Rice University announced today two significant updates to its admission policies. The first introduces an Early Decision II plan, while the second modifies the test score policy for admissions applications. Both changes will be implemented for the fall 2024-25 admission cycle.
After listening to feedback from the college counseling community, Rice will offer students more flexibility in the application process through Early Decision II. By allowing students the opportunity to submit their applications later in the cycle, those who may have missed the Early Decision I deadline will have additional time to polish their applications. It will also provide students who have only recently decided on Rice as their top choice school the ability to express a strong preference for and commitment to the university.
Students who apply Early Decision II must submit their materials by Jan. 4, and they will receive an admission decision by mid-February. The deadline for Early Decision I remains Nov. 1.
“We are delighted to provide prospective students to Rice another early application round for their consideration,” said Yvonne M. Romero da Silva, vice president for enrollment. “Through Early Decision II, students who are strongly inclined to apply to Rice as their first choice, but perhaps wanted their first semester senior year grades to be considered or wanted more time to work on their applications, now have a chance to apply.”
Also taking effect this fall as part of the application process, Rice will recommend, but not require, that students submit SAT or ACT test scores with their applications. Like many universities, Rice had adopted a test-optional policy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Test scores are one factor of many that are considered in the admission process, and students who are unable to submit test scores or prefer not to submit test scores will be given full consideration in the admission selection process.
“At Rice, we have long held that testing – SAT, ACT and APs – provide meaningful insights into how students will perform in a Rice undergraduate curriculum, beyond an assessment of high school grades alone,” Romero da Silva said. “We are therefore moving to recommend that students submit the testing they feel will showcase their strengths, beyond simply having a test optional policy.”
For any questions or to find out more about Rice’s admissions policies, please contact the Office of Admission.