alixt

How are the merit-based scholarships to Rice? (And how is my chance for being admitted?)

I really, really want to go there for college, but at the moment I could get a full ride to USC (Columbia) and that might be better for me financially. My family doesn't qualify for financial aid, so I need as many scholarships as possible.

I'm interested in majoring in Biomedical Engineering, and I have a 4.79 GPA (3.9 unweighted). I've taken three AP classes- Physics, English, and US History- and I've gotten a 5, a 4, and a 5 on them respectively. I'm a rising senior, and I'll be taking 4 AP classes (Computer Science, Economics, English Lit, and Calculus AB), but I'm also dual enrolled at USC, where I'll be taking Intermediate Japanese, and an independent study with the chair of the Biomedical Engineering department. I got an 800 on the SAT Math section- my total score, excluding the Writing section, was 1540. I also am a National Merit Semifinalist.

I do martial arts and compete in tournaments up and down the east coast. I also play piano, guitar, and I sing. I have over 250 hours of community service, and have numerous accolades for raising money for the Japanese Tsunami Survivors, including being a finalist for the Prudential Spirit of Community Award, and a recipient of the President's Community Service Award. In addition, I tutor and work in the Mechanical Engineering department of USC as a research assistant.

Comments/responses are greatly appreciated!