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Rice University’s Acceptance Results for the Class of 2029
25/12/2024•12 minute read
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Early Decision Results
Regular Decision Results
Key Trends & Insights
How To Stand Out
What Makes Rice Unique?
Key Takeaways
Rice University has admitted the first round of applicants to the Class of 2029. The number of early decision applications broke a new record, with Rice receiving 2,970 early applications, up 3% from last year. Keep reading to get the latest from Crimson Education COO Arkesh Patel on Rice’s admissions data and trends as the Class of 2029 begins to take shape amid two significant changes to the school's admission policies.
Class of 2029 Acceptance Results Overview
Often ranked in the top 20 or top 25 US colleges and universities, Rice University is a private university in Houston, Texas and often considered a leading non-Ivy institution, with strong programs in engineering, business, and science, making it highly competitive. Rice has announced its Early Decision results for the Class of 2029, with Regular Decision results to after March 2025.
The 2024-25 application cycle also marks two important admission changes at Rice:
- An Early Decision II Option: Rice announced in June 2024 the addition of an Early Decision II application round (January 4th deadline).
- Rice Goes Test Optional: Rice has just switched to a test-optional admissions policy, with leaders recommending you submit SAT or ACT test scores but no longer requiring them with your application.
Below is an overview of this year's acceptance statistics and key trends, based on available data.
Early Decision Acceptance Results, Class of 2029
- Total Applications: 2,970
- Accepted Students: 391
- Acceptance Rate: 13%
Rice University received an all-time high number of ED applications for the Class of 2029, a notable increase from the 2,886 Early Decision applicants last year.
Rice’s Early Decision Acceptance Rate Trends
Last year, Rice’s Early Decision (ED) acceptance rate was 15% (Class of 2028). Rice admitted 442 Early Decision applicants — equal to about 9% of the total number of students who enrolled in the fall of 2024. The number admitted was slightly more than this year, but the total number of ED applicants was slightly lower — 2,886 ED applicants last year compared to 2,970 this year.
Applying Early Decision II to Rice University
Rice now offers students an Early Decision II option, with a January 4th deadline. ED II applicants will be notified about admission decisions by mid-February. Remember that applying ED I or ED II results in a binding enrollment agreement if you’re accepted.
Why Apply Early Action or Early Decision?
- Higher Acceptance Rates: Early Action and Early Decision applicants typically enjoy higher acceptance rates compared to Regular Decision.
- Demonstrated Interest: Applying early shows Rice University your strong interest in joining their academic community.
What To Expect for Regular Decision Results
The Regular Decision results for the Class of 2029 won’t be available until after March 2025. Last year, however, Rice's Regular Decision acceptance rate was a highly selective 6.8%, dropping slightly for the third year in a row.
Rice’s overall acceptance rate dropped slightly last year, to 7.5%, a record low for Rice. Based on current trends, we anticipate another challenging admissions cycle for the Class of 2029.
Key Regular Decision Figures from Last Year (Class of 2028):
- Applications Received: 29,573
- Students Accepted: 1,997
- Acceptance Rate: 6.8%
Key Trends and Insights
- Increasing Application Numbers: For the past three years the number of applicants applying in the Early Decision and Regular Decision rounds has been increasing slightly each year, with each year breaking a new historical record. This trend has resulted in record-low overall acceptance rates, during both the Early Decision and Regular Decision rounds.
- Holistic Admissions Approach: Rice evaluates applicants beyond academic metrics, considering essays, extracurriculars, leadership roles, and recommendations. In the first year after the Supreme Court ruling striking down affirmative action programs, it was reported that the number of African American students admitted to Rice dropped from 8% the year before down to 6% for the Class of 2028.
- Shifting Testing Policy Rice: Beginning with the 2024-25 admissions cycle, Rice is switching to a test-optional admissions policy, recommending, but no longer requiring, test scores. This may affect the number of applicants and overall acceptance rates, even more so perhaps as other Ivy League schools are reinstating testing requirements.
- Applying ED II to Rice: Beginning with the 2024-25 admissions cycle, Rice is offering prospective students an ED II admissions option, with a January 4th deadline. This is likely to impact overall Early Decision applicant numbers and could put further downward pressure on Regular Decision acceptance rates at Rice.
Historical Acceptance Rates at Rice University
| Class Year | Total Applications | Total Accepted | Overall Rate | RD Rate | ED Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2029 | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | 13% |
| 2028 | 32,473 | 2,597 | 7.5% | 6.8% | 15.2% |
| 2027 | 31,049 | 2,399 | 7.8% | 7% | 15.3% |
| 2026 | 31,424 | 2,691 | 8.6% | 8% | 19% |
| 2025 | 29,523 | 2,749 | 9.3% | 8.4% | 18% |
This historical data demonstrates Rice University’s consistently competitive admissions process, with the potential for a shift in trends starting this year as Rice introduces test-optional admissions and an Early Decision II option.
How To Stand Out in Rice’s Admissions Process
Academic Excellence: Maintain top grades in rigorous coursework.
Strong Essays: Use your essays to showcase your unique voice and story.
Leadership and Extracurriculars: Demonstrate meaningful engagement outside the classroom.
Test Scores: If submitting, aim for scores within or above Rice’s reported range.
What Makes Rice Unique?
Rice’s outstanding national and world rankings, its location in a bustling urban center, and its commitment to academic excellence and diversity make it a highly attractive institution. With a holistic admissions process, Rice selects students who not only excel academically but also contribute to its dynamic community.
Key Takeaways
- Rice’s Early Decision acceptance rate for the Class of 2029 reflects the increasing competition for spots at top universities, but applying ED offers you a significant statistical advantage compared to the school’s Regular Decision acceptance rates.
- Historical trends show Rice remains highly competitive, but school leaders are working to increase enrollment capacity.
- While several Ivy League schools are reinstating test score requirements for admissions, Rice has just decided to adopt a test-optional policy.
- The deadline for Regular Decision applicants and for Rice’s ED II admission — new this year — is January 4. With ED II decisions coming in mid-February, and Regular Decision results due in March, students should continue preparing their applications with care.
What’s Next for Applicants?
For those admitted early, congratulations on joining Rice’s prestigious Class of 2029! ED II and Regular Decision applicants should continue preparing strong applications and essays to maximize their chances.
Need Help with Your Application?
Crimson Education specializes in guiding students through the admissions process to top universities like Rice. Speak to an admissions advisor today!
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About the Contributor
Arkesh Patel
Arkesh Patel is the Chief Operating Officer of Crimson Education, the world's largest and most successful university admissions consulting firm. Crimson Education has helped thousands of students gain admission into the Ivy League and top universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Stanford, MIT, and many others. Arkesh graduated from the University of Cambridge with a B.A in Chemistry (First Class Honors) and received his M.B.A with Distinction from Harvard Business School.
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