rice university personal statement

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Graduate School Frequently Asked Questions

• Guide to Exploring Graduate School |
• Graduate School FAQ |
• Choosing a Graduate Program |
• 4+1 Programs at Rice

Before making the decision to attend graduate school, carefully reflect on your reasons for continuing your education. Weigh the time commitment, financial considerations, personal adjustments and sacrifices, and readiness to pursue graduate level work. Assess the value of a graduate degree in terms of earning potential, entry into a profession, advancement and competitiveness. Seek guidance from faculty, alumni and other professionals in the field, academic and career advisors, and current graduate students.

Consider the following:

• How long will it take to complete the degree?
• How much will the degree cost?
• For whom are you doing this?
• How motivated are you right now?
• With your current experience, will you be considered a competitive applicant?
• What can the degree do for you?
• What can you offer the program?

Ultimately, enrollment in graduate school should be your decision, based on an academic interest in a particular subject area, the need for specialized training and education for professional advancement, and/or a desire for personal enrichment. Delaying a job search, avoiding decisions about the future, or succumbing to pressure from peers or family are not optimal foundations for advanced study.

Degree Options

There are a great variety of programs for graduate study. Each offers specialized training for particular career goals. Degrees may be considered either academic or professional in nature.

• Academic Degrees (M.A., M.S., Ph.D.) involve acquiring and communicating new knowledge through original research and are awarded in virtually all liberal arts disciplines.
• Professional Degrees stress the practical application of knowledge and skills and may be acquired in many areas such as business (M.B.A.), education (M.Ed., Ed.D.), engineering (M.Eng.), fine arts (M.F.A.), law (J.D.), and medicine (M.D.).

Before you can choose an appropriate graduate school program, you will need to decide what kind of career you eventually want to have. Faculty members, career advisors, alumni, and professionals in the field can help you explore what career options are available to someone with a particular advanced degree.

Graduate programs that grant the same degree still differ by the specific range of sub-disciplines in which they offer training. Choosing the right discipline in which to apply requires a considerable amount of reflection on your interests and academic/non-academic experiences.

• What classes have interested you?
• What projects have interested you? Why?
• What are your skills and strengths?
• What are you curious about?
• What questions or problems would you like to investigate?
• Are you more inclined toward theory, experimentation, or application?
• Are you concerned with micro- or macro- level processes?
• Do you like learning languages (including mathematical)?
• Are you interested in a particular region or time period? What about it appeals to you?
• What really does not appeal to you? Why do you think so?

One of the most important aspects of applying to graduate school is selecting the programs that are best suited to your interests and career goals. Consult professors or other mentors who have specialized in the discipline of your choice. Faculty members are excellent sources of information about graduate programs in their specialties and the strengths and weaknesses of programs at various universities. Review professional journals to learn where faculty are doing work that interests you. Research people you admire in your field to see where they attended graduate school.

Lists and rankings are published online at the following websites:

• Peterson’s Graduate School Guides
• Princeton Review
• U.S. News & World Reports Best Graduate Schools
• GradSchools.com
• Graduate Guide

Graduate school fairs provide you with an opportunity to gain in-depth information from school representatives that will help you evaluate programs and find the best fit for you. Before the fair, research which schools will be in attendance. Then, begin reviewing graduate school catalogs, directories, and websites to get a sense of the universities and their programs. This will help you identify some of the programs of interest to you and which schools to target at the fair. Prepare a list of questions to help you determine if there is a match between the graduate school program and your interests and goals. Questions may address costs, financial aid, program requirements, course offerings, facilities, location, student life, faculty, and program reputation.

Arrive early and take a few minutes to review the map and directory of the fair. Visit the schools you are most interested in first so that you have plenty of time to gather as much information as you need. Be prepared to answer questions from the admissions representatives such as, “Why do you want to attend graduate school?” and, “When?” Ask the representative for his/her card. This will provide you with a direct contact for asking follow up questions. Use this opportunity to not only network with the representatives, but also to collect materials for later review.

Standardized Tests

Most schools require applicants to take a standardized test as part of the application process. There are several examinations utilized in graduate school admissions. Ask the programs you are interested in what exam scores are accepted and what the typical range of scores is for admitted students.

• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) For academic graduate study, the examination required is usually the GRE General Test. The General Test contains verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing sections. Some programs may also require the Subject Test. The Subject Test measures basic knowledge of terminology and concepts in a particular discipline.
• Miller Analogies Test (MAT) The MAT uses verbal analogies to test reasoning ability. Some graduate schools will accept the MAT in lieu of the GRE.
• Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) The GMAT is required for most students seeking an MBA. degree. The test measures verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills. It does not test specific knowledge in a particular subject area.

Most general standardized admissions tests are offered year round at controlled testing centers. Other specialized subject tests are offered less frequently. Because the scores are valid over several years, typically five, you can take these exams when you feel most prepared. Many students, even if postponing graduate studies, will elect to take the exams while still undergraduates. Whenever you elect to take the requisite exam, make sure your testing date is early enough to allow your scores to be reported before schools’ application deadlines.

Plan to give yourself plenty of time to study. Taking released or sample tests produced by the test makers is probably the best way to prepare. Work through the examples and explanations carefully, and then take the sample tests under simulated test conditions by observing time limits. Commercial test preparation courses are available, but may vary in cost and quality. It will be important to investigate the courses carefully. Commercial courses can help build confidence, motivate test takers to prepare, and provide a structured program of study.

Graduate schools are looking for diverse, thoughtful, well-prepared, ambitious, and mature candidates who stand out in the applicant pool. Most application materials can be found on an institution’s website. Read the directions carefully. Pay special attention to deadlines for test scores, application materials (forms, transcripts, curriculum vitae, essays, writing sample), recommendation letters, and financial aid applications. Submitting your materials early can only help your case for admission, especially if schools operate on rolling admissions. Additionally, all application materials are not always sent to the same office. Stay organized by creating spreadsheets or other tracking methods to ensure you do not neglect any application details.

Strong undergraduate academic preparation is essential for admission and ultimately success in graduate school. Key skills for success include critical thinking, analytical abilities, written and oral communication, time management, self-motivation, and self-discipline. Graduate schools require a strong undergraduate GPA and will ask you to submit transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you have attended with your application. Be sure to investigate any specific prerequisite courses required for admission.

Graduate schools will look for demonstrated interest in the field you are planning to study. Research, job, internship, or volunteer experience in the field will help you build a competitive application. Active participation in relevant student organizations can also demonstrate your interest in the field. Like a resume, your curriculum vitae (CV) should clearly summarize your academic background as well as teaching and research experience, publications, presentations, awards, honors, affiliations and other co-curricular activities. Unlike a resume, a CV need not be constrained to two pages or less.

Applications

The personal statement is your opportunity to present yourself and why you would be an asset to the graduate program, differentiating yourself from other applicants with similar scores. It is an opportunity to discuss your background and articulate why you want to go to graduate school. It can address your goals, your commitment to the field of study, and can highlight any relevant experiences. However, your curriculum vitae alone will reflect what you have done and recognition you have received. Your personal statement should emphasize learning and growth.

Your essay should demonstrate your understanding of the central concerns of the field of study or profession to which you are applying. Discuss your passion for future graduate work on those topics and how you see yourself fitting into their program. This will require tailoring your essay to each individual program. However, avoid trying to appeal to a particular audience or writing what you think they want to read. Allow your readers to gain a genuine understanding of your interests, strengths, and compatibility with their program.

The personal statement also serves as an indication of your writing ability. As the essay is a short piece, it is crucial that you organize your thoughts and then refine, simplify, and polish your ideas. You should plan on writing and revising several drafts. Be certain that your final essay is neat, grammatically correct, and devoid of any errors.

Select a paper that you think represents your skills in the field, your talents as a writer, and the way in which you think about problems/texts. If you can improve the piece, either argumentatively, rhetorically, or formally, take the time to do so. If you must edit a longer paper to fit the guidelines for submission, be sure to revise the paper’s content accordingly and make the introductions, transitions, and conclusions work for the new version.

In letters of recommendation, admissions committees look for information not provided elsewhere in the application. The ideal letter writer is someone who can describe your academic strengths and personal qualities positively and in some detail. Be aware that a highly known person is not always the best recommendation writer. It is more important that the writer know you well. Request letters of recommendation in person, and be sure to ask the potential letter writer if they are willing to write a favorable letter for you.

In order to garner the best possible letter of recommendation, it is advised that you provide the letter writers with the following information:

• Deadlines for application and any specific instructions necessary to complete the letter of recommendation
• A statement about what you are applying for and why (or your personal statement)

It is your responsibility to ensure that your application is completed on time, therefore, ask for letters of recommendation early and ask nicely. The earlier you ask, the more time you provide the letter writer to write a stellar recommendation. Given the number of students, past and present, who may be seeking a professor’s recommendation, it is always good to courteously follow-up with your letter writers to ensure that your letter has been submitted. Always write a thank you note to those who serve as recommenders.

• A summary of what you learned from your experience with the letter writer
• Your curriculum vitae
• A copy of your transcript

Interviews are occasionally required and are often useful, both to obtain further information about programs and to present your strengths. Depending on the program, you may interview for graduate assistantships concurrently while interviewing for admission to the program. Before the visit, read the website, catalog, and any other brochures the department supplies and review faculty interests. You will make a better impression if you have done your research in advance and can ask thoughtful questions about the school and the program. A visit is always helpful even if an interview is not required.

Common interview questions:

• Why do you want a graduate degree?
• What other schools did you apply to?
• Why do you think this program is a good fit for you?
• Tell us about (something that you wrote about in your personal statement or included in your CV).
• What are your strengths and weaknesses as a student?

Many students consider graduate school, but may not want to attend immediately after completing their undergraduate degree. Taking some time off may provide time for reflection and clearer decision-making for your future. Graduate schools, especially professional programs, expect you to have clearly defined interests and relevant experiences leading to an area of specialization. There are, of course, some programs that seek applicants coming right out of undergraduate school. Some schools will admit you and then allow you to defer entrance for a year or two. It is important to research this carefully to determine the best time to apply. If you decide to take time off, remember to develop a plan that complements your long-term goals.

• Would one or more relevant work, volunteer, or research experiences enhance your applications for graduate school?
• Do you need to complete introductory or prerequisite courses for your proposed studies?
• Are there any financial, personal, or employment obligations that must be fulfilled first?
• Do you need a break before embarking on a concentrated period of study?
• Does the year following graduation look like a great time for travel, making a contribution through service experience, or something else you would like to do?
• Do you feel like you need time to figure out what you really want to do and gain some additional perspective on your life goals?

Graduate students fund their education in a variety of ways. Financial aid is often based on a combination of merit and financial need. Note that financial aid deadlines may be earlier than your program application deadlines. Check with both the financial aid office and the graduate program department.

Need-based aid determines financial need by calculating the difference between total educational costs and the student’s financial resources. Need-based financial aid includes work-study programs, private, federal and state loans, grants and fellowships, and tuition remission programs offered to employees by their employers, or to students by the professional or graduate school. In order to be eligible for federal aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Merit-based aid is awarded on the basis of academic achievement, talent, or promise. Forms of merit-based aid include assistantships, grants, and fellowships. Assistantships are usually awarded in the form of teaching, research, or graduate assignments. Early contact with the graduate program department is critical in obtaining assistantships. Grants are sums of money awarded for specific activities on a project basis. The funding may come from a variety of sources, including government agencies, corporations, or foundations. Fellowships are a prestigious and competitive form of financial assistance. Winning a postgraduate fellowship is a mark of achievement and an honor that can open many other doors. Fellowships may facilitate study with great scholars and lead to new networks of contacts and colleagues. They are worth the time and effort required for their pursuit.

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How to Apply to Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Graduate program in biochemistry and cell biology.

Contact BCB Admissions

Application for Fall 2024 is now closed. Applications for Fall 2025 will open in Fall of 2024.

Application Deadline

• Applications submitted by December 1 will be prioritized for early evaluation.
• The application deadline is December 31.
• Candidates who miss the early evaluation deadline will be in a less competitive position.

Admission to the graduate program includes a research stipend. The application to the program covers both admission and the research stipend; there is NOT a separate financial aid application for the Biochemistry & Cell Biology doctoral program.

Application Materials: (All below items are required for a complete application) Rice Biochemistry & Cell Biology Graduate Program Application Please note that applicants applying to more than one graduate program must submit separate applications for each program.

Official Transcripts All offers of admission are contingent on receipt of the official transcript or transcripts of all previous college or university work (including previous graduate study). Official transcripts should be sent directly to the BioSciences Department (address below) by the institution or institutions attended. An unofficial transcript may be uploaded to the online application for preliminary evaluation, but once an applicant is selected for an interview, the official transcript must be submitted. A final transcript, covering work in progress at the time of application and any later work, must be furnished to the Department as soon as possible (if not submitted as part of the original application).

Recommendation Letters Recommendations should be requested from four persons (preferably professors in the applicant's major field) who know the personal and scholastic qualities of the applicant. Letters should be submitted online through the application software. Applicants can send requests to recommendation writers directly through the application. If the online option is not selected, hard-copy forms for recommendation letters can be requested at bioc-gradapps.rice.edu . Hard-copy letters should be mailed by the writers directly to the BioSciences Department. Applications will not be reviewed until at least three recommendations are received.

Personal Statement A personal statement is required for all applications. Personal statements can be uploaded directly to the online application in PDF format. The personal statement should include a brief description of the applicant's intended plan of study or the particular sub-division of the major field in which the applicant would like to specialize.The statement should also include discussions of any scholarly research, writing, or similar research completed or in progress. Applicants should include in the statement any other information that may be helpful in evaluating the application. If applicable, applicants should briefly describe any additional factors that they would like to have the admissions committee consider in evaluating the application (e.g. personal background, work experience, leadership roles).

GRE Submission of GRE scores is optional for applicants to the BCB program. Scores submitted by an applicant will be reviewed along with other application components as part of the wholistic admission review process. Applicants who do not submit scores will not be at a disadvantage. Applicants who wish to submit scores should have them sent directly to the BioSciences Department by Educational Testing Service (ETS). The ETS institutional Code is 6609; the department code is 0202.

TOEFL Applicants whose native language is not English should also have TOEFL scores reported directly to the BioSciences Department. The minimum scores for each type of TOEFL test are 600 (paper-based test), 250 (computer-based test) and 90 (Internet-based test). For students who choose to take the IELTS in lieu of TOEFL, the minimum score is 7. The TOEFL institutional Code is 6609; the department code is 34.

Application Fee An application fee waiver is available for United States citizens and permanent residents. If you are in this category, please request a fee waiver before submitting your application by sending an email to [email protected] . Fees cannot be refunded after they are paid. In addition, fee waivers are granted to students participating in certain programs (e.g., McNair Scholars, Gulf Coast Undergraduate Research Symposium (GCURS), Mellon Mays Fellows, Project 1000, Nankai University Hundred Young Teachers Program, Vietnam Education Foundation). Please indicate participation in such programs in the University Programs and Fellowships field in the application to receive one of those waivers. The application fee is $85.

Application fee waivers will not be processed between December 23 and January 3. Applications requesting a fee waiver during this period will be processed after January 3.

Minimum Scores GRE : There is no set minimum score for the GRE. The admissions committee examines GRE scores on a case-by-case basis. The entire application is considered, including GRE scores if they are submitted, GPA, recommendation letters, and research experience. A low evaluation in one area can be offset by very strong evaluations in the other areas. Only the admissions committee can make the evaluation. GRE subject-matter tests are not required, but a high score on a subject test in a relevant field will strengthen your application.

GPA : In general, applicants should have at least a 3.0 (B) grade point average in their undergraduate work.

TOEFL : Minimum TOEFL scores are 90 (iBT), 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based).

International Student Applicants The Biochemistry & Cell Biology Graduate Program seeks diversity in its graduate student body, and international students are welcome to apply. Our average intake of international students is approximately 1/3 of our incoming doctoral students. Applicants who have independent funding sources are encouraged to apply.

Admissions Committee All students in our graduate program must be admitted through evaluation by the faculty members of the Biochemistry & Cell Biology admissions committee and by making application through our online process. Applications are made to the departmental graduate program and not to a specific faculty member or professor. Please DO NOT send application materials to individual faculty members.

Please have your transcripts and test scores sent directly to the BioSciences Department at the address below:

Graduate Program Administrator Biochemistry & Cell Biology Graduate Program Rice University, MS-140 P.O. Box 1892 Houston, TX 77251-1892

FedEx, UPS, DHL and other couriers: Graduate Program Administrator Biochemistry & Cell Biology Graduate Program Rice University, MS-140 6100 Main Street Houston, TX 77005

Jul. 29, 2020

Grad applications 101: getting letters of rec, by emily elia: who should you ask for a letter of recommendation how do you ask.

Letters of recommendation are an integral part of many applications, and graduate school applications are no exception! Even though we all need to ask for letters of recommendation to apply to grad school, the process of getting letters can still feel awkward. Getting letters of recommendation can be an uncertain process, as well. Who should you ask for a letter of recommendation? How do you ask? What kind of information should you provide for letter writers? This article seeks to offer some insight on how you can get your letters of recommendation together for your grad applications.

Who should you ask?

Letters of recommendation should not come from just anybody who knows you well; you want your letters to come from people who can honestly speak to why you are a good fit for a graduate program. Asking a professor for a letter even though you’ve never really spoken with that professor is probably not a great idea no matter how high your grade was in their class. Much of the wisdom out there on letters of recommendation claims that a lukewarm letter is just as harmful to your application as a negative letter. You want undoubtedly positive letters, so ask people who you have built a good relationship with! If a potential writer is not comfortable with this favor, they will likely let you know. However, if you do not receive a direct no but do receive a lot of hesitation, that may be a sign that this person is not the best fit, either.

Most graduate program applications ask for three letters of recommendation. If you are currently enrolled in college, your letters of recommendation are likely going to come from three of your professors. More specifically, you ideally want to ask professors who are in or related to the field of your graduate program. If you are applying to a master’s program in engineering, then the professor of the art history class you took as an elective may not be the best letter writer for this occasion, regardless of how well they may know you. However, you do typically have three letters to acquire, and some of the professors who know you best may very well be from unrelated fields. If need be, it is okay to ask a professor from an unrelated field for a letter of recommendation if they are able to speak about skills you have that they believe make you a good fit for the field you wish to go into. If a professor does not feel comfortable writing a letter for you because their expertise does not align with the grad program of your interest, they will likely be honest and let you know. Ideally, though, you should get letters from professors whose own focuses align with your programs of interests to some degree.

If you are not currently enrolled in college, then past professors may not be the clear choice for your letter writers. For professionals who are currently applying to graduate school, your professional contacts, such as your boss or a mentor, are great candidates! A boss or mentor-figure can certainly speak to your work ethic, drive, and other skills and qualities that will color your potential for success. A colleague may also be a good fit for a letter writer. And, if you had a good relationship with a former professor, it does not hurt to reach out and ask for a letter of recommendation.

How should you ask?

Asking for a letter can feel awkward, but remember that everyone has been there! One of the most important aspects of asking for a letter is doing so in a timely manner. You should not ask anyone for a letter without giving them multiple weeks to be able to write it. Try to avoid asking for a letter at least a month out from the application deadline, and preferably well before that. The earlier, the better! When asking, you want to communicate your appreciation as well as your consideration for the person’s time. Writing a letter of recommendation can be a sizable task, and it calls for the letter writer to vouch for you personally. Make sure you show that you not only value the letter writer’s input but also their time and effort!

You want to ask formally and not off the cuff. Generally, arranging a meeting with a potential letter writer in order to speak to them about your plans for graduate school applications is a great time to ask. However, given COVID-19, meeting in person may not be feasible in 2020. If meeting over some form of video chat is an option, you could still reach out to your professor about wanting to meet with them virtually to discuss grad school applications and letters of recommendation. If email seems like your best option due to the circumstances of the current pandemic, though, then that’s okay, too! Northeastern University has published a great guide on asking for letters of recommendation from professors over email.

What information is important to provide?

If your letter writer is on board, the next important step is to send them information that will help them with writing a strong letter. The person may ask you to provide select materials, but, generally, here are some resources you should be ready to send to your letter writer as soon as possible:

• A list of the graduate programs you are applying to, including the due date of the application
• If the letter writer is a professor, include which of their classes you took and the grade you received in the classes
• Your most current resume/C.V.
• A copy of your transcript or a list of college courses you have taken and the grades you received, along with your overall GPA
• A short blurb about your goals for and after graduate school, such as whether or not you want to be heavily involved in research, go into industry, etc.

You may also want to include the personal statement you plan to submit. Ask your professor if they would like to read it. They may not be able to, but it can be a big help to them in drafting an appropriate letter. Ask if including it would be helpful, and, if so, send it along once you have it written.

A final important piece of information is how the letter writer can submit their letter. This will vary by school. Once you have learned how to submit application materials for each of your programs, inform your letter writer so that they do not have to go hunting for how to submit their letter. Often, you will enter their emails in a program’s application portal, and they will receive an email that allows them to submit the letter electronically. If any program still requires a physical copy of a letter, it is generally in good taste to provide your letter writers with an addressed and stamped envelope that they can use to physically send their letter. Outlining the submission process of each school for your letter writer is a helpful bit of organizational information to provide.

Thank your letter writers!

Writing a letter of recommendation is a big deal! Yes, we all need to ask for them at some point, but that does not diminish the fact that you’re asking someone important in your life to speak positively on your behalf—a big ask! After your application is submitted, send your letter writer a handwritten thank you card. A handwritten note usually goes much farther than an email as it is more personal and comes across as more thoughtful. A thank you email is sufficient as well, but a handwritten note is always a nice gesture. If you are looking for some thank you note guidance, here is a good start !

It is also nice to follow up with your letter writers. Let them know where you decide to attend graduate school, and don’t be afraid to send them an email every now and then during graduate school to say hello! They would probably love to hear from you.

Further Reading:

Grad School 101: Writing the personal statement

Grad School 101: Approaching the application process

Grad School 101: 4 easy ways to prep for your first year of grad school

About the author: Originally from Massachusetts, Emily Elia is a second-year Ph.D. student in political science. She graduated from the University of Alabama in 2018 and currently studies comparative politics with a focus on Latin America.

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2 Rice University Essay Examples

Rice University is a highly-selective college, so it’s important to write strong essays to help your application stand out. In this post, we’ll share essays real students have submitted to Rice University. (Names and identifying information have been changed, but all other details are preserved).

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Read our Rice University essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts.

Prompt: Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

It’s family movie night, and we’ve chosen to watch Bird Brain , a nature documentary about birds and their unique abilities. I’m starting to lose interest, but the narrator says something wild that perplexes me: “Some birds have the ability to hold their breath for over 15 minutes underwater.” Well, now I have to know more. 

My mom groans as I pause the movie to spend the rest of my night understanding that one statement. I rush to my room and open my laptop, while my fingers type furiously as videos, images, and articles flood the screen. I click on the first site I see: “Emperor penguins dive to catch fish in the ocean, and their bodies begin to metabolize anaerobically after a certain point of being submerged.” But that wasn’t enough. I continue to scroll as my mind hunts for answers. How big are emperor penguins? How cold is the ocean in Antarctica? And what even is anaerobic metabolization? Ahhhhh! I feel like I am going to explode! I have to know more. 

This example of the emperor penguin is one of the many instances where I am motivated by the need to question what I hear. I encounter a similar situation on any given day. Whether it’s a quick Google search or an all nighter, I find myself lost in time as the world around me blurs while I unearth its secrets. This love of research stems from my childhood, as I was determined to find my own answers. From conducting at-home plant dissections to confirm what was taught in class, or reading an actual newspaper for the latest reports, nothing was true unless I had found evidence. Soon, this habit became deeply ingrained in my character. 

I call moments like these an “internet search spiral.” Part of the reason why these spirals are so captivating is because they can never be boring; it would take me 23.8 million years to go through the 295 exabytes of information on the web. Call me crazy, but I would do it. The never-ending knowledge found within the internet never fails to hold my attention, as my inquiries are like an emperor penguin plunging into the cold Antarctic waters for a swim. Knowing that there’s something I haven’t learned, a skill I haven’t mastered, or an equation I haven’t solved creates a warp in time that transports me to a region where seconds and minutes don’t restrain my knowledge.

 Internet search spirals capture every part of me but often leave me seeking additional material. The search for more information not available online connects me with like-minded thinkers, and this connection is what I aim to foster as a student at Rice. This quest for knowledge is more meaningful when I encounter someone whose passion for teaching matches my appreciation of learning. I turn to those who feel compelled to share. 

These internet search spirals ultimately transform me into a more mindful person. Every time I understand something new, I feel like a little penguin egg that’s ready to hatch and experience the world in a new way. The feeling of analyzing fresh material is one I will never give up. I don’t feel bound by the restriction of time because somehow my eyes never get tired of scanning endless papers and textbooks. After all, the knowledge I gain is worth it, because every bit of information gives me the chance to be a better individual. The purpose of knowledge is action, and knowledge that is acted on becomes greatness. I aspire to embody that greatness. Whether it’s from a website, a medical textbook, a documentary, or a good-old-fashioned human being, learning frees me from the constraints of time. 

So, thank you, emperor penguins, for sparking internet search spirals that push me to be a better individual.

What the Essay Did Well

This essay does a good job of using an anecdote at the beginning to hook the reader in and then continuing to weave callbacks to the anecdote throughout the essay. Including these callbacks where the student refers to themselves as “an emperor penguin plunging into the cold Antarctic waters” and “a little penguin egg that’s ready to hatch” help make the essay feel more cohesive. The use of the anecdote also allows the student to describe the thoughts that run through their brain while researching penguins, which not only shows how the student thinks, but creates the same feeling of excitement and anticipation the student felt in the moment for the reader. 

Another great thing this essay does is reflect on why this activity is so important to who the student is as a person. Although the prompt doesn’t specifically ask for anything more than why the topic is captivating and what do you turn to for more information, providing a reflection on how researching has positively impacted the student to become a better person proves to the admissions committee that this student knows who they are. The student took a passion they have and used it to show their growth as a person through engaging in this activity and how this activity will allow them to achieve their future goals. The last paragraph ties together the essay and takes it a step beyond what was required to elevate the essay.

What Could Be Improved

One thing this essay could work would be to tell less and show more. It’s cliche essay advice, but for a good reason. A lot of this essay tells the reader about the student’s researching habits without putting the reader in the chair next to the student while they sift through Internet tabs or flip through textbook pages. The anecdote at the beginning shows the excitement and thought process of the student when they are researching penguins which draws the reader in.

After the first paragraph the essay relies mostly on telling the reader what the student does and why they enjoy it, rather than using specific experiences and details to describe what was happening and how they felt. An easy way the student could improve their writing to show more would be to include more of their internal monologue while researching. 

It should also be noted that this was a Common App essay submitted to Rice that specifically mentioned Rice: “This connection is what I am to foster as a student at Rice.” Common App essays don’t need to be school specific, so including school names can actually be highly risky and costly if you make a mistake. This student could have easily submitted their Common App essay to Rice with another school’s name or with a blank they meant to fill in. The best way to avoid this mistake is simply to not included schools in your Common App, or if you really want to, make sure someone else proofreads your essay before you submit! 

Prompt: Rice is lauded for creating a collaborative atmosphere that enhances the quality of life for all members of our campus community. The Residential College System and undergraduate life are heavily influenced by the unique life experiences and cultural traditions each student brings. What life perspectives would you contribute to the Rice community?

One of the many Boarding School rules that I despised at the time but now look back at nostalgically was a 45-minute phone time. So with nothing else to do, our suitemates would gather together after “lights-out” and just talk. Sometimes it would be consoling a friend coming out of a bad break-up, and other times it’d be a serious debate on the merits of Latin honors. Whatever the topic, these conversations were always compassionate, spirited, and a source of familial support. 

This camaraderie also made studying with friends profoundly different. My Indian family was always relentless in reminding me to “Forget joy for four years” because delaying gratification was the only way to find “permanent security.” Apparently, in our divine meritocracy, College is just one step on the continual stairway of advancement. I couldn’t disagree more with this notion that an education is simply a means to an end.

But, as I studied with my best friends in our hostel, learning and fun were never antithetical ideas. Nights reserved for calculus were always accompanied by ping-pong sessions, but we never intended to sabotage each other in a futile race to the top. Ours was a collaborative family, where instead of selfish opportunity costs, we were driven by brotherly love. No accolade could beat this feeling of security and finding a home — away from home.

At Rice, to build that sense of family, I want to create a discussion group—Night Owls—to gather at night and ponder both the grandiose and whimsical philosophical questions over hot chocolate . Think of these events as a modern version of the infamous Greek Symposia, just without the booze. This combination of conversation, whimsy, and intellectual inquiry is what I want from college. It doesn’t sound very prudential, but it’s surely poetic.

The student who wrote this essay did a good job of tying their previous experience to an experience they want to bring to the Rice community. This student pinpointed exactly what they loved so much about living in a community with their peers and how they planned to recreate that experience in college. The descriptions about the types of debates or ping-pong tournaments the student engaged in create an image of an intellectual and supportive environment admissions officers want to see at their college.

Additionally, by coming up with a name and a plan for the discussion group, the student’s interest is evident and it shows that they took time to consider genuinely starting this group at college. In general, the student’s writing created a warm sense of family and bonding that displayed some of the student’s key values. This leaves the reader with a positive impression of the type of person this student is outside of the classroom, which was exactly what the prompt was looking to achieve.

This essay could benefit from a more focused and cohesive story. The way the essay begins describing late night discussions at boarding school, then transitions to a discussion on the student’s family, and then returns back to his school study group is a bit disjointed. The second paragraph adds very little to the essay as a whole and distracts from the sense of community the student was trying to establish in his study group. This student probably felt the need to discuss his family and his Indian heritage to address the “cultural traditions” the prompt mentions, however the experiences studying with his friend are unique and special enough to satisfy the prompt so this was an unnecessary addition. The essay could just describe the late night conversations he had at boarding school and how they created a sense of camaraderie and family among strangers that he wants to bring to college, without needing to bring up his family.

The words this student saves by removing the paragraph on their family could be used to create more concrete examples of the types of discussions the student had at boarding school or what they want to have at Rice. Although the essay mentions discussing bad break-ups or Latin honors, adding more detail like a quote said by one of the student’s friends or an introduced idea that made them reflect on the world would help put the reader in the room with the student or gain a better appreciation for the impact of the discussions. 

Where to Get Your Rice University  Essays Edited

Do you want feedback on your Rice University essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Frequently Asked Questions

A list of commonly asked questions is addressed in the below FAQ. For specific questions, please reach out to the REU program administrator.

Applicants should generally prepare the following materials:

• Your Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• A personal statement
• Unofficial transcripts
• Letters of recommendation (typically three)

When ready, proceed to reuapply.rice.edu to begin the application process.

The deadline for priority consideration for all REU programs is Feb. 15 at 10:59 PM CST. The final deadline for all programs is March 1 at 10:59 p.m. If you were granted a deadline extension, please work with your program of application directly to ensure you are submitting by the correct deadline.

Students are able to apply to as many REU programs as they’d like. A separate application for each program is required.

Students are welcome to apply to REU programs that are in a different area than their current field of study.

Applicants who have not yet submitted can share their submitted recommendations across applications using the “Import Previous Recommendations” in the Recommendations tab of the application.

Letters of recommendation should generally be submitted by the application deadline. If this proves difficult, please reach out directly to your program(s) of application for their guidance.

Official transcripts are not necessary for REU applications. Unofficial transcripts should be submitted for each institution attended.

Generally, REU applicants should be at least 18 years old, and currently pursuing undergraduate study. Each program has its own eligibility parameters. All are open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents and DACA students, some are open to international students - but applicants should confirm with their programs of interest.

Application status requests can be sent directly to your REU programs of interest. Please be aware that some may not be able to provide status updates.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, what is a personal statement everything you need to know about the college essay.

College Admissions , College Essays

In addition to standardized test scores and transcripts, a personal statement or essay is a required part of many college applications. The personal statement can be one of the most stressful parts of the application process because it's the most open ended.

In this guide, I'll answer the question, "What is a personal statement?" I'll talk through common college essay topics and what makes for an effective personal statement.

College Essay Glossary

Even the terminology can be confusing if you aren't familiar with it, so let's start by defining some terms:

Personal statement —an essay you write to show a college admissions committee who you are and why you deserve to be admitted to their school. It's worth noting that, unlike "college essay," this term is used for application essays for graduate school as well.

College essay —basically the same as a personal statement (I'll be using the terms interchangeably).

Essay prompt —a question or statement that your college essay is meant to respond to.

Supplemental essay —an extra school or program-specific essay beyond the basic personal statement.

Many colleges ask for only one essay. However, some schools do ask you to respond to multiple prompts or to provide supplemental essays in addition to a primary personal statement.

Either way, don't let it stress you out! This guide will cover everything you need to know about the different types of college essays and get you started thinking about how to write a great one:

• Why colleges ask for an essay
• What kinds of essay questions you'll see
• What sets great essays apart
• Tips for writing your own essay

Why Do Colleges Ask For an Essay?

There are a couple of reasons that colleges ask applicants to submit an essay, but the basic idea is that it gives them more information about you, especially who you are beyond grades and test scores.

#1: Insight Into Your Personality

The most important role of the essay is to give admissions committees a sense of your personality and what kind of addition you'd be to their school's community . Are you inquisitive? Ambitious? Caring? These kinds of qualities will have a profound impact on your college experience, but they're hard to determine based on a high school transcript.

Basically, the essay contextualizes your application and shows what kind of person you are outside of your grades and test scores . Imagine two students, Jane and Tim: they both have 3.5 GPAs and 1200s on the SAT. Jane lives in Colorado and is the captain of her track team; Tim lives in Vermont and regularly contributes to the school paper. They both want to be doctors, and they both volunteer at the local hospital.

As similar as Jane and Tim seem on paper, in reality, they're actually quite different, and their unique perspectives come through in their essays. Jane writes about how looking into her family history for a school project made her realize how the discovery of modern medical treatments like antibiotics and vaccines had changed the world and drove her to pursue a career as a medical researcher. Tim, meanwhile, recounts a story about how a kind doctor helped him overcome his fear of needles, an interaction that reminded him of the value of empathy and inspired him to become a family practitioner. These two students may seem outwardly similar but their motivations and personalities are very different.

Without an essay, your application is essentially a series of numbers: a GPA, SAT scores, the number of hours spent preparing for quiz bowl competitions. The personal statement is your chance to stand out as an individual.

#2: Evidence of Writing Skills

A secondary purpose of the essay is to serve as a writing sample and help colleges see that you have the skills needed to succeed in college classes. The personal statement is your best chance to show off your writing , so take the time to craft a piece you're really proud of.

That said, don't panic if you aren't a strong writer. Admissions officers aren't expecting you to write like Joan Didion; they just want to see that you can express your ideas clearly.

No matter what, your essay should absolutely not include any errors or typos .

#3: Explanation of Extenuating Circumstances

For some students, the essay is also a chance to explain factors affecting their high school record. Did your grades drop sophomore year because you were dealing with a family emergency? Did you miss out on extracurriculars junior year because of an extended medical absence? Colleges want to know if you struggled with a serious issue that affected your high school record , so make sure to indicate any relevant circumstances on your application.

Keep in mind that in some cases there will be a separate section for you to address these types of issues, as well as any black marks on your record like expulsions or criminal charges.

#4: Your Reasons for Applying to the School

Many colleges ask you to write an essay or paragraph about why you're applying to their school specifically . In asking these questions, admissions officers are trying to determine if you're genuinely excited about the school and whether you're likely to attend if accepted .

I'll talk more about this type of essay below.

What Kind of Questions Do Colleges Ask?

Thankfully, applications don't simply say, "Please include an essay about yourself"; they include a question or prompt that you're asked to respond to . These prompts are generally pretty open-ended and can be approached in a lot of different ways .

Nonetheless, most questions fall into a few main categories. Let's go through each common type of prompt, with examples from the Common Application, the University of California application, and a few individual schools.

Prompt Type 1: Your Personal History

This sort of question asks you to write about a formative experience, important event, or key relationship from your life . Admissions officers want to understand what is important to you and how your background has shaped you as a person.

These questions are both common and tricky. The most common pit students fall into is trying to tell their entire life stories. It's better to focus in on a very specific point in time and explain why it was meaningful to you.

Common App 1

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

Common App 5

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

University of California 2

Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.

University of California 6

Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.

Prompt Type 2: Facing a Problem

A lot of prompts deal with how you solve problems, how you cope with failure, and how you respond to conflict. College can be difficult, both personally and academically, and admissions committees want to see that you're equipped to face those challenges .

The key to these types of questions is to identify a real problem, failure, or conflict ( not a success in disguise) and show how you adapted and grew from addressing the issue.

Common App 2

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Harvard University 7

The Harvard College Honor Code declares that we “hold honesty as the foundation of our community.” As you consider entering this community that is committed to honesty, please reflect on a time when you or someone you observed had to make a choice about whether to act with integrity and honesty.

Prompt Type 3: Diversity

Most colleges are pretty diverse, with students from a wide range of backgrounds. Essay questions about diversity are designed to help admissions committees understand how you interact with people who are different from you .

In addressing these prompts, you want to show that you're capable of engaging with new ideas and relating to people who may have different beliefs than you.

Common App 3

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Johns Hopkins University

Tell us about an aspect of your identity (e.g., race, gender, sexuality, religion, community) or a life experience that has shaped you as an individual and how that influenced what you’d like to pursue in college at Hopkins.  This can be a future goal or experience that is either [sic] academic, extracurricular, or social.

Duke University Optional 1

We believe a wide range of personal perspectives, beliefs, and lived experiences are essential to making Duke a vibrant and meaningful living and learning community. Feel free to share with us anything in this context that might help us better understand you and what you might bring to our community. 

Prompt Type 4: Your Future Goals

This type of prompt asks about what you want to do in the future: sometimes simply what you'd like to study, sometimes longer-term career goals. Colleges want to understand what you're interested in and how you plan to work towards your goals.

You'll mostly see these prompts if you're applying for a specialized program (like pre-med or engineering) or applying as a transfer student. Some schools also ask for supplementary essays along these lines. 

University of Southern California (Architecture)

Princeton Supplement 1

Prompt Type 5: Why This School

The most common style of supplemental essay is the "why us?" essay, although a few schools with their own application use this type of question as their main prompt. In these essays, you're meant to address the specific reasons you want to go to the school you're applying to .

Whatever you do, don't ever recycle these essays for more than one school.

Chapman University

There are thousands of universities and colleges. Why are you interested in attending Chapman?

Columbia University

Why are you interested in attending Columbia University? We encourage you to consider the aspect(s) that you find unique and compelling about Columbia.

Rice University

Based upon your exploration of Rice University, what elements of the Rice experience appeal to you?

Princeton University

Princeton has a longstanding commitment to understanding our responsibility to society through service and civic engagement. How does your own story intersect with these ideals?

Prompt Type 6: Creative Prompts

More selective schools often have supplemental essays with stranger or more unique questions. University of Chicago is notorious for its weird prompts, but it's not the only school that will ask you to think outside the box in addressing its questions.

University of Chicago

“Vlog,” “Labradoodle,” and “Fauxmage.” Language is filled with portmanteaus. Create a new portmanteau and explain why those two things are a “patch” (perfect match).

University of Vermont

Established in Burlington, VT, Ben & Jerry’s is synonymous with both ice cream and social change. The “Save Our Swirled” flavor raises awareness of climate change, and “I Dough, I Dough” celebrates marriage equality. If you worked alongside Ben & Jerry, what charitable flavor would you develop and why?

What Makes a Strong Personal Statement?

OK , so you're clear on what a college essay is, but you're still not sure how to write a good one . To help you get started, I'm going to explain the main things admissions officers look for in students' essays: an engaging perspective, genuine moments, and lively writing .

I've touched on these ideas already, but here, I'll go into more depth about how the best essays stand out from the pack.

Showing Who You Are

A lot of students panic about finding a unique topic, and certainly writing about something unusual like a successful dating app you developed with your friends or your time working as a mall Santa can't hurt you. But what's really important isn't so much what you write about as how you write about it . You need to use your subject to show something deeper about yourself.

Look at the prompts above: you'll notice that they almost all ask you what you learned or how the experience affected you. Whatever topic you pick, you must be able to specifically address how or why it matters to you .

Say a student, Will, was writing about the mall Santa in response to Common App prompt number 2 (the one about failure): Will was a terrible mall Santa. He was way too skinny to be convincing and the kids would always step on his feet. He could easily write 600 very entertaining words describing this experience, but they wouldn't necessarily add up to an effective college essay.

To do that, he'll need to talk about his motivations and his feelings: why he took such a job in the first place and what he did (and didn't) get out of it. Maybe Will took the job because he needed to make some money to go on a school trip and it was the only one he could find. Despite his lack of enthusiasm for screaming children, he kept doing it because he knew if he persevered through the whole holiday season he would have enough money for his trip. Would you rather read "I failed at being a mall Santa" or "Failing as a mall Santa taught me how to persevere no matter what"? Admissions officers definitely prefer the latter.

Ultimately, the best topics are ones that allow you to explain something surprising about yourself .

Since the main point of the essay is to give schools a sense of who you are, you have to open up enough to let them see your personality . Writing a good college essay means being honest about your feelings and experiences even when they aren't entirely positive.

In this context, honesty doesn't mean going on at length about the time you broke into the local pool at night and nearly got arrested, but it does mean acknowledging when something was difficult or upsetting for you. Think about the mall Santa example above. The essay won't work unless the writer genuinely acknowledges that he was a bad Santa and explains why.

Eloquent Writing

As I mentioned above, colleges want to know that you are a strong enough writer to survive in college classes . Can you express your ideas clearly and concisely? Can you employ specific details appropriately and avoid clichés and generalizations? These kinds of skills will serve you well in college (and in life!).

Nonetheless, admissions officers recognize that different students have different strengths. They aren't looking for a poetic magnum opus from someone who wants to be a math major. (Honestly, they aren't expecting a masterwork from anyone , but the basic point stands.) Focus on making sure that your thoughts and personality come through, and don't worry about using fancy vocabulary or complex rhetorical devices.

Above all, make sure that you have zero grammar or spelling errors . Typos indicate carelessness, which will hurt your cause with admissions officers.

Top Five Essay-Writing Tips

Now that you have a sense of what colleges are looking for, let's talk about how you can put this new knowledge into practice as you approach your own essay. Below, I've collected my five best tips from years as a college essay counselor.

#1: Start Early!

No matter how much you want to avoid writing your essay, don't leave it until the last minute . One of the most important parts of the essay writing process is editing, and editing takes a lot of time. You want to be able to put your draft in a drawer for a week and come back to it with fresh eyes. You don't want to be stuck with an essay you don't really like because you have to submit your application tomorrow.

You need plenty of time to experiment and rewrite, so I would recommend starting your essays at least two months before the application deadline . For most students, that means starting around Halloween, but if you're applying early, you'll need to get going closer to Labor Day.

Of course, it's even better to get a head start and begin your planning earlier. Many students like to work on their essays over the summer, when they have more free time, but you should keep in mind that each year's application isn't usually released until August or September. Essay questions often stay the same from year to year, however. If you are looking to get a jump on writing, you can try to confirm with the school (or the Common App) whether the essay questions will be the same as the previous year's.

#2: Pick a Topic You're Genuinely Excited About

One of the biggest mistakes students make is trying to write what they think the committee wants to hear. The truth is that there's no "right answer" when it comes to college essays . T he best topics aren't limited to specific categories like volunteer experiences or winning a tournament. Instead, they're topics that actually matter to the writer .

"OK," you're thinking, "but what does she mean by 'a topic that matters to you'? Because to be perfectly honest, right now, what really matters to me is that fall TV starts up this week, and I have a feeling I shouldn't write about that."

You're not wrong (although some great essays have been written about television ). A great topic isn't just something that you're excited about or that you talk to your friends about; it's something that has had a real, describable effect on your perspective .

This doesn't mean that you should overemphasize how something absolutely changed your life , especially if it really didn't. Instead, try to be as specific and honest as you can about how the experience affected you, what it taught you, or what you got out of it.

Let's go back to the TV idea. Sure, writing an essay about how excited you are for the new season of Stranger Things  probably isn't the quickest way to get yourself into college, but you could write a solid essay (in response to the first type of prompt) about how SpongeBob SquarePants was an integral part of your childhood. However, it's not enough to just explain how much you loved SpongeBob—you must also explain why and how watching the show every day after school affected your life. For example, maybe it was a ritual you shared with your brother, which showed you how even seemingly silly pieces of pop culture can bring people together. Dig beneath the surface to show who you are and how you see the world.

When you write about something you don't really care about, your writing will come out clichéd and uninteresting, and you'll likely struggle to motivate yourself. When you instead write about something that is genuinely important to you, you can make even the most ordinary experiences—learning to swim, eating a meal, or watching TV—engaging .

#3: Focus on Specifics

But how do you write an interesting essay? Focus.

Don't try to tell your entire life story or even the story of an entire weekend; 500–650 words may seem like a lot, but you'll reach that limit quickly if you try to pack every single thing that has happened to you into your essay. If, however, you just touch on a wide range of topics, you'll end up with an essay that reads more like a résumé.

Instead, narrow in on one specific event or idea, and talk about it in more depth . The narrower your topic, the better. For example, writing about your role as Mercutio in your school's production of Romeo and Juliet is too general, but writing about opening night, when everything went wrong, could be a great topic.

Whatever your topic, use details to help draw the reader in and express your unique perspective. But keep in mind that you don't have to include every detail of what you did or thought; stick to the important and illustrative ones.

#4: Use Your Own Voice

College essays aren't academic assignments; you don't need to be super formal. Instead, try to be yourself. The best writing sounds like a more eloquent version of the way you talk .

Focus on using clear, simple language that effectively explains a point or evokes a feeling. To do so, avoid the urge to use fancy-sounding synonyms when you don't really know what they mean. Contractions are fine; slang, generally, is not. Don't hesitate to write in the first person.

A final note: you don't need to be relentlessly positive. It's OK to acknowledge that sometimes things don't go how you want—just show how you grew from that.

#5: Be Ruthless

Many students want to call it a day after writing a first draft, but editing is a key part of writing a truly great essay. To be clear, editing doesn't mean just making a few minor wording tweaks and cleaning up typos; it means reading your essay carefully and objectively and thinking about how you could improve it .

Ask yourself questions as you read: is the progression of the essay clear? Do you make a lot of vague, sweeping statements that could be replaced with more interesting specifics? Do your sentences flow together nicely? Do you show something about yourself beyond the surface level?

You will have to delete and rewrite (potentially large) parts of your essay, and no matter how attached you feel to something you wrote, you might have to let it go . If you've ever heard the phrase "kill your darlings," know that it is 100% applicable to college essay writing.

At some point, you might even need to rewrite the whole essay. Even though it's annoying, starting over is sometimes the best way to get an essay that you're really proud of.

What's Next?

Make sure to check out our other posts on college essays , including our step-by-step guide to how to write your college essay , our analysis of the Common App Prompts , and our collection of example essays .

If you're in need of guidance on other parts of the application process , take a look at our guides to choosing the right college for you , writing about extracurriculars , deciding to double major , and requesting teacher recommendations .

Last but not least, if you're planning on taking the SAT one last time , check out our ultimate guide to studying for the SAT and make sure you're as prepared as possible.

Alex is an experienced tutor and writer. Over the past five years, she has worked with almost a hundred students and written about pop culture for a wide range of publications. She graduated with honors from University of Chicago, receiving a BA in English and Anthropology, and then went on to earn an MA at NYU in Cultural Reporting and Criticism. In high school, she was a National Merit Scholar, took 12 AP tests and scored 99 percentile scores on the SAT and ACT.

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Congratulations to all of our graduates! 

111th Commencement

Welcome to Rice University’s 111th Commencement.

I am Reginald DesRoches, president of Rice University. Many of you in cap and gown know me as “Reggie.”

To begin, I want to thank the many people here tonight who have helped our graduates reach this monumental point in their lives.

Graduates, during your time at Rice, our faculty and our staff have dedicated themselves to nurturing the potential in each of you, and I want to take this moment to thank them for their continuous support and encouragement

Your accomplishments are also due, in part, to the dedication, to the loving encouragement, and to the extraordinary support of your family members and friends who have championed you. Many of them are likely here today.

To thank them for their support, I would like for all of our graduating students to rise — if you are able — and acknowledge what others have done for you.

I will forever have a special connection to this class, the Class of 2024. While you were starting as freshmen at Rice, I was starting as your new provost and chief academic officer. You started pursuing your Rice degree during a pandemic that shook the way we and the world operated; you undoubtedly were robbed of precious moments to engage in person with others on campus. You also have been at Rice during an unbelievable time of transition. New leadership; new ways of teaching and learning born out of the pandemic; new buildings, and yes a new Academic Quad. This class is the first to see the new space, which you did a few minutes ago. You were also in college during what many consider the most complicated time in modern history.

Yet , here you are today, more resilient and adaptive than ever and ready to face life with the firsthand knowledge that change and challenges are not meant to be feared but to be hurdled and overcome.

So as you stand on the brink of a new chapter in your lives, it’s important to reflect not just on the academic knowledge you’ve gained from your Rice degree but also on the profound lessons you’ve learned beyond the textbooks and outside of the lecture halls.

Throughout your time here, you’ve embarked on a journey far greater than simply acquiring knowledge; you’ve learned invaluable lessons about life itself and hopefully about yourself.

You’ve encountered a myriad of situations that have tested your resolve, set you back, challenged your perceptions and pushed you beyond your comfort zones. Whether it was tackling a difficult assignment, navigating through personal struggles or grappling with uncertainty, each hurdle has been a lesson in resilience, adaptability and perseverance.

You also have been exposed to a rich tapestry of cultures, perspectives, experiences, backgrounds and beliefs. You’ve had the privilege of interacting with people from all walks of life, broadening your understanding of the world and fostering empathy and compassion. It is my hope that these experiences have shown you the value of inclusivity, respect and the power of dialogue in bridging divides and fostering meaningful connections.

As you step out into the world beyond these familiar walls, I challenge you to cherish these lessons and never stop learning, never stop growing, never underestimate the power that you have to change the world. And, don’t forget the importance of being respectful to others and grateful for the opportunities you’ve been given.

All of us at Rice are thrilled to be a part of your celebration. We applaud your persistence, your incredible talent, your achievements and your aspirations. I know that I speak for my fellow faculty and staff when saying that you inspire us and give us hope.

We share our best wishes as you embark upon what lies ahead, and we hope it will bring you back to this campus many times.

Remember, Owls are never alone . Our more than 64,000 living alumni around the world are now a part of your extended family. Like you, they share immense pride in Rice and the accomplishments of all its graduates — you now included.

We look forward to welcoming you when you return, and we say, to the great Class of 2024, congratulations! May your future be filled with success, fulfillment and an unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the world.

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Mailing Address

Office of the President–MS 1 Rice University P.O. Box 1892 Houston, TX 77251-1892

Contact Information

713-348-4500 [email protected]

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Refractory neurological and psychiatric disorders are increasingly treated with brain stimulation therapies using implanted neuromodulation devices. Current commercially available stimulation systems, however, are limited by the need for implantable pulse generators and wired power; the complexity of this architecture creates multiple failure points including lead fractures, migration, and infection. Enabling less invasive approaches could increase access to these therapies. Here we demonstrate the first millimeter-sized leadless brain stimulator in large animal and human subjects. This Digitally programmable Over-brain Therapeutic (or DOT) is approximately 1 cm in width yet can produce sufficient energy to stimulate cortical activity on-demand through the dura. This extreme miniaturization is possible using recently developed magnetoelectric wireless power transfer that allows us to reach power levels required to stimulate the surface of the brain without direct contact to the cortical surface. This externally powered cortical stimulation (XCS) opens the possibility of simple minimally invasive surgical procedures to enable precise, long-lasting, and at-home neuromodulation with tiny implants that never contact the surface of the brain.

Competing Interest Statement

JTR, AS, SuAS, SaAS, and JW receive monetary and/or equity compensation from Motif Neurotech. SaAS has consulting agreements with Zimmer Biomet, Boston Scientific, Koh Young, Neuropace, Varian, Sensoria Therapeutics. SuAS has consulting agreements with Viz.AI, Penumbra, and Imperative Care as well as grant funding from Viz.AI and NIH. The terms of these arrangements have been reviewed and approved by Rice University, UTHealth, and Baylor college of Medicine in accordance with their policies on conflict of interest in research. The other authors declare no competing interests.

Funding Statement

Funding for this work was provided by the McNair Foundation.

Author Declarations

I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained.

The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:

IRB of Baylor College of Medicine and affiliated hospitals gave ethical approval for this work. This is not a health-related intervention and there were no health-related outcomes from this study. As a result, this study was not registered with a regulatory agency.

I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals.

I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance).

I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable.

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