Freshman Requirements for Fall 2024
This is the most important page for the successful completion of your application to the Shepherd School of Music. Final admissions decisions will be released by April 1. Submit items 1-9 to Rice University Admissions Office
| Step | Checklist | Date Due |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Coalition Application or the Common Application and Rice Writing Supplement. Remember to select Music as your first choice for the Academic School on the supplement. * See the Essay prompts listed below. | December 1 |
| 2 | A $75 nonrefundable application fee (must be paid online) | December 1 |
| 3 | Official high school transcript | December 1 |
| 4 | Two Teacher Evaluations (teacher recommendations), with at least one related to the intended field of study. For home-schooled applicants, at least one of these evaluations must be completed by someone not related to the applicant. | December 1 |
| 5 | Midyear Report to be submitted when senior midyear grades become available | When available |
| 6 or | Last Day for SAT Test (optional for 2023-2024). Click on SAT Test for Rice Admissions Testing requirements OR | December |
| 7 | Last Day for ACT (optional for 2023-2024). Click on ACT for Rice Admissions Testing requirements | December |
| 8 | School report (counselor recommendation) | December 1 |
| 9 | Financial Aid Forms:
| February 1 is priority deadline for Shepherd School of Music scholarship consideration |
Submit items 10-11 to the Shepherd School Office of Music Admissions
| Step | Checklist | Date Due |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Please use the following links for the appropriate audition or interview information for the Undergraduate Preliminary Submission: Composition Music History Performance | December 1 |
| 11 | Shepherd School Financial Assistance Application is a fillable Google form that is required if you wish to be considered for a SSM merit scholarship or Rice University financial aid (where applicable). Your answers from the form will be emailed to you. Please save the answers as a .pdf and then upload to your Undergraduate Preliminary Submission. | December 1 |
* Rice University Writing Supplement Essay Prompts for 2023-24
1. Please explain why you wish to study in the academic areas you selected. 150 word limit.
2. Based upon your exploration of Rice University, what elements of the Rice experience appeal to you? 150 word limit.
3. Please respond to one of the following prompts to explore how you will contribute to the Rice community:
- The Residential College System is at the heart of Rice student life and is heavily influenced by the particular cultural traditions and unique life experiences each student brings. What life experiences and/or unique perspectives are you looking forward to sharing with fellow Owls in the residential college system? 500 word limit.
- Rice is strengthened by its diverse community of learning and discovery that produces leaders and change agents across the spectrum of human endeavor. What perspectives shaped by your background, experiences, upbringing, and/or racial identity inspire you to join our community of change agents at Rice? 500 word limit.