APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Are You Rice-Ready?

At Rice Business, we’re looking for diverse perspectives, authentic voices and big ambition.

The application is your opportunity to show us who you are, why you’ll fit in here and how Rice can help you achieve your career goals. We can’t wait to dive in and learn more about you.

To apply to MBA@Rice, you must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university.

Application Deadlines

EARLY PRIORITY DEADLINEPRIORITY DEADLINEFINAL APPLICATION DEADLINECLASSES START
April 5, 2024
May 3, 2024
May 24, 2024
July 2024

To complete your application, submit the following materials:

ONLINE APPLICATION

You will need to complete an online application for the MBA@Rice program.

TEST SCORES

We go beyond test scores to identify which applicants are Rice-ready—looking at previous coursework and grades, professional development and certifications, and past and present job experience. 

Students who meet the following qualifications are not required to submit a GMAT/GRE score:

  • 3+ years of professional full-time work experience
  • Terminal degree of M.D. or Ph.D.
  • A master’s degree in a stem field
  • Professional certification of CFA or  CPA
  • Submitting an Executive Assessment Score at the time of application 

A waiver may be considered for other candidates, but you must demonstrate to the committee your ability to handle the rigor of the program by submitting this waiver request.

Waivers are still available on a case-by-case basis for students who do not meet the qualifications above, however a waiver application is required. Please contact your admission counselor for more information.

The institution codes for MBA@Rice are:

GRE: 2595 | GMAT: 3WS-WD-52

TRANSCRIPTS

Official academic records of all previously attended colleges or universities must be submitted directly from the colleges or universities to the Office of Graduate Admission Processing.

Transcripts may be sent electronically by email to Application Processing Services or by mail to:

Rice University
Application Processing Center
MBA@Rice
P.O. Box 30096 013-001
College Station, TX 77842

Please note: To be considered an official transcript, the transcript must be sent directly from your institution(s) or through an electronic transcript vendor retained by that institution. Transcripts submitted by enrolled or prospective students are considered unofficial documents, even if they are in a sealed envelope provided to you by the issuing university.

PROFESSIONAL WORK HISTORY

You must submit a current resume as part of your application.

ESSAYS

Two essays are required to apply. A third essay is optional.

Your essays serve as some of the most interesting and enlightening sections of the Rice MBA application. A well-composed essay can add depth and personality to your application and prove to the admissions committee that you add something unique to the Rice family.

Use your essay to share your story. Every person has a story that is meaningful—and no matter what your story entails, there is a reason for all of the pieces, and we want to hear about them. Pull those pieces together into an essay that can only be written by you, about YOU.

ESSAY PROMPT 1

What are your short and long-term career goals with an MBA? (200-word limit)

• ESSAY PROMPT 2

If a picture is worth a thousand words, choose a picture from your life that you value and tell us the story of that picture. Please share the photo. (500-word limit)

OPTIONAL ESSAY

If you have any additional information for the admissions committee or if you wish to clarify any aspect of your application (including breaks in employment, your choice of recommendation providers, your past academic performance, etc.), you may submit an additional, optional essay. (Page limit: One page, bullet points allowed.)

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

One of the following is required:

  • A professional recommendation from a current direct supervisor
  • Two recommendations from former supervisors

Recommenders will submit their recommendations themselves through our online portal.

APPLICATION FEE

A $150 application fee is required to apply. Applicants may receive a discounted fee for applying by the Priority Deadline, or an application fee waiver either by applying by the Early Priority Deadline. Contact your admissions counselor to learn about other application fee waiver opportunities.

INTERVIEW

A virtual interview will be conducted with an admissions counselor once your application is submitted.

DEPOSIT

A $1,000 enrollment deposit is required upon admission to secure your seat in the class. It will be applied to your total tuition cost in your first term.

Reapplying to MBA@Rice

MBA@Rice allows you to reapply with no minimum wait time required between applications. We just ask that you submit an additional essay explaining what has changed since you last applied.

Bring Your Big Ideas to Life at Rice

If you are ready to learn more about how MBA@Rice
can help you elevate your career as a business leader,
request more information today.

Request Information