SAT University Admissions Guide

Rice University

Also known as: Rice University, Rice, Rice Owls

Private Nonprofit school in Houston, Texas, United States of America

William Marsh Rice University, established in 1912 by the bequest of William Marsh Rice, spans a 300‑acre campus in southwest Houston adjacent to the Texas Medical Center and Museum District. Comprised of eight schools—including engineering, business, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, architecture, music, and continuing studies—Rice enrolled 4,776 undergraduates and 4,104 graduate students in fall 2024. The university maintains a 6:1 student–faculty ratio and is a founding member of the Association of American Universities, classified as an R1 institution for very high research activity. Rice’s residential college system fosters close‑knit communities, and its NCAA Division I Owls compete in The American Conference; the baseball team notably won the 2003 College World Series. With a $7.8 billion endowment and a holistic approach to undergraduate education, Rice consistently ranks among the top 20 National Universities.

private nonprofit

research oriented

test-optional

urban campus

SAT Scores are optional

This university has a test-optional policy.

Rice University practices a test‑optional admissions policy: while applicants may submit SAT (code 6135) or ACT (code 4194) scores for scholarship consideration and to strengthen their applications, they are not required. According to Rice’s Office of Admission, applicants who choose not to submit scores receive full consideration via holistic review of transcripts, recommendations, essays, and other achievements. Submitted test scores, when provided, complement academic records but are never mandatory. International applicants follow the same test‑optional policy and must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores if English proficiency is required.

Note: Some programs or scholarships may still recommend or require SAT scores. Always verify the latest admission criteria on the official university website.