University of Rochester
Location: Rochester, NY (suburban, mid-sized city)
Size: 6,521 students
Avg percent need-met: 97%
Acceptance rate: 35%
Middle 50% ACT: 30-34 **Test Optional**
Middle 50% SAT: 1330-1500 **Test Optional**
Rochester is a school of endless opportunities, including research, advanced classes, and study abroad. They have an open curriculum without general education requirements, allowing students to pursue multiple academic interests. They encourage hands-on learning, and over three-quarters of undergraduates participate in research. Classes require a lot of work, and studying tends to preoccupy the study body, but professors are incredible and you’ll receive a quality education. With an active social scene including clubs and Greek life, for a medium-sized school, Rochester has a big-school feel.
Popular majors / known for: Engineering, nursing, economics, biology
Academic approach: Research university with open curriculum
Campus tradition: Student orgs regularly paint the Eastman Quad tunnel to raise awareness or announce special events
Check out campus photos here!
LGBTQ Affirming Characteristics
Lots of LGBTQ student groups on campus, including SPECTRUM, a group at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) that seeks to support, educate, and offer targeted resources to the LGBTQ community training at URMC, and TINT, an informal social group for trans, gender variant, and questioning students
Greek life is pretty big, and the Fraternity and Sorority Pillar Program is designed to provide a safe environment for LGBTQ+ students who are members of fraternities or sororities
The city of Rochester is very LGBTQ-friendly, with community organizations like the Out Alliance offering social events and safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community. There is also an annual LGBTQ film festival called ImageOUT and plenty of local drag performances and events
See more at Campus Pride Index
Application Details
RD deadline: January 5th
Early Action deadline: December 1st
Supplemental essays: Yes
Application fee: $50
On Common App: Yes
CSS profile: Required, due February 15th
Interviews: Important
School also featured in: Coaches Choice, Engineering, Music and Performing Arts, Pre-Health, Big School Feel, Similar to Highly Selective - MIT