Admission to graduate programs in the School of Arts and Sciences and Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences is highly competitive. A qualified applicant needs a strong academic record, as evidenced by high grades in relevant coursework and a strong CV/resume, as well as comprehensive letters of recommendation.
We recommended that applicants review the program/department website to determine how their interests align with the program’s research and academic focus. You can also see the University's general standardized test requirements.
Your application and all supporting materials must be submitted by the deadline set by the program to which you are applying. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
Each program has its own specific requirements and deadlines, though you can visit our application timeline page for a general idea. See your department or program’s application page below for more information.
To ensure that the Office of Admissions has received all your application materials, check your application status page.
Application Materials
You must submit all application materials online through the application portal. The following are the common application materials all programs require. For program specific application requirements, please visit the programs website directly.
Statement of Purpose
Your statement of purpose is one of the most important parts of your graduate school application—it’s your chance to share your professional goals, academic interests, and the experiences that led you to pursue an advanced degree. Think of it as your personal pitch: organized, thoughtful, and tailored to the specific program you’re applying to. We recommend against using a single generic essay across multiple applications.
To write a strong statement, start by clearly answering the questions each program asks. Tell your unique story through concrete experiences that shaped your interest in the field. Back up any claims you make with specific examples from research, internships, or coursework. Be concise and focused, grabbing the reader’s attention in the first paragraph. Avoid topics like high school achievements or controversial subjects that aren’t relevant to your academic and professional journey.
Before writing, reflect on what makes you unique: your goals, your skills, and the experiences that prepared you for graduate study. Be sure to research each program and show why it’s the right fit for you. This would also be a good spot to mention specific faculty you may be interested in working with. Finally, review your statement carefully for clarity, grammar, and adherence to word limits.
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are a vital part of your graduate school application, offering insight into your academic abilities, character, and potential for success in an advanced degree program. Start by choosing referees who know you well and can speak to your strengths in a relevant context. Professors, research supervisors, or professional mentors would all make good referees. Aim for individuals who can provide specific examples of your work, skills, and growth, rather than general praise.
When approaching a potential referee, do so early and respectfully. Provide them with plenty of time (at least four to six weeks), and supply helpful materials such as your resume or CV, statement of purpose, deadlines, and any specific points you'd like them to highlight. A brief summary of your goals and why you’re applying to graduate school can also help them tailor the letter to support your application.
Most importantly, maintain clear communication and express appreciation. A thoughtful, timely request paired with gratitude goes a long way. Strong, personalized letters can truly enhance your application—so invest the time in choosing the right people and supporting them in writing the best possible letter for you.
Letters of recommendation must be sent directly to the University of Rochester by the referee. Applicants will be asked to enter their referee’s information into the application and the system will send them a link to upload the recommendations.
If they are not receiving their email reference requests, please:
Verify accuracy of your recommender's email address
Encourage your referee to check any filters/spam folders
All materials, including recommendation letters must be submitted by deadline. You can submit your application prior to the recommendation letters are sent. But they must be sent before deadline.
Transcripts
You should submit all transcripts from any previous secondary education you have completed or are currently in a program at.
Unofficial transcripts are acceptable and encouraged for the application process. Official transcripts should only be sent upon admission. Official transcripts sent at the time of application will not be archived to verify degree conferral upon acceptance.
CV/Resume
Your CV or resume should be a concise, organized summary of your academic and professional accomplishments and is a key component of your graduate school application. Unlike a job resume, which is typically one page, a CV for graduate school may be longer and should focus heavily on academic achievements, research, relevant coursework, and scholarly activities.
Start by including clear sections such as:
Education
Research experience
Work experience
Publications or presentations (if applicable)
Skills
Honors or awards
Be sure to list your experiences in reverse chronological order and tailor the content to emphasize what is most relevant for graduate study in your field. Use action verbs and specific details to describe your roles and contributions, especially in research or academic settings.
Make sure your formatting is clean and professional, with consistent fonts and spacing. Avoid clutter and overly dense blocks of text. Proofread carefully, typos or formatting issues can make a negative impression.
Finally, keep your CV or resume updated regularly. As you gain experience through internships, research projects, or coursework, include those accomplishments to strengthen your application and demonstrate your ongoing commitment to your field. A strong CV or resume can help you stand out and reinforce your qualifications for graduate-level work.
Test Scores
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
GRE requirements vary by program. Please check application requirements for your proposed program for details on which tests are required.
Sending scores to the University of Rochester
All official test scores should be reported directly to the University of Rochester. Please be sure to use the exact same spelling of your name on both your application and test score report.
The GRE institutional code for the University of Rochester is 2928. You can request Educational Testing Service to send your scores directly to the University.
English Proficiency Tests
All international students whose native language is not English are required to provide proof of English language proficiency through the submission of official test scores from one of the following exams. Scores more than two years old from the application deadline are not valid.
The University accepts scores from:
IELTS
TOEFL or TOEFL iBT Home Edition
Duolingo
Your local testing center can send your IELTS scores either electronically or have them mailed directly to our institution.
To electronically send your results select University of Rochester Graduate Studies – AS&E as the university.
To physically send in IELTS scores please use the following address:
University of Rochester Graduate Studies – AS&E 500 Joseph C. Wilson Blvd P.O. Box 270401 Rochester NY 14627
TOEFL scores can be submitted using the code 2928 (a department code is not necessary).
Duolingo scores can be sent directly to the University of Rochester at no cost.
Waiver Policy
The English proficiency test requirement is waived for citizens of the following countries whose native language is English:
Australia
Canada
Commonwealth Caribbean Nations
Ghana
Ireland
Kenya
Liberia
New Zealand
Nigeria
Singapore
South Africa
Uganda
United Kingdom
Virgin Islands
The requirement may also be waived if a student has completed at least three years of full time and in-person postsecondary study in one of the countries listed above or the United States. We reserve the right to require further demonstration of English proficiency, even if you have received your degree from one of the above-mentioned countries.
