to begin your application or check your status.

Common Questions

There's a lot of good information on this page. Read carefully — you may find answers to questions you didn't even know you had.

I submitted Part 1. What do I do now?
After submitting Part 1, you can submit either the Common Application or the Universal College Application. Then, submit the University of Rochester Application Supplement. All application forms are available here. If you have any questions, please contact us.
What is the difference between the paper application and the online application?
If you complete an application online, the application fee is $30. If you'd rather download, print, complete, and submit the application forms, the application fee is $60. No matter how you choose to apply, there is no difference in how we read applications...carefully and one at a time.
May I reactivate a previous application to Rochester?
If you applied last year, you can reactivate your original application by letting us know you want to re-apply. If you applied more than one year ago, you're required to submit a new application. If you're currently attending another college, you'll be re-applying to Rochester as a transfer student.
What are the testing codes for the University of Rochester?
SAT - 2928
ACT - 2980
The University of Rochester considers the SAT scores from your single highest test date (sum of M+CR+W). Only your highest scores will be considered in our final admissions decision. Each time you submit scores, we will update your record with any new high scores.
We encourage you to submit your scores each time you take the SAT. Sending your scores each time helps us to consider you for all available degree programs, special programs, and scholarships.
What are the minimum requirements for admission?
There are no minimum requirements for admission to the University of Rochester. Each student's application is reviewed using a committee process that entails a comprehensive evaluation of each candidate.
For the fall of 2007, the typical Rochester student:
  • ranked in the top 10-20% of their high school class
  • took 2 - 7 AP or IB courses
  • maintained a median academic unweighted GPA of 3.8
  • submitted an SAT score between 1900 and 2200 or an ACT score between 27 and 32
These are only the bare numbers to describe a University of Rochester student. We also value unquantifiable strengths such as initiative, creativity, enthusiasm and leadership, and we're also careful to ensure our student body of close to 1,100 new students represents the full spectrum of diversity, including hometowns, ideas, and experiences.
What is Early Decision (ED)?
Early Decision is for freshman applicants who are certain Rochester is for them. If you apply through Early Decision, your admissions process will be slightly different than Regular Decision. Under Rochester's ED plan, students complete their application by November and are notified in December, rather than in April. If accepted ED, you must enroll at Rochester and withdraw any applications submitted to other schools. If postponed, you will be considered for regular decision.
You can only apply Early Decision to one institution.
Early Action
The University of Rochester does not have an Early Action plan.
How will I be notified of your decision?
Students will receive admission decision letters by mail.
How much do interviews count?
Interviews can certainly help your chances of being offered admission. If you wish to compete for scholarships, you should definitely interview.
What is your admission selection process for home-schooled students?
To assess the preparation of home-schooled students, we require an admission interview and official score results for two SAT II Subject tests. We also recommend submitting a standard transcript with grades and course descriptions and a letter of recommendation from an instructor other than a parent. AP or IB tests will be accepted in lieu of SAT II subject tests.
Read our home school policy.
Do I have a better chance of being admitted if I am a legacy?
Yes, but the difference is not enormous. Even for the child or grandchild of Rochester graduates, we must be assured that you will be able to succeed here before we extend an offer of admission.