Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to questions particular to each of our pre-college programs.
Rochester Scholars and Rochester Scholars Jr.
- Who is eligible to attend?
- Rochester Scholars classes are open to students entering grades 9-12.
- Rochester Scholars Jr. classes are open to students entering grades 7-8.
- When are classes offered?
- Rochester Scholars classes are offered for one-, two-, and three-week sessions over the summer.
- Rochester Scholars Jr. classes are offered for one week during the summer.
- I participated in the program last year. Do I need to reapply?
- Yes. Please visit http://enrollment.rochester.edu/admissions/precollege to register online or download an application.
- When will I be notified of an admissions decision?
- Admissions decisions are made on a rolling, space-available basis.
- Do you offer residential housing?
- Yes, housing is available for the Rochester Scholars summer sessions. See the Summer Residential Program section for details.
- Are there scholarships available?
- A limited number of scholarships are available to cover tuition and will be awarded on the basis of need and merit. (Room and board fees still apply.) Scholarship forms are available for download at http://enrollment.rochester.edu/admissions/precollege/forms.shtm.
- Will I get my first-choice class selection?
- Each class is subject to a minimum and maximum enrollment. In the event of under-enrollment, the class will be cancelled. If your first-choice class is full, you will be placed in your second or third choice or placed on a waiting list. We recommend registering early.
- Do I need to attend the student welcome if I've attended before?
- Yes, the student welcome (held the Sunday before the first day of class) is mandatory. Students receive classroom locations and nametags and go on a campus tour to learn the locations of their classes.
- What's a typical day like?
- For Rochester Scholars, morning classes begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 11:30 a.m. Students have a free hour and a half for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch in a campus dining hall is included in the program. Afternoon classes begin at 1 p.m. and end at 4 p.m.
- For Rochester Scholars Jr. students attending a morning class, drop-off begins at 8:30 a.m. Students can participate in supervised activities until class begins at 9 a.m. Students are escorted to lunch at noon and may then be picked up between 1 and 1:30 p.m. Afternoon students should be dropped off between 12:30 and 1 p.m., at which time classes start. Students must be picked up by 4:30 p.m. and can participate in supervised activities until that time.
- Who are the courses taught by?
- University of Rochester faculty, UR graduate students, and top local educators instruct the classes. Please visit http://enrollment.rochester.edu/admissions/precollege/rocscholar.shtm to view instructor profiles.
- Will I receive college credit for the Rochester Scholars classes?
- No. These noncredit mini courses are reflective of areas of study available at the University and allow students to explore different disciplines in a low-stress environment.
- How much homework do teachers assign?
- The course curriculum includes fun, hands-on activities, with little to no homework and no grading.
- How much do books and course materials cost?
- Books and course materials are included in tuition costs.
- Where are classes held?
- Classes are held on the University of Rochester River Campus and at the Medical Center.
- How much supervision is provided?
- Rochester Scholars students are introduced to their class locations during the student welcome. Otherwise they are free to walk around campus on their own.
- Rochester Scholars Jr. students are escorted to and from class, lunch, and supervised free hours. They are always guided by a staff member, student leader, or class instructor.
- What if I lose my way?
- We provide a campus map with class locations at the student welcome. We recommend that you keep the Office of Pre-College Programs' phone number, (585) 275-3221, programmed into your cell phone in case you get lost. It is important that you wear your nametag at all times so that staff members can identify you as being part of the program.
- Will I be safe on campus?
- The campus Security Services office is located on campus at 612 Wilson Blvd. Security can be reached at any time at (585) 275-3333, or by dialing 13 from any campus phone, dialing #413 from an AT&T or Verizon cell phone, or simply picking up a Blue Light Emergency Phone, an extensive network of over 500 interior and exterior public-access telephones that immediately contact Security Services.
- Are cell phones allowed?
- Yes, but they must remain off during class.
- Will I have access to campus facilities?
- Rochester Scholars students are welcome to browse the bookstore, play video games, visit one of the many art collections housed on campus, or lounge in Rush Rhees Library. Students and parents are also encouraged to participate in information sessions, campus tours, and interviews offered by the Office of Admissions.
- Rochester Scholars Jr. students will be escorted around campus with opportunities to experience many of the campus facilities as part of the program.
- Will I have access to a computer?
- If your class requires the use of a computer, accommodations will be made by the instructor. There are a number of computers available on campus that you may use during your lunch hour. To see a list of computer labs, click here.
- What will I eat?
- Lunch will be provided daily at a dining hall on campus. Lunch is included in the price of your tuition, whether you attend half-day or full-day sessions.
- Are there special dietary options available?
- The menus at the dining hall change daily. If you have concerns about specific food allergies or dietary needs, we encourage you to bring a bagged lunch.
- Are there accommodations for disabled students?
- If you are seeking assistance, please contact the Office of Pre-College Programs in advance to be assured of accommodations upon your arrival on campus.
- What happens if I get sick?
- If you become sick during class, notify the Office of Pre-College Programs. We will then contact your parent, guardian, or emergency contact designee to come pick you up.
- Should I bring spending money?
- Yes, if you would like to make purchases from the bookstore or from vending machines.
Taste of College
- Who is eligible to attend?
- The Taste of College program is open to students entering grades 11-12.
- When are classes offered?
- Classes are offered during the University of Rochester's academic semesters and summer sessions.
- What classes can I take?
- To view available courses, please visit http://www.rochester.edu/registrar.
- How do I apply?
- You must complete an application and interview for acceptance into the program. If you are accepted, you may then register for one class. Please visit http://enrollment.rochester.edu/admissions/precollege/forms.shtm to download an application. Applications are due 30 business days prior to the start of class.
- When will I be notified of an admissions decision?
- Admissions decisions are made on a rolling, space-available basis.
- I participated in the program last year. Do I need to reapply?
- No. If you have already been accepted and successfully completed a class, you may register for up to two classes the following semester.
- Do you offer residential housing?
- Yes, housing is available for the Taste of College sessions. See the Summer Residential Program section for details.
- Are there scholarships available?
- A limited number of scholarships are available to cover tuition and will be awarded on the basis of need and merit. (Room and board fees still apply.) Scholarship forms are available for download at http://enrollment.rochester.edu/admissions/precollege/forms.shtm.
- Will I receive college credit for the Taste of College class?
- Yes.
- How hard is the work?
- You will be tackling college-level material. You will be challenged, but also encouraged in your learning experience by faculty instructors. This program will provide a strong idea of what college work will be like for you.
- How much homework do instructors assign?
- Each instructor will distribute a syllabus on the first day of class outlining the workload.
- Where can I purchase books and course materials?
- Books and course materials can be purchased at the University bookstore and are not included in tuition costs. The syllabus will include the needed materials.
- Where are classes held?
- Classes are held on the University of Rochester River Campus.
- Will I be safe on campus?
- The campus Security Services office is located on campus at 612 Wilson Blvd. Security can be reached at any time at (585) 275-3333, or by dialing 13 from any campus phone, dialing #413 from an AT&T or Verizon cell phone, or simply picking up a Blue Light Emergency Phone, an extensive network of over 500 interior and exterior public-access telephones that immediately contact Security Services.
- Will I have access to campus facilities?
- Taste of College students have access to the University of Rochester's facilities, including campus computer labs, libraries, Wilson Commons, and the remodeled Goergen Athletic Center—including a wide range of cardio and weightlifting equipment, a 200-meter track, the Aquatic Center, and basketball, volleyball, tennis, squash, and racquetball courts.
- Will I have access to a computer?
- There are a number of computers available on campus that you may use. To see a list of computer labs, click here.
- What will I eat?
- Please visit the University of Rochester's dining services website for more information.
Summer Residential Program
- How long is the program?
- Students may choose between one-, two-, and three-week noncredit courses offered through Rochester Scholars or four-week, credit-bearing courses offered through Taste of College.
- What's a typical day like?
- Breakfast will be available beginning at 8 a.m. If you are enrolled in a Rochester Scholars morning class, you will attend class from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., when lunch begins. Afternoon Rochester Scholars classes run from 1 to 4 p.m. Class times for students enrolled in credit-bearing undergraduate classes through Taste of College vary, but classes typically run for a total of 3 hours and are held 3-5 days a week.
- If you are not enrolled in both morning and afternoon classes, you may use the free time to enjoy the many activities available, study, browse the libraries, or simply relax. You are also encouraged to participate in information sessions, workshops, campus tours, and interviews offered by the Office of Admissions.
- Evening and weekend activities may include a variety of planned activities, live music performances, outdoor movies, BBQs on the quad, museum visits, local attractions, art festivals, and much more! All activities are organized and supervised by Resident Advisors.
- What are the residence halls like?
- You'll be housed in one of the freshman residence halls on campus. All freshman residence halls were recently renovated. Many halls have lounges and kitchenettes, study rooms, and laundry and computer facilities.
- Are the residence halls safe?
- It is required that any student staying in campus housing for longer than one week must have a student photo ID card from the University of Rochester. This photo ID card is required for access to assigned residence halls.
- Who are the Resident Advisors?
- Resident Advisors (RAs) are current University of Rochester upperclassmen.
- Will I have a roommate?
- You will share a double room with another pre-college student. In rare circumstances, there may be three students to a room. You are matched with your roommate based on gender, age/grade, and "best fit" characteristics identified through your application paperwork. You will live in a residence hall with other students from the program, where you'll be able to participate in activities planned by your RAs. Based on availability, students may be placed in single rooms.
- Are linens included?
- No, you must provide your own linens.
- Can I receive mail on campus?
- Yes. The mailing address is as follows:
- Student Name
UR Summer Program Student
c/o Campus Post Office
Rochester, NY 14627-0002 - You must visit the River Campus Post Office, located in the basement of Todd Union, to pick up mail. The Post Office will notify you by email if a package arrives for you. You must print out the email and bring it with you to pick up your package.
- Will I have access to campus facilities?
- Residential students have access to the University of Rochester's facilities, including campus computer labs, libraries, Wilson Commons, and the remodeled Goergen Athletic Center—including a wide range of cardio and weightlifting equipment, a 200-meter track, the Aquatic Center, and basketball, volleyball, tennis, squash, and racquetball courts.
- Is there an ATM on campus?
- JPMorgan Chase, Advantage Federal Credit Union, and HSBC ATMs are available on the River Campus.
- Will I have access to a computer?
- There are a number of computers available on campus that you may use. To see a list of computer labs, click here. You may also choose to bring your own computer.
- What will I eat?
- Please visit the University of Rochester's dining services website for more information, including the dining hall's summer schedule (once available).
- Are there special dietary options available?
- Some dietary needs can be accommodated. All students have access to cooking facilities and refrigerators in the residence halls.
- What's included in the Residential Housing fee?
- The fee includes room and board. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served each day. Students also have access to a micro-fridge, as well as a television hookup equipped with basic cable. Students will have a post office box on campus and Internet access in their rooms.
- What's not included?
- The fee does not include transportation to/from your home city, transportation to/from the airport, laundry, linens, blankets and pillows, personal spending money, meals eaten off campus, or medical expenses. Additional fees may apply for special events, field trips, and off-campus excursions.
- What happens if I get sick?
- If you become sick during the residential program, notify your RA and the Office of Pre-College Programs.
- Are there housing accommodations for disabled students?
- The University will provide accommodations to assist disabled students. If you are seeking assistance, please contact the Office of Pre-College Programs in advance to be assured of accommodations upon your arrival on campus.
