How to get into University of Rochester Guide

How to get into University of Rochester—General Information

The University of Rochester is a private research university founded in 1850. It’s located two miles south of downtown Rochester, New York. It has a total student enrollment of 11,744 students, 6,101 of whom are undergraduates. More than 70% of undergraduates at the university take part in research. 

In this “How to get into University of Rochester” guide, we’ll cover: 

• The average University of Rochester GPA and University of Rochester SAT scores
• Interpreting the University of Rochester acceptance rate
• What’s required for the University of Rochester application
• How to ace the University of Rochester supplemental essay
• Mastering your University of Rochester interview
• And much more on the University of Rochester admissions process!

As you create your “how to get into the University of Rochester” strategy, make sure each part of your University of Rochester application – from your University of Rochester GPA to your University of Rochester supplemental essay – is top-notch. In addition, study hard to exceed the University of Rochester SAT scores and choose activities that inspire you. The University of Rochester acceptance rate is low, so approach the University of Rochester application with care!

Figuring out how to get into University of Rochester takes strategy. We can help. CollegeAdvisor.com’s network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former admissions officers) includes graduates from some of the country’s top schools. Want to maximize your Rochester admissions odds? Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

How can I get into the University of Rochester?

As you work out how to get into the University of Rochester, know that University of Rochester admissions officers are looking for more than just a strong academic record.

University of Rochester admissions draws from a global pool of high achievers, nearly all of whom are at the top of their class. As such, the school is moving away from an emphasis on testing. Instead, Rochester uses a holistic approach when judging your University of Rochester application. So, University of Rochester admissions officers want to see something beyond a strong University of Rochester GPA and high University of Rochester SAT scores. This is where your University of Rochester supplemental essay will come into play. 

In the rest of this “how to get into the University of Rochester” guide, we’ll cover every part of your University of Rochester application. We’ll explain what the University of Rochester acceptance rate means for you and how important the average University of Rochester GPA is. We’ll also talk about how you can stand out with your University of Rochester supplemental essay and University of Rochester interview. 

Is it hard to get into the University of Rochester?

Everyone wondering how to get into the University of Rochester wants to know how hard it is to get in. This question doesn’t have a simple answer. However, we can look at the University of Rochester admissions figures – the University of Rochester acceptance rate, average University of Rochester GPA and average University of Rochester SAT scores – to get a good idea. 

As you’ll read in the rest of this “how to get into the University of Rochester” guide, the University of Rochester acceptance rate is low and the average University of Rochester GPA is high. The average University of Rochester SAT scores are also high. So, it’s fair to say that Rochester is hard to get into – a reach school for many students. 

As you make your “how to get into the University of Rochester” plan, you should consider how hard the University of Rochester admissions process is. However, don’t let the challenge preoccupy you. Spend your time working to reach that University of Rochester GPA and perfecting your University of Rochester interview technique instead. This is how to get into the University of Rochester! 

What is the average GPA needed for the University of Rochester?

Your “how to get into the University of Rochester” strategy should not contain any formal University of Rochester GPA requirements. University of Rochester admissions does not ask for a particular University of Rochester GPA.   

However, this doesn’t mean you can rest on your laurels! In any good “how to get into the University of Rochester” plan, you’ll aim to exceed the average University of Rochester GPA. 

For the Class of 2024, the University of Rochester GPA average was 3.75. This means that most students averaged an A- in all of their high school classes. In addition, the the middle 50% of University of Rochester SAT scores for the same year were:

• University of Rochester SAT scores on evidence-based reading and writing: 650–720
• University of Rochester SAT scores on math: 680-790

Finally, for those who took the ACT, the middle 50% of students achieved an ACT composite score of 30–34. 

These figures suggest that meeting that average University of Rochester GPA is a critical part of your University of Rochester application. But there’s no need to worry! If you begin early, find a peaceful place to work, create good study habits, and manage your time properly, you’re well on your way to a high University of Rochester GPA. 

To perfect your “how to get into the University of Rochester” strategy, get more tips on achieving a high University of Rochester GPA here. And if you’re unsure about how to attain good University of Rochester SAT scores, this is the article for you.  

What does the University of Rochester application require?

Every good “how to get into the University of Rochester” plan centers on a well-crafted University of Rochester application. 

Given the low University of Rochester acceptance rate, you should perfect each part of your University of Rochester application. This includes each University of Rochester supplemental essay as well as the optional elements such as the University of Rochester interview. 

Your “how to get into the University of Rochester” strategy must include a University of Rochester application that contains the following:

University of Rochester application requirements:

• The Common Application or the Coalition for College Application. This includes your Common App essay and University of Rochester supplemental essay
• $50 application fee
• Secondary school transcript (including your University of Rochester GPA)
• Teacher recommendation (one required)
• School report/counselor recommendation
• Mid-year report (when available)
• Final transcript (when available)
• College transcript (if applicable)

Optional University of Rochester application elements:

• University of Rochester interview (highly recommended)
• Official test scores (e.g. University of Rochester SAT scores)
• Links to electronic media (music, websites, photos, videos, etc.)
• Writing sample
• Family Peer Recommendation Form

The deadline to request a University of Rochester interview is January 21st. While the University of Rochester interview is optional, we highly recommend requesting one. The University of Rochester interview is used to evaluate your University of Rochester application and, in particular, to help identify merit scholarship candidates. So, while you should be yourself, don’t take the University of Rochester interview lightly! 

For tips to help you prepare for the University of Rochester interview, click here. 

The deadlines for your University of Rochester application are as follows:

• Early Decision I: November 1st
• Early Decision II: January 5th
• Regular Decision: January 5th 

Finally, no good “how to get into the University of Rochester” strategy would be complete without a clear application timeline. For tips to make sure your University of Rochester application is ready in time, click here. 

What is the acceptance rate at the University of Rochester?

As you craft your “how to get into the University of Rochester” strategy, it’s useful to know the University of Rochester acceptance rate. That’s because the University of Rochester acceptance rate gives you some insight into how competitive University of Rochester admissions is. It will help you decide whether to make this your “dream” school.  

The University of Rochester acceptance rate is 35%, which U.S News describes as “most selective”. In the Class of 2024, 18,573 students applied, 6,545 were admitted and 1,237 enrolled. Furthermore, 40% of the final enrollment were Early Decision applicants. The higher University of Rochester acceptance rate for ED might make this a good approach for you. For help deciding whether ED should feature in your “how to get into the University of Rochester” strategy, check out this article. 

Try not to get hung up on the University of Rochester acceptance rate. It’s much better to focus your “how to get into the University of Rochester” strategy on things you can control. For example, beating that average University of Rochester GPA and those average University of Rochester SAT scores. 

What extracurriculars does the University of Rochester look for?

As with all top universities, extracurriculars are an important part of your “how to get into the University of Rochester” approach. 

Understand that the school has a collegiate atmosphere. A quarter of students are involved in Greek life on campus, and 90% are in a club or student organization. In order to preserve the exciting undergraduate experience, University of Rochester admissions look for students who engage in pursuits outside of the classroom. 

University of Rochester admissions aren’t looking for a particular set of extracurriculars. However, 77% of their undergraduates are engaged in research. Therefore, you could strengthen your University of Rochester application by engaging in research during high school. 

In addition, student life at Rochester is rich with traditions, athletics, performing arts, community engagement, and academic groups. University of Rochester admissions want students who can enrich the school’s active and engaged community. So, your “how to get into the University of Rochester” plan should involve deepening your commitment to your chosen pursuits, whatever they are. 

Finally, almost more important than your choice of extracurriculars is the way you talk about them in your University of Rochester supplemental essay and University of Rochester interview. We’ll discuss this more in the next part of this “How to get into the University of Rochester” guide.

How to write a University of Rochester supplemental essay

The University of Rochester supplemental essay section of your University of Rochester application is slightly more complex than that of many other schools. Therefore, as part of your “how to get into the University of Rochester” plan, make sure you research how to write a good University of Rochester supplemental essay. 

Essay #1:

The first University of Rochester supplemental essay asks you to connect your experiences to Rochester’s motto of “Ever better.” To answer this, you can share an analytical, creative, or research-based response. For more about the different approaches to this University of Rochester supplemental essay, check out this guide. 

Essay #2:

The second University of Rochester supplemental essay gives you a choice of three questions. Each one asks you to show your demonstrated interest in the school and to outline the value you’d bring to the student community. You can show DI by talking about specific programs and opportunities only available at Rochester. Read about how to answer this University of Rochester supplemental essay in full here. 

Essay #3:

Finally, the third University of Rochester supplemental essay asks you to talk about the research you’d like to pursue while at Rochester. You must give a very short answer — just 20 words. It can be helpful to look up the research programs at the university, so you can match your own interests to these. 

Check out these tips from University of Rochester admissions about how to write a strong University of Rochester supplemental essay.

Will the University of Rochester consider my social media accounts?

As you come to the end of this “How to get into the University of Rochester” guide, you may wonder whether your social media presence will affect your University of Rochester application.

The University of Rochester acceptance rate is low, so admissions will review your University of Rochester application thoroughly. Even so, given the thousands of applicants each year, they are unlikely to have time to review the social media accounts of every student. 

So, don’t obsess over the content on your social media accounts. Focus instead on meeting those average University of Rochester SAT scores or perfecting your University of Rochester interview technique. 

However, you should still be responsible with what you post on social media. Even if University of Rochester admissions officers don’t review it, future employers might. Also, there’s always a slim chance that University of Rochester admissions does have a quick look at your online presence. So play it safe — make sure none of your posts would reflect badly on you.

Is the University of Rochester a good school for me?

As you progress with your “how to get into the University of Rochester” plan, it’s easy to get caught up in the details of the University of Rochester application process. 

But remember, alongside knowing how to get into the University of Rochester, it’s important to know whether the school is right for you. After all, the University of Rochester acceptance rate and average University of Rochester GPA don’t tell you what it’s like to attend. 

To learn more about the school, it can be useful to take a visit (or a virtual visit)! A visit can also help you prepare for the University of Rochester interview and each University of Rochester supplemental essay. 

Additionally, the school also gives lots of information about student life and the academic program at Rochester. You’ll also find out more about Rochester’s student life in their newsroom. 

As you create your “how to get into the University of Rochester” plan, make sure you’ve established your needs and goals for your undergraduate experience. Then, do your research and make sure that Rochester is the place you’ll meet them!

Additional tips to get into the University of Rochester

As you perfect your “how to get into the University of Rochester” strategy, bear in mind these final tips for your University of Rochester application. 

Grades matter

Without a doubt, grades matter to University of Rochester admissions. So study hard to beat the average University of Rochester GPA and average University of Rochester SAT scores.

Ask questions

If you get a chance to visit, ask questions that will give you a real insight into the school. You can use this information during your University of Rochester interview and when writing each University of Rochester supplemental essay.

Avoid a “laundry list” of extracurriculars

When you write about your pursuits, avoid a long, dry list of what you’ve done. Instead, pick those things which have been meaningful to you, and talk about those at length. This will make a much stronger University of Rochester application.

We’ve given you an overview of how to get into the University of Rochester. Now, it’s up to you to make yourself stand out to the University of Rochester admissions. Good luck!

This guide was written by Bethany Nelson. If you want to know how to get into Rochester, we’ve got you covered. CollegeAdvisor.com’s network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former admissions officers) includes graduates from some of the country’s top schools. Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.