best questbridge essays

Questbridge Scholarship Essay How-to Guide

The Questbridge application lets you show the admissions office a more holistic view of who you are. Students are often not used to talking about themselves in this way, and it can lead to some overthinking. In addition to this resource, you can find a lot of information about how to complete the application on the Questbridge website .

Questbridge Short Answers Part I

Tell us about one of your proudest achievements or moments and what it says about you.

Start with creating a timeline of important moments in your life that have shaped the way you see the world. The proudest achievements in your life may not always be the things that the outside observer may deem the most impressive, like winning a competition or earning the highest grade. Sometimes, it can be an acknowledgment that comes at the right time,  a sudden change in perspective, or supporting someone else in their achievement.

If you could meet a character from a book or a historical figure, who would it be and what would you ask them?

If you’re struggling to get started on this essay question, start with a brainstorm of intellectual questions that you find interesting. What are the things you read about for fun, or that send you down a youtube hole? Based on those topics, you can backward map the characters or historical figures that would allow you to dive into this subject area.

Mistakes to avoid in Part I…

• Trying to impress the reader. If you’re trying to think which of your achievements sound fanciest or which book will make you appear intelligent, your responses won’t be authentic, and it will show.
• Corny response.  Corny responses are not only inauthentic, they are also predictable and utilize common language. Make sure that each aspect of your application can pass the “best friend test.” If you dropped your essay and it was missing the name, would your best friend know it was yours?

What success looks like in Part I…

• It’s personal.  Each essay feels true and honest to you.
• It’s focused and concise. It doesn’t wander through multiple points and then end abruptly. Instead, it focuses on one main takeaway, and effectively conveys what it needs to.
• It’s thoughtful. It doesn’t just answer the question, but instead adds something insightful and interesting to the application as a whole.

Questbridge Short Answers Part II

What is your favorite subject to study, and why?

Dive into the subject that you feel most excited about, be honest! The most important part of this question is the “ why. ” Don’t just describe all of the things that you learn in world history. Instead, the reader should be able to understand why this of all of the other things you could be interested in really connects with you. Does it relate to a cause that you’re really passionate about? Is there something in your past that you’ve been trying to better understand through the study of this subject?

What are your favorite books and/or movies? There’s no trick here. Don’t feel that you need to impress others with your literary choices. The best response is one that speaks to who you are and your interests.

What is your favorite source of inspiration? Don’t feel the pressure to go grandiose here. Just speak honestly to what inspires you. Maybe it’s understanding yourself, time in nature, being able to connect with a loved one, or the thrill of solving a complex math problem.

How do you spend a typical weekend? Your response should balance relaxation and productivity. For example, perhaps you enjoy playing video games and hanging out with friends, and maybe you have a job or volunteer at your church. All of those things should be included. Don’t succumb to the pressure to sound like a robot who hates fun here.

What is the compliment that you have been paid that you are most proud of? Who gave you the compliment? Here, you should focus on describing concisely why this compliment was so meaningful to you.

After a challenging experience, how do you rejuvenate? Again, pretty straightforward.  Talk through what you do and why it’s important to you.

What would you contribute to your future college campus community? This is one that students often fumble by making it too generic. Take some time to think through all of your strengths and assets. If you’re struggling, ask s0meone who knows you well to help you with the list. Focus on one asset that you have evidence to back up so that you can show instead of telling. Also, try something a little different. For example, maybe you’re someone who loves having deep conversations into the early morning, or you’re always the person friends call when they need something specific done. The more honest the description is to you, the more compelling the essay.

Mistakes to avoid in Part II…

• Redundancy- It’s important to add something new to your application with every essay. Each essay should be like a puzzle piece creating a full picture of who you are.
• Too Generic- With short answers like this, it’s easy to stay shallow because there’s not enough space to dive deep. Push yourself to add value in a short period of time.

What success looks like in Part II…

• Punchy.  These are super short, so know what you want to convey and get to the point quickly.
• Relatable.  These short essays are super short. The point of them is to shine a spotlight on who you are outside of the classroom. This is a great opportunity to be relatable and likable. By the end of these essays, the admissions office should get a good idea of who you are and how you’d fit in on their campus. They should be excited about your contribution to their campus.

Essay 1 (800-word limit)

We are interested in learning more about you and the context in which you have grown up, formed your aspirations, and accomplished your academic successes. Please describe the factors and challenges that have most shaped your personal life and aspirations. How have these factors helped you to grow?

This is another question where the timeline exercise would be helpful: identify the events in your life that have shaped the way you view the world and have served as turning points. Don’t be afraid to be honest and vulnerable with your response. Remember that you are not the events and obstacles that you’ve experienced—instead, you are the interpretation and responses to those events.

Mistakes to avoid on Essay 1…

• Touching on too many topics.  Narrow your entire essay down to one sentence that you’re trying to convey. Your entire essay should be pieces of evidence that hold that one sentence up. If you touch on too many points, the essay will stay too superficial and it will be confusing for the reader.
• Writing an autobiography.  This is another common mistake that students make. You don’t want to touch on everything that has happened in your life, just the most poignant events.
• Writing the essay in chronological order. Don’t feel the need to start from the beginning of the story and build-up to the climax; that may lead you to focus too much on the event and not enough on the learning. Instead, try starting with the climax and filling in the necessary context later.

What success looks like on Essay 2…

• Vulnerability. This essay should be somewhat uncomfortable to share with others—it should be that personal.
• Highlighting your personal growth.  Make sure to focus more on your growth than the event itself. The reader wants to know who you are now and what has contributed to that.
• Grabbing your reader in the first paragraph.  The very first paragraph should be compelling and draw the reader into your essay. Which is why I recommend starting with the climax. Think about an episode of Law and Order . It doesn’t start with Detective Stabler waking up and making his morning coffee. It starts with a crime being committed, out of context. The remainder of the episode helps put the pieces together to create the full picture. You can format your essay in a similar way.

Questbridge Essay 2 (800-word limit)

Please write on ONE of the following topics: Option 1: Tell us about a concept, theory, or topic you have explored simply because it sparked your intellectual curiosity. Why do you find it intriguing? How do you want to explore it further? Option 2: Describe an experience that caused you to change your perspective and/or opinion. Option 3: What do you admire most about your community? What would you improve?

You’ll notice that the previous essay looks to understand how you interpret your past, your resiliency, and your grit. This essay wants to know how you interact with the world around you. With these prompts, there’s no secret to which one admissions offices will prefer. Select the option you feel most excited to write about and make sure that you’re authentic in your response.

Mistakes to avoid on Essay 2…

• Redundancy. Make sure that you’re not restating anything that you’ve already touched on during your application. Remember, every component of the application is another piece of the puzzle. If you continue bringing the same piece in, again and again, its a missed opportunity to see the full picture.
• Getting it over with.  You’re in the final stretch, and it can be easy to just write something for the sake of finishing things up. Remember that each essay should be personal and help the reader understand who you are. Every component is important.
• Not enough time on the why.  It’s easy to revert to the way you would write a school paper with this question. This is not the space to convince the reader of something or spend too much time describing the theory, experience, or community. What the reader finds compelling is why this resonates with you.

What success looks like…

• Displaying your intellectual curiosity.  The reader wants to know what you’re interested in, how you view the world,  and what you’ve done already to engage with these topics.
• Engagement with the world. The reader wants to better understand how you engage the world and what lessons you take from your surroundings.

In general, it’s important that you complete your essays early enough to receive feedback on your responses and complete multiple drafts. Find the people who will be honest with you, and aren’t afraid to tell you if you need to start over. Get multiple perspectives and then take what you find valuable.

Finally, the college and scholarship application process can be a difficult one. It’s important to know that you are talented and have a lot to offer whatever university you end up attending. As long as you’re putting your best foot forward and portray your most authentic self, you will end up where you’re meant to be. Take a deep breath, you’ve got this!

An Introduction to QuestBridge

• Sasha Chada
• December 30, 2021

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We’ve discussed financial aid and scholarships before, but in this article, we want to highlight a specific opportunity for high-achieving students. QuestBridge is an organization dedicated to helping high achieving but financially disadvantaged students apply to and pay for college, and awards a number of large scholarships each year to serve this goal.

In this article, we’ll break down what QuestBridge is, whether it’s right for you, and how to apply for it. While QuestBridge isn’t right for every student, it can be an amazing resource for some. Let’s get started!

What is QuestBridge?

Founded in 1987, QuestBridge seeks to match high-achieving students with top colleges. The students they work with come from underprivileged backgrounds, and the organization awards a large number of generous scholarships. These scholarships pay for the full cost of tuition and help with other costs. Students are sometimes expected to participate in work-study programs as part of these programs.

QuestBridge originally only partnered with Stanford, and they are still based in Palo Altos in California. Now, however, they have 45 college partners , which comprise many of the country’s top research universities and liberal arts colleges.

Students apply for the program, and as part of this created a ranked list of up to 12 schools they wish to apply to. Qualified students are selected as finalists, and these students have their QuestBridge application sent directly to the schools they ranked as part of their application. Students who match with a school through this process are awarded scholarships. Matching with a school through QuestBridge is usually binding.

Students who do not match in the initial round are allowed to submit their QuestBridge application to other partner schools in the Regular Decision round of admissions. While getting admitted this way does not award a scholarship through QuestBridge, many of these schools offer large financial aid packages, and all application fees are waived for QuestBridge students.

Who Qualifies for QuestBridge?

QuestBridge applicants are evaluated holistically; they have no hard cutoffs for grades, test scores, or financial circumstances. That said, they do have recommended benchmarks for applicants, both academic and financial. These are:

• Grades. Students are expected to have mostly As, with only a few Bs. They are also expected to have taken the most difficult classes available to them; AP, IB, or Honors.
• Class rank. Students should be in the top 5-10% of their class.
• Test scores. While these are not strictly required, students are expected to have test scores to meet the requirements of the colleges they apply to; this depends on schools’ own test optional policies. Scores should be 1260+ for SAT, and 27+ for ACT.
• Household income. The total income of the student’s household should be under $65,000. Students with unique financial circumstances can appeal to say why they deserve consideration.
• Assets. As with income, student’s households are expected to have minimal assets (such as investments or real estate).
• Extracurriculars. Students should be active and involved in activities outside of school. Students who need to work to support their family, or who need to take on responsibilities within the home have these counted.
• Honors. Students should have examples of their accomplishments.
• Character. Students should display leadership, a love of learning and academics, and a drive to accomplish great things.

This seems like a lot, but what QuestBridge is looking for is the same thing as top colleges . They want to make sure the students that are accepted as finalists will be able to succeed at the country’s top schools, and these metrics are seen as the best indicators for future success. The financial criteria are meant to ensure that QuestBridge’s resources go to the students who need them the most.

If you are a high achieving student from a disadvantaged academic background, we encourage you to apply to QuestBridge. The program is meant to help you achieve, and they are always looking for great students. 

How to Apply to QuestBridge

Applications for QuestBridge are submitted online and are due in September. This is far in advance of any college application deadlines.

QuestBridge applications require the following components:

• Basic information. This includes demographic, financial, and academic; everything you have to fill out on the Common App.
• Writing. You need to answer two essay questions, and some short answers.
• Recommendations. You will need two letters of recommendation from teachers.
• School info. Your counselor needs to submit a school report. They may also submit a school profile; this part is optional but still recommended.
• Transcripts. You need to submit current official transcripts from your high school.
• Test reports. If you report test scores, you also need to submit score reports.
• College specific information. Each college you apply to using QuestBridge has their own requirements, including additional essays.

The timeline for this alters slightly every year but follows the same general pattern. Applications open in late summer and are due in September. You are not able to edit or update your application after it is submitted. You use the same application for all schools; if you are not admitted into one of your initial ranked schools, you reuse the same application to apply to QuestBridge partner schools’ regular decisions.

QuestBridge Essays

QuestBridge asks for two essays . The prompts are: 

We are interested in learning more about you and the context in which you have grown up, formed your aspirations, and accomplished your academic successes. Please describe the factors and challenges that have most shaped your personal life and aspirations. How have these factors helped you to grow?

You will need to choose one of the following topics to expand upon:

Option 1: Tell us about a concept, theory, or topic you have explored simply because it sparked your intellectual curiosity. Why do you find it intriguing? How do you want to further explore it?

Option 2: Describe an experience that caused you to change your perspective and/or opinion.

Option 3: What do you admire most about your community? What would you improve?

The first of these is quite similar to the Common App personal statement, and any essay you write for QuestBridge will be easily editable to fit the Common App. We recommend writing the QuestBridge essay first, as it is easier to cut material out than to add material in. The goal of this question is to better understand you as a student and candidate and to see how your background and experiences have shaped you.

The second question gives you more options, and the prompt you answer should be the one that best allows you to show off your potential. These essays are a place for you to demonstrate your strengths and expand on other parts of your application. This prompt especially allows you to delve into one of your extracurricular activities, and explore its impact on you in more detail.

The supplemental essays colleges request through Questbridge are often different from the standard ones they ask for, and in some cases don’t exist at all. Make sure to check the requirements of each school you apply to carefully.

Final Thoughts

While it is difficult to find data on whether QuestBridge increases your chances of admissions, it does greatly increase your odds of receiving a valuable scholarship opportunity. Students who match with a school through QuestBridge are awarded four years of tuition to one of the country’s top institutions. This alone is enough to make the application worth pursuing. 

If you are eager to maximize your own chances of scholarships but do not qualify for QuestBridge, consider applying to our Pro Bono program . There are many ways to improve your chances of receiving college scholarships, and we are always happy to advise students.

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Quest scholarship college essay example – questbridge program.

• The Albert Team
• Last Updated On: March 1, 2022

This is a college essay submitted by a student who now attends Northwestern University. This student is a Quest Scholar at Northwestern. The student was awarded with a full-ride scholarship. As you read this Quest Scholarship college essay example, think about your own personal experiences and what you could write about if you are eligible for the scholarship. You can learn more about the Quest Scholarship here .

This is a solid personal essay for several reasons:

• The opening paragraph frames the story and presents to the reader a frustrating situation with his younger brother that leads the reader into the second paragraph with an anticipated even more acutely personal insight into this student’s life. A potentially stronger opening would have been starting with his mother’s condition and remaining focused with the main topic as this opening paragraph is a bit of a tangent in the grand scheme of things.
• The second paragraph demonstrates the reader’s understanding of his mother’s condition. It paints a vivid picture with the reader of the condition, demonstrating to an admissions counselor that not only has this student had to overcome extenuating circumstances, but also that he fully understands the nature of his mother’s condition.
• The third paragraph digs deep as the student reflects on what he has learned from watching his mother suffer the effects of MS through the years. He closes the paragraph strongly with a takeaway of what he has learned to value the most from watching his mother endure her MS condition through the years.
• Finally, the student concludes by wrapping the essay together nicely. The reader finishes reading the essay with a comprehensive understanding of the student’s life experience, how he has learned from this experience, and a bigger picture understanding of the human condition. This is vital. Strong admissions essays often have a message that provide admissions officers with insights of the student’s understanding of the human condition. These essays are often acutely personal and feature an overall theme—in this case, hardship and how the student came to terms with it.

Throughout my life I have encountered many circumstances that have shaped me into the person I am today. I started life in a small house outside of Mackinaw, Illinois. I lived in that house for eleven years, and while I was there I became the oldest of four children. That in itself has been an experience, teaching me a lot about being an example and impacting my views on responsibility. I have a brother who, quite frankly, is the worst behaved kid I know. He lies, steals, and misbehaves compulsively. Academically he is not much better. He was held back in first grade due to a refusal to do homework, and has barely scraped by ever since, consistently getting D’s and F’s. Miraculously, he is now in eighth grade, but he still is not doing much better academically or behaviorally. He is actually very smart; he just refuses to do work which is why he fails. At home he fights with my younger brother and sister and pushes my patience to its limits constantly. Through it all there is a silver lining. He has taught me tolerance and patience. I have learned to deal with other people and annoyances through my experiences with Brock, and find that I am generally harder to anger than others. The lessons in patience that I have learned from Brock have helped me a lot in working with others, and have contributed greatly to my successes in academics, but no single person or experience has impacted my outlook on life as much as my Mom.

Right around my tenth year, when my parents started looking into building a house in the country so my dad could have a shed to work on tractors in, my mom started having problems with her vision. It was often blurry, and she frequently suffered bouts of double vision. She went to several doctors, and numerous specialists, seeking a diagnosis. Eventually one came. Multiple Sclerosis. Abbreviated as MS, multiple sclerosis is ravaging disease affecting the nervous system. MS is caused when the myelin sheaths of nerve axons in the brain and spinal cord are damaged, causing scar tissue to form. The scar tissue hinders neural impulses, thus interfering with commands sent from the brain to motor nerves throughout the body. Eventually, problems with movement and balance develop. The progression of the disease is different for each patient and sometimes leads to an early death, but almost always leads to major disabilities.

Since her diagnosis, my mom’s condition has only worsened. Her double vision went away after a few months and has not returned since, but other complications have risen. Since then, little by little, I have watched my mom lose much of her ability to walk. Today at the age of forty, she walks almost everywhere with a cane. She has been told by her doctor not to drive because of slowed reaction times. Any time we go somewhere where there will be a lot of walking, she uses a wheelchair. Essentially, MS has forced my mom to age at a much greater pace than any human should have to endure. Remarkably though, in these eight years, I have never once heard her complain. Never once has she shown us any sign of self-pity. Instead, she has remained strong, accepting what fate has dealt her. In my parents’ room, she keeps a saying in a picture frame. It reads, “What is, is actual. What might be, simply is not. I must not therefore query God as though he has robbed me of things that are not.” It took me a while to understand exactly what it meant, but once I did I realized that my mom lives her life largely by the quote’s meaning. She realizes that she has MS, and nothing is going to change that, and so she accepts it and keeps going. It takes a special kind of person to do that; I do not think that many people would deal with it as well as my mom has.

Through my mom’s actions, she has taught me that no problem that I could possibly have merits complaint, because, truthfully, nobody cares. Everybody has problems in life, and no amount of complaining will ever change that. If everyone was like my mom I sincerely believe this world would be a better place. Aside from her refusal to complain, I have gained something else from my mom’s attitude. She has taught me the value of our talents and abilities, and that they should be used to their fullest while we possess them. She has inspired me to do my best in everything, and because of that I have been very successful. I love my mom for what she has been through and what she has taught me.

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Essay topics.

All first-year applicants will complete a few Yale-specific short answer questions. These required questions are slightly different based on the application platform an applicant chooses. The 2024-2025 Yale-specific questions for the Coalition Application, Common Application, and QuestBridge Application are detailed below.

Short Answer Questions

Applicants submitting the Coalition Application , Common Application , or QuestBridge Application  will respond to the following short answer questions:

• Students at Yale have time to explore their academic interests before committing to one or more major fields of study. Many students either modify their original academic direction or change their minds entirely. As of this moment, what academic areas seem to fit your interests or goals most comfortably? Please indicate up to three from the  list provided.
• Tell us about a topic or idea that excites you and is related to one or more academic areas you selected above. Why are you drawn to it? (200 words or fewer)
• What is it about Yale that has led you to apply? (125 words or fewer)

Applicants applying with the QuestBridge Application will complete the questions above via the Yale QuestBridge Questionnaire, available on the Yale Admissions Status Portal after an application has been received.

Applicants submitting the Coalition Application or Common Application  will also respond to the following short answer questions, in no more than 200 characters (approximately 35 words):

• What inspires you?
• If you could teach any college course, write a book, or create an original piece of art of any kind, what would it be?
• Other than a family member, who is someone who has had a significant influence on you? What has been the impact of their influence? 
• What is something about you that is not included anywhere else in your application?

Applicants submitting the Coalition Application or Common Application will respond to one of the following prompts in 400 words or fewer. 

1. Reflect on a time you discussed an issue important to you with someone holding an opposing view. Why did you find the experience meaningful?

2. Reflect on your membership in a community to which you feel connected. Why is this community meaningful to you? You may define community however you like.

3. Reflect on an element of your personal experience that you feel will enrich your college. How has it shaped you?

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We are a dedicated College Partner

Stanford is committed to providing access and opportunity for high achieving, low-income students. Since 2006, we have been a dedicated QuestBridge partner. We are proud of the many outstanding QuestBridge Finalists and College Prep Scholars who are current Stanford students and those who are now Stanford alumni.

How to Apply

Learn about application requirements and the National College Match on Stanford’s QuestBridge College Partner page .

Stanford QuestBridge Supplement

In the supplement, we ask several short questions (limit 50 words each), and because the QuestBridge Application is so comprehensive, we ask just one essay question: Virtually all of Stanford's undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate—and us—get to know you better. (250-word maximum)

Frequently Asked Questions

If i participate in questbridge, do i need to apply for financial aid from stanford.

Yes; all applicants to Stanford, including those participating in the National College Match, must submit financial aid application documents to Stanford in order to receive a financial aid notification.

If you ranked Stanford in the Match, please submit the CSS Profile and federal tax forms by November 1. Please complete the FAFSA as soon as it is available and submit it no later than February 15. Visit Stanford’s  National College Match Scholarship Package page   and Stanford’s  QuestBridge College Partner page   for more information.

I submitted a QuestBridge Application to Stanford. Do I also need to submit a Common Application?

No; If you submitted a QuestBridge Application to Stanford through the National College Match or QuestBridge Regular Decision, there is no need to submit a Common Application. Your QuestBridge application is your Stanford application.

We will not review an additional application. If you need to provide us with significant updates, you will have an opportunity to do so on your student portal.

I am a QuestBridge Finalist, but I am not participating in the Match. Can I apply to Stanford under Restrictive Early Action?

Yes; however, you must submit a Common Application. Your application fee will be waived when you select the “QuestBridge Finalist” option in the Stanford fee waiver section.

Since the ACT or SAT is not required for Stanford this year, how can I let Stanford know if I want my scores considered?

In your Stanford QuestBridge Supplement there is a question asking whether you would like Stanford to consider ACT or SAT scores in the review of your application.

If you are not able to take the ACT or SAT, your application will not be at a disadvantage. If you have already taken the ACT or SAT, and you feel that your scores are a positive reflection of your academic preparedness, then you are welcome to self-report them. Your application will not be at a disadvantage if you choose not to report your scores.

National College Match

Is stanford’s match binding.

Yes; Stanford’s Match is binding. If you are matched with Stanford, congratulations and welcome! We look forward to having you join our community. As a reminder, under QuestBridge guidelines, Finalists who match to a binding institution through the National College Match are to withdraw their applications from other colleges and universities.

Does Stanford have a maximum number of students they accept through the Match?

No; the Match is a partnership to provide access and opportunity for high achieving, low-income students. Stanford reviews applications holistically and works to create a strong and diverse cohort of Match Finalists. In previous years we have matched anywhere between 65-90 students, the number of matches can vary each year. Stanford’s partnership with QuestBridge is more than just the Match. Many outstanding QuestBridge Finalists and non-Finalists are admitted in Regular Decision.

Will Stanford consider Finalists for the Match if their Parent Contribution (PC) is above $0?

Stanford's financial aid is need-based; therefore, we are focusing our Match efforts on students whose families are determined to have a Parent Contribution (PC) of $0.

However, Stanford is committed to meeting the full demonstrated need of all admitted students seeking financial aid, including those who apply through Restrictive Early Action or Regular Decision. You can estimate your financial aid using Stanford’s Net Price Calculator .

Can I rank Stanford in the Match and apply to other schools through their early action or early decision rounds?

No; similarly, you cannot apply to Stanford under Restrictive Early Action and at the same time apply to other colleges through the Match. Please see QuestBridge's Early Application Policy .

Can I submit an Arts Portfolio if I am applying to Stanford through the Match?

No; the Match timeline does not align with the Arts Portfolio review process.

If I participate in the National College Match will I have the opportunity to participate in an optional alumni interview?

No; the Match timeline does not align with the Alumni Interview schedule.

Stanford admission interviews are optional, assigned randomly according to local alumni availability and can be declined without negatively affecting the application. Finalists who rank Stanford but do not match to a binding college will automatically be considered in Regular Decision and may be offered an interview at that time.

Can I submit an additional letter of recommendation in addition to the letter(s) included in the QuestBridge application?

It is not a requirement or an expectation that students will submit additional letter(s) of recommendation in addition to the two letters we receive with your QuestBridge application.

If you would like to send an additional letter from a school official please have them email it directly to [email protected]

I am an undocumented/DACA student. Can I apply to Stanford through the Match?

Yes; Stanford welcomes applications from undocumented/DACA students through the National College Match. Visit our How Aid Works page for undocumented applicants.

I am an international citizen studying in the U.S. with a visa. Can I apply to Stanford through the Match?

No; Stanford does not review applications from international citizens through the National College Match. We encourage international citizens to apply to Stanford through QuestBridge Regular Decision.

Withdrawing Your Application

How do i withdraw my application from consideration.

To remove Stanford from your rankings for the Match, contact QuestBridge. After the Match, if you would like to withdraw your application from consideration in Regular Decision, log in to your Stanford portal and submit the "Withdraw Application" form.

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How To Tackle The Weirdest Supplemental Essay Prompts For This Application Cycle

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Writing the college essay

How do you write a letter to a friend that shows you’re a good candidate for the University of Pennsylvania? What reading list will help the Columbia University admissions committee understand your interdisciplinary interests? How can you convey your desire to attend Yale by inventing a course description for a topic you’re interested in studying?

These are the challenges students must overcome when writing their supplemental essays . Supplemental essays are a critical component of college applications—like the personal statement, they provide students with the opportunity to showcase their authentic voice and perspective beyond the quantitative elements of their applications. However, unlike the personal essay, supplemental essays allow colleges to read students’ responses to targeted prompts and evaluate their candidacy for their specific institution. For this reason, supplemental essay prompts are often abstract, requiring students to get creative, read between the lines, and ditch the traditional essay-writing format when crafting their responses.

While many schools simply want to know “why do you want to attend our school?” others break the mold, inviting students to think outside of the box and answer prompts that are original, head-scratching, or downright weird. This year, the following five colleges pushed students to get creative—if you’re struggling to rise to the challenge, here are some tips for tackling their unique prompts:

University of Chicago

Prompt: We’re all familiar with green-eyed envy or feeling blue, but what about being “caught purple-handed”? Or “tickled orange”? Give an old color-infused expression a new hue and tell us what it represents. – Inspired by Ramsey Bottorff, Class of 2026

What Makes it Unique: No discussion of unique supplemental essay prompts would be complete without mentioning the University of Chicago, a school notorious for its puzzling and original prompts (perhaps the most well-known of these has been the recurring prompt “Find x”). This prompt challenges you to invent a new color-based expression, encouraging both linguistic creativity and a deep dive into the emotional or cultural connotations of color. It’s a prompt that allows you to play with language, think abstractly, and show off your ability to forge connections between concepts that aren’t typically linked—all qualities that likewise demonstrate your preparedness for UChicago’s unique academic environment.

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How to Answer it: While it may be easy to get distracted by the open-ended nature of the prompt, remember that both the substance and structure of your response should give some insight into your personality, perspective, and characteristics. With this in mind, begin by considering the emotions, experiences, or ideas that most resonate with you. Then, use your imagination to consider how a specific color could represent that feeling or concept. Remember that the prompt is ultimately an opportunity to showcase your creativity and original way of looking at the world, so your explanation does not need to be unnecessarily deep or complex—if you have a playful personality, convey your playfulness in your response; if you are known for your sarcasm, consider how you can weave in your biting wit; if you are an amateur poet, consider how you might take inspiration from poetry as you write, or offer a response in the form of a poem.

The goal is to take a familiar concept and turn it into something new and meaningful through a creative lens. Use this essay to showcase your ability to think inventively and to draw surprising connections between language and life.

Harvard University

Prompt: Top 3 things your roommates might like to know about you.

What Makes it Unique: This prompt is unique in both form and substance—first, you only have 150 words to write about all 3 things. Consider using a form other than a traditional essay or short answer response, such as a bullet list or short letter. Additionally, note that the things your roommate might like to learn about you do not necessarily overlap with the things you would traditionally share with an admissions committee. The aim of the prompt is to get to know your quirks and foibles—who are you as a person and a friend? What distinguishes you outside of academics and accolades?

How to Answer it: First and foremost, feel free to get creative with your response to this prompt. While you are producing a supplemental essay and thus a professional piece of writing, the prompt invites you to share more personal qualities, and you should aim to demonstrate your unique characteristics in your own voice. Consider things such as: How would your friends describe you? What funny stories do your parents and siblings share that encapsulate your personality? Or, consider what someone might want to know about living with you: do you snore? Do you have a collection of vintage posters? Are you particularly fastidious? While these may seem like trivial things to mention, the true creativity is in how you connect these qualities to deeper truths about yourself—perhaps your sleepwalking is consistent with your reputation for being the first to raise your hand in class or speak up about a cause you’re passionate about. Perhaps your living conditions are a metaphor for how your brain works—though it looks like a mess to everyone else, you have a place for everything and know exactly where to find it. Whatever qualities you choose, embrace the opportunity to think outside of the box and showcase something that admissions officers won’t learn about anywhere else on your application.

University of Pennsylvania

Prompt: Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge.

What Makes it Unique: Breaking from the traditional essay format, this supplement invites you to write directly to a third party in the form of a 150-200 word long letter. The challenge in answering this distinct prompt is to remember that your letter should say as much about you, your unique qualities and what you value as it does about the recipient—all while not seeming overly boastful or contrived.

How to Answer it: As you select a recipient, consider the relationships that have been most formative in your high school experience—writing to someone who has played a large part in your story will allow the admissions committee some insight into your development and the meaningful relationships that guided you on your journey. Once you’ve identified the person, craft a thank-you note that is specific and heartfelt—unlike other essays, this prompt invites you to be sentimental and emotional, as long as doing so would authentically convey your feelings of gratitude. Describe the impact they’ve had on you, what you’ve learned from them, and how their influence has shaped your path. For example, if you’re thanking a teacher, don’t just say they helped you become a better student—explain how their encouragement gave you the confidence to pursue your passions. Keep the tone sincere and personal, avoid clichés and focus on the unique role this person has played in your life.

University of Notre Dame

Prompt: What compliment are you most proud of receiving, and why does it mean so much to you?

What Makes it Unique: This prompt is unique in that it invites students to share something about themselves by reflecting on someone else’s words in 50-100 words.

How to Answer it: The key to answering this prompt is to avoid focusing too much on the complement itself and instead focus on your response to receiving it and why it was so important to you. Note that this prompt is not an opportunity to brag about your achievements, but instead to showcase what truly matters to you. Select a compliment that truly speaks to who you are and what you value. It could be related to your character, work ethic, kindness, creativity, or any other quality that you hold in high regard. The compliment doesn’t have to be grand or come from someone with authority—it could be something small but significant that left a lasting impression on you, or it could have particular meaning for you because it came from someone you didn’t expect it to come from. Be brief in setting the stage and explaining the context of the compliment—what is most important is your reflection on its significance and how it shaped your understanding of yourself.

Stanford University

Prompt: List five things that are important to you.

What Makes it Unique: This prompt’s simplicity is what makes it so challenging. Stanford asks for a list, not an essay, which means you have very limited space (50 words) to convey something meaningful about yourself. Additionally, the prompt does not specify what these “things” must be—they could be a physical item, an idea, a concept, or even a pastime. Whatever you choose, these five items should add depth to your identity, values, and priorities.

How to Answer it: Start by brainstorming what matters most to you—these could be values, activities, people, places, or even abstract concepts. The key is to choose items or concepts that, when considered together, provide a comprehensive snapshot of who you are. For example, you might select something tangible and specific such as “an antique telescope gifted by my grandfather” alongside something conceptual such as “the willingness to admit when you’re wrong.” The beauty of this prompt is that it doesn’t require complex sentences or elaborate explanations—just a clear and honest reflection of what you hold dear. Be thoughtful in your selections, and use this prompt to showcase your creativity and core values.

While the supplemental essays should convey something meaningful about you, your values, and your unique qualifications for the university to which you are applying, the best essays are those that are playful, original, and unexpected. By starting early and taking the time to draft and revise their ideas, students can showcase their authentic personalities and distinguish themselves from other applicants through their supplemental essays.

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QuestBridge Applicants

Let’s get started.

With the goal of enrolling a diverse class of the most talented students from across the country and around the world, our processes and policies are carefully designed to evaluate each applicant based on individual merits and potential to succeed at Rice.

* Dates are for 2020-2021 application cycle

Application Materials

• September Last applicable ACT
• Sep. 26 QuestBridge Application due to QuestBridge
• October Last applicable SAT
• OCT. 10 College ranking list due to QuestBridge
• OCT. 16 QuestBridge Finalists notified
• Rice Supplement to the QuestBridge Application
• Architecture portfolio (Architecture applicants only)
• 2023-2024 FAFSA
• 2025-2026 CSS Profile
• 2023 Federal Tax Returns and Forms
• Nov. 3 Request an Alumni interview (optional)
• Nov. 20 Complete a Rice Senior Interview (optional)
• Dec. 2 Match Day decision notification
• Early December Deadline to choose Early Decision I
• Mid December QuestBridge Regular Decision form due (non-matched, non-ED applicants only)
• Decision Plan Verification Form
• QuestBridge Midyear Report
• Test Scores (optional)
• See QuestBridge college partner page
• Jan. 6 Request an Alumni Interview (optional)
• Feb. 1 2025-2026 FAFSA

QuestBridge Profiles

Meet a few of our own Rice Quest Scholars and hear how participation in QuestBridge impacted their college journey.

Noemi Moreno

Bradley ramsey, arielle noah.

QuestBridge FAQS

Application Policies & Procedures

First-year domestic applicants are those who will complete high school by the end of the current academic year and hold one of the following citizenship or residency statuses:

• U.S. citizenship
• Permanent Residency
• Undocumented who do not hold DACA status but have resided in the U.S. for an extended period of time
• Refugee/Asylee

Students enrolled in concurrent high school and college courses are considered first-year candidates.

Students who have elected to take time off from schooling between graduating from high school and enrolling in college are considered first-year candidates.

Completion of a high school diploma (or an equivalent) prior to enrollment is required for all new incoming students.

Rice requires a $75 nonrefundable application fee. Students requesting an application fee waiver from Rice should respond to the fee waiver prompts provided in the Common Application. Those students participating in the QuestBridge program automatically qualify for application fee waivers from Rice.

The Rice supplement offers you the opportunity to share more about yourself. This is your chance to tell us why you are interested in Rice and what you would like to pursue as a student here. We also want you to elaborate on your experiences and achievements to share what you would bring to our community.

Essay Prompts (2024-2025)

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 (optional):

• 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.

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 Application or uploaded in the Rice Admission Student Portal.

Applicants interested in Shepherd School of Music must submit additional materials depending on their area of study. All application materials must be completed by December 1. Music applicants are not eligible to apply through QuestBridge or Early Decision. Admitted students must pursue the music program for at least one year before changing schools. For more information, please visit the Shepherd School of Music Admission page.

Applicants interested in the School of Architecture must submit a portfolio of creative work. Portfolios should be uploaded via your Rice Admission Student Portal. Note: Submissions exceeding the specifications listed below will not be accepted.

The portfolio should demonstrate creative potential and is not expected to be architectural in focus nor professional in quality. It may include examples of sketches, paintings, photography, models, etc. Examples of mechanical or computer drafting are strongly discouraged. The School of Architecture does not accept CDs or DVDs.

Portfolio specifications:

• PDF file labeled with applicant name (example: JaneDoe.pdf)
• 15 MB maximum file size
• Page size should be horizontally oriented A4 or Letter (8.5” x 11”); images should be between 150dpi and 300 dpi
• The first page should be a cover/title page with the applicant’s name
• Content can be up to 10 pages (not including the title page); more than one image or work can be included per page
• Captions of images with title, year of execution, media, and size are encouraged. A one to two sentence description is also acceptable.

For more information about the program, please visit their website.

Architecture Essay Prompts

1. Why are you determined to study architecture? Could you please elaborate on your past experiences and how they have motivated you to apply to Rice University and the School of Architecture in particular? 250 words.

2. Please expand on relevant experiences and motivations outside of your academic trajectory that have inspired you to study architecture, focusing on aspects that are not accommodated by other prompts in the application. 250 words.

Applicants interested in the Department of Art under the School of Humanities may submit a portfolio of creative work. If you would like to submit a portfolio, it should be uploaded via your Rice Admission Student Portal. Note: Submissions exceeding the specifications listed below will not be accepted.

The portfolio should demonstrate creative potential and is not expected to be professional in quality. It may include examples of sketches, paintings, photography, models, etc. The Department of Art does not accept CDs or DVDs, but can access URLs to Vimeo or YouTube provided within the portfolio.

• 10 MB maximum file size
• Images should be JPEGs at least 2000 pixels on the longest dimension and between 72 dpi
• Please upload all images/videos to your portfolio
• Content can be up to 10 files; one work per file (details can be included)
• Submissions of durational and/or moving-image work(s), no matter how many, cannot be longer than five (5) minutes total
• Captions of images with title, year of execution, media, and size are required. A one to two sentence description is also recommended.
• Applicants should not provide links to websites of multiple works, as these will not be reviewed.
• PDF documents should not be submitted and will not be reviewed

To upload your portfolio, access your Rice Admission Student Portal, scroll down to the Art Portfolio section and click “Edit Portfolio”.

Early Decision Plan

Early Decision is a binding decision plan designed for students who have selected Rice as their first choice. Students may initiate applications to other colleges under nonbinding plans but must withdraw those applications if admitted to Rice. Students who apply Early Decision must submit their materials by November 1. Admission decisions will be released by mid-December.

All admission decisions are final. There are three admission outcomes from Early Decision; the admission committee will:

• Defer - Deferred applicants are considered with the Regular Decision pool.
• Deny - Denied applicants will not be considered with Regular Decision pool, but are welcome to re-apply in the following application cycle.

It is important to note that, if admitted under Early Decision, a candidate must withdraw all other college applications, may not submit any additional applications after accepting the offer, and must accept Rice’s offer of admission by submitting an enrollment deposit by January 1.

Those accepted under Early Decision who demonstrate financial aid eligibility and submit all required materials by the deadline will receive a financial aid package at the time of admission.

Regular Decision Plan

Regular Decision is a non-binding decision plan. Students who apply Regular Decision must submit their materials by January 4. Admission decisions will be released by April 1.

All admission decisions are final. There are three admission outcomes from Regular Decision; the admission committee will:

• Waitlist – Applicants who are offered a place on the waitlist may elect to be considered for admission if space in the class becomes available.
• Deny – Denied applicants are welcome to re-apply in the following application cycle.

Regular Decision applicants who are offered admission must submit an enrollment deposit by May 1.

Those accepted under Regular Decision who demonstrate financial aid eligibility and submit all required materials by the deadline will receive a financial aid package at the time of admission.

Rice is one of the original QuestBridge university and college partners (starting in 2004), and we are now one of only 45 university and college partners with a proven commitment to providing access to low-income students. Programs Rice supports include the College Prep Conferences (typically held in May and June) and the National College Match program which runs October through December. The National College Match is open to all U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents OR students, regardless of citizenship, currently attending high school in the United States. Music applicants are not eligible to apply through QuestBridge.

Essay Prompts for students using the QuestBridge application (2024-2025)

One of Rice's long-standing traditions is “The Box,” a question on our application where we ask all of our applicants, including students using the QuestBridge application, to share an image of something that appeals to them. Read more about The Box under the Rice supplement tab.

For more information about applying to Rice through QuestBridge, please visit QuestBridge’s Rice University page or contact us directly at [email protected].

Official Transcripts

Official high school/secondary school transcripts must include grades from 9th through 11th grade as well as courses being taken in the 12th grade. Early Decision applicants are encouraged to submit first marking period grades, when they become available. Regular Decision applicants will be required to submit mid-year grades from 12th grade, when they become available.

Applicants studying in an international exam-based curriculum, must submit:

• All official high school transcripts
• Final exam results (for example IGCE/GCSE, CBSE X/AISSCE X)
• Predicted exam results, if available

Official high school transcripts must be submitted by your high school via the application platform (Common App), through an online ordering system or eTranscript service , or sent via postal mail directly to the Office of Admission. Transcripts will not be accepted by fax or email.

National Student Clearinghouse (SPEEDE server)

Scribbles (ScribOrder)

Cambridge Assessment International Education (CIE Direct)

For USPS Courier: Rice University Office of Admission-MS 17 P.O. Box 1892 Houston, TX 77251-1892

For DHL/Fedex EXPRESS Couriers (common for international): Rice University Office of Admission-MS 555 6100 Main St. Houston, TX 77005

Course Requirements

Rice seeks students who demonstrate intellectual vitality through their course selection and their grade performance. Most applicants will challenge themselves by taking advantage of the rigorous coursework available to them. At a minimum, students must complete the following.

• At a minimum, the natural science and engineering divisions require trigonometry or precalculus and both chemistry and physics. Students may substitute a second year of chemistry or biology for physics.
• Students admitted with curriculum deficiencies will be asked to complete the required work by taking high school or college-level courses during the summer before enrollment at Rice.

Testing Policy

Rice recommends first-year and transfer student applicants to undergraduate degree-seeking programs to submit SAT or ACT test scores, if available. Students who are unable to submit test scores or prefer not to submit test scores will be given full consideration in the admission selection process.

Standardized tests have long served to provide an external benchmark of college-readiness that provides meaningful information about a student’s preparedness for the rigors of a Rice education. As is consistent with our holistic review, test scores are one factor of many that are considered in the admission process.

Students wishing to provide additional exams for admission consideration are welcome to submit these to our office. These exams are optional and at the discretion of the students to submit. We want students to have every opportunity to showcase their strengths and academic achievements where possible.

• AP Exams, IB Exams, or AICE Exams: Students may opt to self-report AP, IB or AICE exam scores in the testing section of the Common Application or QuestBridge National College Match Application. These scores show mastery of content knowledge in specific subjects and may be eligible for undergraduate course credit once a student enrolls.
• Predicted IB Diploma and A-Levels: Students enrolled in IB and A-Level curricula whose schools submit predicted scores for admission consideration are expected to complete their exams and submit final results prior to enrolling.

Additional Testing Policy

Students applying to Rice University are recommended but not required to submit SAT or ACT for admission consideration. Students wanting to show their college readiness and academic strengths may choose to submit SAT, ACT, AP, or IB test scores.

• ACT or SAT: Rice does not have a preference for students to submit one test over the other. If an applicant submits both an SAT and an ACT score, the committee will consider the test that best enhances their application.
• Superscore: When reviewing SAT and ACT scores, we use the highest score from each section across all administrations. We encourage students to report all scores knowing that we will recombine the sections to get the best possible set of scores for each candidate.
• Essay sections: The ACT Essay and SAT Essay sections are not required and not considered for admission.
• Self-reported Scores: Students have the option to submit self-reported scores if they are graduating from a high school within the U.S. or submit official scores. Admitted students who used self-reported scores and choose to enroll at Rice will be required to submit official test scores prior to matriculation.
• Official Test Scores: To be considered official, scores must be sent directly from the testing organization. Rice’s College Board code, including TOEFL, is 6609 and our ACT code is 4152.

Please refer to our Class Profile for more information on the academic profile of admitted students.

Candidates must submit letters of recommendation from their counselor and two teachers.

Counselor Letter of Recommendation

The counselor letter of recommendation serves to highlight the accomplishments of a student within the context of their high school. The letter must come from an applicant’s assigned school counselor, college counselor, principal, or headmaster. Applicants will not be disadvantaged if their high school structure and counselor’s caseload does not allow students the opportunity to build a personal relationship with their counselor.

Teacher Letters of Recommendation

The two teacher recommendations serve to highlight the applicant’s academic strengths and contributions in the classroom. Both of these recommendations should be from teachers of core academic subjects, and ideally one recommendation would relate to the applicant's intended area of study. Though not a requirement, we would prefer letters come from teachers who have taught the student for a full course.

Supplemental Letters of Recommendation

The required counselor recommendation and two teacher recommendations provide the Admission Committee with all the information we need to make an informed admission decision. However, if someone has unique and personal knowledge about an applicant's accomplishments or talents, the applicant may have that individual submit a supplemental recommendation. For example, this could include an employer, supervisor, coach, mentor, or another teacher. Supplemental recommendations must include the applicant’s full name, date of birth, or applicant ID and should be submitted through the application platform or to [email protected].

We recommend an interview for first-year applicants, though they are optional and not guaranteed. Interviews are a great way to communicate your knowledge about Rice and an excellent opportunity to showcase academic and personal successes while learning more about the campus experience. An inability to schedule an interview will not negatively impact your application.

All interviews for the 2024 - 2025 application cycle will be conducted virtually. A trained alumnus or current Rice University senior will virtually meet with you to learn more about your accomplishments and academic interests and to answer your questions about studying at Rice.

A limited number of interviews with current Rice University seniors will be available beginning in late August through our campus visit website . You do not need to have submitted your admission application to schedule an interview with a current senior, but interview slots are on a first-come, first-served basis. Please follow the deadlines below when scheduling an interview with a current senior.

If you are unable to schedule an interview with a Rice senior, you will still have the opportunity to request an interview with a member of the Rice Alumni Volunteers for Admission (RAVA). Due to limited availability, you will need to submit your application for admission before requesting an interview with RAVA. Then access your online applicant portal and request your virtual interview by the deadlines below.

*Please note that you may only complete one interview. We have no preference between completing an interview with a Rice senior or a RAVA. In years of exceptionally high demand for interviews, all requests may not be fulfilled. We will try to match students who request an interview by the priority deadline first.

Rice University has concluded our participation in the Rice/Baylor Medical Scholars program.

We remain committed to supporting our current cohorts as they finish their studies at Rice and matriculate into Baylor College of Medicine. However, we will no longer accept new applications to the Rice/Baylor Program.

With Rice’s location situated next to the world-renowned Texas Medical Center, our students benefit from opportunities to work with leading researchers and medical professionals and are exceedingly successful pursuing their aspirations in medicine and healthcare. We will continue to advise students on the many avenues and pathways to becoming healthcare professionals, including the traditional medical school application process.

You will be notified via email how to access your Rice Admission Student Portal which is designed to assist you in tracking our receipt of your application materials and to communicate your final admission decision. The only valid notification of an admission decision is a formal communication from the Rice University Office for Enrollment. We reserve the right to close your application if you are admitted under a binding Early Decision plan at another institution.

Need-Based Financial Aid

We know that one of the biggest factors in determining the right school is affordability. Because we believe talent deserves opportunity, Rice offers need-blind admission to domestic students. This means we do not consider finances when we review the application. Additionally, Rice meets 100 percent of demonstrated need – without loans – through the Rice Investment, one of the most notable financial aid programs in the country. For more information about need-based financial aid and the Rice Investment, please visit our Office of Financial Aid website.

Merit-Based Scholarships

The Office of Admission offers merit-based scholarships to incoming first year students who distinguish themselves academically and personally within our highly competitive group of admitted students. These scholarships are based solely on merit and financial need is not taken into consideration. There is no separate application or interview required; the Admission Committee automatically considers all admitted students, both domestic and international, on the basis of the student’s application for admission. About 20% of admitted students are offered a merit scholarship each year. Students awarded a merit-based scholarship will be notified at the time of admission.

Advanced Placement (AP) Exams

Rice University awards transfer credit for the Advanced Placement (AP) Program, which enables high school students to earn transfer credit for college-level courses taken in high school upon completion of AP examinations with a score of 4 or 5. For more information about the AP transfer credit process, please visit the Advanced Placement (AP) Credit page.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Exams

Rice University awards transfer credit for International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations for students who hold the International Baccalaureate Diploma and have obtained a score of 6 or 7 on higher level exams. For more information about the IB transfer credit process, please visit the International Baccalaureate (IB) Credit page.

International Exams

Students who complete various international exams with a grade of A or B may receive transfer credit. These exams include A-Levels, the Abitur, CAPE, CEGEP (Science Option), French Baccalauréat (Science Option), Italian Maturita, and Swiss Federal Maturity Certificate. For more information about the international exams transfer credit process, please visit the International Exam Credit page.

Transfer/Dual Credit

The Office of the Registrar evaluates courses taken at other regionally accredited colleges or universities (or their foreign equivalent) that are appropriate to the Rice curriculum for potential transfer credit.

Transfer credit will not be awarded for courses included on a student’s high school transcript and used to satisfy high school graduation requirements, i.e. dual credit courses. Only those students who have more than 20 college preparatory courses may have the Office of the Registrar consider for Rice credit their college courses taken in high school. For more information about the transfer credit process, please visit the Transfer Credit page.

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Guest Essay

My Beloved Italian City Has Turned Into Tourist Hell. Must We Really Travel Like This?

By Ilaria Maria Sala

Ms. Sala is an Italian journalist. She wrote from Bologna, Italy.

A little more than 10 years ago, Bologna, my Italian hometown, was not really considered a big tourist destination. Group tours would come, but the city was primarily known for being the place with one of the oldest universities in Europe. Its cuisine — dishes like tortellini and tagliatelle — was an attraction, too, but in a subdued way.

Budget airlines, short-term rentals and social media changed everything. These days Bologna is on its way to becoming a full-blown, must-avoid-the-main-roads kind of tourist city. Some of the effects of this have been typical, like the landlords who have converted apartments to short-term rentals, which has raised rents and sent students farther from the university and into the smaller towns on the periphery. But one result has been very particular to Bologna: the consumption of mind-numbing, heart-stopping amounts of mortadella.

If you are not already familiar with it, mortadella is a cold cut made of finely ground, light-pink pork dotted with white cubes of fat and, occasionally, pistachios. It and Bologna go way back . The slow eating of our city by mortadella shops started before Covid but accelerated when, as in many cities, lots of Bologna’s independent shops, cafes and restaurants went out of business during the pandemic. Many of those in the center of town were bought up by chains with deep pockets and a singular vision: to sell mortadella to foreigners.

Downtown has changed completely. In the streets around the historic main square there used to be many old stationery shops — a favorite sold fountain pens, inks in every color and all the hand-bound notebooks one could dream of. It had been there for as long as I can remember, but was recently turned into an “Ancient cold cuts butcher.” It’s part of a chain. Just across from it, in what I think used to be a jewelry store, is a second self-styled ancient butcher from the same chain. When I asked the shop assistant how ancient they were, she replied that they had been open for three months.

Also just off the main square is a little maze of streets where the ancient food market used to be. Many shops are still there, looking picture perfect and trying to sell their fruit and vegetables, though presumably not to the throngs of people marching behind leaders with microphones and little flags held aloft. Those groups usually stop in front of the old shops that have given in and now exhibit rounds upon rounds of mortadella in the windows.

There are also endless representations of pigs. In front of one shop I saw statues of happy pigs holding the knives with which they’ll presumably butcher themselves into mortadella. Pig snouts on the logo of another. Naturalistic, stylized and smiling pigs gaze benignly on the waiters below, who cart trays piled high with fluffy pork arranged like clouds and ribbons.

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Paris 2024: Sporting highlights of the Olympic Games 

Picture by 2024 Getty Images

Following 16 spectacular and memorable days of Olympic competition, the baton has passed to LA28 after a star-studded Closing Ceremony at the Stade de France.

But while the world eagerly anticipates the next summer Games in the City of Angels, let’s take a look back at some of the highlights from the City of Light.

From Noah Lyles and Julien Alfred 's sensational 100m finals to Leon Marchand , Katie Ledecky and Summer McIntosh ripping it up in the pool, here are some of the highlights of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 .

Artistic Gymnastics: Simone Biles' triple gold comeback

Simone Biles ' success at Paris 2024 marked the completion of one of the greatest bounce-backs in Olympic history . The 27-year-old American, who withdrew from Tokyo 2020 , returned to win three more golds and one silver in Paris. She led the American women to the team title at the outset of the artistic gymnastics competition, and followed with golds in the all-around and the vault, with her silver coming in the floor exercise.

It capped off a career of seven Olympic golds, two silvers and two bronzes over three Olympics Games, going back to Rio 2016 . Her celebrated return was the top ticket for celebrity spectators, with Biles delivering an inspiring performance with a message of redemption that went beyond sport.

Gold medallist Katie Ledecky of the United States with her gold medal after winning the women's 1500m freestyle final at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Paris La Defense Arena on 31 July 2024.

Swimming: Four medals each for Katie Ledecky and Summer McIntosh

These Games further solidified the legend of Team USA’s Katie Ledecky , swimming in her fourth Olympics. The 27-year-old swimming icon added four more medals at Paris 2024 — two golds, one silver and one bronze, a performance highlighted by her fourth consecutive gold medal in the 800m freestyle, a feat only matched by Michael Phelps .

The 17-year-old Canadian swimmer Summer McIntosh also had weighty expectations on her coming into Paris 2024 , and she not only met them but exceeded them, winning four Olympic medals — three gold and one silver. McIntosh earned gold in the 400m individual medley, 200m butterfly and 200m IM, with silver in the 400m freestyle. McIntosh became the first Canadian to win three gold medals at a single Olympic Games.

Noah Lyles of Team USA crosses the line to win the men's 100m final at Paris 2024

Athletics: Noah Lyles' 100m sprint

The showmanship, the confidence, the claims — Team USA’s Noah Lyles backed it all up on 4 August as the men’s 100m sprint took centre stage for the night's final event at the Stade de France . The orchestrated buildup, complete with lasers, led to a show that delivered on every promise.

The fastest men in the world lined up... and in a flash, it was over, with a dramatic photo finish as Lyles caught Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson at the finish line. Lyles took the gold with a personal best time of 9.784 seconds, ahead of Thompson’s 9.789. “Goodness gracious, I'm incredible," said Lyles — the newly minted Olympic gold medallist and the fastest man in the world.

Keely Hodgkinson of Great Britain won the women's 800m gold medal at the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

Athletics: Keely Hodgkinson charges to victory in 800m for Great Britain

Team GB's Keely Hodgkinson would not settle for silver this time. The 22-year-old Hodgkinson, the Tokyo 2020 silver medallist, snapped to setting the pace early. The pre-race favourite shrugged off any nerves to hold off an outside attack from Kenya’s Mary Moraa , then found that top gear in the final straight to pull away and charge to victory at a time of 1:56.72.

Hodges was a textbook-perfect race — no notes — for her maiden Olympic title.

French swimming sensation Léon Marchand was also cool out of the pool at Paris 2024, as he celebrated with fans at Champions Park, near the iconic Eiffel Tower, on 6 August 2024.

Swimming: Leon Marchand, four-time gold medallist and host-nation star of Paris 2024

The pressure was on for the 22-year-old swimming sensation Leon Marchand heading into Paris 2024 . Would he rise to the occasion for his home country or sink under the pressure? And wow, did he rise, kick, pull and glide his way to four Olympic individual gold medals, breaking Michael Phelps's 400m IM and 200m IM records and finishing with a bronze in the men’s 4 x 100m medley relay.

As the medals piled up, so did the Marchand frenzy. The entire country went along for the ride, with deafening cheering, and not just at the Paris La Defense Arena venue. Across France, in cafés and city centres, the chants of “Leon, Leon, Leon” rang out. Viva Marchand!

Gold medallist Armand 'Mondo' Duplantis of Sweden set a new world record in the men's pole vault at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on 5 August 2024.

Athletics: 'Mondo' Duplantis's pole vault world record

The stage was set for greatness in the Stade de France , with the chant of “Mondo, Mondo, Mondo!” ringing across the stadium. The Swede, Armand “Mondo” Duplantis , did what he does best, breaking the Olympic record with a jump of 6.10m to defend his gold medal and then raising the bar higher to 6.25m.

The stadium watched in silence as Mondo began his ran up. He flew over the bar, setting a new world record height. His feat was met with roars of approval from fans who had witnessed the greatest jump — and jumper — in history.

Pauline Ferrand Prévot of France celebrates winning gold in the women's mountain bike cross-country final at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on 28 July 2024 in Elancourt, France.

Mountain biking: Pauline Ferrand-Prévot and Tom Pidcock must-see cycling

It was the dominant Frenchwoman Pauline Ferrand-Prévot and the confident Brit Tom Pidcock — both of them reigning XC mountain bike world champions and, in Pidcock's case, the reigning Olympic champion — who had hearts soaring and racing in the mountain bike finals.

Ferrand-Prévot, in her final Olympic mountain bike cross-country competition , pedaled her way to a storybook ending, winning an Olympic gold medal in a perfect finale to her dominant mountain biking career. Moreover, she got to do it at home in France — chef’s kiss.

Pidcock’s bid to defend his Olympic gold medal culminated with an audacious final lap against France's Victor Koretzky , looking for his own storybook ending at home. Koretzky was denied by Pidcock, who overcame a tire puncture to make up a 34-second deficit, catching up to the Frenchman and then making a harrowing pass to take the lead and win in a finish that many fans and viewers have yet to recover from.

Gold medallist Yuto Horigome of Japan, flanked by American silver medallist Jagger Eaton on the left and bronze medallist Nyjah Huston on the right at the men's street finals in Paris, France.

Skateboarding: Men’s street skateboarding finals decided in three-way battle

It came down to the final three in what is being called the greatest men’s skateboard final of all time. The defining moment belonged to three titans of the street contest scene: the defending gold medallist from Japan in Yuto Horigome , the USA’s Nyjah Huston — the 15-time X Games champion looking to cap his career with the elusive Olympic gold medal — and the unwavering fellow American competitor Jagger Eaton .

The contest came down to the trio battling in the final trick section, each one-upping the other, landing the heaviest of tricks under the most intense pressure. Minds were blown, Tony Hawk was speechless and NBC commentator Ryan Sheckler called it "the gnarliest final of competitive skateboarding I’ve ever seen” as Horigome defended his gold ahead of Eaton and Huston.

Sha'Carri Richardson crosses the finish line to win the women's 4x100m relay gold for Team USA

Athletics: Women's 4x100 … and here come the United States!

The Americans were heavy pre-race favourites as the reigning world champions in the women’s 4x100, but the win was not a given. At the race's midpoint, the US, with Melissa Jefferson and Twanisha Terry on the first and second legs, were in third.

But Paris 2024 200m champion Gabby Thomas began gaining ground in the third leg, passing the baton to the anchor leg and 100m silver medallist Sha'Carri Richardson , who hit top form, finding another gear to speed past rivals Great Britain and Germany, a sideways look before she burst across the finish line to defend the gold medal for Team USA in 41.78 seconds, a season's best.

Gabriel Medina in a barrel during day three at Teahupo'o on the island of Tahiti in French Polynesia, where the surfing events for Paris 2024 were held.

Surfing: Teahupo’o goes huge for men’s Round 3

A highlight that was not a final medal round took place thousands of kilometres away in Tahiti, where the Olympic surfers woke to a massive swell: Teahupo’o had turned on. The men’s Round 3, on Monday June 29 , saw massive, powerful barrels roll in, with the world’s best surfers pulling in deep and emerging with hands in the air. It was a day that transcended sport and delivered something genuinely soul-stirring.

The competition saw the highest scores of the Olympic Games, with Brazil’s Gabriel Medina , the eventual bronze medallist, earning a 9.90, exiting the wave with the fly-away kickout seen around the world. The day of competition exemplified the best surfing and the very best of the incredible Teahupo’o wave.

A'ja Wilson of the United States passes the ball while being defended by Marieme Badiane of France during their women's gold medal final at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on 11 August 2024.

Basketball: USA vs France twice over

And you couldn’t have scripted it better: USA vs. Olympic host nation France in both men’s and women’s basketball finals, with both contests decided in the gripping final minutes.

The all-star USA men’s team brought it home 98-87 in the gold medal final, led by Steph Curry in his Olympic debut shooting four of his eight three-pointers in the final minutes and scoring 24 points, while Kevin Durant and Devin Booker finishing with 15 points each and LeBron James had 14. This marked a fifth straight US gold medal in men's basketball going back to Beijing 2008 .

The women’s final between these two nations was even tighter and more dramatic. The USA’s A’ja Wilson was everywhere on the court, scoring 21 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks. The game was decided in the final second as a jump shot by France’s Gabby Williams went in as time expired, sending the audience into raptures as the French thought the game had been tied — but Williams had just left the three-point area when she delivered that shot, and a two-point bucket wasn't enough for the hosts and the USA won by the narrowest of margins: 67-66 in a game for the ages . With that great escape, the US women had won their eighth Olympic gold medal in a row.

Athletics: Julien Alfred makes history for Saint Lucia in women’s 100m

It all happened in the blink of an eye; Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred burst out of the blocks ahead of the field. The three-time NCAA champion kept her lead, holding off pre-race favourite Sha’Carri Richardson to win gold in 10.72 seconds .

The win marks a momentous occasion for Saint Lucia, as it is its first Olympic medal in the Games' history.

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