Undergraduate / Rice Supplement- Why School of Humanities? [5]

I am submitting the Rice supplement to the Common Application. I have to answer the following with a short response of 200 words or less:

What motivated you to apply to Rice University? Please be specific and limit your response to 200 words.

And this is my response:

My friends and teachers first made me aware of Rice University and its academic prestigiousness. I was lucky enough to be able to talk to a student at Rice who happened to be a family friend. She told me that Rice was an incredible school and that she enjoyed it immensely. Although she told me that the academic expectations were really high, she told me that I should apply after seeing my school transcript. But what finally convinced me was the recommendation of my art teacher, who told me that Rice had one of the most exceptional art programs she had ever seen. Since I was looking for an art-related major, and knowing that a degree from Rice would strongly help my chances of having a good career, I decided to apply.

What do you think of this and if i can make it better?