journey at Rice? You’re in esteemed company.
At present, the university has amassed an astounding 31,000+ applications, with its acceptance rate having lingered in the single digits for several years. Looking back to the 2007-08 academic year, the university received a modest 8,800 applicants, extending admission offers to 25% of them. With a discernible trend towards heightened selectivity over the past decade, it becomes imperative to harness every advantage within your reach.
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Where is Rice University?
Rice University is a well-known school that doesn’t reveal its location in its name. It’s situated in Houston, Texas, the fourth biggest city in the United States. The campus covers 300 acres and is close to the Texas Medical Center and Houston Museum District. Even though it’s in a city, the campus has lots of trees and a green feel that students really enjoy.
Is Rice University an Ivy League School?
While highly prestigious and selective, Rice University is not among the eight Ivy League Schoo
Rice University Acceptance Rate – Class of 2027
In creating the 2023-24 freshman class, the Rice acceptance rate was an all-time low of 7.7%. They received 31,049 total applications. Recent Rice acceptance rates are as follows:
- Class of 2026: 9%
- 2025: 9%
- 2024: 10%
Rice University Early Decision Acceptance Rate – Class of 2027
Those who are serious about attending Rice should definitely consider applying via binding early decision. They admitted 486 members of the Class of 2027 via ED. These individuals were selected from a pool of 2,743 applicants. This means that the Rice University ED acceptance rate is 15.2%.
Rice University Admissions – SAT, ACT, and Class Rank
Those enrolled in the Class of 2026 sported middle-50th standardized test scores of 1500-1560 on the SAT and 34-36 on the ACT. An astonishing 92% of Class of 2025 (most recent available) members placed in the top decile of their graduating high school class, while 97% earned a spot in the top quartile.
Admissions Trends & Notes
- Rice intends to enroll 1,100 students in their Class of 2027.
- Applications to join the Class of 2028 will continue to have the option not to include test scores.
- Rice recently introduced a business major which may have led to an uptick in applications.
- The 7.7% acceptance rate beat out the former record-low 8.6%, set in 2022.
Who Actually Gets Into Rice University?
Let’s look at the demographics of the Rice University Class of 2026:
- 36% of students are from Texas.
- 36% of the students are from other U.S. States and Territories.
- 14% are international students.
- The percentage of Asian students has increased substantially in the last three years.
- 55 students in the Class of 2026 are international students coming from China.
Just like at any highly-selective university, the fiercest competition usually comes from states that have a lot of well-qualified applicants, such as the whole Northeast and the West Coast. But if you’re from a less crowded state like Alaska, North Dakota, or Montana, your location could actually give you a better shot at getting in. Rice University does make an effort to have a good number of students from Texas, where it’s located.
Looking at ethnic identity, the breakdown of members of the Class of 2026 was as follows (based on Federal definitions of race)
- Asian American: 34%
- Hispanic: 19%
- African American: 10%
- White: 30%
- Multiracial: 6%
The breakdown by gender of the Class of 2026 is an even split:
- Male: 50%
- Female: 50%
One might think that women would enjoy an edge given the disproportionate number of men in STEM disciplines, yet the acceptance rates by gender are almost identical.
Yield Rate
Rice University’s yield rate—the percentage of accepted students who elect to enroll, divided by the total number of students who are admitted is 44%. For comparison, many other top private universities have superior yield rates such as Northwestern, Duke, and Vanderbilt University.
How the University Rates Applicants
Rice University places significant emphasis on a range of factors during its admissions process. They highly value the rigor of a candidate’s secondary school record, class rank, GPA, recommendations, extracurricular activities, character/personal qualities, and talent/ability. Additionally, while standardized test scores are currently optional, they are also considered. The university takes into account various aspects of an applicant’s background, such as first-generation status, alumni relation, geographical residence, state residency, racial/ethnic identity, volunteer work, paid work, and the applicant’s level of interest in Rice.
According to the admissions office:
Rice does not view admission offers solely based on grades and test scores. The selection process involves a comprehensive evaluation of academic capabilities combined with an adaptable assessment of an applicant’s talents, experiences, potential, and their prospective contributions to diversity. The university recognizes and values adversity faced by applicants and strives for a diverse student body that spans socioeconomic and racial backgrounds. Beyond academic competence, Rice seeks qualities like creativity, motivation, artistic talents, and leadership potential among its applicants. The admission process is holistic and aims to shape a well-rounded and diverse incoming class.
Things to Note Before Applying
If you plan on joining the 31,000+ Owl hopefuls for the next admissions cycle, you should know the following:
- Rice University expects to see evidence of advanced coursework in high school. Taking multiple advanced classes, particularly within your area of academic interest is a must.
- You must apply to one of the six academic schools on your application. Each has different admissions requirements and standards. If your application is denied, you cannot be reconsidered for a second-choice school.
- Rice University does offer optional interviews. They do “recommend an admission interview for freshman applicants as an excellent opportunity to showcase academic and personal successes while learning more about Rice. The Admission Committee values on- and off-campus interviews equally in the admission review process.”
- Rice University weighs “demonstrated interest” in the admissions process. Therefore, you will be judged on whether or not you made a campus visit (in non-pandemic times), contacted an admissions officer, etc.
- Make sure to dedicate sufficient time and effort to the supplemental essays required by Rice. In the 2022-23 cycle they were as follows:
All applicants must answer:
- Please explain why you wish to study in the academic areas you selected. 150 word limit.
- Based upon your exploration of Rice University, what elements of the Rice experience appeal to you? 150 word limit.
- Rice is lauded for creating a collaborative atmosphere that enhances the quality of life for all members of our campus community. The Residential College System and undergraduate life are heavily influenced by the unique life experiences and cultural traditions each student brings. What life perspectives would you contribute to the Rice community? 500 word limit.
- In keeping with Rice’s long-standing tradition (known as “The Box”), please share an image of something that appeals to you.
Summary of Rice University Acceptance Rate
In recent years, Rice University has upheld a highly competitive acceptance rate ranging from 7% to 10%. This discerning admission landscape emphasizes the institution’s pursuit of students who not only showcase exceptional performance but also position themselves in the upper echelons of academic achievement—often surpassing the 98th percentile among standardized test-takers. Furthermore, Rice University seeks candidates who have excelled in their high school rankings and demonstrated remarkable academic prowess, exemplified by a stellar record of achieving exclusively top-tier “A” grades in a rigorously AP-intensive curriculum.
Given the formidable nature of Rice University’s admissions environment, it becomes wise to not only harbor a fervent aspiration for admission but also to develop a contingency strategy. In this context, cultivating a well-structured and pragmatic backup plan emerges as a crucial element of your collegiate pursuit.
