I can tell you that if you want to get into Rice State, which is one of the top 25 schools in the country, you’re going to need a glowing application. Being in the to 10% of your class won’t be enough. Do you have any idea how many valedictorian applicants get rejected by all the Ivies every year? You’re going to need at least a 30 on the ACT and/or 2100 on the SAT for a shot @ Rice. Community service, and /or Extra curricular acivities that tie in with what you have in mind for a career are also really good, because top tier schools don’t even look twice at applicants who don’t know what they want to study in college. Remember that even though you’re paying for an education, the school’s also investing in you. The reason the Ivies and the other top schools are where they are today is because they churn out the most skilled, and best educated segment of the population, and those alumni in turn reciprocate to their alma maters by advertising how good the institution is by showing how it prepared them to be successful in their careers.

you should look specifically at the school(s) that you’re interested in for what they require academically. it’s usually pretty similar, but their websites will give you the best information possible. also, if there is a specific program that you think you’re interested in, then ask for that information as well and try setting up a meeting with the department chair.

as for the community service and everything, they want you to be well rounded, and that’s what those activities show. try joining a club you wouldn’t normally join, or helping create scenery for the school play. these are great ways to build your resume.

congrats on being in the top 10%, but keep in mind that nothing is definite. SAT’s & ACT’s can be retaken if you do poorly. i have a friend who took the ACT like 6 times.

also, apply early (like september). the sooner you get your application in, the sooner you’ll hear back from the school. also, apply to more than one school. it’s always best to have a back-up plan if your first-choice school doesn’t accept you. you can always transfer.

if you have anymore questions, feel free to IM/Email 🙂

THOSE THINGS ARE VERY IMPORTANT ALSO. BUT NOT ONLY BEFORE, BUT DURING COLLEGE. I THINK THEY LOOK AT YOU PAST GRADES ALSO AND SEE HOW COMMITTED YOU ARE TO YOU SCHOOL WORK. I NOTICED YOU SAID YOU LIVE IN TEXAS AND I WAS THINKING YOU SHOULD ALSO APPLY TO WEST TEXAS A & M UNIVERSITY. THAT IS THE COLLEGE I CURRENTLY ATTEND. ITS IN THE PANHANDLE AND IS A REALLY GREAT SCHOOL. ITS ONE OF THE BEST UP HERE. PLUS IF YOU ARE PAYING FOR YOU SCHOOL, ITS WAY CHEAPER. SINCE IT IS ALSO A SMALLER SCHOOL YOU ARE MOST LIKELY NOT TO FLUNK OUT BECAUSE THE PROFESSORS REALLY CARE ABOUT ALL THEIR STUDENTS. YOU SHOULD CONSIDER IT. IF YOU HAVE ANY MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT COLLEGE, FEEL FREE TO ASK ME!!! GOOD LUCK!!!!