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

2. 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!

3. 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?

4. 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

5. 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)

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. Contact Information
Rice University’s Office of Admission

16. Questions?