Freshman Admission

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.

Freshman applicants must submit the Common Application and the Rice Supplement to the Common Application, along with the appropriate supporting documentation listed below. Read the full Freshman Application Instructions for more detail.

A complete application to Rice consists of the following:

1. The Common Application 
2. The Rice Supplement to the Common Application
   
   • Online (recommended)
   • Paper - pdf document
     
3. A $65 nonrefundable application fee
4. Official high school transcript
   
5. SAT and two subject tests, or ACT with the writing test. All examination scores must be sent directly to Rice from the testing agency.  If you choose to take two SAT subject tests, we recommend choosing subjects related to the proposed area of study.
   
6. School Report  (Counselor Recommendation)
7. One Teacher Evaluation (Teacher Recommendation)
8. Midyear Report (to be submitted when senior midyear grades become available)
9. Rice Signature Page. Applicants have the choice of submitting this page electronically as part of the Rice Supplement, or printing and and mailing the page to the Office of Admission. 
10. An electronic portfolio for applicants to the School of Architecture. E-mail portfolio in PowerPoint format to riceapps@rice.edu.
11. An audition for applicants to the Shepherd School of Music
12. A personal interview on or off campus is OPTIONAL, but recommended

You may choose one of two admission decision plans under which to apply: Early or Regular Decision.  Pay close attention to the deadlines for your plan as listed in the Admission and Financial Aid Calendar. Download the Freshman Application Checklist for a complete list of application requirements and deadlines.

Students applying to the Rice/Baylor Medical Scholars Program must submit the Common Application, the Rice Supplement to the Common Application, and the Rice/Baylor Medical Scholars Application by December 1.

Students applying for the QuestBridge National College Match program, or who wish to use their QuestBridge application in lieu of the Common Application, must submit the Rice QuestBridge Supplement.  If you were not selected as a QuestBridge finalist, or if you do not match with Rice University as a QuestBridge scholar but still want your application reviewed, you are required to select a decision plan using the QuestBridge Decision Verification Form.  For complete instructions, click here.