The University of Rochester

“I had an interview which I think helped a lotSep 02 2011Mechanical Engineering
I had an interview which I think helped a lot. Basically though you need to be an amazing person. Rochester likes accepting people that enrich the community and the overall intellectual capacity of the student body. If you are arrogant, self-centered, and close minded this isn't a school for you. If it is the school for you, Rochester will accept you, even if you SAT scores werent great, your GPA wasnt amazing, and you werent in the top 50% of your class. (A lot of smart kids with poor work ethic come here and the university teaches you a better way to get work done and still have fun)
ACT: 29 SAT: 1950 Male

“Let me begin by saying I really was excitedAug 13 2010Other
Let me begin by saying I really was excited to come to UR. I really did thing I would enjoy my time there, but almost immediately upon arrival I sensed I had made a big mistake. All in all, UR lacks the distinguishing character needed for a school to be worthwhile. The campus is fairly ugly, the dorms are mediocre at best, the weather is awful, and an air of inferiority seems to permeate the school. Lately there have been a good deal of security breaches on campus that have endangered its students. People from poor neighborhoods surrounding the school have been known to come on campus to steal things out of dorm rooms, and even assault and rob students. One student was held at knife point while using a urinal on a Saturday night. The student body itself is about average for a well ranked uni. such as UR, but is nothing special. The social scene on campus is pretty rigid in terms of cliques, and almost 25% of people go greek. Overall, a very geeky, somewhat socially awkward student body. Despite all of my disappointments with UR, I must say the academics are top-notch, and I had some very good professors who I was able to talk to a bit. That being said, I just don't know if UR has the name power of other prestigious universities, and however petty a claim that may be, I more and more believe that that is what one pays for when going to a private university, considering it is completely feasible to educate oneself at home, or just go to a state school for less. Considering I am leaving, and not yet at the point where I can assess the kinds of job opportunities a degree from UR may bring, it may be premature for me to say. Regardless, I wouldn't want to spend four years of my life at UR, because it just isn't a pleasant environment.
Male

“Generally if you are in the top 10% ofMay 26 2009Neuroscience/Cognitive Science
Generally if you are in the top 10% of your graduating class, and show promise in test scores and extracurriculars, you should have a pretty good chance of gaining admittance. Try for a 1350+ SAT and 3.7+ GPA.
ACT: 32 Male

“Getting into UR was an amazing feat! It wasApr 08 2009Philosophy
Getting into UR was an amazing feat! It was recently named a "New Ivy," so it has gotten much more difficult to get in here. In high school, I was involved in everything. I played three sports, was on student council, in clubs, and did community service, all well getting high grades. I scored pretty well on the SAT, a 1320, and did extremely well on the math section (which is funny now, since math at UR is SO hard for me.) I applied early, and I also wrote a really meaningful essay that I'm sure helped. What I believe to be the most important aspect of my acceptance was that I interviewed at the school when I visited. I know I did a great job in the interview and the interviewer was really impressed! I have been told that getting an interview here plays a huge part in one's acceptance or denial. So, if you interview well, DO IT! So, I would say that applying early on in the process, getting an interview, writing a good essay, and being well-rounded are the main things the school is looking for.
ACT: 32 SAT: 1320 Female

“Below-averageJan 10 2009Political Science
Below-average GPA, very high test scores. Interview was probably what clinched it. Definitely interview.
ACT: 34 Male