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How to Respond to the 2023-2024 Rice Supplemental Essay Prompts

By Ginny Howey

Ginny Howey is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Ginny will be graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in May 2022 with a degree in Media and Journalism (Advertising/PR focus) and minors in Entrepreneurship and Spanish. Ginny’s professional experience includes two summers as a Writer Intern at global creative consultancy BCG BrightHouse. More recently, Ginny worked as a Content marketing intern for Durham-based software engineering bootcamp Momentum, where she gained SEO skills. She has also written freelance articles on emerging tech for A.I. startup Resultid. Full Bio

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and Cece Gilmore

Cece Gilmore is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cece earned her undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University. While at ASU, she was the education editor as well as a published staff reporter at Downtown Devil. Cece was also the co-host of her own radio show on Blaze Radio ASU. Full Bio

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Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania. Full Bio

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Updated: September 19th, 2023

If you are applying to Rice University, do not underestimate the importance of its supplemental essays. Located in Houston, Texas, Rice University is renowned for their programs in science and engineering. The supplemental essay portion of the application gives you a chance to make a more personal impression at this competitive school. The three required prompts touch on how your interests and identity can be explored at Rice. Given that these are rather common questions, it is especially important to have stand-out answers. 

We will walk you through how to craft compelling, differentiated responses for each prompt. Our “questions to consider” help you identify the best stories from your own experiences to share. Let’s dive in! 

Don’t miss: How to write an essay about yourself

Prompt #1

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

The first thing to notice with this prompt is the 150 word limit. This signals you must be concise; however, it does not mean there is no room to express your personality! The key to succeeding with a tight word count is picking one thing and carrying it throughout your response. This question gets to the core of why you chose your particular school or major. Really consider what excites you intellectually! Once you’ve identified an academic passion, think back. What first inspired this curiosity? Do you have family members in a certain field you look up to? Did you discover a knack for a subject at an early age? 

You could elevate your answer by then tracing the ways you’ve channeled that interest. Perhaps you participated in a club during high school that allowed you to explore the topic in a new way. Finally, tie things up with how you can further your studies at Rice. Maintaining a cohesive storyline shows that you are intentional and sincere. Also keep in mind that the admissions team is likely not expecting a deep dive on specific programs and course offerings. With this short of a response, your biggest aim is conveying enthusiasm for your academic plans.  

Questions to consider: 

• Have you ever received recognition for your excellence in a particular subject?
• What need in the world do you want to fulfill, or what is your dream profession? How can your chosen route of study equip you with those skills?
• How did you discover you were either a more creative or more analytical thinker?  

Also see: How to write a 250 word essay

Prompt #2

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

Opening with “based upon your exploration of Rice University” should serve as an alarm bell to do your homework. Admissions assumes that you have researched Rice and all it brings to the table. Do an in-depth browse of Rice’s website, social media, and reports like its strategic plan. Make notes on everything that intrigues you or seems unique. With another short word limit, do not try to address every reason you find Rise desirable. Instead, think about what makes Rice truly distinct. “The Rice experience” can encompass any aspect of campus life, so don’t feel like there is only one right answer. Narrow down to a few specific university offerings that align with a personal goal of yours. Like the first prompt, examples that center around a key interest make your response seem thoughtful and genuine. 

Questions to consider:  

• Is your life currently devoted to any hobbies you can find at Rice?
• What volunteer opportunities might you be interested in?
• Is there something about Rice’s traditions like its unique housing system that make it unlike any other school? 

Also see: How to write a 500 word essay

Prompt #3 (choose one)

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? 500 word limit.”

Rice is looking for unique and diverse individuals to join their university and thrive in their dorms or residential college system. To begin your response, try and think about any unique perspectives or experiences you may have had that can make you stand out from other applicants. This could include your background or culture and even aspects of your life such as skills, talents or extracurricular activities. However, don’t forget! This is about unique experiences you bring to the table so try to avoid discussing something that is more common. For example, talking about playing football in high school may not be unique, however discussing how you were team captain of the football team could highlight a unique perspective. Once you have figured out what you’re uniquely passionate about, be sure to discuss how you will enrich the lives of your Rice University community with your unique perspective. Are you able to teach this skill to others? Is there an aspect of your culture you wish to indulge in while living in the dorms at Rice? Whatever the method, be sure you spend a good chunk of this response focusing on how you will share your uniqueness with your fellow Owls and how it will benefit them and your residential community. 

Questions to consider:  

• What is unique about you? 
• How are you different from others? Do you indulge in any unique hobbies, culture or extracurricular activities? 
• Are you able to teach this unique skill? How will you share your knowledge with your fellow Owls?

Option #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? 500 word limit.“

This is a very similar prompt to the the above option for prompt #3, however it focuses more on how Rice will be a catalyst for the change you seek. If you have a topic you are passionate about, this is the time to make your voice shine! In this response, you should detail any perspective you may have that is shaped by your background, experiences, upbringing and/or racial identity. Once you detail this information in your response, you should then focus on why Rice is the perfect place for you to join fellow students and change agents. This is the perfect time to get some bonus points with Rice by detailing some specific examples of aspects of their university that you are looking forward to joining (or even changing!). Some examples could be specific clubs, extracurricular activities, classes or more! Ultimately, be sure that you are sharing your unique perspective and how Rice is the perfect community for you to join to be able to thrive and keep fighting for your perspective and learning from its diverse community. 

Questions to consider:  

• What unique perspective do you hold that you are extremely passionate about? 
• How can Rice help you achieve your goals and make your voice heard?
• What specific aspects of Rice University are you looking forward to joining? Why? 

The “Rice Box”

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

This prompt throws you a curveball because it is so unconventional. Instead of using words to showcase you who are, the photo you select gets to do the talking. We understand that this question can cause many students stress. However, unless you submit something inappropriate, the admissions team says it should not harm anyone’s overall evaluation; rather, it should add more color to the stories you have shared throughout your application. 

Choose an image that supports your other responses about who you are and what you stand for. For example, you may have written about studying art history and discussed experiences while traveling. Submitting a painting from a museum in Spain that inspired you would be a great response! 

Don’t miss: What looks good on college applications?

Program-specific prompts

The Rice supplemental essays will vary if you are applying to Rice’s School of Architecture or the Rice/Baylor Medical Scholars Program. The two tracks’ prompts vary, but they mostly touch on why that specific field inspires you. One of the medical questions asks about obstacles you’ve faced. 

You might notice these share some overlap with topics you could discuss in the three general written prompts. It is always important to map out your answers to each question before working on any one. Although you should keep your key themes of interests consistent, you should not be repeating anecdotes.

Final thoughts

The Rice supplemental essays share similarities with many college prompts. Why you selected a certain major, what perspectives you offer, and why this is your ideal school should not be too scary! Because two of the prompts are so short, it is essential to find strong examples to send your message. You may find it helpful to get all your thoughts down, then cut out the fluff later. With our tips, you should be well on your way to acing these responses. Best of luck! 

Also see: How to respond to the Common App essay prompts

Next steps

Once you’ve sent off your application, take advantage of the time before you hear back. Our free scholarship search tool can help you fund your education by matching you with vetted and personalized opportunities. Additionally, make sure that you’re applying to a diverse coalition of colleges – check out our guides for how many schools to apply to, and how to find a financial safety school.

Once you hear back from your schools, you’ll have some big choices to make. Check out our guides to interpreting your financial aid award letter, and appealing it if it does not provide enough money. If you’ll be taking out loans, we can also help you choose the best loans for your situation. Good luck on your Rice supplemental essays and beyond!

Additional supplemental essay guides

• Duke University (Durham, NC)
• Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN)
• University of Chicago (Chicago, IL)
• Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD)

Frequently asked questions about the Rice University supplemental essays