Rice University: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics

Lovett Hall at Rice University in Houston

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Rice University is a private research university with an acceptance rate of 8.7%. Located in Houston, Texas, the university boasts a multi-billion-dollar endowment, a 6-to-1 student/faculty ratio, a median class size of 15, and a residential college system. In athletics, the Rice Owls compete in the NCAA Division I Conference USA (C-USA).

Considering applying to this highly selective school? Here are the Rice University admissions statistics you should know.

Acceptance Rate

During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, Rice University had an acceptance rate of 8.7%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 8 students were admitted, making Rice's admissions process highly competitive.

Admissions Statistics (2018-19)
Number of Applicants 27,087
Percent Admitted 8.7%
Percent Admitted Who Enrolled (Yield) 41%

SAT Scores and Requirements

Rice requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 60% of admitted student submitted SAT scores.

SAT Range (Admitted Students)
Section 25th Percentile 75th Percentile
ERW 720 770
Math 750 800
ERW=Evidence-Based Reading and Writing

This admissions data tells us that most of Rice's admitted students fall within the top 7% nationally on the SAT. For the evidence-based reading and writing section, 50% of students admitted to Rice scored between 720 and 770, while 25% scored below 720 and 25% scored above 770. On the math section, 50% of admitted students scored between 750 and 800, while 25% scored below 750 and 25% scored a perfect 800. Applicants with a composite SAT score of 1570 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at Rice University.

Requirements

Rice University does not require the optional SAT essay section. Note that Rice participates in the scorechoice program, which means that the admissions office will consider your highest score from each individual section across all SAT test dates. At Rice, SAT Subject tests are recommended but not required. Applicants who elect to submit SAT Subject tests scores should choose tests based on their selected area of study.

ACT Scores and Requirements

Rice University requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 70% of admitted students submitted ACT scores.

ACT Range (Admitted Students)
Section 25th Percentile 75th Percentile
English 33 35
Math 31 35
Composite 33 35

This admissions data tells us that most of Rice University's admitted students fall within the top 2% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of students admitted to Rice received a composite ACT score between 33 and 35, while 25% scored above 35 and 25% scored below 33.

Requirements

Rice does not require the optional ACT writing section. Unlike many universities, Rice superscores ACT results; your highest subscores from multiple ACT sittings will be considered.

GPA

Rice University does not provide data about admitted students' high school GPAs.

Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph

Rice University Applicants' Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph.
Rice University Applicants' Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph. Data courtesy of Cappex.

The admissions data in the graph is self-reported by applicants to Rice University. GPAs are unweighted. Find out how you compare to accepted students, see the real-time graph, and calculate your chances of getting in with a free Cappex account.

Admissions Chances

Rice University has a highly competitive admissions pool with a low acceptance rate and high average SAT/ACT scores. However, Rice has a holistic admissions process involving other factors beyond your grades and test scores. A strong application essay and glowing letters of recommendation can strengthen your application, as can participation in meaningful extracurricular activities and a rigorous high school schedule. Students with particularly compelling stories or meaningful achievements can still receive serious consideration even if their test scores are outside of Rice's average range.

To apply, students can use the Common Application or Coalition Application. Rice has an Early Decision program that can improve admission chances for students who are sure the university is their top choice school.

If you're applying to Rice, you should consider the school a reach even if you have exceptional grades and standardized test scores. The graph above illustrates why. Many students with unweighted "A" averages and extremely high standardized test scores were still rejected by Rice University.

All admissions data has been sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics and Rice University Undergraduate Admissions Office.

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Grove, Allen. "Rice University: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics." ThoughtCo, Aug. 28, 2020, thoughtco.com/rice-gpa-sat-and-act-data-786596. Grove, Allen. (2020, August 28). Rice University: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/rice-gpa-sat-and-act-data-786596 Grove, Allen. "Rice University: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/rice-gpa-sat-and-act-data-786596 (accessed March 29, 2024).