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Arts, Sciences and Engineering

Admissions

Applying to Rochester Link to section

The University of Rochester employs a holistic application review process to identify curious, capable, and engaged students from across the globe. We seek to understand each applicant’s academic ability, extracurricular engagement, and ethical character in order to determine their ability to improve both their campus and the world around them. We are a diverse institution that values equality of opportunity and honest, respectful examination of ideas. We seek young leaders who will celebrate and protect the values of our University and join us in making the world ever better.

The following materials are required before the application can be reviewed:

  • Common Application or Coalition for College Application
  • Official high school transcript
  • Teacher recommendation
  • School report/counselor recommendation
  • Mid-year grade report

Testing Policy Link to section

The Office of Admissions supervises a holistic review process that incorporates a variety of factors, including many kinds of academic records, including standardized tests. Because secondary school courses, grading practices, and standards vary, applicants have the option to show additional evidence of preparation through standardized national and international examination results. As we seek to enroll a diverse and talented class each year, our review procedures allow for students to demonstrate readiness with or without standardized tests through our test-optional policy.

See admission's test policy page for more information.

Early Decision Link to section

Students who decide that Rochester is their first-choice college may apply either early decision I or early decision II. The deadline to apply as an early decision I candidate is November 1 and the deadline to apply as an early decision II candidate is January 5.

If admitted, early decision candidates agree to withdraw all other applications and enroll at the University of Rochester by the enrollment reply deadline indicated on their admission letter. By that date, students who accept the offer of admission should submit a non-refundable enrollment deposit of $800.The deposit is deducted from the fist tuition bill after the start of classes.

It's important to note that the deadline to submit any financial aid applications/documents for students applying under early decision I is December 1, and January 5 for students applying under early decision II.

Regular Decision Link to section

The fall semester regular decision application deadline is January 5 (spring semester regular decision deadline is October 1). Applicants interested in being considered for all of the University scholarships should apply by December 1. Students who submit their applications and supporting documents by the application deadline will be notified of their admissions decision by April 1.

All regular decision applicants have until May 1 to reply to accept the University's offer of admission. By that date, students who accept the offer of admission should submit a non-refundable enrollment deposit of $800. The deposit is deducted from the fist tuition bill after the start of classes.

Merit Awards Link to section

Merit-based scholarships are invested, without regard for a student’s/family’s financial circumstances and are provided to students based on demonstrated outstanding academic and non-academic achievement and potential. Applicants to the University of Rochester are considered for merit scholarships when they apply for admissions to the College (School of Arts and Sciences, Edmund A. Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences). Some scholarships require applicants to submit additional documents.

More information about our merit-based scholarships can be found online on admission's merit scholarship page.

Rescinding an Offer Link to section

The University of Rochester reserves the right to rescind an offer of admission under certain circumstances, including:

  • New information comes to light that would have resulted in a different decision at the time of review, including satisfactory completion of coursework currently underway or degrees in progress
  • There has been a misrepresentation in or a violation of any of the terms of the application process
  • The University learns that an applicant has engaged in behavior prior to the first day of class that indicates a serious lack of judgment, integrity, or alignment with University values, and/or violates University policies

The University further reserves the right to require admitted students to provide additional information and/or authorization for the release of information about any such matter, and to place a hold on registration during the investigation into any such matter.

Engineering and Applied Sciences Link to section

Prospective students interested in exploring any of the degree programs in engineering and applied sciences should indicate this interest on their applications. Because of the structured programs that are typical in engineering and applied sciences, it is essential for prospective engineering majors to consult with faculty in choosing courses and sequences. These students are assigned faculty advisors from the Edmund A. Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the beginning of their first year.