Rice University supplemental essays, 2026-27

Please explain what draws you to the academic areas you selected above and how you hope to explore them at Rice University.

What it asks for: personal story.

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

What it asks for: personal story.

One of Rice's long-standing traditions is "The Box," a question on our application where we ask all of our applicants to share an image of something that appeals to them. The Box gives you the opportunity to present us with an image that shares something about yourself, your interests or what is meaningful to you. This image is not used for evaluative purposes in the application, but allows you to put your stamp on the application about who you are aside from what you have achieved. Be sure to choose an image that speaks for itself and does not need an explanation. The Box must be a two-dimensional image that is uploaded in the Common App or uploaded in the Rice Admission Student Portal.

What it asks for: identity and background.

Why are you determined to study architecture? Please explain your motivation and describe how your past experiences have led you to apply to the Rice School of Architecture in particular. Have you had an opportunity outside of school—such as an internship, building project, architecture summer program or other experience—that strengthened your interest in the field? If so, please describe how the experience further compels you to pursue a career in architecture.

What it asks for: why this school.

Describe a building, place, or city that you have encountered and found especially compelling. What specifically captured your attention, and why? In your response, reflect on how this experience has shaped your understanding of architecture and the built environment.

What it asks for: personal story.

1. Please explain what draws you to the academic areas you selected above and how you hope to explore them at Rice University. (150 words) 2. Based upon your exploration of Rice University, what elements of the Rice experience appeal to you? (150 words) 3. One of Rice's long-standing traditions is "The Box," a question on our application where we ask all of our applicants to share an image of something that appeals to them. The Box gives you the opportunity to present us with an image that shares something about yourself, your interests or what is meaningful to you. This image is not used for evaluative purposes in the application, but allows you to put your stamp on the application about who you are aside from what you have achieved. Be sure to choose an image that speaks for itself and does not need an explanation. The Box must be a two-dimensional image that is uploaded in the Common App or uploaded in the Rice Admission Student Portal. 4. Why are you determined to study architecture? Please explain your motivation and describe how your past experiences have led you to apply to the Rice School of Architecture in particular. Have you had an opportunity outside of school—such as an internship, building project, architecture summer program or other experience—that strengthened your interest in the field? If so, please describe how the experience further compels you to pursue a career in architecture. (250 words) 5. Describe a building, place, or city that you have encountered and found especially compelling. What specifically captured your attention, and why? In your response, reflect on how this experience has shaped your understanding of architecture and the built environment. (250 words)

Essay Prompt 1: 150 words; Essay Prompt 2: 150 words; Rice Box: no stated limit; Architecture Essay Prompt 1: 250 words; Architecture Essay Prompt 2: 250 words.

These prompts ask about personal story, identity and background, why this school. The why-this-school answer must be written for this school. Answers about a community, a challenge or an activity often adapt from drafts for other schools; My Schools maps which of your drafts fits which prompt.