What ACT scores does Rice University expect?

Hi all! I'm interested in applying to Rice, but I'm not sure if my ACT score is competitive enough for this school - does anyone know the rough average or range? Thanks!

Rice University is a highly selective institution, so the ACT scores of admitted students tend to be extremely high. While it's essential to keep in mind that Rice looks at other factors beyond test scores, having a strong ACT score does definitely make you a more competitive applicant. In recent years, the middle 50% range of ACT scores for enrolled students at Rice has been between a 34 and a 36. So, if your score falls within or close to this range, you would have a competitive ACT score for Rice.

However, remember that test scores are just one aspect of your application, and Rice, like many universities, takes a holistic approach when evaluating candidates. Your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation are all considered alongside your test scores. Even a perfect 36 won't get you in on its own, but on the flip side, if your ACT is slightly below the middle 50% range, being especially strong in other areas of your application can help compensate for that.

Overall, while you want to aim high on your ACT to be a competitive applicant at Rice, it's essential to also focus on creating a well-rounded application that showcases your broader strengths, passions, and potential contributions to Rice's community. If you're looking for tips on how to craft the strongest overall application possible, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle Rice's school-specific supplemental essay prompts: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-rice-university-essays.

Good luck with your application to Rice!