Highly Selective College Admission Brandon Mack, m.ed Senior Assistant Director of Admission Rice University

How do we determine admission? Highly selective college admission is NOT an exact science Holistic Review Process Intellectual curiosity Engagement in and contributions to one’s community Broad perspectives and differing points of view A variety of talents and the desire for growth Everything counts!

Is it better to make an A in an Honors class or a B in an AP class? Transcript Course selection is just as important as the grades you earn. Take the most advanced course options available in your school: Honors Advanced Placement (AP) Dual Credit Courses International Baccalaureate (IB) Make strong and consistent grades As are preferred Bs are OK Is it better to make an A in an Honors class or a B in an AP class?

Transcript Take core academic solids each year of high school (English, math, science, social science, foreign language) Take a challenging curriculum in high school. You should be in advanced level courses, AP, or IB if your school offers them Get good grades! Get to know your teachers and counselor. They will be writing recommendations on your behalf so help them be your best advocate

The Application Which application should you complete? The Common Application The Coalition Application Universal College Application ApplyTexas University-specific Application Additional Information Section Résumé Additional statement(s)

Types of Applications The Common Application – www.commonapp.org One application for more than 600 different colleges and universities across the country They represent an enormously diverse variety of institutions: small and large, public and private, coed and single-sex, highly selective and relatively open enrollment Participating schools often require additional materials that are specific to their school Participating schools are committed to a holistic review process

Types of Applications ApplyTexas – www.applytexas.org One application for 60 four-year colleges and universities in Texas Participating schools include: University of Texas System A&M University System University of Houston System Various private and public Texas Universities

Application Supplement In addition to the Common Application, there will often be university specific questions Be sure your responses, answers and descriptions are also university specific Be sure to provide full descriptions

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Get involved at your high school, whether it’s student clubs or even organizations outside your school Seek out leadership opportunities in your favorite clubs or organizations Do not procrastinate! It is apparent when the activities list – and applications - are rushed and completed at the last minute

Standardized Testing Requirements Be sure you fulfill the standardized testing requirements Rice: SAT & 2 SAT II Subject tests or ACT Test-optional Minimum score required? The higher the score, the more competitive your application

Letters of Recommendation Counselor Letters Should speak to you as a citizen within your school Teacher Letters Junior/Senior year teacher aligned with intended area of study Do not exceed the required number of recommendations Quality over quantity

The Interview Check to see if the interview is required/optional Interviewing is an optional component of the Rice application process Some interviews are encouraged but not evaluative Introduces your personality Helps both sides establish fit Communicate with university representative Hate interviewing? Do NOT interview if it is optional

Campus Visit If you have the chance, visit the campus If you are close to the institution, we EXPECT you to visit Visit a variety of institutions to get a sense of what kind of institution you want to attend Try to limit your trips to one school per day Check to see if the school offers special visitation programs

Common Terms in Admission Early Decision Early Action Regular Decision Need Blind Admission vs. Need Aware Admission Waitlist Defer (Early Decision) Need-based aid vs. Merit based aid FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) CSS Profile Net Price Calculator

Contact Information Rice University’s Office of Admission admission@rice.edu www.futureowls.rice.edu

Questions?