Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to questions particular to each of our pre-college programs.

Rochester on Campus

What is Rochester on Campus?
Rochester on Campus, also known as ROC, is the University of Rochester's prestigious pre-college residential program, designed to prepare you for your freshman year experience! ROC students live in the University's residence halls, eat in dining halls, and take classes on campus. You'll have the freedom to choose academic credit or noncredit courses in an area you're interested in, explore life on campus, and participate in a wide variety of events and activities on and off campus. Not only will you get a taste of college, you'll learn more about who you want to be!
May I still be in the program if I am already a senior in high school?
Only high school students entering grades 9-12 are eligible for Rochester on Campus.
When will I be notified of an admissions decision?
Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis.
Do you offer financial aid?
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.)
I participated in the program last year. Do I need to reapply?
Yes. Please download an application here.
How long is the program?
ROC students choose between one-, two-, and three-week noncredit courses offered through Rochester Scholars or a four-week, credit-bearing course offered through Taste of College.
Rochester Scholars noncredit academic courses are structured like traditional college seminars, while Taste of College courses are University of Rochester undergraduate classes, taken for credit.
What's a typical Rochester on Campus day like?
Breakfast will be available at 8 a.m. If you are enrolled in a Rochester Scholars morning class, you will attend class from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m.
Lunch begins at 12 p.m. 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 typically run for 3 hours, 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, campus tours, and interviews offered by the Office of Admissions.
ROC also offers a free, five-day Summer College Seminar to help college-bound students navigate the admissions process. The seminar will help you build a list of colleges; research universities and liberal arts colleges online; put together the Common Application; and learn what to look for, questions to ask, and people to interview when visiting a college campus. By the end of the week, you'll learn how to complete the college admissions process successfully!
Evenings and Weekends
Evening and weekend activities may include 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.
Where are classes held?
Classes are held on the University of Rochester River Campus and at the Medical Center.
Will I be escorted to my class?
Students are introduced to the class locations during a campus tour during orientation, but are then responsible for attending class on their own for the duration of the program.
Who teaches the courses?
Courses are taught by University of Rochester faculty, graduate students, and top local educators.
How much homework do teachers assign?
The Rochester Scholars course curriculum includes fun, hands-on activities, with little to no homework and no grading.
The Taste of College undergraduate courses require a typical college class workload with grades that appear on a transcript.
How much do books and course materials cost?
Books and course materials are included in tuition costs for noncredit courses.
Books must be purchased separately for credit courses.
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 ROC student. 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.
Are linens included?
You must provide your own linens.
Can I receive mail on campus?
Yes. The mailing address is as follows:
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 e-mail if a package arrives for you. You must print out the e-mail and bring it with you to pick up your package.
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?
ROC 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. The Athletic Center requires a small weekly fee.
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. To see a list of computer labs, go here.
What is the schedule for the dining hall?
The dining hall summer schedule will be posted here.
What will I eat?
Please visit the University of Rochester's dining services website for more information.
Are there special dietary options available?
Some dietary needs can be accommodated. All ROC students have access to refrigerators in the residence halls.
What's included in tuition?
Tuition includes the cost of credit and noncredit courses, as well as room and board. Books and supplies are included in the cost of noncredit courses. Books must be purchased for credit courses. 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 in tuition?
Tuition 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?
Students who become sick during the Rochester on Campus program must notify their RA and the Pre-College Programs office.
Are there accommodations for disabled students?
The University will provide accommodations to assist disabled students. Students seeking assistance should contact the Pre-College Programs office in advance to be assured of accommodations upon their arrival on campus.

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Rochester Scholars

What's a typical Rochester Scholars day like?
Morning classes begin at 9 a.m. and end at noon. Students have a free hour for lunch from noon to 1 p.m. Afternoon session classes begin at 1PM in the afternoon and end at 4PM.
Do I need to attend the student welcome on the first day of class if I've attended before?
Yes, student welcome is mandatory. Students receive classroom locations and nametags and go on a campus tour to learn the location of their classes.
I took the program last year. Must I reapply?
Yes, please download an application.
Who are the courses taught by?
University of Rochester faculty, UR graduate students, and top local educators instruct the classes. Please visit the Rochester Scholars page for a full list.
How much homework do teachers assign?
The course curriculum includes fun, hands-on activities, with little to no homework and no grading.
Will I be escorted to my class?
Students are introduced to the class locations during a campus tour through orientation. There will be designated drop off points where, during the first day, student workers and University staff members will direct Rochester Scholars to their classes.
What if I lose my way?
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 and send you where you need to be.
Where are classes held?
Classes are held on the University of Rochester River Campus and the Medical Center.
How much do books and course materials cost?
Books and course materials are included in tuition costs.
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?
You 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. You are also encouraged to participate in information sessions, campus tours, and interviews offered by the Office of Admissions.
Will I have access to a computer?
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.
How much supervision is provided?
Rochester Scholars students receive the college experience. Students are introduced to the class locations during a campus tour through orientation. They are free to explore campus on their own during the lunch hour.
What will I eat?
You will eat either at Danforth Dining Center, located in Susan B. Anthony Hall, or at Douglass Dining Center.
Danforth Dining Center is an "all you care to eat" restaurant featuring grill specialties, pizza, pasta, fresh fruits and vegetables, Kettle Classic soup, gluten-free Rotisserie Home Zone, Vegetarian and Vegan area, and Mongolian Grill selections.
Douglass Dining Center offers Bene Pasta, Tortilla Fresca, Smokehouse BBQ, Salad Garden, Vegan Zone, Kettle Classics, and Nosh Kosher Deli.
Are there special dietary options available?
Douglass
Vegan Zone Vegan Station: All vegan, all the time! Features a different vegan wrap, entrée, vegetable, and starch for lunch and dinner daily.
Kettle Classics Soups: Vegetarian and/or vegan selections are offered daily.
Salad Garden Salad Bar: Offers all of your favorite fresh vegetables and fruit.
Nosh Kosher Deli: Offers local Kosher deli meats on made-to-order sandwiches. Hot entrees and sides offered Monday through Friday.
Grab-and-go: Vegetarian options include three-cheese wraps, portobello sandwiches, salads, fruit, and more!
Danforth
Breakfast: Vegetarian options include bagels, Belgian waffles, hot cereals, an omelet bar, and a cereal bar.
Deli: Vegetarian specials include a Greek wrap and an egg salad sandwich.
Dessert: All desserts (except for those containing Jell-O) are vegetarian.
Gluten-Free Home Zone: Features a different gluten-free entrée, starch, and vegetable for lunch and dinner daily.
Vegetarian Station: Offers a different vegetarian (occasionally vegan) entrée for lunch and dinner daily.
Kettle Classics Soups: Vegetarian and/or vegan selections are offered daily.
Salad Garden Salad Bar: Offers all of your favorite fresh vegetables, fruit, and yogurt.
Pizza: Vegetarian specials include baked ziti, cheese pizza, only-vegetables pizza, and mushroom and sun-dried tomato Sicilian pizza.
Are there accommodations for disabled students?
The University will provide accommodations to assist disabled students. Students seeking assistance should contact the Office of Pre-College Programs in advance to be assured of accommodations upon their arrival on campus.
What happens if I get sick?
Students who become sick during class must notify the Office of Pre-College Programs. We will then contact your parents to come pick you up.
Do I need to bring my computer?
No.
Do I need spending money?
Yes, if you would like to make purchases from the bookstore or from vending machines.

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Rochester Scholars, Jr.

What's a typical Rochester Scholars Jr. day like?
Drop-off begins at 8 a.m. Students can participate in supervised activities until class begins at 9 a.m. Students are escorted to lunch at noon and return to class from 1-4 p.m. Students must be picked up by 5 p.m. and can participate in supervised activities until that time.
Do I need to attend the student welcome on the first day of class if I've attended before?
Yes, student welcome is mandatory. Students receive classroom locations and nametags and go on a campus tour to learn the location of their classes.
I took the program last year. Must I reapply?
Yes, please download an application.
Who are the courses taught by?
University of Rochester faculty, UR graduate students, and top local educators instruct the classes. Please visit the Rochester Scholars page for a full list.
How much homework do teachers assign?
The course curriculum includes fun, hands-on activities with little to no homework and no grading.
How much supervision is provided? Will I be escorted to my class?
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 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 and send you where you need to be.
Where are classes held?
Classes are held on the University of Rochester River Campus and Medical Center.
How much do books and course materials cost?
Books and course materials are included in tuition costs.
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.
What will I eat?
You will eat either at Danforth Dining Center, located in Susan B. Anthony Hall, or at Douglass Dining Center.
Danforth Dining Center is an "all you care to eat" restaurant featuring grill specialties, pizza, pasta, fresh fruits and vegetables, Kettle Classic soup, gluten-free Rotisserie Home Zone, Vegetarian and Vegan area, and Mongolian Grill selections.
Douglass Dining Center offers Bene Pasta, Tortilla Fresca, Smokehouse BBQ, Salad Garden, Vegan Zone, Kettle Classics, and Nosh Kosher Deli.
Are there special dietary options available?
Douglass
Vegan Zone Vegan Station: All vegan, all the time! Features a different vegan wrap, entrée, vegetable, and starch for lunch and dinner daily.
Kettle Classics Soups: Vegetarian and/or vegan selections are offered daily.
Salad Garden Salad Bar: Offers all of your favorite fresh vegetables and fruit.
Nosh Kosher Deli: Offers local Kosher deli meats on made-to-order sandwiches. Hot entrees and sides offered Monday through Friday.
Grab-and-go: Vegetarian options include three-cheese wraps, portobello sandwiches, salads, fruit, and more!
Danforth
Breakfast: Vegetarian options include bagels, Belgian waffles, hot cereals, an omelet bar, and a cereal bar.
Deli: Vegetarian specials include a Greek wrap and an egg salad sandwich.
Dessert: All desserts (except for those containing Jell-O) are vegetarian.
Gluten-Free Home Zone: Features a different gluten-free entrée, starch, and vegetable for lunch and dinner daily.
Vegetarian Station: Offers a different vegetarian (occasionally vegan) entrée for lunch and dinner daily.
Kettle Classics Soups: Vegetarian and/or vegan selections are offered daily.
Salad Garden Salad Bar: Offers all of your favorite fresh vegetables, fruit, and yogurt.
Pizza: Vegetarian specials include baked ziti, cheese pizza, only-vegetables pizza, and mushroom and sun-dried tomato Sicilian pizza.
Are there accommodations for disabled students?
The University will provide accommodations to assist disabled students. Students seeking assistance should contact the Office of Pre-College Programs in advance to be assured of accommodations upon their arrival on campus.
What happens if I get sick?
Students who become sick during class must notify the Office of Pre-College Programs. We will then contact your parents to come pick you up.