Rice Admission Requirements

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Rice is 9.5%.  Its admission rate is the lowest in Texas and the 25th lowest the nation.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into Rice and can you get accepted?

Rice is an extremely competitive school to get into and is highly selective who it accepts. You have a very low chance of acceptance even even if you meet the admission criteria. It's critical that you meet their GPA requirements to get past the first round of consideration. Last year, only 2,802 out of the 29,544 who applied were admitted.

The school has exceptionally high admission requirements, generally admitting students who can score in the top 1 percent on standardized admission tests. Rice University typically accepts and attracts "A-" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.96. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top ten percent of their high school class or better. 44% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.

Can you get into Rice?

9% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to Rice University you should:

• Have a high school GPA of 3.96 or better
• Earn A- grades in high school
• Score 1530 on the SAT
• Score 34 on the ACT
• Graduate in the top 10% of your high school class
• Submit letters of recommendation from your teachers

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

What GPA do you need to get into Rice University?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into Rice are to have around a 3.96 high school GPA. You are required to have exceptionally good grades and you should be graduating near the top of your class.

Given the school's very highly selective admissions, acceptance at Rice extremely difficult and unlikely even with a 3.96 GPA. The school should be considered a reach even if you have a 3.96 GPA. If your grades do not meet the GPA requirements, you will have very little chance of being considered for admission.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at Rice is 3.96 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn A- letter grades and regularly score around 90-92 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #1 in Texas for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since Rice is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 4.0 GPA range.

*This school has not published high school GPA data for its incoming freshman class. In these cases, CollegeSimply uses an algorithm to predict GPA based on this school's test scores and a large sample of college GPA data. 3.96 is a prediction of the school's average incoming freshman GPA.

Test Optional

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Rice University. If you submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 46% of students submitted SAT scores and 29% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Rice University?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at Rice is 1530 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 1490-1570. Students who get into Rice University score in the top 1 percent of all SAT test takers..  Rice ranks #1 in the state of Texas and #8 in the nation for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 1530 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. Rice regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 1490 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 1490, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 1450, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

Rice University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "considered but not required".

View other colleges which accept students in the 1530 SAT score range.

Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1530, you have around a 9% chance of being admitted. A 1570 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 16% chance of getting in.

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

What are the ACT requirements for students to get into Rice?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to Rice is 34, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 34 and 35.  The school ranks #1 in Texas and #25 in the U.S. for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 34. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 34 and score in the score in the top 1 percent nationally.

29 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Rice University.

Score Submission Requirements

You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Rice University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "considered but not required".

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into Rice for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 34 score has around 9% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 26% with a 35 ACT score.

High School Class Rank

92% of Rice University freshman are in the top ten percent of their high school graduating class. For your application to be competitive, you need to graduate at the top of your class.

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Fall 2024 Application Deadline

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Rice University is $75.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Rice University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Credits Accepted

Admission Requirements Summary

Because Rice is extremely competitive, you have a very low likelihood of acceptance. It is critical that you earn at least a 3.96 GPA to have any chance. Additionally, you need to score at least a 1530 on the SAT and optimally 1570 to put yourself in a competitive position. For ACT scores, you should really strive for a 34 to have the best chance of getting in.