Rice, technically William Marsh Rice University, is a private research university in Houston Texas. Rice’s sprawling campus is right next to Houston’s Museum District. The University has many excellent science programs which include some lesser trodden paths like artificial heart research and space science. Rice’s acceptance rate hit a record low last year at about 9%. With that in mind, let’s break down the ins and out of the Rice supplement.

The two writing prompts that Rice asks for this supplement are two halves of a question that we see constantly, “why do you want to go here?” We see this question so often, that we have developed a bit of a formula. These questions break the typical why do you want to go here essay in half; the first asks you to talk about academics and the second about opportunities outside of the classroom. 

Please explain why you wish to study in the academic areas you selected above. *150

For this question, you will already need to have selected your first, second, and third choice major on the previous “academics” page. You do not have to talk about all 3 in this essay. Honestly, you should really only talk about your top choice since this essay is so short.

First, you want to introduce how you fell in love with the topic. This essay is short, so keep the story short. If you are talking about computer programing, maybe you first fell in love with it learning code for the first time or building a website for a friend’s business. Whatever it is, get in and get out quickly. Then it’s time to connect your passion to the major at Rice.

You should mention specific academic opportunities for your intended major at Rice. This should include 2 higher-level classes. Intro classes are usually the same at every college. Look for classes in the 300-400 levels. These will be more specific to Rice. Something like COMP 382 REASONING ABOUT ALGORITHMS would be a good choice for computer programing. Describe why you are excited to take the classes you mentioned. You should also mention a professor you want to do research with and why you are attracted to their research.

We would be surprised if you weren’t at 150 words by this point, but if you have any more room, you can also mention anything other interesting departmental opportunities you find. This might be laboratories, honors, specialized programs, concentrations, etc.

Based upon your exploration of Rice University, what elements of the Rice experience appeal to you?* 150

This question should also be full of Rice specifics, but outside of your major/academic path. You should look into specific, traditions, and opportunities at Rice. The best opportunities to mention are ones that connect to something you are already doing. For example, if you are passionate about volunteering, you should talk about on-campus service groups. If you do theater, look into the arts. Not everything needs to be directly connected, but there should be a throughline to what you do now. And be specific.

Once you have talked about extracurriculars you can also talk about the culture on campus. Most schools have a pretty campus, get specific about campus life and what excites you. Just use your best judgment. Mentioning an on-campus center such as Rice’s Multi-Cultural Center, great! They are proud of their residential system. Another good choice. Talking about how you are going to party hard at the frats? No.

For both of these questions, you want to show you have done your research and that Rice is the perfect fit for you. These are short, so make your points quickly! 

The Rice Box: In keeping with Rice’s long-standing tradition, please share an image of something that appeals to you.*

Rice’s last question is a little weird. We always just encourage the best judgment here. There aren’t as many rules on what to post as there are on what not to post. Some don’ts include mirror selfies, snap chat filters, we can’t believe we are saying this but nudes, etc. Anything you wouldn’t show your teacher is probably a no here. Anything PG is probably fine. If you are really stressing about what to put here, reach out, we are happy to help.

It will honestly probably take you longer to research Rice than it will write these questions. You need specifics to answer these questions well, so don’t skimp on that research step. Aside from the Rice Box, these questions are super straightforward. So take a breath, get a list of specific opportunities together, and just dive in.

Still don’t know where to start? Contact us here!