Meliora letters spelled out in front of Rush Rhees Library

Interviewing

The admissions interview is an important part of applying to the University of Rochester. Each year from July to January, University of Rochester Admissions professionals, alumni, and representatives connect with prospective high school seniors all over the world in one-on-one interviews. These interviews are an opportunity to stand out, for us to get to know you better, and for you to ask us about Rochester.

Why Interview?

We want to learn more about you

  • We’re eager to find out what you love to do and what excites you.
  • This is a perfect opportunity to show us how amazing you are.
  • Come prepared to speak about yourself, your interests, and passions.

You get to meet with a Rochester representative

  • This is your chance to talk to someone who knows Rochester.
  • Whether you interview with an admissions counselor, alumnus/a, or a current student, it will be considered equally in our application review process.

Increase your chances for a scholarship

  • Interviews can help determine merit scholarship candidates, so if you plan on competing for merit-based awards, an interview is strongly recommended.

Interviewing Tips

  • Dress comfortably and presentably.
  • Don’t worry about bringing resumes, transcripts, etc. Just bring your story to share.
  • Think about what’s not on your application that you could chat about.
  • Ask us questions!
  • Come as yourself.

Types of Interviews

On Campus

If you’re able to visit campus, we encourage you to sign up for an interview. While on campus, you can also register for a campus tour and information session. And, because you’re visiting from so far, if there’s anything we can do to make your visit more productive (meeting with a faculty member, a coach, or sitting in on a class), let us know.

On-campus interviews last about 20 to 30 minutes with an admissions representative and are available from May to December 14, 2018.

Off Campus

We understand that not every prospective student has the ability to visit campus, so we come to you! Our off-campus options are conducted and treated the same as our on-campus options. Rochester Admissions representatives travel all over the world and nearly 500 Rochester alumni are scattered throughout the globe.

They are held in public venues such as local coffee shops or hotel lobbies. Alumni interviews are offered November 1–January 31. Prior registration is required.

Virtual

If admissions staff or alumni are unable to visit your area, you may sign up for a virtual interview. Virtual interviews are conducted online using video chat software. These interviews are available for international students (which includes students who are not US citizens or permanent residents, as well as American citizens currently living or studying abroad), and transfer students. These interviews take place August through December.

Third-Party Providers

The University of Rochester partners with several third-party organizations including InitialView and Vericant to provide additional interviewing opportunities. These interviews are primarily meant for applicants who are non-native English speakers or living outside the United States. If you submit a third-party interview then you will not be able to register for an in-person or virtual interview.

Transfers

Interviews for transfer applicants are conducted all year long. If you want to enroll for the fall semester, interview in the spring. If you want to enroll in the spring, interview in the summer or fall. You can sign up for any of the on- or off-campus interview options listed above. There are also on-campus interviews reserved only for transfers on Transfer Visit Days as well as other transfer-only days from January to May.

Can’t make it to an on- or off-campus event? Contact us and we will do our best to accommodate a phone or video interview based on your schedule.