Congratulations on earning your Rice interview. Let's make sure you're ready for it.

Rice undergraduate admission · 2026-27 first-year applicants

Your Rice interview

Rice recommends that you request an interview: a virtual conversation with a Rice alum or a current Rice student who wants to learn about your accomplishments and academic interests and answer your questions about life at Rice. Applicants describe it as friendly and casual, more like a chat than a test, and Rice's own interviewers say there are no trick questions.

Sources (6)

Rice: First-Year Domestic Applicants · Rice: Your Application Checklist · Rice: Insider Tips from a Rice Owl Interviewer · Reddit: A few questions about Rice alumni interviews (2017) · Reddit: Rice alumni interview coming up and I need help! (2022) · Reddit: what to expect from Rice interview? (2021)

WhoA Rice alum from RAVA or a current Rice student, assigned by availability; both are weighted equally Rice · Rice

WhereOnline: all 2026-27 interviews are virtual Rice · Rice

How longApplicants report about 30-45 minutes, often near an hour with your questions, once 1.5 hours Reddit · Reddit · Reddit · Reddit · Reddit

WhenRequest in your portal after you apply: by Nov 3 (ED I), Dec 16 (RD priority), Jan 6 (ED II and RD) Rice · Rice

4 more: what they know about you, does it count, not offered one, odds

What they know about youApplicants report very little: usually just your name, school and area, not your application Reddit · Reddit · Reddit · Reddit

Does it countRice recommends it and uses it in evaluation; applicants report it carries modest weight Rice · Rice · Reddit · Reddit

Not offered oneNo harm: Rice says not getting matched or not scheduling won't hurt your application Rice · Rice · Rice

OddsRice admitted 2,948 of 36,791 applicants in 2024-2025, an 8.0% admission rate Rice

How you get an interview

Rice doesn't invite you. You ask. After you submit your application, request an interview in your Rice Admission Student Portal. Rice tries to interview as many students as possible but can't promise everyone a spot.

Deadlines for 2026-27. Early Decision I: apply by November 1, request by November 3. Regular Decision priority: apply by December 14, request by December 16. Early Decision II and Regular Decision: apply by January 4, request by January 6.
You can't pick your interviewer. Rice assigns an alum or a current student based on availability, and both count the same.
Everything is virtual this year. No coffee shop meetings for 2026-27.
International applicants can also submit an InitialView interview, completed by November 10 (Early Decision) or January 12 (ED II and RD).

Applicants report the portal option shows up about a day after applying (2025), and one interviewer emailed about two weeks after the request to schedule (2022). One 2026 applicant still saw the interview option after missing the priority deadline.

Sources: Rice: First-Year Domestic Applicants · Rice: Your Application Checklist · Rice: First-Year International Applicants · Reddit: What is the Rice Priority Deadline? (2025) · Reddit: Rice interview (legit) (2022) · Reddit: Rice Interview (2026)

What they're looking for

Rice says the interviewer wants to learn about your accomplishments and academic interests, and to answer your questions about life at Rice. A Rice student interviewer writes that the goal is to know you beyond your paper application, and that the interview is your chance to see if Rice really fits you too.

The real you. Rice's senior interviewers advise being yourself, since schools prefer well-rounded people over "academic robots".
Why you do what you do. They suggest reflecting on what you did in high school, why, and what mattered most to you.
A clear "why Rice". Research Rice and know why you want to go. Applicants report this is the one question nearly everyone gets, and that some interviewers expect you to bring it up yourself (2019).
You don't need a life plan. A Rice interviewer notes you don't have to know exactly what your future looks like.

Sources: Rice: First-Year Domestic Applicants · Rice: Insider Tips from a Rice Owl Interviewer · Rice: Interview Advice · Reddit: Rice interview questions (2019) · Reddit: what to expect from Rice interview? (2021) · Reddit: My Rice's interview is 24hrs awayy (2020)

What applicants report about the conversation

Most describe a relaxed talk that builds on what you say. A few found theirs more formal and direct, with almost no small talk (2022).

Common questions. Why Rice, why your major, tell me about yourself, your activities, your favorite classes, and what you do for fun.
Rice specifics. How you plan to take part in the residential college system, and how you'd fit into the Rice community (2025).
Creative curveballs. What class you'd make up and teach, how you'd use an extra hour each day, what your school will miss about you, who from history you'd meet (2024-2025).
Your questions take time. The question part often runs 20-25 minutes, then your questions can stretch it toward an hour (2024-2025).

Sources: Reddit: Rice alumni interview coming up and I need help! (2022) · Reddit: rice interview questions (2024) · Reddit: Rice interview questions (2025) · Reddit: What questions do they ask you at a Rice interview? (2021) · Reddit: Rice Interview! (2022) · Reddit: Rice interview (legit) (2022) · Reddit: Rice Interview (2026)

How to prepare

Reread your application. A Rice student interviewer suggests rereading your essays right before, and thinking about the reasons behind your classes and activities.
Know your "why Rice" in your own words. Make it specific to Rice, not an answer that fits any top school. Applicants suggest skipping the phrase "dream school" (2022).
Tell stories, not one-liners. Share a real project or moment and what you learned. Applicants say interviewers need substance to write about (2022).
Prepare questions. Rice suggests asking about majors, classes, clubs and other opportunities. Applicants report alums enjoy being asked which residential college they were in and about traditions like Beer Bike (2019, 2024).
Practise out loud. Have someone ask you basic questions, and keep notes beside your screen so your mind doesn't go blank (2021, 2024).
Stay professional. Even when it feels friendly, your interviewer isn't your buddy; skip overly personal questions (2022).

Sources: Rice: Insider Tips from a Rice Owl Interviewer · Rice: Interview Advice · Reddit: Rice alumni interview coming up and I need help! (2022) · Reddit: rice interview questions (2024) · Reddit: What questions do they ask you at a Rice interview? (2021) · Reddit: Rice interview questions (2019) · Reddit: Rice Interview (2024) · Reddit: Tips for interview ? (2019) · Reddit: Asked my Rice Interviewer his Rice Purity Test score... (2022)

How much it matters

Rice recommends the interview and weighs alum and student interviews equally. It also says that not getting matched, or not scheduling one, won't count against you.

Applicants report the effect is usually small: a good interview can give a boost, and it rarely hurts unless something goes badly wrong (2020-2021). Some were admitted after interviews they felt were weak, and others were turned down after great ones (2020).

Sources: Rice: First-Year Domestic Applicants · Rice: Your Application Checklist · Rice: First-Year International Applicants · Reddit: Alumni Interviews (2020) · Reddit: Interview or no? (2021) · Reddit: How important is the interview in the admissions process? I think I missed them: (2020)

After the interview

The report. Applicants report interviewers write up their impressions for admissions afterward, often within 48 hours (2017, 2020).
Say thank you. Several applicants recommend a short thank-you email the next day, and one interviewer replied the next day (2018-2022).
Possible follow-up. One interviewer asked right away for links to activities the applicant had mentioned (2022).

Your file is then read and discussed by at least two admission officers in committee.

Sources: Reddit: A few questions about Rice alumni interviews (2017) · Reddit: My Rice's interview is 24hrs awayy (2020) · Reddit: If I don't submit by Rice's interview priority deadline, what are my chances of (2018) · Reddit: What are the interviews like and what's the best way to prepare? (2017) · Reddit: Rice interview (legit) (2022) · Rice: Frequently Asked Questions

Other parts of the Rice application

Rice Supplement. Extra questions specific to Rice.
The Rice Box. Every applicant submits an image to share something about themselves beyond achievements.
Glimpse video (domestic, optional). A 60-90 second video, due November 10 for Early Decision and January 12 for ED II and Regular Decision.
Portfolios. Required for Architecture, optional for Art; Music applicants send materials to the Shepherd School.

Sources: Rice: First-Year Domestic Applicants · Rice: Your Application Checklist · Rice: First-Year International Applicants

Your interviewer

Lorena Villasenor Fictional interviewer

Get a briefing on your own interviewer

Know who's interviewing you? Their LinkedIn profile is the best source.

Use a computer if you can. Open their LinkedIn profile in a web browser, click More (or ⋯) under their name, then Save to PDF.
On a phone: the LinkedIn app can't save a profile. Open linkedin.com in your phone's browser instead, switch to the desktop site, and use More → Save to PDF.
Upload the PDF here, or paste what you know about them (a bio, a profile page).

See the sample briefing

Rice chemical engineering grad (2011, Lovett College), now a senior product manager for portable medical testing devices in El Paso; has interviewed Rice applicants since 2016.

Lorena graduated from Rice in 2011 with a chemical and biomolecular engineering degree and lived in Lovett College. She worked about five years as an engineer in Houston, then moved to Mesa Vista Health Devices in El Paso. Today she leads a team of 9 that brings a handheld blood-testing device to rural clinics. She has been a Rice volunteer interviewer and the regional coordinator for El Paso and southern New Mexico for about 10 years, interviewing 10-15 students a year. That means she has heard many interviews and has a good sense of what an ordinary answer sounds like. Her profile says she enjoys hearing 'what students build when nobody assigns it,' and that she cares about first-generation students. Expect a friendly but experienced listener who will likely want concrete examples.

Their path

Grew up in Las Cruces, New Mexico; went to Rice not knowing anyone
Rice University, B.S. Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, 2011, Lovett College; played viola in a student chamber group
Process Engineer, Gulfline Process Systems, Houston, 2011-2016 (water-treatment equipment; on call during the 2015 floods)
Product Engineer, Mesa Vista Health Devices, El Paso, 2016-2020
RAVA volunteer interviewer and regional coordinator, 2016-present (about 10 years)
M.S. Engineering Management, UTEP, 2018 (part-time, while working)
Senior Product Manager, Mesa Vista Health Devices, 2020-present (about 6 years); device launched at 40 clinic sites in 2023

What it means for your conversation

She has done this for about 10 years, so generic answers ('great academics, small classes') will likely blend together for her. Specific stories and a Rice-specific 'why Rice' will stand out more.
Her line about 'what students build when nobody assigns it' is a strong hint: she may ask about something you did on your own initiative. This doesn't have to be engineering. A project, club you started, job, family responsibility, or self-taught skill all count.
A product manager's job (deciding what a product should do and coordinating the people who build it) is largely about communication. She describes 'translating between engineers, nurses and regulators,' so she may appreciate clear, organized answers.
She says she arrived at Rice not knowing anyone and found her people at Lovett, her residential college. Residential colleges are the 11 communities where Rice students live and eat. She may be interested in how you'd find community at Rice.
She mentions caring about first-generation students. If that applies to you, it's fine to talk about it honestly. If it doesn't, don't force it.
She is an alum, not an admissions officer. Applicants report interviewers usually know only your name and school, so explain things as if she hasn't read your application.

Questions they may lean toward

Something you made, started or figured out without being told to Her About section says directly she enjoys hearing what students build when nobody assigns it.
Why Rice, specifically Nearly every Rice applicant gets this question. A long-time interviewer has likely heard the generic version many times.
How you'd take part in residential college life Applicants report this question, and her own Rice story centers on Lovett College.
Your academic interest and the reasons behind it Rice says interviewers want to learn about your academic interests. If you're interested in STEM, she may ask follow-up 'how' questions, but she'll likely be just as curious about other fields.
Problems you've solved for real people or working with different kinds of people This is a likely inference from her job, which involves testing devices with clinic staff and working across groups. Treat it as a possibility, not a certainty.

Honest common ground

If you're from West Texas or southern New Mexico, you likely share a region. She coordinates interviews there, and you can mention your area naturally.
If you're going to college far from home or without knowing anyone, she did the same. You can say so honestly.
If you're first-generation, that is something she has said she cares about.
If you play music, especially strings or chamber music, she played viola at Rice. Only bring this up if it's true for you.
If you speak Spanish, she does too. Mention it only if it naturally fits your story.

Questions to ask them

You went to Rice not knowing anyone. What helped you find your people at Lovett, and what should a new student do in the first few weeks? This builds on something she wrote, and her answer gives you real advice about settling in.
What Lovett or Rice-wide traditions mattered most to you, like Beer Bike? Applicants report alums enjoy talking about their college and traditions. It's also useful information for you.
Looking back, which Rice class or experience shaped how you work today? This invites a story instead of a résumé summary, and it tells you something real about Rice academics.
After interviewing for about ten years, how have you seen Rice change since you were a student? She has a long view that few interviewers have, and this question isn't flattery.
Is there something about Rice you wish you'd known before you arrived? It's a simple, honest question that helps you judge whether Rice fits you.

Avoid

Don't recite her résumé or open with 'I saw you work on blood-chemistry readers.' A brief, natural reference is fine.
Don't pretend to be interested in engineering, medical devices or product management if you're not.
Don't bring up her hobbies (green chile cheeseburgers, hiking, Owls baseball) to score points. That will come across as scripted.
Don't use the phrase 'dream school,' and don't give a 'why Rice' answer that would fit any top college.
Don't assume she has read your application. Briefly explain your activities.
Avoid overly personal questions about her life. Keep it friendly but professional.
Don't hide behind one-line answers. Give her concrete stories she can write about in her report.

A sample, to show what the briefing looks like: Lorena Villasenor and their employers are invented.

Based on: The sample interviewer's profile (fictional) · Rice: First-Year Domestic Applicants · Rice: Your Application Checklist · Rice: Insider Tips from a Rice Owl Interviewer · Reddit: A few questions about Rice alumni interviews (2017) · Reddit: Rice alumni interview coming up and I need help! (2022) · Reddit: what to expect from Rice interview? (2021)

All sources · 36 plus 18 applicant threads

Applicant threads are linked under each question.