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5 Tips for Writing the Perfect Rice Essay Supplement

College Essays

Rice University is one of the top 20 universities in the nation , and to get in, you need more than just awesome grades and test scores—you need a compelling Rice essay. The Rice application requires several essays depending on the school you're applying to at the university. So what should you write about for each Rice essay to make your application as strong as it can be?

We'll explain what the Rice supplement is and go over the Rice University essay prompts you'll see on your application. Then, we'll give you expert tips on how to answer each essay prompt so you'll have an even better shot at getting accepted to this prestigious university!

Feature Image: faungg's photos /Flickr

What Is the Rice Supplement?

Like many colleges, Rice has a supplement that requires applicants to submit additional info to the school—that is, info not included in the Common Application or Apply Coalition with Scoir .

The Rice writing supplement consists of several essay and short answer prompts, which most undergraduate applicants (though not all—we'll explain this in more detail shortly) must answer for their applications. These supplementary questions ask about applicants' choice of academic field, reasons for applying to Rice, and so on.

In addition, as part of the Rice supplement, all applicants must upload an image that depicts something that appeals to them or is important to them . This requirement, called "The Box," isn't an essay, but it plays just as important a role in the application process. So choose a picture wisely!

Once you've answered all these questions and uploaded an image, you can submit your Rice supplement along with the rest of your application.

What exactly are the Rice University essay prompts you need to answer? Let's take a look.

What Are the Rice University Essay Prompts?

There are six Rice University essay prompts in total ; however, feel free to relax a little since you won't need to respond to all these prompts on your application. This is because the Rice University essay prompts you must answer will vary depending on the school you're applying to at Rice .

Below are all the current Rice University essay prompts, organized by what types of applicants are required to answer which ones.

All Applicants

There are four essays that all applicants must submit to Rice.

The first of these is a personal essay that responds to one of the essay prompts provided by either the Common App or Apply Coalition with Scoir (depending on which system you're using). This essay should be about 500–550 words long and must be no longer than 650 words.

Both the Common App and Apply Coalition include several essay prompts from which you can choose. We won't be listing those prompts here, but you can find them in our guides to the Common App and Coalition App essay prompts .

In addition to the Common App or Apply Coalition personal essay, all applicants must submit three short answers as part of the Rice supplement . Your answers to the first two of these questions will be much shorter than your personal essay, at just 150 words max per response.

Here are the first two short-answer prompts:

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

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

The third supplemental essay is longer, at 500 words max , and you'll need to choose between two prompts to answer:

Please respond to one of the following prompts to explore how you will contribute to the Rice community: Option 1: The Residential College System is at the heart of Rice student life and is heavily influenced by the particular cultural traditions and unique life experiences each student brings. What life experiences and/or unique perspectives are you looking forward to sharing with fellow Owls in the residential college system? Option 2: Rice is strengthened by its diverse community of learning and discovery that produces leaders and change agents across the spectrum of human endeavor. What perspectives shaped by your background, experiences, upbringing, and/or racial identity inspire you to join our community of change agents at Rice?

If you're into architecture, you'll need to answer these next two Rice University essay prompts.

School of Architecture Applicants ONLY

Applicants to the Rice School of Architecture must submit all of the above PLUS two more short answers (again, these are part of the Rice supplement). Your answer to each question must be no longer than 250 words , giving you a little more space to work with compared with the two short-answer questions above.

Here are the current Rice University essay prompts for School of Architecture applicants:

All Rice University Essay Prompts, Analyzed

Now that we've seen all the Rice University essay prompts, let's analyze them one at a time to see how you can answer them effectively.

Rice Supplement 1: Short Answer (All Applicants)

This first short answer wants you to summarize your (main) intended field of study as well as any other fields you're interested in studying at Rice. It's a deceptively simple prompt that's about a lot more than just what you plan to study at Rice.

The crux of this essay isn't just summarizing your major—it's explaining why you've chosen this field and why Rice specifically will be a good fit for your goals and interests .

Here are the questions this prompt is really asking you to answer:

• Why do you want to study this particular field?
• Why do you think Rice is a good fit for you and your academic interests?

As you write your response, try to focus on specifics . Don't just say you've always had an interest in writing stories. What specifically drove you to declare a major in English? For instance, you could discuss your deep fascination with Shakespeare, specifically with Macbeth , and how you're excited about Rice's array of Shakespeare-centered classes .

If you have enough space (remember that your answer can only be 150 words max), you could also (or instead) elaborate on what you plan to do with your intended major after college and how Rice will help you achieve this goal . If you're hoping to study music, for example, you could write about how you believe Rice's Navigating Music Careers portal and accomplished music faculty will help prepare you for establishing a successful career in music.

If you're still undecided about what you want to major in, this is a great time to explain what kinds of fields you're considering studying and why they intrigue you. Maybe you recently developed an interest in architecture after seeing the famous Gateway Arch in St. Louis and are now thinking of taking some architecture classes at Rice.

Whatever the case, be clear about what you (might) want to study and why .

What do you want to study at Rice—and why?

Rice Supplement 2: Short Answer (All Applicants)

Unlike the prompt above, this prompt is not limited to academics (though you are welcome to talk about those here as well, as long as you don't repeat anything you wrote for your other short answer). Basically, Rice just wants to know this: why Rice?

This prompt is actually a variation of the "why this college?" essay , which many colleges ask for in their applications. Specifically, this prompt is asking you to focus on why Rice is an ideal fit for you .

Here are some examples of topics you could write about:

• A particular academic program or major you're interested in doing, possibly one that's not offered elsewhere or is somewhat rare
• The small community atmosphere at Rice and the fun activities and traditions it offers students , such as O-Week and Beer Bike
• The diversity of the Rice student body and why this positive, blended environment would be ideal for you as a student
• Its urban location in Houston and how you intend to use the resources of the big city to further your academic or professional interests
• A certain professor or faculty member whom you wish to work with

Remember to be specific —don't just say you're interested in Rice because it's known for quality research or because it's ranked highly on many "best colleges" lists. What specific features does Rice have that made you apply?

If you're not sure what to write about for this Rice essay, I recommend doing some research on Rice. Start by visiting the official Rice website to see what the school offers in terms of academics, extracurricular activities, professional opportunities, internships, study abroad programs, etc. You can read more about anything that sticks out to you or resonates with your interests.

You can also refer to community-based websites, such as College Confidential and Reddit , to see what current students have to say about life at Rice.

Rice Supplement 3: Essay (All Applicants)

The third essay in the Rice supplement offers a choice of two prompts. Aside from the Common App or Apply Coalition with Scoir personal essay, this is the longest Rice essay you'll write for your application .   You have a limit of 500 words , which should give you plenty of space to delve into the details of yourself and what you'll contribute to the community at Rice.

So what are these prompts asking you to do exactly? Both options are essentially a diversity essay prompt . But let's discuss one prompt at a time.

Option 1: The Residential College System is at the heart of Rice student life and is heavily influenced by the particular cultural traditions and unique life experiences each student brings. What life experiences and/or unique perspectives are you looking forward to sharing with fellow Owls in the residential college system?

Option 1 basically has two parts: the first asks what makes you different from other applicants and what qualities you bring to Rice. The second part focuses on Rice's residential college system , which is founded on the principles of diversity and communty; that part of the prompt asks you to describe how your cultural background or past experience will shape your contribution to your assigned residential college.

Note the significance of the word "unique" in the prompt here—this is the crux of what you should write about in your essay. What specific distinctive qualities do you have that you think will make a positive contribution to the Rice community?

Here are some sample topics you could write about for this Rice essay:

• A particular skill you have —for example, maybe you often play classical guitar music to calm down your younger sibling at home, and you think this skill could help students (and yourself) feel better during finals week at Rice
• A positive personality trait you have , such as optimism or dedication, and how this trait has helped you in life and could help you and others at Rice as well
• A cultural, religious, or ethnic background you have that is important to you in your daily life and that you feel will help increase the diversity at Rice
• Any unique experiences that are significant to you or have had a major impact on how you define yourself —perhaps you've lived in many countries and believe these experiences of constantly having to adapt to new cultures and lifestyles might help you (and others!) with transitioning to life at Rice

Option 2: Rice is strengthened by its diverse community of learning and discovery that produces leaders and change agents across the spectrum of human endeavor. What perspectives shaped by your background, experiences, upbringing, and/or racial identity inspire you to join our community of change agents at Rice?

Option 2, meanwhile, asks you to share how at least one aspect of your background or identity—whether you define that by your race, ethnicity, spirituality, sex or gender, sexual orientation, how you were raised, or a particular experience—has shaped your worldview. It then asks you to explain and why that perspective makes you want to attend Rice specifically.

With this essay, keep in mind the particular use of the phrase "change agents."  The university is representing itself as a community of students who want to make a difference in the world, so given your upbringing, experiences, values, or identity, in what  specific  are would you like to have a positive impact? For example, does being a first-generation college student inspire you to become a peer mentor with Rice's Student Success Initiatives ? Did volunteering at a food bank every Thanksgiving with your family make you passionate about the service learning component of the university's Program in Poverty, Justice, and Human Capabilities?

Whether you choose option 1 or 2 for this third supplemental essay, keep in mind the following:

Make sure to show, not tell. You've got plenty of room to be able to tell a compelling story, so try not to rely on dull descriptions, clichés, and general, all-encompassing statements. Rather, fill your story with personality, voice, images, and realism. Using a variety of literary devices can add lots of color to your writing and will help your essay stand out.

In addition, don't repeat anything you've already written in your Common App or Apply Coalition with Scoir essay. The essays required for both application systems are similar to the Rice essay above in that they're all longer and more personal. Write about something different for each so you don't sound as though only a single thing defines you.

Rice Supplement 4: Short Answer (Architecture Applicants ONLY)

Why are you determined to study architecture? Could you please elaborate on your past experiences and how they have motivated you to apply to Rice University and the School of Architecture in particular?

This prompt is similar to the first short-answer supplemental prompt in that it's asking you to elaborate on your chosen major (in this case, architecture) and why you're interested in it. For this essay, however, you don't need to focus on architecture as a major as much as you do on architecture as a passion .

In other words, this is your chance to tell the story of how you developed a deep interest in architecture and what architecture means to you .

For this Rice essay, and as the prompt says, you can focus on aspirations (i.e., what goals do you have and how does architecture fulfill these?), experiences (i.e., did a particular incident make you develop an interest in architecture?), and relationships (i.e., who, if anyone, inspired you to study the field?).

Here are some potential topics you could write about:

• A particular person, such as a parent or teacher , who introduced you to architecture, and how this person influences you today (if applicable)
• A design or architecture class you took , either at school or as an extracurricular, and how this class made you become interested in architecture
• A research project you did , whether specifically about architecture or not, and how it drew you into wanting to learn more about architecture and its various applications
• A certain piece of architecture , such as the Eiffel Tower or Empire State Building, you either saw in person or learned about and that made you want to study the field further

In your essay, use specific details and avoid clichéd openings , such as "I knew I wanted to study architecture when…" The admissions committee at Rice has more than likely heard these types of overly broad statements hundreds, if not thousands, of times, so avoid them!

This is one cliché you'll definitely want to avoid in your Rice essay.

Rice Supplement 5: Short Answer (Architecture Applicants ONLY)

Please expand on relevant experiences and motivations outside of your academic trajectory that have inspired you to study architecture, focusing on aspects that are not accommodated by other prompts in the application.

This is an interesting essay prompt since it's so much broader than the other one you have to respond to as an architecture applicant to Rice. The purpose of this prompt is to reveal to Rice what types of activities you're interested or engaged in (outside of architecture) and what role they play in your fascination with architecture .

Think about what you do in your spare time, what you're passionate about, and possibly what you are obligated to do (e.g., chores or duties at work). Are there any activities you do that you find fun but also intellectually or physically challenging? Are you particularly invested in an activity?

Don't be afraid to get really creative and honest here —you're allowed to write about an activity that's unconventional, eccentric, "boring," or even plain goofy. Just make sure you're also giving the admissions committee deeper insight into something about you , such as how you flourish when competing against your own times in cross-country races or how you calm yourself down by watching urban planning YouTube videos every evening. Ultimately, you want to highlight a personal hobby or motivation that has contributed to your interest in architecture .

• Your love of design  and how toys you used to play with as a child, such as LEGO bricks, led to your gradually developing a desire to learn more about architecture as a field
• Any personal experience that relates to how you became interested in architecture —maybe you grew up in a shoddy apartment complex, an experience which showed you how better and safer architecture could improve people's day-to-day lives
• A relevant video or board game you love to play , such as SimCity, Minecraft, or 7 Wonders Architects, and how this game connects with your love of planning and building
• Volunteering with an organization or at a specific place , such as at Habitat for Humanity, and what this activity means to you ( NOTE: I recommend only picking this topic if you're continually involved with a specific volunteer effort and if it's something you're very invested in—if you helped build a house for a low-income family only once, for instance, don't write about that here!)
• An architecture-based TV show or movie , such as  Big Dreams, Small Spaces, Grand Designs , or Amazing Spaces ,   that you love and indulge in on a regular basis and why you believe this program or film has shaped your passion

As a final tip for this Rice essay, don't feel obligated to choose an "impressive" topic . Instead, use this open-ended essay prompt as a chance to demonstrate your personal strengths and passions in a highly personal, creative way.

Real Rice Essay Example + Analysis

Though knowing what kinds of topics you can write about for each Rice essay is definitely helpful, it's even better to be able to see what an actual successful Rice essay looks like. Below, we show you a real Rice essay example that was written by an admitted student .

The following essay was written in response to a prompt similar to the current Rice essay prompt for the second short-answer essay above. (In other words, it's essentially a "Why Rice?" prompt.)

Note: Since this essay is a little older and the Rice essay topics change every few years, the prompt and word length for this essay differ slightly from the current guidelines. For this essay, the word limit was 250 words, whereas the current limit is 150 words.

Here is the essay:

"We are going to visit Rice today," my mom leaned back in her front row seat and said to me.

Wait, is that a restaurant specializing in all kinds of rice dishes? Like fried rice, rice soup, and rice balls? My brain went into a frenzy.

All other questions flooding my thoughts dissipated, however, when my eyes lay on Rice's beautiful Byzantine-style buildings with its magnificent archways and its soft sand-pink brick walls. While just outside its surroundings the thriving city life of Houston continues, Rice kept its sacred ground intimate with its relatively small campus and peaceful with its large spreads of greenery and shades. It's perfect! said my right brain, falling in love at first sight with the campus. My left brain, however, chastised the emotional side of me with Don't judge a book by its cover. You can't just choose your true love like that!

Exasperated by my left brain, I attended an information seminar. Phrases like "Passport to Houston," "Best Quality of Student Life," "Oshman Engineering Design Kitchen," and "more than 40 interdisciplinary centers" flashed by my eyes. Almost unlimited access to Houston's transportation and hangout spots? A research facility where I can group with students of all fields and work on solving real-world problems? Friendly research faculty who might allow me to continue my interdisciplinary research in psychology and computer science? My left brain finally gave in. Alright, alright. Let's go make Rice into not just a staple for food, but also education, then.

What Makes This Rice Essay Work?

It's got a lot of personality. The italicized parts, which symbolize the applicant's thoughts, give us a highly personal and intriguing look into their reactions to their first visit to Rice. In addition, the humorous bits (such as when the university's name is compared to the actual rice food) add a fun and creative touch.

It oozes passion. While this applicant might occasionally go a little overboard in how they describe how amazing Rice is, one thing is clear: they're extremely interested in attending Rice and making the most of their interdisciplinary interests here.

How Could This Rice Essay Be Even Better?

It could cut out the clichés. The saying "Don't judge a book by its cover" has been done to death and doesn't add any memorable insight into the applicant. This essay would be better if the applicant had changed this phrase or simply cut it out completely. Moreover, although the concept of Rice as a food is funny, this applicant likely isn't the first person to have made a joke about this.

It could be more specific. Although there's clearly a lot of passion in this Rice essay, it lacks detail in areas where we could've learned a lot more about the applicant. For example, what kinds of research does this person want to conduct at Rice? And what "real-world problems" do they want to solve?

How to Write a Great Rice Essay: Five Key Tips

Before you go off writing your Rice essay, here are some final tips to keep in mind.

#1: Use Specific Details

I've said this before and I'll say it again: be specific in your essays . Rice doesn't just want to know that you're good at softball—it wants to know why this sport is important to you, what kind of role it plays in your life, and how it makes you feel.

If you're describing a specific person in one of your essays, use concrete details to show the admissions committee who this person really is. Does she have an endearing gap in her teeth when she smiles? What does his voice sound like?

Details like these will allow your readers to more readily feel the personality and passion in your writing, making it easier to relate to you on a deeper level. They'll also help you and your essays stand out from the sea of applicants, which is always a plus!

#2: Channel Your Inner Voice

Personal essays are all about showcasing your personality and a side of yourself that's not made clear in the more quantitative (i.e., grades and test scores) parts of your application.

Therefore, with each Rice essay, make sure you're channeling your inner voice. Does the essay sound as though you wrote it and not someone else did? Are you writing about what you really want to and not what you think the Rice admissions committee wants to read?

For example, if you're naturally a humorous person, feel free to throw in a joke or two. If you're the poetic type, you could add in some lines of poetry you've written (if relevant to your essay topic) or sprinkle in some flowery metaphors.

The basic tip here is to write in whatever way comes most natural to you .

That being said, there are a few things you should always avoid in your college essays:

• Typos, poor grammar, incorrect spelling, and other technical errors (the only exception to this would be if you're quoting someone who used incorrect grammar or colloquial words such as "ain't" or "gonna")
• Inappropriate stories —don't write about the time you got arrested or made an obviously wrong or immoral choice, for example
• Rude or impolite words and phrases

#3: Give Yourself Plenty of Time

Even though most of the essays on the Rice supplement aren't that long, you still have a lot to write for just one school, so these essays will likely take up a lot of your free time. Be sure to start your essays (for all the colleges you're applying to—not just Rice) ahead of time, ideally at least a few months before your college application deadlines .

#4: Avoid Repeating Yourself

Many of the Rice University essay prompts touch on similar topics, such as why you want to attend Rice, why you want to study a certain field, and what makes you unique.

As you answer the prompts, try to ensure there isn't too much overlap between the content of your essays .

It's OK if there's a little bit of repetition. For example, it'd be hard not to talk about your interest in architecture as you answer supplement 1 (What do you want to major in?) and supplement 3 (Why architecture?).

That said, your primary goal should be to focus on different main points for each of your essays . This way, Rice will get a more well-rounded (versus one-sided) picture of who you are.

Avoid repeating the same ideas in your essays; remember that you're trying to stand out as an applicant, so each response should give the admissions committee new information about who you are, your intellectual passions, and your motivations.

#5: Don't Forget to Proofread!

For each Rice essay, take a lot of time to edit and proofread it.

After you write a rough draft, put the essay away for a few days. Once some time has passed, take your essay out again and reread it. Fix any obvious errors, such as typos and misspellings, and mark any areas that are awkward, unclear, or irrelevant.

Do this process a few times until you have a fairly clean draft. Then, give your essay to someone else to read ; this could be a parent, teacher, older sibling, tutor, etc. Ask this person for feedback, and use their advice to further tweak your essay until you eventually have a quality final draft.

As with any essay, be sure to do one final proofread (and get someone else to look it over, too!) right before you submit it to a college.

What's Next?

Interested in applying to other highly prestigious schools besides Rice? Then take a look at our guides to how to write essays for Northwestern , Harvard , and Stanford .

Writing college admissions essays can be tricky. Check out our expert guides to learn how you can write a great Common Application essay and Coalition Application essay .

For more tips on how to get into Rice, including what SAT/ACT score you'll need, check out our Rice University admissions page .

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Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel.

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Rice University 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Early Decision: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 4

Rice University 2024-25 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 2 essays of 150 words; 1 essay of 500 words; 1 image

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Community , Why, Diversity

How to Write Compelling Rice University Supplemental Essays

Like many schools, Rice is offering you the chance in their supplemental essays to share not only more about yourself, but also more about why you want to attend their school in particular. The key to writing strong responses here is research; spend time studying Rice’s website, course offerings, and location within Houston to articulate what draws you to their campus. Unlike other schools, Rice also invites you to upload an image as part of the supplement, so take a break from the essays and exercise your right brain! Read on to discover our Rice supplement tips.

Rice University Prompt Breakdowns

The admission committee is interested in getting to know each student as well as possible through the application process. please respond to each of the following prompts., please explain why you wish to study in the academic areas you selected. (150 word limit).

Consider this the prologue to your Why essay (coming up next). To nail this question, set aside an hour or so to get cozy with the Rice website and read up on your academic school and other aspects of student life. Doing all of your research at once will allow you to tell a cohesive story about yourself, while also ensuring that your essays aren’t redundant. Pour all of your academic focus into your answer to this question. What do you love about your chosen major? If you’re interested in the Visual and Dramatic Arts program, can you describe the unique opportunities you’ll find at Rice University? What resources are available to undergrads and how will they guide your craft? If you’re undecided, think about what makes Rice the ideal environment for academic exploration. How do you plan to hone in on the perfect major? The more detail you include, the more admissions will learn about you.

Based upon your exploration of Rice University, what elements of the Rice experience appeal to you? (150 word limit)

Keep the rich details flowing in this classic Why essay. Demonstrating a deep level of knowledge will show admissions that you’re a serious applicant. Even if you hadn’t heard of Rice before your guidance counselor suggested it, take the time to reflect on what makes you excited about the prospect of being a student there. Since you just wrote about why Rice’s majors and/or academics appeal to you for the first prompt, don’t hesitate to address residence life or campus activities in your response to this question. Admissions wants to know that you will not only thrive as a student, but also as a transplant living in their city. Does Rice have a club or volunteer organization that you really want to join? Did you fall in love with Houston when you came to visit last spring and now feel like a Texan at heart? What excites you about the prospect of sporting blue and grey next year?

Please respond to one of the following prompts to explore how you will contribute to the Rice community (in 500 words or fewer):

1. the residential college system is at the heart of rice student life and is heavily influenced by the particular cultural traditions and unique life experiences each student brings. what life experiences and/or unique perspectives are you looking forward to sharing with fellow owls in the residential college system.

This prompt is a spin on the classic Community Essay : what do you bring with you to contribute within the residential college system, specifically? Consider your hobbies, culture, and any other extracurricular activities you do just because you love them. One great way to choose a topic is to ask yourself: if I had a podcast, what would it be about? More than likely, you’ll come up with a topic that not only interests you, but you also want to share with the world. Along with pinpointing what you’re passionate about, try to think of how you can enrich the lives of your peers. Do you teach a craft? Do you strongly believe in paying it forward? What would your friends say is your “superpower”? These are all ways to break into a discussion of what you bring to the table and what you would do to enrich your new community.

2. Rice is strengthened by its diverse community of learning and discovery that produces leaders and change agents across the spectrum of human endeavor. What perspectives shaped by your background, experiences, upbringing, and/or racial identity inspire you to join our community of change agents at Rice?

Odds are that this isn’t the first Diversity Essay prompt you’ve come across this year. If it is, however, please read on. Rice wants to accept students from a range of backgrounds who will contribute to their community, so tell admissions about what makes you you and how you will strive for positive change within the student body. Think about times when people have been intrigued by or curious about your identity, skillset, or background. Maybe you began practicing meditation and Buddhism during your sophomore year and you hope to spread some wisdom and mindfulness on campus next fall. Perhaps your parents emigrated from Ukraine, and you intend to raise awareness or funds for refugees. What do you hope to share with others about your lived experience? How will you incorporate this element of your identity to enrich the world around you? Show admissions that you’re eager to make your mark in their community. Bonus points if you can reference a specific component of the Rice experience (think clubs, classes, residential colleges, volunteer opportunities, etc.) as a natural stepping stone on your personal journey of leadership and progress.

In keeping with Rice’s long-standing tradition (known as “The Box”), please share an image of something that appeals to you. See the Help Section for more information.

The final piece to Rice’s supplement isn’t an essay at all. Rice understands that a picture is worth a thousand words (or so we’ve been told). So instead of having you write a thousand words (which sounds exhausting), Rice University is asking you to upload a picture of something that appeals to you. When brainstorming which image to choose, think about your goals and passions. If you’re hoping to declare an English major, maybe your photo of choice is the Pulitzer Prize. If you are hoping to develop your business management skills at Rice, maybe you want to share the photo your mom took of you devouring pizza at student-run The Hoot this spring. Regardless of which direction you choose to take, what matters most is that your image communicates something hyper-personal, and/or reveals new information about you, your interests or your goals that is not covered anywhere else on your application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Rice Essays

We have been reading Rice University essays for over twenty years now, so we know a thing or two about the most common mistakes students make. The most common mistakes to avoid are repeating the prompt in your essay (don’t waste your words), trying to sound like an academic (admissions wants to hear your authentic voice!), and using cliches (they’re ineffective and—let’s face it—lazy).

Why Choose College Essay Advisors for Rice Essays

We at College Essay Advisors have been guiding students one-on-one through the essay writing process for the Rice supplements for over twenty years. We take a holistic approach to these essays, considering each student’s application package as a whole and identifying their strengths to highlight. Our Advisors accommodate each student’s scheduling needs to virtually brainstorm, draft, and revise winning essays. It’s incredibly important to us that each student’s voice is preserved, and we pride ourselves in helping students to write successful Rice supplemental essays that differentiate them from similarly qualified applicants. For more information, submit a contact form below or review our one-on-one advising services or list of student acceptances . 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Rice asks applicants to submit one (1) long essay of 500 words and two (2) short essays of 150 words.

Admissions is looking to learn more about “why you are interested in Rice and what you would like to pursue as a student [there].” They’re also hoping you will elaborate on your experiences and achievements in order to illuminate what you would contribute to Rice’s community.

In order to make your Rice essays stand out, we recommend giving yourself plenty of time to brainstorm , reflect on your stories, and piece together cohesive narratives that reveal new information about who you are and what you hope to accomplish (without relying on common cliches!).

Approach the “Why Rice” essay like you would any other Why Essay , with research, demonstrated interest, and an eye on the future. Visit our full prompt breakdown (above) to learn more.

You should share a story about an aspect of your background that has shaped your perspective in a way that will either allow you to connect or share knowledge with other community members or become an agent of change on campus and beyond. Read our full breakdown (above) for more advice!

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Rice University Supplemental Essays 2024-25 – Prompts and Advice

July 30, 2024

Rice University, the STEM powerhouse in Houston, Texas, accepted just under 8% of applicants into their Class of 2028. Given that the applicant pool—including the 92% who are ultimately rejected—are all immensely talented and qualified, any aspiring Rice student needs to find ways to stand out on their application. One such way is through the Rice supplemental essays.

 (Want to learn more about How to Get Into Rice? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get into Rice University: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

When evaluating applicants, Rice University places a strong emphasis on the quality of one’s essays. Below are Rice’s four supplemental prompts for the 2024-25 admissions cycle along with our advice for creating a committee-swaying admissions essay.

Rice Supplemental Essays – Prompt #1

1) please explain why you wish to study in the academic areas you selected above. (150 word limit)..

Share an authentic story here of why you are interested in your selected discipline (or disciplines). What books have you read on the subject? Which documentaries have you watched? What podcasts have you listened to? What subtopics most intrigue you? Did a teacher excite you about a topic, or was it a parent or outside mentor? Do you know where you want to take this knowledge post-bachelor’s degree? Do you aim to one day go on to pursue a graduate/professional degree or is there an occupation you are shooting for right out of undergrad? Which classes are you excited to take? What do you hope to research as an undergrad? Include as much detail as possible in this very limited 150-word space.

You can structure the narrative of this essay as a succinct but comprehensive soup-to-nuts chronicle of your entire journey toward your discipline of interest (even in limited space) or you could share one or two vignettes that illustrate your burgeoning passion for engineering, history, French, computer science, business, psychology, etc.

Rice Supplemental Essays – Prompt #2

2) based upon your exploration of rice university, what elements of the rice experience appeal to you (150 word limit.).

The admissions committee wants to know why you desire to pursue your studies at Rice. However, with only 150 words to play with, you’ll have to make every sentence count.

In general, make sure to:

• Cite specific academic programs , professors , research opportunities , internship/externship programs , study abroad program s, student-run organizations , etc.
• Explain how you will take advantage of the university’s endless resources both inside and outside of the classroom.

Examples of items that quality “Why Rice?” essays touch upon include:

• Ample opportunities for mentored research with faculty as an undergraduate.
• Rice’s mission/vision.
• Desire to participate in some of the  300 student-led organizations on campus.
• Lastly, one of Rice’s study abroad opportunities that appeals to you.

Rice Supplemental Essays – Prompt #3

Choose 1 of 2 (500 words):

1) Rice is strengthened by its diverse community of learning and discovery that produces leaders and change agents across the spectrum of human endeavor. What perspectives shaped by your background, experiences, upbringing, and/or racial identity inspire you to join our community of change agents at Rice?

Take note of the wide-open nature of this prompt. You are essentially invited to talk about any of the following topics:

• A perspective you hold
• An experience you had
• A community you belong to
• Your cultural background
• Your family background

Although this prompt’s open floor plan may feel daunting, a good tactic is to first consider what has already been communicated within your Common App personal statement, activities list, and other Rice essays. What important aspects of yourself have not been shared (or sufficiently discussed)? Then, which aspect best showcases your potential to be a leader and/or change agent within a particular space?

The admissions officer reading your essay is hoping to connect with you through your written words, so—within your essay’s reflection—be open, humble, thoughtful, inquisitive, emotionally honest, mature, and/or insightful about what you learned and how you grew. No matter what type of story you tell, the goal is to have the reader come away saying, “I can definitely see this applicant as a contributing member of our talented and engaged student community.”

2) The Residential College System is at the heart of Rice student life and is heavily influenced by the particular cultural traditions and unique life experiences each student brings. What life experiences and/or unique perspectives are you looking forward to sharing with fellow Owls in the residential college system?

Your answer here could be about an ethnic, religious, or neighborhood community/identity or a group of individuals who gather for a club, sport, or service project. Perhaps you are the captain of a team, the editor-in-chief of your school paper, or the president of a club—on the other hand, you may simply be a valuable contributing member. Regardless of whether you are a leading man/woman or a still-essential bit player, make sure that you use your writing ability to show the admissions officer what type of community member you are rather than merely telling them. Of course, they are also interested in your “life perspectives,” which are typically more engaging when shown through examples versus delivered through “I” statements.

Rice Supplemental Essays (Continued)

You can also discuss how you have engaged with your high school local/community and what you have learned from interacting with people of a different ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual identity, etc. Draw on past evidence of your commitment to being a positive force in your community and speculate how that is likely to manifest on Rice’s campus. Research and cite Rice student-run organizations, local nonprofit groups, or anything else you are drawn to. The admissions committee wants to understand precisely how you will contribute to their campus community of 8,000+ undergrads. In summary, drawing the link between your past efforts and future aims is critical here.

Rice University Supplement – “The Box”

The rice box: in keeping with rice’s long-standing tradition, please share an image of something that appeals to you..

Take them at their word here that “The Box” is “not used for evaluative purposes.” As such, you shouldn’t spend hours assembling the perfect collage or designing your own symbol from scratch. Think of this as your signature on your Rice application. You can be straightforward, silly, serious, or sincere. Also, heed their advice that the image can be something “aside from what you have achieved.” Therefore, you shouldn’t feel pressured to insert a picture of a robot you built or a trophy you won.

How important are the Rice supplemental essays?

The essays are “very important” to the Rice admissions committee. The following factors are equally important: the rigor of one’s secondary school record. GPA, class rank, recommendations, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, talent/ability, and character/personal qualities. Clearly, Rice University weighs your essays heavily in their evaluation of your candidacy.

Want personalized assistance?

Lastly, if you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your Rice supplemental essays, we encourage you to get a quote  today.

Need additional writing assistance? Check out the following blogs:

• Common App Essay Prompts
• 10 Instructive Common App Essay Examples
• College Application Essay Topics to Avoid
• How to Quickly Format Your Common App Essay
• Should I Complete Optional College Essays?
• How to Brainstorm a College Essay
• 25 Inspiring College Essay Topics
• “Why This College?” Essay Examples
• How to Write the Community Essay
• College Essay

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The Admissions Strategist

“ the box ” and writing the supplemental essays for rice: a superb guide.

Rice University, located in Houston, Texas has an acceptance rate of 14% and is a private research university that regularly contributes to advancements in technology and science.

These contributions include work with artificial hearts and nanotechnology.

Rice faculty and alumni have been awarded Nobel and Pulitzer Prizes, Academy Awards, National Medals of Science, and more.

The university’s website describes itself as “a community of curious thinkers, passionate dreamers and energetic doers who believe that improving the world demands more than bold thought and brave action. It takes unconventional wisdom.” Oh, and it’s also ranked number one for the happiest students!

It might sound like the odds aren’t in your favor, but there’s plenty you can do to increase your chances of acceptance, including writing some standout essays.

Not sure how to write essays that can set you apart from the crowd ?

We’re here to help! In this article, we’ll provide information and tips to help you write your way to an acceptance letter from Rice University.

What Are the Rice University Essays?

Rice accepts both the Common Application and the Coalition Application, with no preference between the two. No matter which application you choose, you’ll also need to complete the Rice Writing Supplement.

The supplement consists of two short responses and one longer essay (or two shorter essays for applicants to the School of Architecture).

The short response questions are:

Please explain why you wish to study in the academic areas you selected above. (150 word limit) Based upon your exploration of Rice University, what elements of the Rice experience appeal to you? (150 word limit)

The longer essay question asks:

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 is heavily influenced by the unique life experiences and cultural traditions each student brings. What personal perspectives would you contribute to life at Rice? (500 word limit)

If you’re applying to the School of Architecture, you won’t answer the question above. Instead, you’ll answer the following two short answer questions, along with the first two short-answer questions:

Why are you determined to study architecture? Could you please elaborate on your past experiences and how they have motivated you to apply to Rice University and the School of Architecture in particular? (250 word limit) Please expand on relevant experiences and motivations outside of your academic trajectory that have inspired you to study architecture, focusing on aspects that are not accommodated by other prompts in the application. (250 word limit)

Rice also asks you to “submit an image of something that appeals to you,” a long-standing tradition known as “the Box.”

General Tips for the Rice Supplemental  Essays

Rice University website explains, “We want a diverse, exciting student body, consisting of the best and brightest from across the country and around the globe. If you are excited by the opportunities and experiences we offer, we encourage you to apply to Rice.”

In reviewing applications, the university considers “the entirety of an applicant’s academic prowess , creativity, motivation, artistic talent, leadership potential and life experiences.”

Your GPA, SAT scores, and extracurricular experiences won’t necessarily convey the qualities mentioned here.

Your essays are your opportunity to demonstrate that you’re the type of student Rice is looking for: someone bright, curious, eager, creative, and motivated. Someone who has leadership qualities and wants to take advantage of the many opportunities available at Rice.

In order to effectively captivate your audience (Rice admissions officers), we recommend that each essay is:

• Specific   – One way to set yourself apart from other students is to avoid generic, clichéd responses. Give specific details and examples to illustrate your points. This approach will bring your personality and views to life.
• Enthusiastic   – Use an enthusiastic tone to show that you’re excited about the possibility of becoming a Rice student. Whether you’re discussing your choice of major or your interest in Rice, admissions officers should almost “hear” your enthusiasm.
• Polished   – Although this isn’t exactly a writing test, your essays should still be polished. Essays that are free of grammar and spelling errors will make a better impression and indicate that you’re serious about the admission process. Have trusted friends, family members, or teachers review your essays, and spend time revising and editing .
• “ You ” – Perhaps most importantly, your essays should be “you.” The point of the essays is to help admissions officers get to know who you are. Write in your own unique voice, and reveal information and experiences that you find meaningful and important.

Now, let’s take a closer look at each of the questions in the Rice Writing Supplement.

Brainstorming Activity for the Rice Essays

To write a strong response to this fairly standard question, try to focus on the extracurricular activity or work experience that you find most significant and meaningful.

Don’t select an experience solely because you think it sounds most impressive. Instead, try to come up with one particular anecdote that explains how and why this activity or experience has impacted your life or personal growth.

Use specific details to engage admissions officers in your experience, and reflect on how the experience changed you or influenced your life.

• Perhaps you were a volunteer for a local campaign and now want to volunteer for similar campaigns at Rice.
• Did you raise money for students in need overseas? If you learned something about their experiences and struggles, how has that influenced you?
• When you took on a leadership position for an activity or club, how did your personality change thereafter? How has this personality change manifested itself in your interactions with the outside world?

Think about how you’ll continue exploring this interest at Rice University, or how you’ll implement the lessons learned through this experience as a student at Rice.

Always focus on action. What did you  do during this activity?

The point of this exercise is to exercise your brainstorming muscles and get you thinking about specific stories from your life. You need clarity of thought for the Rice essays because you don’t have much of a word count to work with.

Clarity equals better writing. This exercise should help you write the essays below.

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“why this major” at rice.

Short Answer Question #1: Please explain why you wish to study in the academic areas you selected above. (150 word limit)

In your application to Rice, you’re required to indicate an interest in one of the university’s six academic schools: architecture, engineering, humanities, music, natural sciences, or social sciences.

Although this decision isn’t binding—you can change schools after being accepted to Rice—the university does specify that they’re expecting a thoughtful answer to this question.

Each academic school is looking for different “strengths and qualities” in applicants, so Rice recommends choosing the school “in which you feel the most confident of your abilities and interests.”

• Keeping this in mind, focus on how your abilities and interests make you a good fit for the school you’ve selected.
• You may wish to describe a brief anecdote that illustrates your passion or talent for the area of study you’ve chosen.
• The anecdote should comprise action items that address how you took the initiative to explore this intended major.

You should also do some research on your school of choice.

• Find classes, research opportunities, or even professors that spark your interest.
• How will an education from this particular school help you reach your future goals?
• Mention these details in your application, being as specific as possible .

For example:

• If you’ve visited the campus before, did you sit in on a lecture that excited you?
• Did you hear intriguing information from students enrolled in your school of interest?

Including details like these in your essay can show that you’re genuinely interested in Rice and would be a good fit for the school.

Just remember, you don’t have much room to work with, so if you’re going to discuss another interest alongside your intended major, keep it short and related to the rest of the essay.

Don’t swerve into something random because you think it’ll catch the attention of the admissions officer – not only will it fail to do that, but you’ll ruin the narrative of this essay.

• Last, if you don’t know what you want to do after college, pick a major that relates closely to your passions and initiatives.

Pick something that can be buttressed with supporting details from your life – projects, volunteer opportunities, research assignments.

“Why Rice University” Essay

Short Answer Question #2: Based upon your exploration of Rice University, what elements of the Rice experience appeal to you? (150 word limit)

This is the classic “Why This College” essay, only much shorter. This college application essay question aims to determine whether you truly have a profound interest in attending Rice University.

Again, research is key.

• Try to strike a balance between discussing academic opportunities and more “sociocultural” elements of the university.
• Mention clubs or student organizations that you’d like to participate in, or something that captivated you on a campus visit.

Additional helpful tips for this essay include:

• If you can, reach out to current Rice students and ask them about the atmosphere and culture of the university.
• Avoid generic answers about the “student-faculty ratio,” the “renowned faculty,” or the school’s “prestige,” along with information you’ve clearly lifted from the front page of the university’s website. Dig deeper.
• Never mention:  Campus location, sports, and social life

You’ll also want to avoid repeating the information mentioned in your response to Short Answer Question #1.

To help you brainstorm, think about the following:

• How did your first impression of Rice motivate you to apply?
• And after this initial motivation, what more did you learn about Rice that helped your interest grow?
• Convey enthusiasm and a deeper knowledge of Rice than the average applicant might possess.

All in all, your essay should be structured something like this:

• Quickly mention or explain what you love about the Rice undergraduate experience.
• Demonstrate your connection to it.

Keep in mind that the more specific you are, the better. Mention proper nouns. Discuss items not found on other college campuses.

Here’s a good test to determine whether your essay is quality: Copy and paste this essay into another school’s “Why This College” essay. If the essay fits, then it’s too generic. You want an essay that is custom-tailored to Rice.

Contributing to Rice Essay

Unless you’re applying to the School of Architecture, you’ll have 500 words to answer the following question:

You may want to start by brainstorming a list of life experiences and/or cultural traditions that have shaped your personality and identity.

• This can be challenging, so feel free to ask friends and family members for their strongest memory of you .
• You can also ask how they would describe you, then try to come up with experiences you’ve had that demonstrate these key qualities.

Whatever experience you choose to discuss, follow two major guidelines:

• Don’t talk about something you’ve already described in your Common App essay. These essays should complement one another, each revealing a different piece of the puzzle that makes you “you.”
• Show, don’t tell. As we’ve recommended for other essay questions, choose an anecdote that “shows” your answer to the question instead of simply “telling” it. Use vivid details to make your experience memorable and engaging for the admissions team.

Overall, this is a broad question that can inspire many different approaches. Don’t panic because you think you aren’t “unique” enough.

No other student can offer the same combination of qualities that you have.

Here are some great questions you can ask yourself to find a powerful topic:

• What is the most significant contribution I’ve made to my high school community, extracurricular activity group, or community outside of school?
• Name an important lesson or two I’ve learned through my struggles both in and outside of school. How can I teach those lessons to others?
• What is my greatest talent, and how has it manifested in the real world?
• Have I collaborated to create something meaningful? What was it, and what can I do to further improve my efforts?

Here’s an example outline of this essay:

• I worked as a STEM tutor for underclassmen at my high school at ethnic community center.
• During my tenure as a tutor, I relived how challenging it is for younger students to ask the older ones for assistance. It can be intimidating and downright scary.
• I learned the values of mentorship and asking vulnerable people if they need help. On Rice’s campus, I’ll volunteer with underclassmen (and even upperclassmen) who are falling behind their class curriculum.
• After tutoring, I utilized my coding skills and developed my collaboration skills by creating an Andriod app that connects students to on-campus tutors.
• On Rice campus, I want to fully implement this app. I also want to take busines classes and learn how to transform this app into a commercial venture.

Try to come up with a meaningful experience that’s central to who you are as an individual, and you’ll write a powerful essay that stands out!

School of Architecture Essays

Instead of writing the longer essay mentioned above, School of Architecture students must respond to two 250-word essay questions.

Architecture Question #1: Why are you determined to study architecture? Could you please elaborate on your past experiences and how they have motivated you to apply to Rice University and the School of Architecture in particular? (250 word limit)

This question is similar to Short Answer Question #1, so be careful not to repeat information you’ve already shared.

Note that while the short answer question asked why you chose architecture over the other schools, this essay is more about your direct relationship with the field of architecture.

• Do you have specific goals related to your pursuit of architecture?
• Is someone in your family an architect who has inspired you?
• Can you think of a building or landmark, other than extremely famous ones, that ignited your passion for architecture?

Another idea is to think of qualities that are important for architects, such as creativity or attention to detail, and writing about experiences that have helped you develop these characteristics.

• Did you build a treehouse for your younger siblings?
• Were you a baseball umpire who used right angles and tools to create foul lines and meticulously enforce the strike zone?
• Perhaps you built a collection of birdhouses for seasonal birds that frequented your backyard.

Whatever your choice, connect it directly to architecture.

Architecture Question #2: Please expand on relevant experiences and motivations outside of your academic trajectory that have inspired you to study architecture, focusing on aspects that are not accommodated by other prompts in the application. (250 word limit)

As always, don’t strive simply to impress here. Be honest. This is a chance to reveal something unexpected and interesting about yourself.

• One rule of thumb, however, is to try to choose a topic about you actively doing something, instead of simply discussing your favorite TV show.
• If, however, you can take a unique approach, like relating a character’s journey to your own, then you may be able to write a great essay.

Brainstorm a list of activities and interests that challenge you or ignite your passion. It’s okay to choose an unconventional topic, but explain why you enjoy it so much and how it has shaped or influenced you.

Remember, for most students, what you enjoy or find challenging should be action-related.  You  should be perorming the action to practice this activity or pursue this interest. Examples include:

• Building lego spaceships
• Cleaning the litter at a local river every Sunday
• Teaching your little sister geograpy, which she seems to hate
• Taking apart and re-assembling computers

Don’t forget to explain why you love the activity or interest. Does it…

• …free your mind from daily stresses?
• …give you a sense of safety?
• …remind you of your parents?

Since this essay is all about what you enjoy in your free time, make sure your tone conveys real enthusiasm. Talk about something that genuinely excites you.

Then, connect it to architecture. Make a simple outline to visualize the link between the activity that you chose and architecture. It should look like this:

• Activity that you enjoy actively doing
• How it’s connected to architecture
• How it has encouraged you to pursue architecture

This structure will help you focus on your story.

“The Box” is a photoresponse with the following instructions:

In keeping with Rice’s long-standing tradition (known as “The Box”), please share an image of something that appeals to you.

You aren’t allowed to write an accompanying explanation, so try to choose an image that can speak for itself or in some way relates to the information in your application or essays.

Due to its unique nature, this prompt often baffles applicants.

• Keep in mind that there’s no “right” answer to this question, and the image you select is extremely unlikely to make or break your application.

Options include:

• Places that have been important to you (even something as simple as a favorite park bench)
• A favored keepsake or meaningful object
• One of your role models in action
• Artistic portrayals of your values or important qualities
• Uncommon or hidden locations
• Portraits of a family member
• Old pictures you own
• Memories that inspire growth

The key to answering “The Box” is to steer clear of overused responses like a sunset or the Eiffel Tower.

Because there are so many options to choose from (after all, there are millions of interesting images out there), you want to choose something specifically appealing to you. To emphasize, don’t pick a cliche.

Here are some helpful tips:

• Once you choose your image, ask yourself how “unique” the image is. You don’t need something from a deep corner of the Internet, but is it a cliché?
• Can the image be easily explained and, thus, forgotten? You don’t want an image that a large plurality of students will use.
• What is the essence of the image? Don’t make it too complex or simple – you should be able to explain why you chose it.
• Use the Google test: If the image, or a similar one, can be found on the first page of Google Images, it might be a cliché.

Don’t overthink it—just be honest! Rice knows that this is an unconventional and challenging prompt.

Conclusion: How to Write the Rice University Essays

In order to apply to Rice, you’ll need to complete three short answer questions, a photo response, and either a 500-word essay or, if you’re applying to the School of Architecture, two 250-word essays.

As you answer these questions, remember to be authentic, enthusiastic, and specific. Do your research when needed, and connect your answers back to your identity, values, and/or interest in Rice.

Following these tips just might help you join the Rice Owls in the fall. Good luck!

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How to Write the Rice Supplemental Essays 2024–2025

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Rice University , located in Houston, TX, is a highly ranked research institution with a roughly 8% acceptance rate . With Division I athletics , strong academic offerings , and inclusive campus life , Rice attracts many qualified applicants every year. If you’re hoping to score an acceptance letter, you’ll need to nail your Rice supplemental essays first. Let’s dive in.

Rice’s 2024-2025 Prompts

Rice requires applicants to write three supplemental essays and upload one image. The first two Rice supplemental essays have mandatory prompts, but the third essay has two prompts applicants can choose between. The first two essays have a maximum of 150 words, while the third essay has a maximum of 500 words. Without further ado, here are the prompts.

Rice Short Essay Questions

Please explain why you wish to study in the academic areas you selected. (150 words or fewer), based upon your exploration of rice university, what elements of the rice experience appeal to you (150 words or fewer), rice long essay questions (choose one).

These essay prompts ask you to explore how you will contribute to the Rice community. You must choose one of them to answer.

The Residential College System is at the heart of Rice student life and is heavily influenced by the particular cultural traditions and unique life experiences each student brings. What life experiences and/or unique perspectives are you looking forward to sharing with fellow Owls in the residential college system? (500 words or fewer)

Rice is strengthened by its diverse community of learning and discovery that produces leaders and change agents across the spectrum of human endeavor. what perspectives shaped by your background, experiences, upbringing, and/or racial identity inspire you to join our community of change agents at rice (500 words or fewer), the rice box, in keeping with rice’s long-standing tradition, please share an image of something that appeals to you., we’ll review your essay.

Receive edits in as little as 24 hours

General Tips

Writing stand-out Rice supplemental essays is certainly easier said than done. Let’s discuss a few things that can help your essay shine.

Add a personal touch.

From the Rice Box to the supplemental essays, your application has plenty of room for personal touches. Adding a few of them will really help you stand out, because no one else will have precisely the same ones as you. In other words, after you’ve done what you can with all of your other application elements, you can differentiate yourself further by bringing up personal details (where relevant), using unique turns-of-phrase (assuming they make sense and are appropriate in context), and so on.

Research Rice comprehensively.

To display your interest in Rice, you’ll need to show that you understand all the elements that make Rice a good fit for you. These are not just the qualities of Rice that are generally commendable, but rather the qualities that speak to your unique interests, background, personality, and goals. For instance, although Rice is known for its strong kinesiology program , if you have zero interest in kinesiology, don’t discuss this program in your application. Instead, discuss the great qualities of the programs that do interest you, even if they aren’t the most famous programs at Rice.

Identify your application gaps.

Your college application may show many sides of who you are, but there’s still parts of you that won’t be communicated to the admissions team. Consider the aspects of your personality, background, worldview, experiences, achievements, and strengths/talents that are important to you but not otherwise communicated in your application. Then, make a point of working those elements in, assuming it doesn’t become awkward, in your Rice supplemental essays.

Rice Required Short Essay Questions

This prompt seeks to understand what drives you in your academic pursuits. You might have some grand origin story underpinning your passion for healthcare, or you might not. Perhaps your interest in computer science is not due to a love of the act of coding or a passion for data science, but instead motivated by an eye toward our increasingly digital future. Whatever subjects intrigue you, and for whatever reasons, it’s important that your essay is authentic and precise.

If you’re having trouble coming up with your “why,” consider coming up with answers to the following questions:

• What makes this subject or these subjects more interesting than other subjects?
• What is the most interesting fact you have learned in this academic area? Do you seek to learn more facts like this one?
• What questions do you have about the world? How will further study help you answer these questions?
• What are your career goals? How do they relate to your intended area(s) of study?
• What current social issues keep you up at night? How does your intended course of study relate to these issues?
• In what ways does this subject or these subjects bring you joy?

After answering these questions, you should hopefully have identified some concrete reasons for selecting your intended academic area(s). If not, consider whether these are truly the area(s) of study that interest you. Are there any areas that interest you more?

Once you’ve identified your reasons, focus on explaining, in your essay, why these reasons are important to you. Be specific and detailed, and you’ll have a compelling essay.

This essay requires you to research the opportunities available to students at Rice University. In other words, this is your “Why Rice?” essay. Before writing this essay, go online and/or speak to a Rice alum (if you can) about the Rice experience. As you learn about Rice, take note of the specific programs, courses, values, professors, and other opportunities at Rice are most aligned with your academic, personal, and career goals.

Then, once you’ve determined what aspects of the Rice experience are most aligned with your goals, describe these goals in your essay and why/how attending Rice will help you achieve them. Feel free to “name-drop” those qualities of Rice that most interest you. By showing your research to the reader, you not only build a strong argument as to why you are a great fit for Rice, but you also demonstrate your interest in Rice through the evidence of your research efforts.

This essay long question gives you the opportunity, more than the first two Rice supplemental essays, to describe your personality and background. College is not about finding “like-minded peers,” but rather about enjoying the diversity of perspective and experience of your peers. As you imagine your future roommates, teammates, classmates, and neighbors, visualize yourself among them. As you brainstorm your response to this essay, consider the following questions:

• What stories about yourself are you telling?
• What cultural traditions are you sharing?
• What perspectives are you hoping to debate?

In your essay, you have as many as 500 words to work with. Thus, you have plenty of room (and the obligation) to get detailed in your response. For instance, you could describe a family tradition that is meaningful to you before diving into how you would recreate it with your future roommates at Rice. Be sure to explain why it is meaningful to you, how you would share it with the Rice community, and what you hope that your peers take away.

If you have room in your essay, feel free to spend some time discussing what you would like to learn from your peers. These may be perspectives you hope to learn about, lessons you hope to learn from your future friends, and so on.

This prompt is a bit more complicated than that of the other Rice supplemental essays, so let’s break down its components:

Rice is strengthened by its diverse community…

This part of the prompt clarifies that Rice values diversity. Consider how you will add to the diversity of Rice’s community, and how you will benefit from the diverse Rice community. Whatever you come up with could be part of your essay response.

… of learning and discovery…

Based on this snippet of the prompt, Rice evidently values “learning and discovery.” In addition, Rice’s admissions team is relating “learning and discovery” to its “diverse community.” Thus, consider the following questions: What do you hope to learn and discover from this diverse community ? Why do you hope to learn these things ? Your answers to these questions should be included in your essay.

… that produces leaders and change agents across the spectrum of human endeavor.

This part of the prompt indicates that Rice hopes its student body will one day serve as “leaders and change agents” in society. In addition, Rice University envisions that its student body consists of future “leaders and change agents.” What makes you a future leader and/or change agent? The answer to this question should provide the basis for your answer to the next part of the prompt.

What perspectives shaped by your background, experiences, upbringing, and/or racial identity…

This part of the prompt narrows down how Rice wants to understand you as a future leader and/or change agent: in the context of your “perspectives shaped by your background, experiences, upbringing, and/or racial identity.” Thus, identify which of your previous experiences, identifiers, and so on have shaped your perspectives. Then, identify which of your perspectives have inspired you to want to become a leader and/or change agent. These pieces of information will form the backbone of your essay and should receive the most attention.

… inspire you to join our community of change agents at Rice?

This last part of the prompt subtly asks you “Why Rice?”, but this time, in the context of your background. In other words, how have your past experiences led you to choose Rice? Narrow down that question into How have these specific aspects in my background led me to choose Rice, a place where I will be able to enact future change or serve as a leader in these specific ways? an d you’ll be well on your way to a successful essay.

Before diving into this prompt, let’s look at the description of “The Box” provided by Rice:

“One of Rice’s long-standing traditions is “The Box,” a question on our application where we ask all of our applicants to share an image of something that appeals to them. The Box gives you the opportunity to present us with an image that shares something about yourself, your interests or what is meaningful to you. This image is not used for evaluative purposes in the application, but allows you to put your stamp on the application about who you are aside from what you have achieved. Be sure to choose an image that speaks for itself and does not need an explanation. The Box must be a two-dimensional image that is uploaded in the Common Application or uploaded in the Rice Admission Student Portal.”

In other words, you should not feel pressured to answer this question any particular way. Think of something that you enjoy looking at or derive meaning from, and share it with Rice. You need not justify this decision, so there is no need to come up with a complex explanation for your choice if you don’t wish to.

That said, there are a few things you shouldn’t do, or at minimum should avoid doing:

• You should not upload an image that you would not want a teacher, parent, or other adult you respect to see.
• You should not upload any image that you do not own or is not publicly available.
• You should avoid uploading images that contain curse words or potentially insulting language.
• You should avoid uploading any crude humor.
• You should avoid uploading images that are sexual in nature or have sexual undertones.
• If you’re unsure if an image is appropriate for this context, perhaps err on the side of caution and choose a different image.

If your chosen image falls in line with each of the bullet points above, then you’re probably good to go. Enjoy this part of your college application process! It should feel lower pressure than almost any other part of applying to college.

If you need help polishing up your Rice supplemental essays, check out our College Essay Review service. You can receive detailed feedback from Ivy League consultants in as little as 24 hours.

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Rice University Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Rice supplemental essays 2023-2024.

The Rice University supplemental essays play an integral role in any student’s “how to get into Rice” plan . As one of the top universities in the nation, strong Rice University supplemental essays can help set your application apart. 

This means you should plan to ace the why school essay, the why major essay, and the long essay that Rice requires. So, if you’re looking for helpful tips on the Rice supplemental essays, then you’re in the right place. 

Rice Essay: Quick Facts

• Rice acceptance rate: 9%— U.S. News ranks Rice as a most selective school.
• 2 (~150 word) essays
• 1 full-page (500 word) essay
• Rice application: Students must submit their Rice application through the Common App, Coalition App, or QuestBridge application systems. 
• Rice essay #1 tip: We recommend using the short and long Rice University essay prompts to highlight different aspects of your experiences that you haven’t highlighted elsewhere—Rice Box image included—to help your application stand out.

Please note that essay requirements are subject to change each admissions cycle, and portions of this article may have been written before the final publication of the most recent guidelines. For the most up-to-date information on essay requirements, check the university’s admissions website.

Does Rice University have supplemental essays?

Yes. In addition to the personal statement that you’ll write in the Common App or Coalition App , you’ll also have to answer both short and extended Rice supplemental essays. In total, applicants will write three Rice University supplemental essays. This includes two that are 150 words and a third that is 500 words. The prompts may look familiar—namely, a why school essay and a why major essay. 

Three additional Rice University supplemental essays may sound intimidating. However, we urge you to view them as a chance to share valuable information about yourself with admissions. Beyond any single Rice University essay prompt, you will have multiple chances to shine. 

The Rice supplemental essays are available on the Common App site . You can also visit the Rice University site for a full list of application requirements, including the essay details. You might also complete an optional alumni interview to supplement your Rice supplemental essays and application.

What are the Rice University supplemental essays?

There are three school-specific Rice supplemental essays and an image contribution in the Rice application. The first two Rice supplemental essays each have a 150 word limit. One Rice essay is essentially a why major essay and the other Rice essay is a why school essay. 

The third of the Rice University supplemental essays allows students to choose from two different prompts. However, the prompts are relatively similar with slight nuances in their wording. Essentially, the last of the Rice University supplemental essays asks students to show how they will enrich the Rice community. This essay has a 500 word limit. 

You should use every opportunity in your Rice University supplemental essays to express yourself in a personal, engaging manner. And because each of the Rice University supplemental essays covers a different topic with a different word limit, you’ll use different strategies for each one.

Before starting your Rice University supplemental essays, do your research on Rice University. Check out our how to get into Rice guide in order to write your best Rice University supplemental essays. You may also want to read some successful college essay examples. Check out these why college essay examples for inspiration. 

Now, keep reading to learn how to tackle each of the Rice University essay prompts!

Rice University Supplemental Essay #1: Why Major Essay

The first Rice University essay prompt asks applicants to explore their academic study interests with a why major essay. If you still haven’t chosen a major , don’t worry. You are not bound to the academic area that you reference in this Rice essay. However, successful Rice University supplemental essays will need to specifically address a given field. When considering how to get into Rice, remember that you will select an academic area of interest in the application. So, start thinking about intellectual interests and browsing majors to see what matches up. 

Please explain why you wish to study in the academic areas you selected. (150 words)

This Rice essay is short but sweet. At this point, your reader may have already glanced at your previous coursework and activities, as well as your personal statement . So, to add to that, what stories do you have about what you hope to study in college? The strongest Rice University supplemental essays will give readers an authentic window into an applicant’s intellectual life.

Specifically, this Rice University essay prompt lets you offer some background on an activity or experience that showcases your intellectual interests. You may choose to start your first Rice essay with an anecdote that illustrates these interests in action.

Highlight your passions

For this Rice essay, don’t be afraid to geek out about a topic and share how you have explored it in the classroom and beyond. This could be in a school club, a summer program , or a personal passion project . In fact, your description of your interests should take up most of this Rice essay—perhaps 90-120 words.

Additionally, if you don’t quite know what you’d like to study, that’s okay! Remember, the potential field or major discussed in applicants’ Rice University supplemental essays is not binding. So, use your Rice essay to talk about the thing that interests you most. 

Connect your interests to Rice

Most importantly, to wrap up your first Rice essay, connect your interests to something that Rice can do to help you excel. For example, if you have a penchant for the sciences , you might use this Rice University essay prompt to note unique research projects that previous Rice students have done with faculty. Or, if you’re interested in the humanities , you might emphasize Rice’s various unique minors like Museums and Cultural Heritage when responding to this Rice University essay prompt. This part of your Rice essay can just be a few sentences—perhaps 30-60 words. Remember to be specific about why Rice is the school for you.

Rice Essay Reflection Questions:

• Does your draft share a narrative rather than just restating your activities list?
• Do you limit your focus to a single field when responding to the Rice University essay prompt?
• Does your Rice essay connect your interest to opportunities available at Rice?
• Do you use clear and evocative language in the first of the Rice University supplemental essays?

Rice University Supplemental Essay #2: Why School Essay

While the first Rice University essay prompt asked students to write a why major essay, the second asks students “why Rice?” 

The Rice University acceptance rate is competitive at just 9% . Successful applicants will write Rice University supplemental essays that show just why they have to study at Rice. Rice University supplemental essays are your chance to show admissions that you’ve done your research and are set on Rice. 

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

This Rice University essay prompt is the classic “why school” essay . You may have encountered similar prompts on other applications. While it might be tempting to adapt a “why school” essay from another application, students will want to start from scratch to make sure their Rice University supplemental essays are as specific as possible.

No shortcuts on this Rice University essay prompt; you’ll have to do your homework. Begin by asking, “What about Rice suits you?” If you haven’t already, this Rice essay is a great chance to share if you have reached out to a current student, watched an official YouTube video , or attended an information session. And if you have not yet, it’s not too late! It all starts with a virtual tour . Do the Rice research before writing your Rice University supplemental essays so that you can speak about Rice like a pro. 

Keep it about you

However, remember that this Rice essay is still a chance for the reader to get to know you. Are there other interests that you have not been able to discuss in other parts of your application? As you approach this Rice essay prompt, as well as the other Rice supplemental essays, think about what might be missing from your application. For instance, maybe you already have written some responses to a few of your activities in the other Rice University supplemental essays. Perhaps there is another that you could highlight in this Rice essay.

Take this Rice University essay prompt as a way to share something new about yourself. When all is said and done, the admissions office at any school hopes to admit a class full of talented people with various pursuits and interests. The best Rice supplemental essays will reveal what a given student will bring to their class and community.

Before answering this Rice essay prompt, read some successful why school essays. Here are some examples of well-written essays from applicants to Northwestern and Yale .

• Does your Rice essay draft include specific references to the academic community at Rice University?
• Do you share how Rice’s resources connect to your personal education goals?
• Does your Rice essay focus on just one or two aspects of Rice as they relate to your interests?

Rice Supplemental Essays – Long Answer

The last of the Rice University supplemental essays offers students the choice of two prompts to respond to. However, each prompt asks students to explore the way in which they will contribute to the Rice community. 

The final Rice supplemental essay prompt offers much more room to write than the other Rice University essay prompts, with a 500 word limit. It may feel overwhelming, but there are many ways to meaningfully answer this Rice essay. 

Successful Rice University supplemental essays will use the word count wisely in order to impress admissions and overcome the low Rice University acceptance rate. In fact, the best Rice University supplemental essays will thoughtfully use the word count to show applicants’ unique experiences and qualities. The room this Rice essay allows you is by design. This is your time to shine.

The Residential College System is at the heart of Rice student life and is heavily influenced by the particular cultural traditions and unique life experiences each student brings. What life experiences and/or unique perspectives are you looking forward to sharing with fellow Owls in the residential college system? (500 words)

You might feel that you don’t have any traditions or experiences that you can discuss with the depth that the last of the Rice University essay prompts demands. “Life experiences” and “cultural traditions” are central to this Rice essay. For some, Rice University supplemental essays may reference meaningful touchstones like holidays, food, music, and dance. 

When responding to the last of the Rice University essay prompts, try to engage your reader’s senses. What do the surroundings look, sound, smell, and feel like? Just as you might envision an opening scene of a movie, you should use this Rice essay to make the reader feel like they are right there with you. Successful Rice supplemental essays will use vivid and evocative language to tell an engaging story.

Define “community” and “culture”

That being said, you don’t need to fixate on a single anecdote to make your Rice essay shine. Successful Rice University supplemental essays may also refer to cultural traditions more broadly than any key moment. In considering your cultural background, you might initially think about your family or the fact that you will be a first-generation college student . 

However, you can also use the last of the Rice University essay prompts as an opportunity to draw connections to a wider set of themes. Community and culture manifest in a variety of forms. From school clubs to youth groups, or even online Discord channels, we all engage in communities that inform our identities. All of these communities can give you useful material for your Rice supplemental essays.

Finding your story

If you’re still struggling with how to respond to the last of the Rice University essay prompts, don’t be discouraged. Everyone has a story to share, and the Rice supplemental essays are designed to help you do so. You could start by imagining how your friends would describe you. Or, it could be helpful to think of a simple timeline of your life so far. From birth to now, consider some milestones that have contributed to who you are today. You might also describe a hero or mentor who has changed your direction. There are a myriad of experiences that successful Rice University supplemental essays could touch on when responding to this Rice University essay prompt. 

Bring it back to Rice  

Remember that while the Rice University supplemental essays should center on you and your personal experiences, however, they also need to show what you will bring to campus. When answering the first long Rice University essay prompt, make sure that you clearly state how you will bring your personal experiences, culture, and traditions to the Rice community. Will you get involved in certain clubs? Will you share your family’s holidays with your hall in the dorms? And will you bring these experiences and perspectives to the classroom?

Rice University admissions wants to learn more about how you’ll fit into the Rice community. So, use the long Rice University supplemental essays to do just that.  

Now let’s check out the second of the long Rice University supplemental essays: 

Rice is strengthened by its diverse community of learning and discovery that produces leaders and change agents across the spectrum of human endeavor. What perspectives shaped by your background, experiences, upbringing, and/or racial identity inspire you to join our community of change agents at Rice? 

Remember those helpful tips on how to respond to the first of the Rice University supplemental essays prompt? Well, they can actually apply here, too. 

If responding the this prompt, students should focus on how the aspects mentioned in the prompt will make them incite change. Note how they refer to Rice’s “community of change agents.” Successful Rice University supplemental essays will show how students will contribute to this community. 

How has your background informed your future academic and career goals? What has motivated your path forward to creating change in the world and essentially leaving it a better place than it was before? Students should write on their own experiences, upbringing and (if applicable) racial identity. 

Similar to the first prompt, there are many routes that students could take when writing this essay. So, how can you choose what to write about? These essays need to be passionate and genuine. If you aren’t excited about the topic you’re writing about, then your reader won’t be, either. Remember that these Rice University supplemental essays need to truly add a new dimension to your Rice application. Namely, you want to share more about you and how you will be a perfect fit for the Rice community. 

No matter the prompt, focus on you

This Rice essay gives you up to 500 words, which lets you discuss a lot. However, successful Rice University supplemental essays will not lose sight of the fact that this essay is about applicants as individuals. If you choose to describe how other people have made an impact on your life, remember to bring it back to yourself and your experiences. Above all, your Rice essay should center on how your experiences and traditions have made you the person you are.

As with the other Rice supplemental essays, make sure you remain centered on your own story and clearly communicate this story to your readers. Though it may be tempting to wax philosophical when writing your Rice University supplemental essays, you should focus on writing explicitly about yourself and your experiences. When in doubt, be more direct while trying to engage the reader in your Rice supplemental essays. Metaphors and quotes can help ground your Rice University supplemental essays at times, but be careful not to overuse them.

How do you wrap up the conclusion of such an open, personal essay? While there is no one “correct” way to end the Rice supplemental essays, take a moment to reflect on how these experiences have made an impact on you. How would you be different without them? Where have these milestones taken you to where you have been, where you are now, and perhaps where you hope to be in the future? Successful Rice University supplemental essays will answer these questions and more.

• Do you write between 400 and 500 words in this Rice essay?
• Does your Rice essay center on yourself and your development?
• Is your response to the third of the Rice University essay prompts concrete and specific?
• If applicable, do you use specific examples of how you have shared your perspectives or learned from those of other people?

How to write Rice Supplemental Essays

Writing impactful Rice University supplemental essays that catch the attention of Rice University admissions officers may seem like a daunting task. However, the Rice supplemental essays are extremely important, especially given the low Rice University acceptance rate. 

Luckily, there are certain tips you can follow to ease the writing process when approaching the Rice University supplemental essays. 

5 Tips for Writing Rice Supplemental Essays: 

#1- be specific.

When responding to both the why school essay and the why major essay, you should be specific. One of the worst mistakes students can make in their Rice supplemental essays is being generic in their responses. When writing the Rice supplemental essays, reference specific programs and offerings only available at Rice. Also, when talking about your life experiences, describe why they are meaningful to you. It may be helpful to make a college resume in order to organize all of your important activities and draw on the most important ones when writing your Rice supplemental essays. 

#2- Provide context to the reader

Above all, your reader wants to know what makes you the person you are. The Rice supplemental essays are your chance to show the admissions team that you’re more than a statistic. Tell them who you are, what you value, and why you belong at their school. Strong Rice supplemental essays will leave the admissions committee with a clear, authentic understanding of an applicant’s background and aspirations.

#3- Choose your topics carefully

You want to be authentic and unique in your responses to the Rice University essay prompts. The topic you choose to focus on makes a huge difference as your passion will be evident in the writing. Write on themes that are genuinely exciting and impactful to you. 

#4- Start early

Give yourself plenty of time to thoughtfully and carefully respond to the Rice University essay prompts. Remember that you will be writing essays for the majority of the schools you apply to. Factor that into your college application timeline. You’ll need time to brainstorm, draft, and revise each Rice essay. 

#5- Be creative and grammatically correct

Don’t shy away from getting creative with your writing style and responses to these Rice supplemental essays. That doesn’t mean you should write a poem, but, feel free to use vivid imagery and descriptive language in order to fully immerse your reader in your subject matter. However, your writing also needs to be grammatically impeccable. Have another set of eyes look over your final Rice University supplemental essays to make sure you’ve expressed your point and have no mechanical errors. 

Additionally, if any special circumstances have influenced your academic or personal development, you may want to discuss them in your Rice University supplemental essays. This can help the admissions team gain insight into your perspective.

Additional Rice Requirements – An Image for “The Box”

One of rice’s long-standing traditions is “the box,” a question on our application where we ask all of our applicants to share an image of something that appeals to them. the box gives you the opportunity to present us with an image that shares something about yourself, your interests or what is meaningful to you. this image is not used for evaluative purposes in the application, but allows you to put your stamp on the application about who you are aside from what you have achieved. be sure to choose an image that speaks for itself and does not need an explanation. the box must be a two-dimensional image that is uploaded in the common application or the coalition application, or uploaded in the rice admission student portal..

This Rice university essay prompt is not an essay at all. However, the Rice Box does a lot of the things your Rice essays do—namely, it gives the admissions team a window into who you are and what you care about.

Understandably, this unique prompt throws many students off. Remember that while the Rice Box might let you stand out, it should not detract from the effort you put into the required Rice University supplemental essays.

Don’t sweat your image choice

Notice the part of the prompt that reads, “This image is not used for evaluative purposes…and does not need an explanation.” In short, this image will not make or break your application—instead, it should be a fun addition to your overall profile.

Your submission should be able to speak for itself without a supplemental description. Some ideas for your Rice Box image might include a section of your bookshelf, a place you enjoy, an important memento, a project you enjoyed, or a hobby you mention elsewhere.

Don’t get hung up on the Rice Box! Find an image that speaks to you, and leave it at that. Then, spend the bulk of your time crafting your Rice University supplemental essays.

Rice Box Reflection Questions:

• Is your image clear enough, while staying within the file size limit?
• Is your image tasteful and appropriate for an academic context?
• Does your image reveal something interesting about you?

Does Rice care about essays?

Forbes ranks Rice University as #22 on 2023 Top Colleges list and the U.S. News Best Colleges list ranks it #15. And, the Rice University acceptance rate is quite competitive at 9%. For these reasons, when considering how to get into Rice University, one of the best colleges in Texas , applicants will want to focus on making their application as competitive as possible. The Rice University supplemental essays play a vital role in the admissions process. 

Rice’s application philosophy is holistic and committee-based. That means that your Rice University supplemental essays are extremely important within the context of your Rice application narrative. Rice University admissions will evaluate applicants on more than just hitting certain academic marks. However, given the low Rice University acceptance rate, it’s important to have a good SAT score and above averag e GPA . 

Using the Rice essays to your benefit

The Rice University supplemental essays are applicants’ opportunities to share new information that they weren’t able to display in other parts of their application. In evaluating Rice essays, the admissions team also looks to see whether you’ve done your research on why Rice University is the right school for you. So, the why school essay and why major essay are extremely important in showing off the specifics of what you’ve learned about Rice. The longer Rice essay is also an excellent opportunity to point out parts of campus life and community in which you would thrive thanks to your unique background. 

Rice University admissions needs to see your understanding and enthusiasm for the university within your Rice supplemental essays. The entire Rice application is important in the admissions evaluation process, however, the Rice supplemental essays will allow Rice University admissions to get a truer picture of who you are and why you’d fit in at Rice. 

More admissions requirements for Rice University

Applicants working on their Rice supplemental essays will need to make sure that they meet the Rice requirements and deadlines. In addition to well-written and unique Rice University supplemental essays, applicants should aim to take rigorous academic courses throughout secondary school. GPA is an important factor as a part of the admissions process. 

Rice University is test-optional so students aren’t required to submit their standardized test scores. However, half of admitted students had scores within the range of 1490-1570. If you fall within that range, or above, submitting your scores will likely bolster your Rice application. 

Letters and interviews

Rice requires applicants to submit three letters of recommendation . These letters are extremely important within the Rice admissions evaluation process. You’ll want to ask your counselor and two teachers for their recommendations well in advance so that they have sufficient time to submit them. 

Students are able to complete optional interviews which are either with an alumnus or current Rice University senior. This is a great opportunity for applicants to learn more about the Rice experience. It also lets them share more of who they are both academically and personally. 

Addition materials for special programs

Students applying to the Shepherd School of Music , School of Architecture , or Visual and Dramatic Arts department will be required to submit additional Rice University supplemental materials. You can look at all the Rice requirements here . 

Remember that Rice partners with the QuestBridge application process. So, in addition to the Rice University supplemental essays, students should check out the match requirements when completing the application. 

Applicants should also consider the cost of college and financial aid packages when starting their college search . This should be an integral part of building a college list . So, check out Rice’s financial aid options in order to compare with other colleges as you go through the college application and eventually enrollment process. 

Rice University Supplemental Essays — Final Thoughts

As you craft your Rice essays, remember to be intentional and specific. Also, these tips are just a starting point. Every Rice University essay prompt is different, and you’ll want to examine each of them on their own terms. There are multiple ways to approach your Rice essays; as you draft, you’ll learn what works best for you.

Your Rice supplemental essays give you the creative latitude to make them your own, so use this to your advantage. There are many student success stories that come from writing strong essays that bolster a competitive application. Check out one student’s journey below and remember that you could be one too. Good luck!

Student Spotlight: Line T.

This Rice supplemental essays guide was written by Sarah Kaminski. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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Command Education Guide

How to write the rice university essays, updated for 2024-2025.

Please explain why you wish to study in the academic areas you selected. 150 word limit.

Explanation:

With over 50 undergraduate majors, Rice offers myriad opportunities for students to explore their intellectual interests—which unique aspects of your narrative, background, experiences, interests and identity drove you to select yours? Although your transcripts, recommendation letters and activities list provide the admissions committee lots of information about your engagement with your intended area of study, this prompt offers you the rare opportunity to explain it in your own words!

Whether the details are purely academic or a bit more personal, the key is that you’re authentic in your response to this prompt. All in all, your goal is to bring your major selection to life and clarify the aspects of it that most deeply resonate with your experiences and aspirations. Articulate the impact you hope to make by pursuing that course of study at Rice and connect it to your greater ‘why,’ and you’re bound to compose a strong essay.

Growing up, the vibrant artwork and sterile lights of Hughes Spalding Hospital coalesced to form a bittersweet second home for me. For much of her childhood, it was my sister Lacey’s primary home as she fought lupus, an autoimmune disorder that consumed her skin, hair, and joints in flares as unpredictable as they were incurable. I soon learned that the most valuable thing that the doctors, nurses and staff were able to preserve was her smile.

Over the years, the human dimension of medical care has waned in perceived value, but I’ll never forget how brightly I experienced it secondhand through the attentiveness, patience and heart of Dr. Hopkins, Nurse Teresa, and Nurse Ida. I know that Rice’s Medical Humanities major, offering a human-centric and multidimensional pre-health education, will equip me with both the knowledge and conscience I’ll need to also preserve smiles in medicine one day.

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

This short essay is a classic ‘Why this school?’ essay. It should highlight your knowledge of the unique opportunities at Rice and your own special interests and perspectives. This essay is intended to allow you to write about your interests, both intellectual and extracurricular, and how opportunities at Rice will enable you to explore them. A great way to approach this essay is to do some intensive research on Rice’s website in order to find academic programs, research opportunities, extracurricular activities and student groups, and unique aspects of student life that interest you.

To fortify this essay, you’ll want to provide some concrete examples. Focus on linking your past experiences and passions to your plans for making the most of your potential time at Rice. For example, you may want to have a diverse social circle with people of different perspectives and identities, and know that Rice ranks #1 for race and class interactions. Or, there may be an extracurricular or non-academic program that you want to explore. Allow the word “experience” to mean whatever you want it to mean!

Rice’s signature harmonization of research, innovation and service resonates deeply with my goal of changing the world through medicine. Courses like ‘Advocating for Ideas to Change the World’ and ‘Leadership and Civic Professionalism’ at Rice’s Center for Civic Leadership will bolster my worldview, while joining the Biotech Launch Pad could make finding lupus’ cure an exciting reality. Furthermore, the Université PSL Research Summit’s Global Health focus will advance my dream of addressing health disparities in francophone communities, a cause near to my heart given my mother’s Guadeloupean heritage. Studying at the Moody Center for the Arts and the Shepherd School of Music will allow me to advance as a painter and flutist, while joining the Baylor College of Medicine – Patient Discharge Initiative and Rice MusicMDs will connect me with the local Houston community through service. From #OwlsAfterDark game nights to Fondren study sessions, I’m eager to join the owl community.

Please respond to one of the following prompts to explore how you will contribute to the Rice community:

A. The Residential College System is at the heart of Rice student life and is heavily influenced by the particular cultural traditions and unique life experiences each student brings. What life experiences and/or unique perspectives are you looking forward to sharing with fellow Owls in the residential college system?

At 500 words, this essay gives you plenty of room to describe your perspectives! However, you’ll want to avoid listing too many ideas at once. Instead, consider the communities you are a part of now and the experiences you’ve had that are the most meaningful to you. To help narrow it down, research the values that the Rice community espouses and see where your values and interests intersect with theirs. The admissions officers want to get a sense of the kind of student you’ll be at Rice and how you’ll fit into the campus culture.

Be specific! Instead of just answering “what” perspectives you’ll bring, include “where” you want to bring them. Consider how you might bring your different perspectives to your social and academic life as well as to the 350+ clubs and organizations Rice has to offer. How might your community background enhance the Residential College System? Will your teamwork experience from your time on a high school athletic team inspire you to lead a club sport? Whatever your life perspectives, make sure to demonstrate how you will use your unique background to become a valuable member of the Rice community!

Rhinestones, glitter and countless colorful coats of paint glisten in the Caribbean sun. I’m surrounded by hats and headdresses, tassels and feathers, and rhythm that pulses the ground, twirls the dancers, and synchronizes hearts across the vast, rolling crowd to a tune of joy and pride. It’s Carnival, it’s my people, and it’s home.

Those two elated months of our 150-year-old Carnival tradition mean so much more to me than just snare drums and spices—they’re a constant reminder of the various colors, flavors and experiences that dance in my own veins. They’re a testament to the resilience of my people, the transformation of sorrow to song throughout my country’s history that gives me unshakeable reassurance that no goal is too difficult or too far to be achieved.

In addition to the commemoration of triumph and tradition, it’s also a place where I can truly be myself. French, African, Indian and Indigenous cultures merge at the annual festival, forming an inspiring mosaic, a near-simulacrum of the world that reflects exactly what it means to be comfortable in who you are. No matter the complexion, age, background, all are encouraged to join in on the fun–to dine, revel and dance in harmony.

Gadeloupean culture is a tapestry richly woven from the traditions, cuisines and people from diverse backgrounds, and I hope to both find and cultivate a similar atmosphere in the next step of my educational journey. At Rice, it would be a joy to bring the vibrancy of Carnival to my residential hall as I make Colombo with my floormates (hopefully we can find quality banana leaves in Houston!), dance to the Gwoka rhythms of my ancestors, and maybe even share a bit of the Creole my mother would speak to me when I was younger.

Annou ay! The possibilities are endless in a community so diverse yet so united, and I’ve learned through leading my school’s Caribbean Culture Club and volunteering with local communities that respect is the core underpinning of any meaningful intercultural interactions. At Rice, I’m eager to help contribute to these conversations to promote a spirit of understanding, empathy and growth both in my residential hall and throughout the sprawling campus. Culture is undeniably fluid and constantly evolving, so I hope to not only share my own culture with my residential community, but to also contribute to a new, dynamic residential culture that we can all claim and celebrate together.

While it will be tough to trade rhinestones for reading rooms at the start of the year, I know that the confidence my Carnival memories instilled in me will help me to approach the new experience with excitement and curiosity. Life truly offers so much to discover and celebrate, and I look forward to doing so alongside some of the brightest minds in the nation at Rice.

B. Rice is strengthened by its diverse community of learning and discovery that produces leaders and change agents across the spectrum of human endeavor. What perspectives shaped by your background, experiences, upbringing, and/or racial identity inspire you to join our community of change agents at Rice? 500 word limit.

This prompt asks you to reflect on the world you come from and how your background has shaped your worldview. It is important to think about and clearly express what your particular frame of reference is and what you can bring to campus that no one else can, with a particular emphasis on creating positive change. This may be related to a geographic identity, a religious community, a unique intersection of identities that you occupy, a family background, a place of work, a school you attend or have attended, or any other environment that has been meaningful to you. What are the life lessons you’ve gleaned from growing up with your particular identity or background, or in your particular neighborhood or family? Which diverse perspectives have you gained through your experiences, and how have they shaped your values and contributions to community-building?

My relationship with the alphabet has always been complicated. While my classmates moved through texts and envisioned vibrant fairy tales with ease, the only magical transformations I could conceive of were “p” becoming “q” and “r” becoming “w” as I decoded the pages before me. I remember perusing through endless titles in the library with tears in my eyes, feeling frustrated after school while trying to “catch up” to my peers in reading. When my father finally explained to me the results of the evaluations my teacher recommended, I’ll never forget the waves of relief and discomfort that simultaneously washed over me—no, I was not “broken,” but my mind was structurally different. What I could never prepare for, however, was just how fulfilling and transformative that journey of navigating the world with a mind that thought in pictures rather than serifs would be.

Dyslexia is a neurological processing disorder that can impact language, memory, and concentration, and living with it has given me a unique perspective. Rhyming strategies and mnemonic devices gradually became my closest comforters as I learned how to keep word reversals at bay year after year, and ultimately gained confidence not only in my reading skills, but in my voice. Starting my high school’s first Neurodiversity Advocacy Club was the culmination of this newfound leadership, and it helped me to realize not only that no two dyslexics are the same, but that no two minds are the same, whether neurotypical or neurodivergent. Nothing was more fulfilling than providing reading assistance to local schools alongside my club members, particularly when lending a helping hand in a subject that once frightened me.

Nowadays, I no longer wince at the opportunity to be picked for “popcorn reading” in class, and I actually embrace opportunities to journal and write poetry in my free time. Everyone has a challenge, and overcoming my own through practice and resilience has given me empathy for all who face setbacks. Dyslexia has taught me that a struggle, whether obvious or invisible, doesn’t have to define you or limit how you engage with the world and with your community. There’s always a path around or through something—you just have to have the patience and tenacity to find it and follow it.

At Rice, I hope to further explore leadership, transformation, resilience, and what it means to truly lean on and care for community members. I would not have been able to overcome my difficulties with reading and writing without the help of others, from my specialist who introduced me to the Orton-Gillingham reading approach, to the teachers who supported me with modifications I needed, to the friends who gave me comfort when tests or essays proved particularly challenging. Although I initially believed that dyslexia would bring loneliness, it actually highlighted just how vast and connected the community around me is, and I look forward to supporting those with challenges, using my voice to promote positive change, and forging my own unique paths to solutions at Rice.

One of Rice’s long-standing traditions is “The Box,” a question on our application where we ask all of our applicants to share an image of something that appeals to them. The Box gives you the opportunity to present us with an image that shares something about yourself, your interests or what is meaningful to you. This image is not used for evaluative purposes in the application, but allows you to put your stamp on the application about who you are aside from what you have achieved. Be sure to choose an image that speaks for itself and does not need an explanation. The Box must be a two-dimensional image that is uploaded in the Common Application or Apply Coalition with Scoir, or uploaded in the Rice Admission Student Portal.

The Rice Box has lots of lore and legacy surrounding it, but it’s not as mysterious as it might seem. Think about it through the lens of a visual learner—if you had to choose a visual addendum that expresses a large part of who you are, what would you choose? Since you won’t have space for an explanation, make sure that it doesn’t seem random or unintelligible. Select an image that adds context to the information you’ve already shared, not one that needs additional context. Be sure to avoid any overly graphic, offensive or controversial details or imagery.

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Rice University Supplemental Essay Prompts & The Box: 2024-2025

Rice University has released its 2024-2025 supplemental essay prompts for applicants to the Class of 2029. In all, Rice asks applicants to respond to three supplemental essay prompts — two essays of 150 words and one essay of 500 words. For the 500-word essay, there are two options from applicants are asked to choose one. In addition, as is tradition, Rice applicants are asked to include an image that represents them with their Rice supplement. So, what exactly are this year’s essays for the Rice Class of 2029?

2024-2025 Rice Essay Topics & The Box

150 word essay prompts.

Rice applicants are asked to answer the first two essay prompts in a maximum of 150 words. These two prompts are as follows:

1. Please explain why you wish to study in the academic areas you selected. 

This prompt is a straight-up-the-middle Why Major essay. As such, students should write an origin story of their interest in their chosen field. The origin story should take place in high school rather than in childhood. Applicants should make the story interesting rather than tout their strengths in the given area since bragging is an implausible way to inspire admissions officers to root for applicants. 

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

This prompt is a straight-up-the-middle Why College essay . It should thus be filled with specifics on why a student wishes to attend Rice — programs, institutes, the culture, traditions, activities, and more. Notice we didn’t mention classes or professors. Classes change. Professors leave. It’s about capturing the enduring specifics of Rice.

If an applicant writes a sentence that can apply to schools other than Rice, we recommend deleting it. Every sentence in this essay should be specifically tailored to Rice. That’s the game!

500 Word Essay Prompts

For the third Rice essay, applicants are asked to answer one of the following two essay prompts in up to 500 words:

1. Please respond to one of the following prompts to explore how you will contribute to the Rice community:

• The Residential College System is at the heart of Rice student life and is heavily influenced by the particular cultural traditions and unique life experiences each student brings. What life experiences and/or unique perspectives are you looking forward to sharing with fellow Owls in the residential college system?

Rice’s admissions committee seeks to admit a diverse incoming class and while the United States Supreme Court outlawed the practice of Affirmative Action , Chief Justice John Roberts left an opening in college essays.

As he wrote in his majority opinion, “At the same time, as all parties agree, nothing in this opinion should be construed as prohibiting universities from considering an applicant’s discussion of how race affected his or her life, be it through discrimination, inspiration, or otherwise.”

Herein lies that opening. But, of course, students do not need to be underrepresented minorities to answer this question powerfully. The question is purposely broad. As such, students can write about the communities in which they were raised, their cultural traditions, their faith, or any other such topic that ideally showcases how they think and what makes them tick.

• Rice is strengthened by its diverse community of learning and discovery that produces leaders and change agents across the spectrum of human endeavor. What perspectives shaped by your background, experiences, upbringing, and/or racial identity inspire you to join our community of change agents at Rice?

This question is similar to the first option for the third Rice essay prompt, but it leans more heavily on being a change agent. Rice’s admissions committee wants to see how a student’s background or experiences shape who they are and how they hope to create the world they wish to see. Applicants should be specific instead of broad — think saving the bees rather than saving the world from climate change.

The Rice Box

One of Rice’s longstanding traditions is “The Box,“ a question on our application where we ask all of our applicants to share an image of something that appeals to them. The Box gives you the opportunity to present us with an image that shares something about yourself, your interests or what is meaningful to you. This image is not used for evaluative purposes in the application, but allows you to put your stamp on the application about who you are aside from what you have achieved. Be sure to choose an image that speaks for itself and does not need an explanation. The Box must be a two-dimensional image that is uploaded in the Common Application or Apply Coalition with Scoir, or uploaded in the Rice Admission Student Portal.

The image that a student uploads should be consistent with their hook. If they’re astrophysicists, the image should ideally relate to the stars. If they’re Classists, it should relate to the Classics. Too many applicants merely upload a silly image, a wasted opportunity. Beyond the essays, The Box is another opportunity to showcase intellectual curiosity.

Ivy Coach’s Assistance with Rice Essays

If you’re interested in optimizing your case for admission to Rice by submitting essays that inspire admissions officers to root for you, fill out Ivy Coach ’s free consultation form , and we’ll be in touch to outline our college admissions counseling services for seniors.

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Blog > Essay Advice , Private University , Supplementals > How to Write the Rice Supplemental Essays

How to Write the Rice Supplemental Essays

Admissions officer reviewed by Ben Bousquet, M.Ed Former Vanderbilt University

Written by Ben Bousquet, M.Ed Former Vanderbilt University Admissions

Key Takeaway

So you’ve decided to apply to Rice and now have to complete the Rice supplement? Never fear. In this post, I’ll break down all three essay prompts and go over how to pick an image for that pesky “Rice Box” question.

Let’s jump right in.

Please explain why you wish to study in the academic areas you selected. 150 word limit.

You’re starting with a simple, straightforward academic interest essay . Of course, you’ll want to choose academic interests that coincide with what Rice has to offer. In your essay, you’ve got a bunch of options. You can write about how you became interested in the areas you’ve selected or describe a pivotal moment in your educational path. You could highlight a particular problem you’re eager to solve or write about the work you’ve already done in the area. As you’re reflecting on multiple areas, you can also write about how you see the two subjects intersecting with each other.

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

Next on your supplemental list is this “why us” essay. As with any why us essay, you’ll want to start by researching specific details about Rice’s offerings that you find appealing. Feel free to look into academics, campus life, and institutional values and priorities.

The best place to start your research is Rice’s website. You can also use information you gather from speaking with an admissions representative or attending an information session or campus tour. Look for appealing majors or programs, courses, clubs, internships, research opportunities, faculty, student support services, educational approaches—anything that you think would enhance your time at Rice.

As you write your essay, consider why the factors you’ve listed are appealing to you. Do they relate to opportunities you’ve had in the past? Are they building on work you’ve already done? Would they make you feel at home? Would they help you achieve your goals?

By the time you’re done, your essay should make it clear to your Rice admissions officers that Rice is the perfect fit for you.

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 is heavily influenced by the unique life experiences and cultural tradition each student brings. What life perspectives would you contribute to the Rice community? 500 word limit.

With a 500-word limit, this one’s pretty hefty. That’s almost as long as your personal statement!

There are a few values from the first couple of sentences that I want you to draw out before you begin writing: collaboration, enhancing quality of life, reaching all members of the campus community, the Residential College System, and interactions between different life experiences and cultural traditions.

With those values in mind, think about the central question of the prompt: What life perspectives would you contribute to the Rice community?

As you’re thinking through your life perspectives, reflect on which ones align with the values we drew out of the first two sentences. Are there any in particular that would show that you’re a good, collaborative community member? Someone who’s able to interact with people from all different perspectives?

Since you have a lot of words, you have the space to elaborate on whatever perspectives you choose. Here are a few guidelines you might find helpful:

• You can focus on more than one life perspective that you’d bring to Rice, but be careful about writing an essay that tries to do too many things at once. Your essay should still have one main message.
• The perspective(s) you write about should be significant. You can throw a playful one or two in there if that’s your style, but you’ll still want to be able to reflect meaningfully on them.
• Consider what new information a Rice admissions officer will learn about you from this essay. It’s a long one, so don’t waste it. Which of your perspectives don’t appear elsewhere in your application? Which do you really want to drive home? Think about your overall application narrative .

Finally, you can also use this essay to show off some of your Rice knowledge. Since the prompt asks how you’ll contribute to the Rice community, you can sprinkle in a few specific details about the aspects of Rice’s community that draw you in the most.

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

And with this final question, Rice gets a little creative. Instead of writing a fourth essay, you’ll be submitting an image. It’s a chance for you to share something meaningful visually rather than in writing. Rice’s website says, “ This image is not used for evaluative purposes in the application, but allows you to put your stamp on the application about who you are aside from what you have achieved.”

Rice admissions officers also advise that you pick an image that doesn’t need explanation, since you won’t have any accompanying text. You’ll upload it directly to your Common App or Coalition account or through your Rice admissions portal.

Your image should find a balance between being intriguing, being able to stand on its own, and revealing something about who you are.

Let’s take a look at a few examples to get you brainstorming. You might submit an image of…

• one of your activities.
• something related to your essays.
• you and your friends or loved ones.
• your artwork.
• your hobby or passion.
• a place you love or were influenced by.

Once you have your image selected, upload it alongside your essays.

And with that, you’re ready to get going on your Rice supplement. If you want to know more about how to craft a successful application to Rice, check out our How to Get into Rice guide.

Want even more college essay support? We’ve got you covered. Sign up for the Essay Academy , our all-in-one digital college essay course, to learn how to write your best college essays.

Happy writing! ✏️

Liked that? Try this next.

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How to Write the Rice University Supplemental Essays

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 5/24/24

To get into Rice University, you’ll need to write an outstanding supplemental essay to help you stand out. Keep reading to learn how to write a response that will wow the admissions committee. 

A university that offers a world-class academic experience, like Rice University , is one of the top options for many students. While stellar grades and exceptional test scores are undoubtedly essential, they only scratch the surface of your story. 

That’s where your supplemental essays come in. They give you a unique opportunity to reveal the core of who you are, your passions, and the distinctive qualities that set you apart from other applicants. But, where do you start? How many essays do you have to write for your Rice application? What prompts do you have to choose from?

In this article, we’ll outline this year’s prompts and break down exactly how to write the Rice supplemental essays. Let’s get started!

Rice University Supplemental Essay Prompts 2023-2024

Here are the Rice University essay prompts for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle: 

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)

Please respond to one of the following prompts to explore how you will contribute to the Rice community:

• The Residential College System is at the heart of Rice student life and is heavily influenced by the particular cultural traditions and unique life experiences each student brings. What life experiences and/or unique perspectives are you looking forward to sharing with fellow Owls in the residential college system? (500 word limit)
• Rice is strengthened by its diverse community of learning and discovery that produces leaders and change agents across the spectrum of human endeavor. What perspectives shaped by your background, experiences, upbringing, and/or racial identity inspire you to join our community of change agents at Rice? (500 word limit)

Prompt #4 - School of Architecture

Why are you determined to study architecture? Could you please elaborate on your past experiences and how they have motivated you to apply to Rice University and the School of Architecture in particular? (250-word limit)

Prompt #5 - School of Architecture

Please expand on relevant experiences and motivations outside of your academic trajectory that has inspired you to study architecture, focusing on aspects not accommodated by other prompts in the application. (250 word limit)

Prompt #6 - The Box

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

How to Write Each Essay Prompt for Rice University

Before you can write compelling essays, it’s important to make sure you understand the nuances of each prompt. In this section, we’ll analyze each one closely, and offer a few tips to help you craft thoughtful and impactful responses that align with Rice’s expectations.

How to Write Rice University Supplemental Essay #1 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #1 : For this prompt, you’ll be required to reflect on the reasons behind your academic interests. The admissions committee wants to understand why these fields resonate with you, how they align with your goals, and what unique perspectives or experiences you’ll bring to them. 

Before you start writing your response to this prompt, keep these tips in mind:

• Reflect on Your Experiences : Consider moments in your life that sparked your curiosity or influenced your academic interests and aspirations. This reflection will help you convey a genuine and compelling narrative about why these academic fields are significant to you.
• Connect to Future Goals : Whether you envision a specific career path, research interest, or societal impact, clearly articulate how your chosen field aligns with your future goals and ambitions. Admissions officers are interested in understanding not just what you want to study, but also how these studies will contribute to your broader academic and professional journey.
• Show Enthusiasm : Demonstrate your enthusiasm for learning and engaging with your chosen fields. Highlight specific courses, faculty members, research opportunities, or unique aspects of Rice’s program that attracted you. Expressing genuine excitement will help convey your motivation and commitment to making the most of the educational opportunities available to you.

How to Write Rice University Supplemental Essay #2 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #2 : This prompt essentially asks for a "Why Rice University" essay . To write an effective response, you’ll need to demonstrate your knowledge of the university and articulate how its resources align with your academic and extracurricular interests. 

• Do Your Research : Conduct in-depth research about Rice University, focusing on its academic programs, faculty, research opportunities, and campus culture. Identify specific elements that resonate with you and align with your academic and personal goals. The more detailed and tailored your response, the more compelling your essay will be.
• Connect Personal Experiences : Incorporate personal experiences from high school that directly relate to the resources and characteristics you admire at Rice. Whether it's a particular class, extracurricular activity, or project, illustrating how Rice can build on these experiences adds a personal touch and strengthens your argument for why the university is an ideal fit for your educational journey.
• Be Concise and Specific : Given the 150-word limit, avoid making general statements and instead focus on a few key aspects that truly stand out to you. Use concrete examples and concise language to convey why Rice is uniquely appealing. Make every word count while illustrating your genuine connection to the university.

How to Write Rice University Supplemental Essay #3-1 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #3-1 : This prompt invites you to explore how your life experiences and unique perspectives will contribute to the Residential College System, which is a central aspect of student life at Rice. 

Be prepared to discuss specific aspects of your background, culture, or personal experiences that will contribute positively to the broader Rice community, emphasizing your potential impact on campus culture and engagement within the residential setting.

• Identify Unique Experiences : Begin by reflecting on your own life experiences, cultural background, and unique perspectives. Identify specific aspects of your identity that you believe are valuable and can contribute positively to a communal living environment. Use concrete examples to illustrate how these experiences have shaped your worldview and can enhance the Residential College System.
• Research the Residential College System : Familiarize yourself with Rice’s Residential College System . Understand its cultural traditions, values, and the type of community it aims to foster. Tailor your response to align with these aspects, demonstrating a clear understanding of how your contributions will complement and enrich the existing fabric of the residential colleges.
• Connect Your Perspective to Collaboration : Emphasize how your unique life perspective fosters collaboration and community building. Discuss specific ways you intend to contribute to a supportive and inclusive environment. Be sure to also acknowledge the importance of interaction, shared experiences, and mutual respect among fellow Owls in the Residential College System.

How to Write Rice University Supplemental Essay #3-2 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #3-2 : This Rice supplement essay prompts you to reveal the influences from your background that have shaped your worldview. Beyond providing a narrative of your experiences, focus on extracting life lessons learned and convey how you aspire to leverage these insights as a change agent at Rice University. 

The prompt encourages you to not only share your personal journey but also to connect it explicitly to your vision for contributing to Rice's diverse community of learning and fostering positive change across various spheres.

• Consider Diverse Influences : Take time to evaluate the various elements of your background, such as previous schools, geographic community, religious background, and work experiences. Identify specific instances or aspects that have significantly shaped your perspective. Don’t hesitate to consider both positive and challenging experiences, as they can contribute to a nuanced understanding of your worldview.
• Extract Life Lessons : Go beyond narrating experiences and focus on extracting meaningful life lessons from them. Discuss how these lessons have influenced your values, aspirations, and commitment to positive change. Connecting your experiences to the qualities of a change agent will help you convey a deeper understanding of your personal growth and potential contributions to Rice.
• Relate Back to Rice's Values : Familiarize yourself with Rice University's values and commitment to producing leaders and change agents. Tailor your response to reflect how your unique background perspectives align with these values, showcasing your readiness to actively contribute to Rice's diverse community and further enhance its legacy of producing impactful leaders.

How to Write Rice University Essay Prompt #4 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of Prompt #4 : This Rice supplement essay prompt asks you to explain why you want to study architecture and, more specifically, your motivations for applying to Rice University's School of Architecture. It will require you to offer insights into your past experiences that have influenced your passion for the field. 

• Highlight Unique Aspects of Rice's School of Architecture : Make sure to delve into the specific features of Rice's School of Architecture that attract you. Whether it's a unique curriculum, faculty members, collaborative projects, or the school's philosophy, demonstrating a deep understanding of what sets Rice apart will strengthen your response.
• Seamlessly I ntegrate Personal Experiences : Rather than listing experiences, seamlessly weave them into your narrative. Discuss specific moments or challenges that ignited your passion for architecture, making sure they are intricately connected to your decision to apply to Rice. 

How to Write Rice University Essay Prompt #5 + Analysis and Tips 

Analysis of Prompt #5 : This prompt encourages a more personal and nuanced exploration of your motivation to study architecture, allowing you to showcase unique facets of your character and experiences that may not be evident from your academic record alone. 

It specifically directs you to focus on aspects not covered by other prompts in the application. In essence, the admissions committee is looking for a more holistic understanding of your passion for architecture.

• Select Unique Experiences : Choose experiences that truly stand out and have had a profound impact on your interest in architecture. Avoid common or generic narratives, and instead, focus on specific moments or activities that have shaped your perspective in a distinctive way.
• Highlight Your Architectural Values : Showcase how the values or principles you've gained from your non-academic experiences align with the core values of architecture. Whether it's creativity, community engagement, sustainability, or another aspect, linking your personal values to the broader field of architecture will demonstrate a thoughtful and holistic approach to your chosen discipline.

How to Write Rice University Essay Prompt #6 + Analysis and Tips 

While this isn’t a traditional prompt, this option gives students another chance to showcase their personality, creativity, and interests. Keep these tips in mind for “The Box”:

• Choose an Image Carefully : Select an image that not only visually appeals to you but also holds personal significance, reflecting aspects of your identity, experiences, or values.
• Complement Other Essays : Use “The Box” as a supplementary tool to enhance your narrative. Ensure that the image contributes to, rather than detracts from, the cohesive and comprehensive picture presented in your other required essays.

Examples of Rice University Supplemental Essays That Worked

Now that we’ve discussed how to write the Rice supplemental essay, let’s take a look at a few essay samples that were written by successful applicants. Reviewing these Rice University essay examples can help inspire your own responses. 

Sample Essay #1

Prompt : “Please explain why you wish to study in the academic areas you selected.”

“I got a Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) diagnosis from doctors after I had terrible nausea and stomach discomfort for two years. I looked through every relevant book to understand the connection between physical and mental wellness. I therefore sought an internship at the neighborhood counseling center to increase my understanding of GAD.

Sincerely, I'd like to know how mental health impacts individuals. More than anything else, it intrigues me.

After conducting interviews with registered nurses, certified professional counselors, and psychiatrists, my goal is to earn a Ph.D. and work as a psychology professor. Researching the causes and therapies for mental health issues and adding to the larger body of information to educate and assist future generations seems to be the most exciting thing there is. (129 words)”

Why Essay #1 Worked

This essay effectively addresses the Rice University essay requirements by weaving a personal struggle with Generalized Anxiety Disorder into a genuine academic interest in mental health. 

The writer's internship demonstrates practical engagement and aligns with their goal of earning a PhD and becoming a psychology professor. The essay is concise, showcasing a clear and impactful connection between personal experiences and academic pursuits at Rice.

Sample Essay #2

Prompt : “Based upon your exploration of Rice University, what elements of the Rice experience appeal to you?”

“My academic interests have made undergraduate research opportunities my top priority. Recently, I developed an interest in classical literature. I was on a trip to Greece two summers ago. There, I discovered more about Athens than the religious stories. 

Rice also has an environment that sponsors unrestrained historical curiosity. I can broaden my knowledge by taking the course which teaches the literary culture of the Roman Republic and Greek tragedy. My research interests will improve as Rice University receives a landmark $100 million gift from the Moody Foundation. 

At Rice, I can study abroad. A trip with my colleagues to different countries will strengthen our bond. I recall a similar trip at high school where we went to different countries for literary debates. (126 words)”

Why Essay #2 Worked

This essay succeeds by aligning the writer's recent interest in classical literature, sparked during a trip to Greece, with specific aspects of Rice University's academic environment. Mentioning courses and a generous donation from the Moody Foundation demonstrates a well-researched understanding of Rice's offerings. 

It also effectively integrates the appeal of studying abroad at Rice, linking it to the writer's high school experience and emphasizing the potential for building meaningful connections with fellow students.

Sample Essay #3

Prompt : "Rice is strengthened by its diverse community of learning and discovery that produces leaders and change agents across the spectrum of human endeavor. What perspectives shaped by your background, experiences, upbringing, and/or racial identity inspire you to join our community of change agents at Rice?"  

“When I read princess stories as a child, I always preferred fiery breath and sharp teeth to beautiful robes and gallant knights. I dreamed of studying dragons with Ernest Drake while I was growing up and reading his Dragonology handbooks over and over. I have doodled wings and toothy grins in the margins of my middle school and recent math notes. My goals these days involve less winged lizards, but I still draw inspiration from the weird and extraordinary.

Children are given red envelopes with money inside that are embellished with Chinese characters or symbols during Chinese New Year as a lucky charm. There was nothing like the dragons I found curled up on mine from traditional fairy tales. Eastern and Western dragons don't appear to be similar at first. Dragons are associated with flaming destruction and formidable obstacles in the Western world. They stand for the arrival of prosperity and restorative rain in the east. Nonetheless, dragons were thought to be extremely powerful, intelligent, and wealthy in both societies. I frequently find it difficult to reconcile the two parts of my cultural identity as a Chinese American. But I can support the kindness of Chinese dragons with the might of European ones if I embrace the principles I most respect from either viewpoint.

I've drawn more dragons than I want to admit over the years, from digital prints to crayon drawings. I experimented with body form as my drawing abilities developed, pulling influence from animal anatomy; some were constructed like bears, while others were like birds. I started to wonder if dragons could really be living things. As I advanced through school, applying realism to dragons and later other mythical components became a favorite pastime and became increasingly intricate. Whether I was working on the physics of flight, designing a cladogram for dragons, or considering how fire is produced physiologically, I discovered that delving into the science of fantasy improved my comprehension of the fields and inspired me to use science to do the extraordinary. 

The taser, cell phone, and submersible are just a few of the most inventive innovations that owe their origins to science fiction and works by Jules Verne. Refusing to shrink from the impractical or ridiculous, I want to infuse my work with new life and inspire others. I want to explore areas of science fiction that are ripe with technological advancements, like artificial intelligence, but I also want to push myself to explore unfamiliar territory. With the spirit of a dragon, I will at Rice University embrace the customs of whichever residential college I attend. I can broaden my horizons and improve my community while trying out for improv groups, participating in Doerr Institute leadership initiatives, or just screaming along with my roommates on karaoke nights. (467 words)”

Why Essay #3 Worked

The writer cleverly connects their childhood passion for dragons and Chinese New Year traditions to a broader commitment to merging science with fantasy. They express their desire to infuse creativity into science, which also aligns this passion with Rice’s innovative community. 

Making specific references to Rice activities demonstrates their enthusiasm for the university's ethos. This essay effectively blends the writer’s personal experiences with aspirations to contribute to Rice's diverse and impactful academic environment.

Get More Sample Essays Here!

If you found these essays helpful and would like to read a few more samples, check out our extensive supplement essay database.

FAQs: How to Write the Rice University Supplemental Essays

This guide is extensive in that it explains each prompt clearly. In case you have more questions, here are some frequently asked questions on how to write the Rice University supplemental essay.

1. How Many Supplemental Essays Does Rice Have?

Rice University typically requires three supplemental essays as part of the application process.

2. Should I Address Any Weaknesses or Gaps in My Application in the Rice Essay?

Only address weaknesses or gaps in your application if they are significant and relevant. Make sure to provide context and focus on what you've learned or overcome. Keep it concise, maintain a positive tone, and, if possible, use an optional essay section for this purpose.

3. Is There a Specific Format I Should Follow for My Rice Essay?

While Rice doesn’t outline a specific format for its essays, make sure to structure your responses with an introduction, body, and conclusion. Make sure to also pay close attention to the specified word limits for each essay and directly address your chosen prompts.

4. How Can I Make My Supplemental Essay for Rice Stand Out?

To make your Rice supplemental essay stand out, share a specific, personal story that reflects your values, connect it to your academic goals at Rice, and highlight how you can contribute to the university's community. 

Be specific about Rice's programs and culture that appeal to you, show that you've researched the university, and write in an engaging, authentic style. 

Final Thoughts

If you seek to combine an intentional community experience with a top-notch education in a distinctive setting, Rice University is a great choice. Even though the admission process is quite competitive, this guide on how to write the Rice University supplemental essay simplifies your process. Good luck!

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Complete guide to successful rice university essays.

Rice University, considered the Ivy of the South, requires students to submit supplemental essays with their applications. Some of the prompts are the standard ones that most colleges use, and others are more unique to Rice. Let’s look at how to approach each of these topics.

How to Write the Short Essays for Rice

Short Essay #1 : Extracurricular Activity

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (150 word limit)

If this is your first college application, then you get the joy of writing an essay that will be recycled for most of your other applications. Indeed, the extracurricular prompt is one of the most common ones, but it still requires a concerted effort to perfect the message.

What should you say? In general, try to highlight an extracurricular that's not already prominent in your application. A lot of students write about music, volunteering, running an organization, or a hobby.

Topic examples:

Learning cello

Volunteering at a hospital

Playing soccer

Interning at a tech startup

Leading a coding camp for youth

At the end of the day, there are only so many variations of the extracurricular, so don’t beat yourself up trying to find the most unique and perfect one. It’s about execution.

So how should you organize your extracurricular response?

Paragraph #1 : Introduce extracurricular (what it is, what key skill or wisdom you gained from it, or why you like it).

Paragraph #2 : Describe a key moment (yes, just ONE moment).

Paragraph #3 Conclude briefly with what you get out of the extracurricular or how the key moment affected you.

Short Essay #2 : Why This Major?

There is a breadth of intellectual opportunities here at Rice. Further explain your intended major and other areas of academic focus you may explore. (150 word limit)

This prompt is another common one among colleges. (In fact, you can most likely recycle what you say in this response in another college's essay.) One thing to consider is that Rice is also curious about "other areas of academic interest." This would be a good opportunity to highlight (if possible) your interdisciplinary mind, something that top-tier colleges love.

What’s the format recommendation?

Paragraph #1 (3-4 sentences): Introduce your interest in the subject and what specific area you want to pursue more. Ex: How you got interested in medicine (maybe a scene?) and what you specifically want to do in medicine (neurobiology?).

Paragraph #2 (2-3 sentences): Explain how you will pursue that subject at Rice. Ex: labs, research, etc.

Paragraph #3 (2-3 sentences): Mention how you will explore other academic interests (say one), and then say how the major and other interest tie together. Ex: Study history to understand diverse cultures you will be servicing in the future as a doctor.

Short Essay #3 : Why Rice?

What aspects of the Rice undergraduate experience excite you and led you to apply? (150 word limit)

This is a “Why Our School?” essay. Notice, however, that Rice frames it as "undergraduate experience," allowing you to focus on a wide variety of topics. Still, students typically have similar reasons for why they were led to apply:

Good academic program

Professor(s)

Rice student body and culture

Resources, such as labs, alumni network, extracurricular programs

Again, it will come down to execution. Don’t worry about having a super unique angle. Just write a quality response.

How should you structure your response?

Paragraph #1 (1-2 sentences): Introduce what in general about Rice excites you and led you to apply.

Paragraph #2 (3-4 sentences): Explain what ONE main thing got you to excited about applying to Rice.

Paragraph #3 (1-2 sentences): Conclude by summarizing points, calling back paragraph #1 , and/or highlighting what about Rice excites you.

How to Write the Rice Perspective Essay

The quality of Rice’s academic life and the Residential College System are heavily influenced by the unique life experiences and cultural traditions each student brings. What perspective would you contribute to life at Rice? (500 word limit)

This topic is not as common as the previous ones, but you may be able to recycle content from other essays (as long as Rice doesn’t see those essays too). If you have written (or plan to write) one of the Apply Texas essays, you could potentially use ideas from there.

Still, it’s important to know just how you should approach this essay. First things first, you need to know what exactly is your perspective.

Here is a sample of perspectives:

Life as a “minority within a minority”

Beauty of living with less

Empathetic leadership

Being ethical when it’s socially hard to do so

Acting as the “diplomat” among peers

The perspective can really be any view or wisdom you have gained from an experience, so there should be a lot of variation among students and you should be able to come up with something more unique to your life.

How should you structure the perspective essay?

Part 1 (1-2 paragraphs): Begin with a hook scene that introduces whatever event you want to discuss in the essay. Introduce your perspective and the story you will tell.

Part 2 (2-3 paragraphs): Tell the story of an event that developed your unique perspective. Have a beginning, middle, and end.

Part 3 (1-2 paragraphs): Explain how your unique perspective will be used at Rice.

How to Respond to Rice University’s “The Box” Tradition

In keeping with Rice’s long-standing tradition (known as “The Box”), please share an image of something that appeals to you.

Okay, so “The Box” is not an essay, but you still should be strategic with your response. There is definitely no wrong pictures, but try to avoid the clichés.

What are some common pictures?

Family and friends

School events or extracurriculars

Pictures that symbolize hobbies or interests

Scenery or landscapes

None of these images are inherently bad, and in many cases, students choose the best versions of these ideas. So just make sure whatever you are adding to the box is meaningful, and definitely write a caption to give the image context.

Don't let a poor Rice essay supplement prevent you from going to the "Ivy of the South." Maximize your chances for acceptance with our college admissions essay services . We can help you be "owl" you can be!

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2 Rice University Essay Examples

Rice University is a highly-selective college, so it’s important to write strong essays to help your application stand out. In this post, we’ll share essays real students have submitted to Rice University. (Names and identifying information have been changed, but all other details are preserved).

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Read our Rice University essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts.

Prompt: Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

It’s family movie night, and we’ve chosen to watch Bird Brain , a nature documentary about birds and their unique abilities. I’m starting to lose interest, but the narrator says something wild that perplexes me: “Some birds have the ability to hold their breath for over 15 minutes underwater.” Well, now I have to know more. 

My mom groans as I pause the movie to spend the rest of my night understanding that one statement. I rush to my room and open my laptop, while my fingers type furiously as videos, images, and articles flood the screen. I click on the first site I see: “Emperor penguins dive to catch fish in the ocean, and their bodies begin to metabolize anaerobically after a certain point of being submerged.” But that wasn’t enough. I continue to scroll as my mind hunts for answers. How big are emperor penguins? How cold is the ocean in Antarctica? And what even is anaerobic metabolization? Ahhhhh! I feel like I am going to explode! I have to know more. 

This example of the emperor penguin is one of the many instances where I am motivated by the need to question what I hear. I encounter a similar situation on any given day. Whether it’s a quick Google search or an all nighter, I find myself lost in time as the world around me blurs while I unearth its secrets. This love of research stems from my childhood, as I was determined to find my own answers. From conducting at-home plant dissections to confirm what was taught in class, or reading an actual newspaper for the latest reports, nothing was true unless I had found evidence. Soon, this habit became deeply ingrained in my character. 

I call moments like these an “internet search spiral.” Part of the reason why these spirals are so captivating is because they can never be boring; it would take me 23.8 million years to go through the 295 exabytes of information on the web. Call me crazy, but I would do it. The never-ending knowledge found within the internet never fails to hold my attention, as my inquiries are like an emperor penguin plunging into the cold Antarctic waters for a swim. Knowing that there’s something I haven’t learned, a skill I haven’t mastered, or an equation I haven’t solved creates a warp in time that transports me to a region where seconds and minutes don’t restrain my knowledge.

 Internet search spirals capture every part of me but often leave me seeking additional material. The search for more information not available online connects me with like-minded thinkers, and this connection is what I aim to foster as a student at Rice. This quest for knowledge is more meaningful when I encounter someone whose passion for teaching matches my appreciation of learning. I turn to those who feel compelled to share. 

These internet search spirals ultimately transform me into a more mindful person. Every time I understand something new, I feel like a little penguin egg that’s ready to hatch and experience the world in a new way. The feeling of analyzing fresh material is one I will never give up. I don’t feel bound by the restriction of time because somehow my eyes never get tired of scanning endless papers and textbooks. After all, the knowledge I gain is worth it, because every bit of information gives me the chance to be a better individual. The purpose of knowledge is action, and knowledge that is acted on becomes greatness. I aspire to embody that greatness. Whether it’s from a website, a medical textbook, a documentary, or a good-old-fashioned human being, learning frees me from the constraints of time. 

So, thank you, emperor penguins, for sparking internet search spirals that push me to be a better individual.

What the Essay Did Well

This essay does a good job of using an anecdote at the beginning to hook the reader in and then continuing to weave callbacks to the anecdote throughout the essay. Including these callbacks where the student refers to themselves as “an emperor penguin plunging into the cold Antarctic waters” and “a little penguin egg that’s ready to hatch” help make the essay feel more cohesive. The use of the anecdote also allows the student to describe the thoughts that run through their brain while researching penguins, which not only shows how the student thinks, but creates the same feeling of excitement and anticipation the student felt in the moment for the reader. 

Another great thing this essay does is reflect on why this activity is so important to who the student is as a person. Although the prompt doesn’t specifically ask for anything more than why the topic is captivating and what do you turn to for more information, providing a reflection on how researching has positively impacted the student to become a better person proves to the admissions committee that this student knows who they are. The student took a passion they have and used it to show their growth as a person through engaging in this activity and how this activity will allow them to achieve their future goals. The last paragraph ties together the essay and takes it a step beyond what was required to elevate the essay.

What Could Be Improved

One thing this essay could work would be to tell less and show more. It’s cliche essay advice, but for a good reason. A lot of this essay tells the reader about the student’s researching habits without putting the reader in the chair next to the student while they sift through Internet tabs or flip through textbook pages. The anecdote at the beginning shows the excitement and thought process of the student when they are researching penguins which draws the reader in.

After the first paragraph the essay relies mostly on telling the reader what the student does and why they enjoy it, rather than using specific experiences and details to describe what was happening and how they felt. An easy way the student could improve their writing to show more would be to include more of their internal monologue while researching. 

It should also be noted that this was a Common App essay submitted to Rice that specifically mentioned Rice: “This connection is what I am to foster as a student at Rice.” Common App essays don’t need to be school specific, so including school names can actually be highly risky and costly if you make a mistake. This student could have easily submitted their Common App essay to Rice with another school’s name or with a blank they meant to fill in. The best way to avoid this mistake is simply to not included schools in your Common App, or if you really want to, make sure someone else proofreads your essay before you submit! 

Prompt: 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?

One of the many Boarding School rules that I despised at the time but now look back at nostalgically was a 45-minute phone time. So with nothing else to do, our suitemates would gather together after “lights-out” and just talk. Sometimes it would be consoling a friend coming out of a bad break-up, and other times it’d be a serious debate on the merits of Latin honors. Whatever the topic, these conversations were always compassionate, spirited, and a source of familial support. 

This camaraderie also made studying with friends profoundly different. My Indian family was always relentless in reminding me to “Forget joy for four years” because delaying gratification was the only way to find “permanent security.” Apparently, in our divine meritocracy, College is just one step on the continual stairway of advancement. I couldn’t disagree more with this notion that an education is simply a means to an end.

But, as I studied with my best friends in our hostel, learning and fun were never antithetical ideas. Nights reserved for calculus were always accompanied by ping-pong sessions, but we never intended to sabotage each other in a futile race to the top. Ours was a collaborative family, where instead of selfish opportunity costs, we were driven by brotherly love. No accolade could beat this feeling of security and finding a home — away from home.

At Rice, to build that sense of family, I want to create a discussion group—Night Owls—to gather at night and ponder both the grandiose and whimsical philosophical questions over hot chocolate . Think of these events as a modern version of the infamous Greek Symposia, just without the booze. This combination of conversation, whimsy, and intellectual inquiry is what I want from college. It doesn’t sound very prudential, but it’s surely poetic.

The student who wrote this essay did a good job of tying their previous experience to an experience they want to bring to the Rice community. This student pinpointed exactly what they loved so much about living in a community with their peers and how they planned to recreate that experience in college. The descriptions about the types of debates or ping-pong tournaments the student engaged in create an image of an intellectual and supportive environment admissions officers want to see at their college.

Additionally, by coming up with a name and a plan for the discussion group, the student’s interest is evident and it shows that they took time to consider genuinely starting this group at college. In general, the student’s writing created a warm sense of family and bonding that displayed some of the student’s key values. This leaves the reader with a positive impression of the type of person this student is outside of the classroom, which was exactly what the prompt was looking to achieve.

This essay could benefit from a more focused and cohesive story. The way the essay begins describing late night discussions at boarding school, then transitions to a discussion on the student’s family, and then returns back to his school study group is a bit disjointed. The second paragraph adds very little to the essay as a whole and distracts from the sense of community the student was trying to establish in his study group. This student probably felt the need to discuss his family and his Indian heritage to address the “cultural traditions” the prompt mentions, however the experiences studying with his friend are unique and special enough to satisfy the prompt so this was an unnecessary addition. The essay could just describe the late night conversations he had at boarding school and how they created a sense of camaraderie and family among strangers that he wants to bring to college, without needing to bring up his family.

The words this student saves by removing the paragraph on their family could be used to create more concrete examples of the types of discussions the student had at boarding school or what they want to have at Rice. Although the essay mentions discussing bad break-ups or Latin honors, adding more detail like a quote said by one of the student’s friends or an introduced idea that made them reflect on the world would help put the reader in the room with the student or gain a better appreciation for the impact of the discussions. 

Where to Get Your Rice University  Essays Edited

Do you want feedback on your Rice University essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

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My father, seventy-eight, is a methodical man. For thirty-nine years, he has had the same job, cataloguing books for a university library. He drinks two glasses of water first thing in the morning, walks for an hour every day, and devotes almost as much time, before bed, to flossing his teeth. “Winging it” is not a term that comes to mind in describing my father. When he’s driving to new places, he does not enjoy getting lost.

In the kitchen, too, he walks a deliberate line, counting out the raisins that go into his oatmeal (fifteen) and never boiling even a drop more water than required for tea. It is my father who knows how many cups of rice are necessary to feed four, or forty, or a hundred and forty people. He has a reputation for andaj —the Bengali word for “estimate”—accurately gauging quantities that tend to baffle other cooks. An oracle of rice, if you will.

But there is another rice that my father is more famous for. This is not the white rice, boiled like pasta and then drained in a colander, that most Bengalis eat for dinner. This other rice is pulao, a baked, buttery, sophisticated indulgence, Persian in origin, served at festive occasions. I have often watched him make it. It involves sautéing grains of basmati in butter, along with cinnamon sticks, cloves, bay leaves, and cardamom pods. In go halved cashews and raisins (unlike the oatmeal raisins, these must be golden, not black). Ginger, pulverized into a paste, is incorporated, along with salt and sugar, nutmeg and mace, saffron threads if they’re available, ground turmeric if not. A certain amount of water is added, and the rice simmers until most of the water evaporates. Then it is spread out in a baking tray. (My father prefers disposable aluminum ones, which he recycled long before recycling laws were passed.) More water is flicked on top with his fingers, in the ritual and cryptic manner of Catholic priests. Then the tray, covered with foil, goes into the oven, until the rice is cooked through and not a single grain sticks to another.

Despite having a superficial knowledge of the ingredients and the technique, I have no idea how to make my father’s pulao, nor would I ever dare attempt it. The recipe is his own, and has never been recorded. There has never been an unsuccessful batch, yet no batch is ever identical to any other. It is a dish that has become an extension of himself, that he has perfected, and to which he has earned the copyright. A dish that will die with him when he dies.

In 1968, when I was seven months old, my father made pulao for the first time. We lived in London, in Finsbury Park, where my parents shared the kitchen, up a steep set of stairs in the attic of the house, with another Bengali couple. The occasion was my annaprasan , a rite of passage in which Bengali children are given solid food for the first time; it is known colloquially as a bhath , which happens to be the Bengali word for “cooked rice.” In the oven of a stove no more than twenty inches wide, my father baked pulao for about thirty-five people. Since then, he has made pulao for the annaprasans of his friends’ children, for birthday parties and anniversaries, for bridal and baby showers, for wedding receptions, and for my sister’s Ph.D. party. For a few decades, after we moved to the United States, his pulao fed crowds of up to four hundred people, at events organized by Prabasi, a Bengali cultural institution in New England, and he found himself at institutional venues—schools and churches and community centers—working with industrial ovens and stoves. This has never unnerved him. He could probably rig up a system to make pulao out of a hot-dog cart, were someone to ask.

There are times when certain ingredients are missing, when he must use almonds instead of cashews, when the raisins in a friend’s cupboard are the wrong color. He makes it anyway, with exacting standards but a sanguine hand.

When my son and daughter were infants, and we celebrated their annaprasans , we hired a caterer, but my father made the pulao, preparing it at home in Rhode Island and transporting it in the trunk of his car to Brooklyn. The occasion, both times, was held at the Society for Ethical Culture, in Park Slope. In 2002, for my son’s first taste of rice, my father warmed the trays on the premises, in the giant oven in the basement. But by 2005, when it was my daughter’s turn, the representative on duty would not permit my father to use the oven, telling him that he was not a licensed cook. My father transferred the pulao from his aluminum trays into glass baking dishes, and microwaved, batch by batch, rice that fed almost a hundred people. When I asked my father to describe that experience, he expressed no frustration. “It was fine,” he said. “It was a big microwave.” ♦

Rice University Essay Prompts

• Why Major - Example 1
• Why Us - Example 2
• Community - Example 3

View our complete guide to Rice University.

Rice requires prospective students to write three essays, in addition to the personal statement. The first two essays are fairly straightforward, both only 150 words. The first asks you to explain which major you’re interested in and why, while the second asks you why you want to attend Rice. The third question is far longer and asks what you will bring to the campus community and culture at Rice.

Rice cares deeply not just about students’ academic potential, but about their character, and how they will fit into the established community at Rice. Below, we include the full questions, and examples of well written essays. We then analyze what the questions are asking for, and how the examples did that well.

Why Major - Example

There is a breadth of intellectual opportunities here at Rice. Further explain your intended major and other areas of academic focus you may explore. (150 words)

I witnessed firsthand the way political decisions surrounding Hurricane Harvey turned Houston into a scene from an apocalyptic blockbuster. Rather than drowning my faith in government intervention, I resolved to wade into the muddy waters of public policy.

In the 1970s, ‘Housing Houston’ mobilized “explosive property development” on low-lying lands. This get-rich-quick scheme prioritized economic growth over personal safety, opening the floodgates for dangerous conditions. How can we learn from past disasters to develop sustainable crisis response methods that prioritize personal safety over economic interests?

A Social Policy Analysis degree will enable me to answer such questions by deepening my understanding of the dialectical relationship between people and the economy. By taking advantage of Rice’s emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and courses like Sociology of Disaster and Economic Modeling and Public Policy, I will gain the technical knowledge to respond to the sensitive policy issues of my generation.

Why Major - Analysis

While the question does ask about your intended major, it is far more open to students who wish to pursue other avenues of exploration. By leaving the question more open, if you are not solidly certain about which major you wish to pursue, you may instead write about why you are undecided, or what topics you are trying to decide between.

The essay above uses a brief hook. These are useful to explain to the audience how you came to be interested in a particular major, but should not take up too much space in the essay, as the word count is so limited. The example above strikes a good balance, explaining their interest while not getting sidetracked from the main point of the essay.

Rice is an intellectual institution, and prides itself on this fact. Therefore, intellectual curiosity, or a desire to use your knowledge for the public good are both good motivations to discuss. While there is nothing inherently wrong with wanting to study a particular major to get a good job or make a lot of money, this is not the proper venue to discuss these motivations.

Finally, you should concretely explain, albeit briefly, why Rice is the best venue for you to explore this major. This does not have to be in depth, but concretely tying your interests to the institution helps make the case that you are well suited for Rice, and it is well suited for you.

Why Rice - Example

What aspects of the Rice undergraduate experience inspired you to apply? (150 words)

While other kids were gawking at Houston Zoo elephants and watching 4D-movies at the Children’s Museum, I was at Rice, scribbling on expansive whiteboards with one hand and clutching complimentary hot chocolate with the other. My drawings still stain the walls of my dad’s office in McNair Hall, Room 237. I had left my mark on Rice long before I was old enough to realize that Rice had left its imprint on me.

Auditing Intro to American Politics this past summer transformed Rice from merely a place of comfort to a place of possibility. I am eager to both expand on existing ventures and forge new connections in my beloved hometown. In addition to diving into coursework and taking advantage of opportunities like the CCL’s Loewenstern Fellowship, I will engage with organizations like the Pre-Law Society, Rasikas Dance, and Global Brigades, where I intend to start an Environmental Chapter.

Why Rice - Analysis

This is an incredibly broad question, which means that you have a lot of leeway in answering it. Due to the limited space, you can either cover several aspects briefly, or dive more in-depth on a single topic. Both are valid, and you should focus on what draws you most to Rice.

The essay above is a somewhat unique case, as the author clearly has a much deeper and longer personal connection with Rice than most. If you do have one of these connections with the school, then focusing on it is a good strategy. If you don’t have this kind of connection, then focus on what draws you to the school. Specificity is key here. Which programs do you want to explore? Which classes do you want to take? Which professors are doing research which you want to be a part of? Which clubs excite you?

There is no one right way to answer this question, but whatever answer you give should convincingly explain why you want to attend Rice, and why Rice is the only logical choice for you.

Community - Example

Rice is lauded for creating a collaborative atmosphere that enhances the quality of life (helping other members with anxiety) for all members of our campus community. The Residential College System is heavily influenced by the unique life experiences and cultural traditions each student brings. What personal perspectives would you contribute to life at Rice? (500 word limit)

“I’m coming!” The crowd of teenage girls surrounding Ananya backstage parted like the Red Sea. I rested my hands on her shoulders and guided her breathing, the lull of my voice cascading over the chatter of 50,000 people that echoed through the stadium. As her hyperventilation abated, I ran through my signature pre-performance pep-talk:

It’ll be over before you know it.

If the worst happens, will it matter in five years?

You can’t change the result, so there’s no reason to stress over it.

Five minutes later, she was on stage beside me and ten other Bharatnatyam dancers with a beaming smile, leftover tears flinging from her lashes with each jati. 

Until a year ago, I was the one having bi-weekly anxiety attacks; something as inconsequential as misplacing a pencil case would catapult me into panic, leaving me with little room to breathe. Not only were these episodes unpleasant in the moment, but the time and mental space they drained kept me from getting my homework done in time to read before bed or even eat dinner with my family. I began to avoid high-pressure situations; rather than auditioning for the school play, I stayed in the wings, free from the critical gaze of the audience. Despite practicing yoga and “taking deep breaths,” this persistent stress plagued me for years like a pinched nerve at the back of my skull.

In 10th grade, my hip young English teacher spent an entire class discussing nihilism. We were all captivated by the revolutionary (for our young minds) idea that life is meaningless. Despite the harsh nature of a useless existence, I was reminded of a key passage from the Bhagavad Gita: “You have a right to ‘Karma’ [actions] but not to any of the Fruits themselves.” Although there is no substitute for conscientious hard work and dedication, the outcome itself cannot be controlled.

It sounds gruesome, but my newfound understanding of the sacred text of my childhood and the calm “detachment” it produced in me was a direct result of recognizing my own finitude. While I don’t remind hyperventilating dancers that they’re going to die some day, I do remind them that no one will remember the second girl from the left missing a beat–including that girl herself. I soon became the rock of our dance group, offering reality checks with doses of encouragement:

Visualize the worst that can happen, and notice it’s insignificance and inevitability.

If you focus only on the result, you lose control of the process.

Getting worked up won’t improve your ability to perform.

A leader doesn’t have to be a cult of personality cracking the whip of achievement. A leader can be someone who shows that because determinations like success and failure are out of our hands, we are free to dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly to the process itself. I am eager to share this liberating blend of Eastern and Western thought with my fellow Residential College members at Rice University.

Community - Analysis

This prompt is confusingly worded, but in the end is just a community essay, if far longer than most such are. They want to know how you will contribute to the vibrant community on their campus, and how well you will fit with their idea of a Rice student. The best way to show how you will contribute is to provide examples of how you have contributed to a community in the past.

The essay above does this well, showing the author’s values and ability to contribute to the success of a group, and their ability to support others in their quest for a common goal. Above all, it shows who the author is as a person, what they believe in, what they value, and how they think about the world. 

For this essay, Rice wants to determine who you are, so they can determine how you will fit in with the current community. You can show this in any number of ways, but any essay should display your ability to contribute to a group or cause greater than yourself.

Rice lists their values as: Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence. Think about what these mean for a campus, and how you have demonstrated any or all of these values through what you’ve done. You don’t necessarily need to discuss these values explicitly, or attempt to cram them into an essay where they don’t fit. Instead, think about what values you best exemplify, and how they might be best portrayed in an essay.

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Asian Thanksgiving

The short essay, “Rice for Thanksgiving,” describes how someone from a mixed cultural background celebrates not only Thanksgiving, but life in the United States. The author uses the term “rice and gravy” to describe herself, meaning that even though she is white and Asian, she is still an American. She even describes how she is proud of her family background, especially since it survived a period in America when Asian culture was discriminated against. Her grandmother actually tried to hide the fact that she was Chinese. Overall, the author shows us that all cultures blend together in the United States and every family makes each holiday and tradition unique.

Even though I come from a family that has been in the United States for a long time and celebrates all of the holidays in a traditional manner, my wife is similar to Jocelyn Fong in that she is half white and half Asian. Her mom comes from Okinawa, Japan, and actually loves to celebrate Thanksgiving. She likes to cook a very traditional Thanksgiving dinner that doesn’t include any Japanese food whatsoever. I think she likes this particular holiday because it is celebrated in a very “Japanese” way, with a big feast that includes more food than anyone can eat. It is a way of honoring people with abundance, two things that are very important in Japan. So even though we don’t eat rice and gravy for Thanksgiving, we still observe two cultures blending together like Jocelyn Fong’s family.

Developed by The NROC Project. Copyright ©2014 Monterey Institute for Technology and Education