Yvonne Romero da Silva is the Vice President for Enrollment at Rice University. She tells us more about the prestigious institution and why it is an excellent choice for international students.
About Rice University
‘Rice University sits in the heart of Houston on a 300-acre, tree-lined campus next to the Texas Medical Center and the Houston Museum District. As a top-tier research institution, we offer more than 50 majors across seven schools of study where students have the freedom and ability to choose their own path. Bright, curious and diverse, our students have a thirst for knowledge and a desire to shape the world around them.’
‘Student life centres on our 11 residential colleges, where students connect with each other and support one other throughout their time at Rice. By focusing on a culture of care, students find an environment of collaboration over competition. This combination of excellence in academics and a vibrant and caring student life forms the heart of the Rice community.’
‘Our tight-knit student community, engaging campus life and groundbreaking research opportunities attract talented students from all over the world with a desire to cultivate their passions and impact the world around them.’
Undergraduate courses
‘At Rice, we encourage interdisciplinary academic exploration to our students, which is why they are able to switch between majors and schools of study without a formal process. Students also do not need to formally declare a major until the end of their second year, giving them plenty of time to explore our 50 plus majors and 25 plus minors.’
‘We have flexible distribution requirements, which offer our students the freedom to choose courses that are both challenging and fun. In this system, students take a few classes in each of the humanities, social sciences and the applied sciences. Which courses they take and when they take them – over all four years – is entirely up to the student; this differentiates the distribution system from a core curriculum, which is often more prescriptive. Flexible distribution requirements offer students both breadth and flexibility in their curriculum.’
‘You can learn more at Rice’s Majors, Minors and Programs page.’
‘Some of our courses that demonstrate the breadth and diversity across seven schools of study include:
- Business
- Sport Management
- Computational Applied Mathematics and Operations Research
- Computer Science
- Study of Women, Gender and Sexuality
- Biosciences.’
Advice for applicants – what Rice looks for in your application
‘Rice University will admit approximately 2400 students for the class of 2027; 35 per cent of them come from Texas, 52 per cent come from outside Texas and 13 per cent are international students. You can find out more at our Office of Admission - Class Profile page.
‘We admit students from all over the world and we do not have a preference for any particular education system. We look for rigorous coursework, such as national curricula, A Levels, AP, IB, or Honours if their school offers them, as well as strong grades and activities that support their school of study and major choices. We would also like students to explain in their essays why they made those choices.’
‘In addition to learning about students’ story and accomplishments, we also want to get a sense of their understanding of the Rice undergraduate experience. Students should articulate their understanding and enthusiasm for Rice in the Supplement. This is their chance to tell us why they are interested in Rice and what they would like to pursue as students here. We also want them to elaborate on their experiences and achievements to share what they would bring to our community.’
‘It is important to do their research, be genuine, and share what specific aspects of Rice excite them. We recommend that students spend time exploring the breadth of Rice’s offerings and community through our website before applying at Office of Admission’s First Year International Applicants page.’
‘We encourage students to visit campus or attend virtual or in-person Rice events, such as information sessions, admission workshops, student chats, campus tours, high school visits and other events during our in-person travels. An interview is another opportunity students may want to take advantage of, and to register or complete a prospective student form if they connect with us through these different options. To register for virtual or on-campus visit options, please go to our visit page.’
‘Rice strongly considers students’ academic progression and performance because, ultimately, we want students who will be academically successful here. Rice wants students who will take advantage of the many student clubs, internships, research and study-abroad opportunities available. Similarly, we want students who will engage with professors, other students, and even the Houston community beyond campus. This is why it is important to let our admission officers know how you engage outside of the classroom through your application.’
‘Learn more about our application philosophy by visiting the Office of Admission’s Application Philosophy page.’
‘Check out our admission blog: Tips for Applying to Rice.’
English Language entry requirements
‘We holistically evaluate the breadth of students’ accomplishments, interests and contributions to their communities within the context of their life experiences. We consider a variety of factors including the rigour of a student’s coursework, academic performance, extracurricular activities and achievements, essays, and knowledge about Rice.’
‘We evaluate each student within the context of their school and personal environment, and consider what opportunities they have had access to, as well as the challenges that they may have faced. We value the breadth of socioeconomic, cultural, geographic, racial or ethnic, educational and other perspectives that each student brings to the table.’
‘Applicants whose first language is not English are required to demonstrate English proficiency in one of two ways:
- Completing at least two years of full-time study in an English language curriculum before submitting an application.
- Submitting one of the following official test scores:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Duolingo.’
‘To be considered official, all scores must be sent directly from the testing organisation. Rice’s TOEFL code is 6609. Visit Office of Admission’s First Year International Applicants page to learn more.’
Scholarships and financial incentives
‘Rice University offers need-based financial aid to a limited number of international undergraduate applicants entering in the autumn semester. Rice University uses the CSS Profile for international students applying for aid. The Office of Admission offers merit-based scholarships to incoming first year students who distinguish themselves academically and personally within our highly competitive group of admitted students. These scholarships are based solely on merit, and financial need is not taken into consideration. There is no separate application or interview required; the Admission Committee automatically considers all admitted students, both domestic and international, on the basis of the student’s application for admission. About 20 per cent of admitted students are offered a merit scholarship each year. Students awarded a merit-based scholarship will be notified at the time of admission.’
‘Learn more about affordability of Rice education at the Office of Financial Aid - International Students page.’
Support for international students
‘With 14 per cent of our student body hailing from outside the country, Times Higher Education has ranked Rice in the top 20 most international institutions in the United States. Rice’s location in Houston is prime for industries related to finance, sport management, consulting, medicine, entrepreneurship and energy. Our network of nearly 19 000 Rice alumni in the Houston area means finding and making those connections for jumpstarting your career is as easy as reaching out to a fellow “Owl” (alumni).’
‘The Office of International Students & Scholars, or OISS, is here to support non-immigrant visa students with all matters related to immigration advising, international compliance, networking and public connections, academic support, cultural adaptation, and liaising with university departments, government agencies and community advocates. OISS also offers academic and job placement support specifically tailored to our international population.’