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We know taking courses at Rice is a big step for Visiting Owls, but we also know you can succeed! Our Visiting Students team is ready to help you—every step of the way.
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"[Stars, Galaxies & the Universe] is one of my favorite classes I've taken at Rice. I truly learned so much and look forward to this class every day. If you need a science credit, this is a great option. If you're a STEM major and don't need a science credit, this is a great way to add enjoyment to your course load."
- Rice Summer Student 2021
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Ready for your summer at Rice?
Meet Your Team
Whatever your question, challenge or need, just email our Visiting Students team and one of us will get back to as quickly as we can. No question is too big or too small—that’s why we’re here.
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Helping you through enrollment
How do I find the right course for me? Whether you’re getting a jumpstart for college, chasing a curiosity, or both— we can help you find the courses that are right for you.
Application questions? For any questions or concerns about pre-reqs, admissions, registering, or other enrollment process questions—we’re here to guide you through.
Ready for the first day of class? As a Visiting Owl you are likely new to Canvas, our learning management system. If you are having any issues we can connect you with the appropriate resources for troubleshooting.
Making your summer a success
What if I’ve never taken a college course before? We’re always there to support your success. We’ll even send you regular emails with ideas, tips, strategies and just to see how things are going.
What if I want extra help? We can help you reach out to the faculty, or connect you to student services available to Visiting Owl students, including the Writing Center and Fondren Library.
If I’m feeling overwhelmed, who can I turn to? Come to us and we’ll help you assess your abilities and challenges, and if you do need to withdraw, we can help with upcoming drop deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
We’re sure you have more questions about how we support the success of our Visiting Owls. So, while we did our best to answer the more common questions below, please reach out if you have something else to ask. We love unique and unconventional questions!
- Who is eligible to apply?
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All visiting undergraduate students are invited to apply, and high school students in the Class of 2023, 2024, or 2025.
"Unfortunately, we are not able to accept applications from high school students graduating in 2026 or later at this time."
Currently enrolled Rice students should register online via ESTHER as per normal registration processes and procedures for courses they wish to register for.
- How do I apply?
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Step 1: Find an online course you want to take for credit by viewing our Summer 2023 Semester course catalog.
Step 2: Complete the online application and submit it with the $75 application fee.
Step 3: Send your official transcripts for all educational institutions that you have attended to Rice.
- Are non-U.S. (international) students eligible for the Rice Visiting Owls program?
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Yes, we would encourage non-U.S./International students to apply for an eligible online summer course. For the Visiting Owls summer program, Rice University does not sponsor foreign visas for on-campus attendance at this time.
- I'm a Visiting High School student. For which courses am I eligible to apply in Summer 2023?
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Visit the 2023 Course Schedule and look for the "HS Eligible" icon to see which online or face-to-face summer courses will accept current HS seniors (class of '23), HS juniors (class of '24) or sophomores (class of '25).
If you are a Visiting Undergraduate/College Student, HS eligibility rules don't apply.
- I'm a current High School student who has started my Visiting Owls application. Now, where do I send my official transcript?
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Typically, students should contact their High School to request an official version of their transcript. If you're not sure where to start, ask your High School Guidance Counselor. The process for each school can be slightly different, but official transcripts are usually sent directly to Rice by you or your HS Counselor, preferably as an email to visitingstudents@rice.edu.
- Where to email official transcripts (preferred method): visitingstudents@rice.edu
- Where to mail official transcripts:
Rice University - Visiting Student Programs
Office of the Registrar - MS 57
P.O. Box 1892
Houston, TX 77251-1892 - When are the application deadlines?
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The application deadlines are tied to the individual course(s) for which you are applying. If you plan to take courses in multiple sessions, your deadline would be the earliest session’s deadline — you do not need to submit multiple applications.
Block Application Deadline Block Dates Duration Summer Block B1 May 1, 2023 May 8 - June 23, 2023 7 weeks Summer Block C1 May 8, 2023 May 15 - June 23, 2023 6 weeks Summer Block D1 May 22, 2023 May 30 - August 4, 2023 10 weeks Summer Block E1 June 5, 2023 June 12 - July 28, 2023 7 weeks Summer Block B2 June 19, 2023 June 26 - August 11, 2023 7 weeks Summer Block C2 June 26, 2023 July 3 - August 11, 2023 6 weeks - What is the cost of attending?
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Reduced summer tuition: $750 per credit hour. For more information, visit the Cashier's Website.
- Will this help my chances of being accepted as a Rice undergraduate?
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Admission to Rice Summer Sessions does not in any way influence your admission to Rice as an undergraduate.
- Have more questions?
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Visit our FAQs page or contact us at visitingstudents@rice.edu.
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