Overview
University of Rochester is a selective private four-year institution in Rochester, New York. The school accepts 38.9% of applicants and enrolls 6,488 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 38.9%
- Average SAT
- 1,465
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,390–1,540
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 33
- Total Enrollment
- 6,488
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Your Rochester application needs to show intellectual flexibility and genuine academic exploration, not just high grades. The school's open curriculum lets you design your own academic path with minimal distribution requirements, so emphasize how you've pursued learning beyond requirements or combined unexpected subjects.
Highlight specific programs that draw you to Rochester. The Take Five Scholars Program offers a tuition-free fifth year to explore interests outside your major. The Research & Innovation Grant provides funding for undergraduate research projects. If you're pre-med, mention the Early Medical Scholars program that guarantees admission to their medical school. Computer science students can reference the Human-Computer Interaction program or connections to local tech companies through Rochester's Innovation Hub.
Rochester uses the Common Application with one required supplement asking why you want to attend. Skip generic praise about campus beauty or reputation. Instead, connect specific professors, research opportunities, or academic programs to your goals. Name actual faculty members whose work interests you or describe how you'd use the curriculum flexibility.
The campus culture centers around collaboration over competition, especially among pre-med students who typically face cutthroat environments elsewhere. Students here share notes and study together rather than sabotaging each other. You'll fit well if you prefer working with others to achieve goals rather than competing against them.
Rochester attracts students who want academic freedom without hand-holding. You choose your courses, design your major through independent study, and take responsibility for your education. If you need structured requirements and constant guidance, this environment might overwhelm you.
Apply by January for regular decision, but Rochester practices rolling admissions for some programs, so earlier applications receive priority consideration. The school also offers need-blind admissions, meaning your financial situation won't affect acceptance decisions.
Don't write essays about Rochester's weather or small size unless you connect these factors to specific academic or personal goals. Focus on what you'll contribute to their collaborative academic environment and how their curriculum flexibility serves your particular interests.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $30,248/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $64,348
- Students Receiving Aid
- 16%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 84.5%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $79,042/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 92.5%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does University of Rochester require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
University of Rochester is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Submitting scores may strengthen your application if they reflect your academic ability well.
What are the application deadlines for University of Rochester?
University of Rochester offers Early Decision I (November 1), Early Decision II (January 1), and Regular Decision (January 5). Early Decision is binding, meaning you must attend if accepted.
Can you transfer to University of Rochester as a sophomore or junior?
Yes, University of Rochester accepts transfer students for fall and spring semesters. Transfer applicants need college transcripts and typically submit applications by June 1 for fall or November 1 for spring.
What makes University of Rochester's curriculum different from other schools?
University of Rochester has an open curriculum with no core requirements outside your major. Students can explore any subjects they want without distribution requirements, similar to Brown University.