rochester university supplemental essay

University of Rochester Supplemental Essays 2023-24

The University of Rochester is a mid-sized, private university in the city of Rochester, New York . Rochester ranks in the top 10% of American universities, so strong applicants need well-crafted University of Rochester supplemental essays. Given the competitive University of Rochester acceptance rate, strong Rochester supplemental essays can make a major difference in the admissions process.

In this guide, we’ll discuss the University of Rochester supplemental essays. Namely, we’ll analyze the Rochester essay prompts for 2023–2024 and highlight what a standout University of Rochester essay looks like. We’ll also provide tips for writing great University of Rochester supplemental essays. 

If you’re ready for some guidance on writing Rochester supplemental essays, let’s jump right in.

Rochester Supplemental Essays: Quick Facts

University of rochester quick facts.

• University of Rochester Acceptance Rate: 39% . University of Rochester is a relatively selective school. 
• 1 (~250 word) community essay
• 1 (~200 word) essay written about one of several prompts
• University of Rochester Application: Students must submit their application through the Common or Coalition Application . Make sure to review your whole application, including the University of Rochester supplemental essays, before submitting. 
• Early Decision I: November 1st
• Early Decision II: January 5th
• Regular Decision: January 5th 
• University of Rochester Essay Tip: The second University of Rochester essay gives you several prompts to choose from. Thoroughly read each prompt and brainstorm ideas for each before making your final choice.

Please note that essay requirements are subject to change each admissions cycle, and portions of this article may have been written before the final publication of the most recent guidelines. For the most up-to-date information on essay requirements, check the university’s admissions website.

Does University of Rochester have essays?

Yes, most applicants must complete two required University of Rochester supplemental essays. We’ll focus on those two Rochester supplemental essays through most of this article. However, it’s important to note that some applicants to Rochester may have different requirements . Additionally, don’t forget that all applicants must complete a personal statement (or Common App essay).

First, let’s talk about students who don’t have to write the primary University of Rochester supplemental essays. If you’re applying solely to Rochester’s Eastman School of Music, you have different application requirements . Like many music programs , Eastman has a different application platform from the rest of Rochester. The separate Eastman application requires auditions (or recordings) as well as other specific materials by major. However, all Eastman applicants must still complete a personal statement.

Understanding the personal statement

What is a personal statement? All Rochester applicants—including Eastman applicants—must complete one. In short, a personal statement is an essay that highlights important personal qualities and values. While the Eastman School of Music personal statement has no prompt, the Common and Coalition Application ones do. Due to the widespread use of the Common App, this essay is also called the Common App essay . 

Reading successful essays can help you learn what makes a personal statement great. We have several Common App essay examples for you to read, which each include an analysis from our expert team. 

Next, let’s dive into the University of Rochester supplemental essays.

University of Rochester Supplemental Essay Requirements

There are two required University of Rochester supplemental essays for Arts, Sciences & Engineering applicants—that is, most Rochester undergraduate applicants . While there are over 200 Rochester majors and minors, the University of Rochester essay requirements are the same for all AS&E applicants. Let’s briefly introduce the two Rochester supplemental essays.

Key details about the Rochester supplemental essays

The first University of Rochester essay is the same for all applicants and can be referred to as a “community essay.” Strong University of Rochester supplemental essays for this prompt will detail contributions to a community, large or small. This essay has a limit of 250 words or about two to three paragraphs.

The second essay allows writers to choose from four University of Rochester essay prompts. This year, these prompts include a quote and ask you to respond to a question. Rochester supplemental essays for this prompt shouldn’t repeat the quote, but they should keep its message in mind. These Rochester supplemental essays are limited to 200 words.

Remember, Rochester applications on the Common App require the personal statement as well as these two essays. Students will also submit the usual requirements— recommendation letters , transcripts, and so on—as part of a complete application .

Now, let’s take a closer look at the University of Rochester supplemental essays, their prompts, and how to write them.

Rochester Essay Prompts #1: Community Essay

You may have heard “community essay” used in reference to diversity essays concerning community. These ask about your cultural background and how that contributes—or will contribute to—the communities of which you’re a part. Notably, these essays ask specifically about your background in some way. In contrast, Rochester supplemental essays may be more about your values. Let’s read the prompt for this 250-word essay.

The University of Rochester motto of Meliora—or “ever better”—deeply integrates critical core values into all that we do. These core values of equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect and accountability define not only who we are, but also who we hope to become. Please use the space below to highlight a time, creative idea or research experience when you put into action one or more of these characteristics in order to make yourself, your community or the world ever better.

This University of Rochester essay asks how you’ve utilized Rochester’s values to better yourself or your community. In addition, the prompt gives you an idea for a frame—a creative idea or research experience. Of course, you could write about any example you’d like, but these are definitely good options.

What would successful University of Rochester supplemental essays for this prompt look like? First and foremost, they’ll almost certainly be narrative essays with vivid imagery that paints a picture. All the usual essay advice applies: show, don’t tell; use literary devices where possible; write evocatively. Use specific details about your experience to bring your story to life for the reader.

Of course, address the prompt in a genuine way—don’t write about an experience that sounds impressive but that bores you. Enthusiasm, or a lack thereof, will come through in your University of Rochester supplemental essays. Moreover, a passionate response will deepen your personal narrative much more effectively than a half-hearted essay about something you don’t love.

Rochester Supplemental Essay #2: Choose 1

The second University of Rochester essay will address one of four prompts in 200 words or fewer:

University of Rochester Supplemental Essay #2

1. american social reformer, abolitionist, writer and statesman frederick douglass said, “some know the value of education by having it. i knew its value by not having it.” explain ways in which your background, educational experience, and opportunities have directly influenced you and your ability to do good in the world. what specific moments of growth, lessons learned, and resilience in your life have prepared you to promote positive change for your community and the world, 2. dr. donna strickland, university of rochester alum and 2018 nobel prize winner in physics said, “there’s no point in me being anything other than me.” the university of rochester encourages each student to embrace the intersectionality of their identity and create their own individual curricular path and experience. what qualities and experiences make you the best version of yourself what unique elements of your background, perspectives, and experiences will you bring to our community, 3. susan b. anthony, champion of abolition and women’s rights, once said “organize, agitate, educate must be our war cry.” as you look to join our community of doers and disruptors, in what ways do you envision using both the curricular flexibility and co-curricular opportunities to invoke change for marginalized groups how has your unique lived experience shaped you and prepared you to be a changemaker here, 4. the university of rochester benefactor, entrepreneur, photography pioneer and philanthropist george eastman said, “what we do during our working hours determines what we have; what we do in our leisure hours determines what we are.” how have the ways you’ve spent your time enabled you to grow as a person what challenges have helped define you and your role within your community(s).

That’s a lot of quotes! Let’s take them one at a time.

Breaking Down the Rochester Essay Prompts

The first quote from Frederick Douglass comes with a question about your experiences and devotion to positive change. Given its usage of “growth” and “resilience,” this topic could be seen as a personal challenge essay. Rochester supplemental essays for this prompt may address how facing adversity inspired a drive to effect positive change. Note also the word “community,” which invites writers to discuss their hopes for their time at Rochester.

The second quote’s question is probably best termed a cultural diversity essay , which asks about a writer’s unique background. Successful University of Rochester supplemental essays for this prompt will draw connections between their past and future communities. How will your background and experiences inform your time at Rochester? How do you hope to explore and expand on the “best version of yourself” on campus?

The third quote accompanies a question that also asks about your experiences but also about how Rochester can support your aspirations. In other words, it’s a sort of “why school” essay . The twist here is that you must go beyond features of Rochester that interest you. Effective Rochester supplemental essays must explain where they’re from and how Rochester will help them create positive change for marginalized groups. In short, how will a Rochester education prepare you for a life of doing good?

Finally, the fourth quote segues into a question about your off-time. This University of Rochester essay could center around your extracurriculars and how they’ve helped you grow. However, this prompt specifically asks about challenges that have defined your place in a community. If you don’t talk about extracurriculars, you could instead discuss a community where you spend a lot of time. Specifically, you can discuss challenges you’ve faced within that community that have shaped you in some way.

Tips for Approaching the Rochester Supplemental Essays

At their core, supplemental essays allow admissions committees to understand what an applicant could bring to the community. What kind of student and community member will they be? Will they contribute to the existing campus culture and uphold the university’s image and legacy? These are big questions, and answering them in a short application is no easy feat. Therefore, University of Rochester supplemental essays lacking clear connections between the writer and campus culture will miss the mark.

For this reason, the first step to writing Rochester supplemental essays is to research, research, research. Even though only one of these prompts directly asks about what you like about Rochester, be prepared. Knowing Rochester’s core values can help you write focused University of Rochester supplemental essays. They’ll form a solid foundation on which to build the rest of your Rochester supplemental essays.

Brainstorming your topic

Once you’ve got some research done, take plenty of time to brainstorm (maybe the real first step is starting early!). Read through all the Rochester essay prompts and think about ways you could respond. Try brainstorming exercises to narrow down your topic or to flesh out fledgling ideas. Your peers and mentors may also have helpful advice for your essays. During this stage, you may write a few drafts to see how you can respond to each prompt.

When writing University of Rochester supplemental essays, your voice should make a strong impression. Many college supplemental essays follow a narrative form, and descriptive language can help bring your essay to life. 

You can either write about one specific episode or draw broad strokes connecting several moments. Depending on your essay prompts and goals, you may have one University of Rochester essay of each type. Either way, your essays should be well-structured. So, make an outline before you start writing.

Is University of Rochester hard to get into?

Looking strictly at the 39% University of Rochester acceptance rate, it’s not impossible to get into—however, it’s not a cakewalk, either. That 39% is much higher than an Ivy League acceptance rate; by the same token, though, over 60% of applicants are rejected. So, how do you put together a strong University of Rochester application?

There are several steps you can take to make your application shine, starting with good grades. This goes for any school—high grades in diverse, challenging courses make you a strong candidate. If you have options for electives , choose from a wide variety of classes that interest you. Even with the benefits of a holistic application process, low academic achievement can jeopardize your application.

Speaking of academic achievement, you may also be wondering about standardized test scores. University of Rochester is test-optional this application cycle, so you aren’t required to submit scores. However, if you can achieve or already have good scores, send them. Other crucial parts of the application include the extracurricular activities section and letters of recommendation . Remember, all parts of your application are evaluated as a holistic package, so make sure each of your requirements shines.

Application dates and deadlines

Finally, a key consideration when applying is the deadline, and not just because you need to plan your timeline . The University of Rochester offers three deadlines : Early Decision I and II, and Regular Decision. ED I has a November 1st deadline; both ED II and RD are due on January 5th. Early Decision is binding, meaning ED applicants must attend Rochester if they’re accepted. If Rochester is your dream school , this is a great option: 37% of their most recent entering class were early applicants.

To sum up, Rochester isn’t the most selective university out there, but you should still submit the best application you can. While University of Rochester supplemental essays are important, don’t forget the importance of other components like grades and extracurricular activities. You should also think about your application deadline, which may give you a higher chance of acceptance.

How to Make Your University of Rochester Essays Stand Out

Since your essays form the bulk of your application, you want them to stand out. After all, they’re the best place for you to directly tell the University of Rochester admissions team about yourself. 

So, how can you craft essays that make a lasting impression and maximize your chances of admission? Here are a few tips to keep in mind while you write your University of Rochester supplemental essays.

Start Early

A high-quality University of Rochester essay takes time: you need to choose a topic, brainstorm, make an outline, draft, revise… So, start early to give yourself enough breathing room to do that while keeping your grades up. And keep track of your time—deadlines can sneak up on you if you’re not careful. Whether you keep a strict writing and editing schedule or set milestones, find a system to stay on top of deadlines.

Pick Your Topic Wisely

Choosing a topic for your Rochester supplemental essays can be challenging. From examples online, you may think University of Rochester supplemental essays should discuss ending world hunger or something else incredible. Not true. Indeed, there are several common mistakes you should avoid, one of which might be your topic. However, even common essay topics can be compelling in the hands of a good writer. If you think you can write a really strong University of Rochester essay on a sports game, go for it.

Write to Share

It’s easy to feel like you’re talking to imaginary admissions officers when writing your essays. But it’s useful to write like you’re sharing a story with someone—how would you convey your feelings and actions? What’s your writing voice? Think of how your favorite books or media portray character traits. Then, try to implement them in your writing. If you’re not much of a creative writer, you can read essay examples to inspire your Rochester supplemental essays.

Be Personal and Specific

Let’s be honest, you’ll likely recycle some parts of your essays, especially if you have a full college list . That’s not off-limits, but make sure that all your essays are personal and about you. After all, you’re the one applying to college. But in addition, be specific when writing school supplemental essays. We mentioned doing your research—that research will help you write about particular offerings and aspects of Rochester. The University of Rochester admissions staff want to see your enthusiasm about their school in your writing.

Revise, Revise, Revise

Your first draft is not going to be perfect. Probably not your second or third, either. You should revise your Rochester supplemental essays multiple times to ensure they show you at your best. Trusted peers or mentors may have valuable feedback on whether your character shines through in your Rochester supplemental essays. And of course, proofread for technical accuracy, like grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

More supplemental essay resources from CollegeAdvisor

If you’re writing University of Rochester supplemental essays, chances are you’re writing essays for other schools, too. Luckily, our website features essay guidance applicable far beyond Rochester supplemental essays. We have hundreds of free articles and webinars covering college admissions from A to Z. That includes, of course, guides on much more than just the Rochester supplemental essays.

If you’re looking for a wealth of information on college essays in general, read our article on writing better essays . This article is packed with tips for writing essays and advice on approaching different kinds of essays. It also discusses essay categories you’ll recognize from this year’s Rochester supplemental essays.

Many students struggle with creative writing and finding their voice in college essays. That’s why we hosted a webinar on crafting standout supplemental essays with a focus on storytelling . Especially when writing University of Rochester supplemental essays, creativity is key.

We’ve got another comprehensive webinar hosted by an experienced admissions officer. In this webinar, you’ll learn how to write standout essays , from choosing a topic to making revisions. These invaluable insights, straight from an admissions officer, will help you craft and submit strong University of Rochester supplemental essays.

Whether you’re just starting your college search or applying for scholarships , CollegeAdvisor has something for you. Browse our website for more free resources.

University of Rochester Supplemental Essays – Final Thoughts

The University of Rochester is a great private university with bustling student life and plenty of research opportunities. With a 39% acceptance rate, it’s not the most selective, but applicants still need strong University of Rochester supplemental essays.

In this article, we covered the University of Rochester essay prompts for 2023–2024 and how to approach them. We discussed how to impress the University of Rochester admissions committee with your essays. Then, we gave more general advice for submitting a strong application and maximizing your odds of admission. Finally, we provided some CollegeAdvisor.com resources that will help you write great supplemental essays for every college on your list.

College admissions can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. For more expert guidance on the college process, click here to schedule a free meeting with our team and learn how one-on-one advising can help you increase your admissions odds.

This essay guide was written by Gina Goosby. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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Mastering the University of Rochester Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Welcome, Yellowjackets in the making! If you're aiming for the University of Rochester, you're in the right place. We're here to help you navigate the University of Rochester supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle.

University of Rochester Supplemental Essay Prompts

• Why Rochester? (250-300 words)
• What issue of local, national, or international significance have you worked to address? (250-300 words)
• Describe a time when you were challenged by perspectives different from your own and how you responded. (250-300 words)

Here are our top tips to tackle these prompts:

Why Rochester? With this classic "why us" question, Rochester wants to see your genuine interest in their institution. Discuss specific courses, professors, clubs, or research opportunities that excite you. Don't forget to link these elements back to your personal goals and interests. The key here is specificity; make sure the admissions officer can see that this isn't a generic essay you could send to any university.

University of Rochester's commitment to innovation and research, specifically in the realm of quantum physics, has always fascinated me. The Integrated Optics for Undergraduate Native Americans (IOU-NA) program, which combines hands-on research and mentorship, perfectly aligns with my aspiration to delve deep into quantum research, contributing to advancements in the field.

What stands out most to me about Rochester is the "Meliora" spirit. The institution's drive for ever betterment resonates with my personal philosophy of continual learning and improvement. I'm particularly attracted to the Open Curriculum, which empowers students to pursue their intellectual passions. This flexibility will allow me to explore diverse fields like philosophy and computational linguistics that can complement my primary focus on physics, thus fostering interdisciplinary understanding.

Beyond academics, I'm excited about joining the Physics and Astronomy Club and the Society of Physics Students. Collaborating with fellow enthusiasts in these clubs will enable me to engage in stimulating discussions, further expanding my perspective.

What issue of local, national, or international significance have you worked to address? This prompt gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to community service, activism, or leadership. Reflect on an issue you are genuinely passionate about and discuss your role in addressing it. Remember to highlight not just your actions but also your motivations and what you learned from the experience.

Climate change is an issue I'm deeply concerned about. Inspired by Rochester's research on energy-efficient lasers, I led an initiative at my high school to promote sustainable living.

We started a 'Green Warriors' club, which worked towards reducing the school's carbon footprint. We implemented measures like switching to LED lights, promoting waste segregation, and organizing tree plantation drives.

The project's success was not immediate. It required persistence, teamwork, and extensive awareness campaigns. However, over time, we witnessed a tangible shift in our school's attitudes and practices towards sustainability. This experience taught me the importance of proactive involvement in solving global issues and reinforced my commitment to promoting sustainable practices.

Describe a time when you were challenged by perspectives different from your own and how you responded. In this prompt, Rochester is looking for your ability to engage respectfully and thoughtfully with differing viewpoints. Share a story where you encountered a different perspective, how it challenged you, and what steps you took to understand and learn from it.

During a summer internship at a local NGO, I worked alongside Sarah, who held radically different political views. Our differing perspectives initially led to heated discussions. Instead of avoiding these debates, however, I chose to engage constructively with Sarah.

I began by reading authors she suggested and attending a few local political gatherings she frequented. While I didn't always agree with her perspectives, I learned to understand and respect them. Our discussions became less about proving who was right and more about understanding the rationale behind each other's viewpoints.

This experience taught me the value of active listening and open dialogue in bridging ideological divides. As I head to Rochester, I look forward to engaging in such enriching discussions, upholding the spirit of 'Meliora' in true sense.

For all essays, remember:

• Be Authentic : Showcase your personality, values, and interests. Genuine stories always make for compelling essays.
• Be Specific : Specific details, examples, and anecdotes make your essay more engaging and convincing.
• Reflect : A good essay is not just about telling a story but also reflecting on it. What did you learn? How did it change you? How does it relate to your goals at Rochester?

With these tips in hand, you're ready to take on the University of Rochester supplemental essays. Best of luck, and here's hoping we'll see you in Rochester!

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How to Respond to the 2023/2024 University of Rochester Supplemental Essay Prompts

Cece Gilmore is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cece earned her undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University. While at ASU, she was the education editor as well as a published staff reporter at Downtown Devil. Cece was also the co-host of her own radio show on Blaze Radio ASU.

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Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

The University of Rochester is located in upstate New York and is the home of “Rocky the Yellowjacket.” So, we bet you are buzzing to get into the University of Rochester, and that will require knowing how to respond to the University of Rochester supplemental essay prompts.

So, how can you make your responses stand out? Read more in our guide for how to respond to the University of Rochester supplemental essay prompts! 

Breaking down the University of Rochester supplemental essay prompts

The University of Rochester offers applicants two mandatory University of Rochester supplemental essay questions they will have to respond to. However, there are a few options under each supplemental essay question that applicants can choose from. 

The first essay is one question that offers the following options to respond to: 

• Essay response
• Creative response
• Research response

The first essay needs to be completed in 200 words or less. This is not a lot of words! So, plan out your responses thoughtfully. You want to make sure that you are not repeating yourself, but instead, are revealing your interests and personality throughout your response.

Adding on to that, be sure you are selecting an option for essay 1 that stands out to you. You want to be as authentic as possible when responding to these questions. 

The second essay is a choice of three prompts. Essay 2 will need to be completed in 200 words or less as well. So, be sure both of your answers to Essay 1 and 2 reveal different pieces of information about yourself. 

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The University of Rochester motto of Meliora – or “ever better” – deeply integrates critical core values into all that we do. These core values of equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect and accountability define not only who we are, but also who we hope to become. Please use the space below to highlight a time, creative idea or research experience when you put into action one or more of these characteristics in order to make yourself, your community or the world ever better. (200-word limit).

You may answer this question in one of three ways: 

• Essay response : Write an analytical or creative response of 200 words or less
• Creative response : Upload up to three works of your own art (e.g. pictures, video, performances, literary) and use the space below to provide a brief explanation as to how the art is tied to making the world, your community and those around you “ever better.”
• Research Response : Upload an abstract describing your own related research and use the space below to provide a brief explanation as to how the research is tied to making the world, your community and those around you “ever better.”

Essay response option

Write an analytical or creative response of 200 words or less

If you choose to select the essay response option, make sure that you are brainstorming and outlining your response from the start. 

The core values of the University of Rochester are blatantly laid out in this question. Therefore, make sure you understand them! Figure out which characteristics best represent yourself. 

To make this essay response very easy for you, write down a list of all of University of Rochester’s core values and then write down a time in which you possessed these values. For example, you can write about how becoming the captain of your varsity basketball team in high school helped you learn responsibility  and reap the benefits of being a leader. 

Completing this brainstorming method for each core value will help you narrow down the best narratives and examples of the traits that you possess. 

Once you create this list, select one core value from it that best represents “you.” Remember, there are only 200 words allowed for this response so selecting one will allow you plenty of room to add necessary details. 

After choosing this one core value, describe the narrative that best shows a time in which you displayed this core value. Be creative in your storytelling while also highlighting what you have learned from this experience. 

You do not want to just hype yourself up, but rather, detail how you learned an important lesson. In addition, you want to describe how this characteristic makes yourself, the community, and even the world a better place. 

Creative response option

Upload up to three works of your own art (e.g. pictures, video, performances, literary) and use the space below to provide a brief explanation as to how the art is tied to making the world, your community and those around you “ever better.”

This response quite literally provides you with a lot of creativity. The University of Rochester is allowing you the freedom to show off your artistic and creative talents. Therefore, select a piece of work that is meaningful to you. 

Remember, although this response allows a lot of creative freedom, it is still a part of Essay 1. Therefore, be sure you are connecting your piece of art back to the essay at hand. Be sure to link your work to one of University of Rochester’s core values. 

Remember, do not upload something that you are not proud of or haven’t created completely by yourself–you want your authentic self to shine through! 

Research response option

Upload an abstract describing your own related research and use the space below to provide a brief explanation as to how the research is tied to making the world, your community and those around you “ever better.”

U of R is known for partaking in world-class research. Therefore, it is understandable why they would offer a research option for one of their responses to their supplemental essay question. 

If you completed any research in high school or have any published research, now would be the time to share it! This will definitely give you a leg up on the competition and show the University of Rochester that you will fit in amazingly at their institution. 

If you have not completed any research, do not worry (most high school students have not!). Therefore, it may make more sense to complete one of the other options. 

For the second University of Rochester supplemental essay, you’ll choose between one of three prompts to respond to.

American social reformer, abolitionist, writer and statesman, Frederick Douglass said, “Some know the value of education, by having it. I knew its value by not having it.” Explain ways in which education has directly influenced you and your ability to do good in the world. How will you use the curricular flexibility and co-curricular opportunities of the University of Rochester experience to grow and to promote positive change for yourself, your community and your world.

The University of Rochester is unique in the fact that it offers “curricular flexibility.” This means that U of R gives students the opportunity to double major, study abroad, take fun electives, and much more without falling behind. Be sure you are doing your research on the University of Rochester prior to applying and answering their supplemental essay questions. 

After researching the University of Rochester, you should begin writing your response to this essay question. The first thing you should highlight is what education means to you. 

Think about the following questions to help spark some ideas: 

• Why do you want to go to college? 
• What does higher education mean to you? 
• How has education helped your life so far? 

Detail how important and thankful you are for your educational opportunities. You should then highlight how U of R’s flexible curriculum will continue to help you achieve your goals. 

You could even describe a narrative detailing when you realized how important public programs for the needy are after volunteering at a soup kitchen. This can reveal how you learned from your experiences and want to continue to pursue your education at the University of Rochester to help others. 

Dr. Donna Strickland, University of Rochester alum and 2018 Nobel Prize winner in Physics said, “There’s no point in me being anything other than me.” The University of Rochester encourages each student to embrace who they are and create their own individual curricular path and experience. How will you use the opportunities here to fully be who you are? What unique experiences will you bring to our community?

Everyone is different. So, how do you differ from everyone else? What makes you special? How can you continue to thrive while at the University of Rochester? This is the core of this question. 

To begin this prompt, you should reveal a quirk of yours. What makes you stand out from others? You should narrate a concise story that reveals this passion or interest of yours that makes you – you ! 

After, this is a perfect opportunity to reveal how well you did your research on the University of Rochester’s clubs and organizations. You should connect your quirk to an extracurricular offered at the University of Rochester! 

For example, maybe what makes you unique is that you love to go for runs because it helps calm you down and gives you the chance to see new scenery. Therefore, you are so excited to join the University of Rochester running club to meet like-minded running friends. 

It is important to connect what makes you unique to aspects of the University of Rochester that will allow you to thrive!

The University of Rochester benefactor entrepreneur, photography pioneer and philanthropist, George Eastman said, “What we do during our working hours determines what we have, what we do in our leisure hours determines what we are.” Looking forward toward your college experience, what do you hope to do outside of the classroom at the University of Rochester? What will enhance who you are as a person? How will specific academic and social opportunities here help you grow?

This question is very similar to option 2. The University of Rochester wants to get to know applicants by understanding what they will take part in while at their university. 

So, write what makes you excited about attending the University of Rochester! Detail specific examples of things that you want to participate in. For example, share about specific courses, clubs, or even something nearby such as a nature walk you want to go on!

The most important thing is that you are writing about something you are genuinely excited about and makes you want to attend the University of Rochester over other schools. 

Remember, take the time to find the specific names of clubs and explain why that particular organization at U of R will help you grow as a person. 

Final thoughts on the University of Rochester supplemental essays 

The University of Rochester’s supplemental essays can be quite overwhelming. However, when it really comes down to it there are just 2 essays you need to write! Therefore, do not get caught up on all of the options presented.

Rather, take it slow! Read each question and its options carefully and select the option that most closely aligns with your interests. If you do not immediately connect with a prompt do not select it! 

Once you have narrowed down your options to just your Essay 1 and 2 questions, begin to brainstorm and plan out what you want to write about! 

The most important thing is that you have done your research prior to answering the questions. This will ensure that you are prepared to name drop any organizations you are excited to participate in. 

Once you have done your research and selected your options, you are ready to respond to the questions! Best of luck during the writing process! 

Next steps after applying to the University of Rochester

Once you have completed the University of Rochester supplemental essay questions, have a trusted person read over your responses to check: 

• For any spelling or grammar errors
• Repetition throughout your responses
• That your responses answer the questions

Now it is officially time to submit your University of Rochester application. Good job! Be sure check for any updates to your application status by looking at your: 

• University of Rochester portal
• Social media accounts run by University of Rochester

Additional resources

Before submitting your University of Rochester application, make sure that your Coalition Application and Common Application essays are perfect also! 

Have you taken the ACT or SAT ? If you are curious about whether or not to send your SAT/ACT scores to test optional schools, check out our guide!

Check out our free scholarship search tool to help you afford your education. Scholarships360 is here to help you! 

Additional supplemental essay guides

• Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA)
• Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD)
• University of Chicago (Chicago, IL)

Frequently asked questions about responding to the university of Rochester essay prompts

How many supplemental essay prompts does the university of rochester have, when are the application deadlines for the university of rochester, are there any helpful tips for making my essay stand out from other applicants, is there a right option to select for the university of rochester essays, scholarships360 recommended.

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How to Write the University of Rochester Application Essay 2017-2018

The University of Rochester is a private research university located in upstate New York. While situated only a few miles from the shores of Lake Ontario and minutes away from downtown Rochester, the university is surrounded by a quaint, residential neighborhood. Founded in 1850, Rochester has since become famous for the Institute of Optics, the first place in the world to offer a degree in optics, as well as the Eastman School of Music.

Rochester is home to a wide range of majors — from materials science and clinical psychology to financial economics and biotechnology, there should be no surprise that 16,503 applications were submitted for admission to the Class of 2020. Slightly fewer than 6,000 students were accepted, leading to an acceptance rate of 35%. Of the 1,338 members of the class, one-third were accepted early decision.

When applying to the University of Rochester, you’ll not only want to have a high-school GPA above the average of 3.8 and ACT or SAT scores above the 90th percentile, but also a stellar application essay. All applicants, whether they apply through the Rochester application portal, the Common Application, the Universal College Application, or the Coalition Application, will need to answer a prompt in 250 words or less. Below, you’ll find the text of the prompt as well as numerous strategies and tips to help you write the perfect supplement!

Want to learn what University of Rochester will actually cost you based on your income? And how long your application to the school should take? Here’s what every student considering University of Rochester needs to know.

University of Rochester Essay Prompt

As frederick douglass once said….

Fugitive slave, abolitionist, entrepreneur, feminist, intellectual, and Rochester luminary Frederick Douglass said, ‘Man’s greatness consists in his ability to do and the proper application of his powers to things needed to be done.’

You’re showing us your ‘ability to do’ in this application. Please describe also how you apply your ‘powers to things needed to be done.’ Explain why you want to join our Rochester community of independent thinkers who create positive change and make the world ‘ever better.’

The toughest part of this essay is undoubtedly the word limit — this prompt is not only asking you to explain “Why Rochester?” but also how you use your talents to improve your community and the world around you. With only 250 words, you need to pay special attention to detail to how you organize your response.

In order to craft a cohesive essay, you’ll need to weave a common thread between the two parts of the prompt. In other words, as you are describing how you make the world a better place, you need to link your action back to why you’d like to attend the University of Rochester.

Choose a Relevant Topic

To answer this prompt effectively, you first will need to decide what you’ll be writing about — of the many activities and community service projects you’ve done throughout the years, which one best exemplifies your passion for improving society? Pick something that is easy to understand (and therefore doesn’t require a lot of explanation), but also something that’s powerful.

Alternatively, a great subject for your response can come from unexpected activities as well. For example, while being the drum major in your high school marching band doesn’t immediately seem like a way to improve society, you could explain how you improved your band community by instilling confidence in less-experienced players to discover their motivation for music.

If you’ve done any sort of activism (like participating in a political campaign, or lobbying for a cause you believe in) or community service (such as a soup kitchen or pro bono tutoring), you could try to focus in on that. Choose one of your unique talents and explain how that “ability to do” allowed you to thrive in your selected activity.

For example, maybe you’re a natural leader, and got a group of friends together to protest the anti-environment policies of a local politician. Or perhaps you’re an avid computer programmer and designed an app to help people quit smoking.

Maybe you should consider an entrepreneurial approach: If you realized a previously unmet need of a group of people, and addressed it (like opening and running a school store in your high school to provide low-cost supplies to students), you can certainly utilize it in the essay. As long as you show how your ability/talent helps you to improve the world, you’re sure to impress the reader.

Relate Specific Examples to Rochester

At the same time, you also need to tie your activism back to the University of Rochester. Check out the university website, and find a program , research opportunity , club , or course that is aligned with what you’ve already been doing to change the world. Explain how you’d take advantage of the resources available at Rochester to continue your quest to improve not only your home community, but the university’s community as well.

For instance, if you were very involved with a science research program back in high school, and were developing a device to easily desalinate water for third-world nations, you could explain how excited you are to conduct further research in the department of chemical engineering at the Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

If you were volunteering for a local campaign during high school, you could write about how you found the syllabus for PSC 237: U.S. Policymaking Process particularly exciting. The more you look into the opportunities available at Rochester, the stronger your essay will be!

Or, Align Your Personality with Rochester’s Student Body

Alternatively, another great tactic to use in constructing your essay is to try to connect your own personality to that of the Rochester student body. You want the reader to feel like you belong at Rochester, and that your unique personality would be an asset to the university community.

Explain how your upstart, persistent, and hardworking mentality would fit in with what you’ve learned about Rochester through the application process. Don’t worry as much about specifics to the school if using this tactic — the goal is to make the admissions committee believe that you belong, and descriptive, powerful language can certainly accomplish it!

The Bottom Line

Hopefully our analysis of the supplemental essay prompt has helped you to fine-tune your plans for your University of Rochester application!

Best of luck with your application, and GO YELLOWJACKETS!

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Personal statement and essays.

Professional school applications require a significant amount of writing. All parts of your application should be well polished, from short answers to specific questions, to long research statements. The personal statement, common to almost all applications, is an especially important piece of writing. It is usually an open-ended opportunity for the applicant to discusses why (s)he is interested in his/her chosen profession and what qualifications (s)he has. The length of the essay is restricted.

Some thoughts about personal statements:

It should demonstrate you are a thoughtful, careful, and well-prepared candidate.

It should contain no grammatical (or other) errors, it should be well organized, it should make good use of the space allotted, and it should be tailored for its intended audience.

Assume your audience is a practicing member of the profession you are seeking to join.

Readers of your essay will have access to the rest of your application, so your essay should do new work for you. You may consider including important and relevant information not included elsewhere in your application, or expanding on the significance of one or two qualifications or experiences treated only briefly elsewhere in your application.

A narrative summary of information available in the rest of your essay will rarely add anything to your application.

If there is a specific prompt, be sure you answer the question(s) in that prompt.

Prize clarity and honesty above rhetorical flourishes. Readers view your personal statement as the best chance to get to know the real you (prior to the interview). So write about what is important to you. Standing out for your writing style is less important than demonstrating you are a good fit for the program you are applying to.

Find the right balance of generalization and concrete detail. Reason from evidence. When summarizing your motivation for applying, draw on specific experiences that crystallized those motivations for you. Conversely, when describing an important experience that demonstrates your qualifications, take time to reflect on the significance of that experience.

Make it personal, and specific to you. Your audience has likely read any book you could quote and encountered hundreds of creative and canned “Best Essays.” What they don’t know and want to know is who you are, what you want to do, why you want to do it, and why you think you are qualified to get it done.

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Primary Writing Requirement

The primary writing requirement (PWR) at Rochester is the first step in drawing students into our community of researchers and writers. We aim to help you become an effective academic communicator.

All University of Rochester students are expected to satisfy the PWR. We recommend that you satisfy the PWR by the end of your first year of study at Rochester. That way, you will be prepared for the upper-level writing requirement in your major(s).

• Learning Objectives for Primary Writing Requirement Courses

Fulfilling the PWR

There are three ways to fulfill the University’s PWR:

• Take a first-year writing course
• Substitute a course
• Transfer a course

Note: Meliora Seminars only satisfy the PWR for those students who have successfully petitioned to use a course other than WRTG 105 for the PWR.

Take one of the following first-year writing courses

Most entering students fulfill the PWR by earning a “C” or higher in:

• WRTG 105E , an extended version of WRTG 105, which includes an additional recitation period, for those students who want more support to meet the demands of college-level writing
• WRTG 105A and WRTG 105B , which distribute the work of WRTG 105 across two semesters (at two credits each), allowing students more time to develop as academic research writers
• WRTG 103 and WRTG 104 , a sequence for students admitted into the English for Academic Purposes Program (EAPP)

All sections of WRTG 105, WRTG 105E, and WRTG 105A&B aim to help you become an effective academic writer. Sections are taught by instructors from across the disciplines and offer diverse topics for students to pursue well-established or new interests.

See WRTG course offerings .

WRTG Extension

The WRTG Extension is a weekly workshop and tutorial offered through the Writing and Speaking Center for all WRTG 104, WRTG 105E, and WRTG 105B students who have worked diligently but have received a grade of C+ or lower. These students can continue to work on their writing for the semester following their 104/105E/105B course, after which they are assigned a final grade that accounts both for their final grade from their 104/105E/105B  instructor and their work in the following semester’s Extension.

During the Extension,  students participate in a weekly workshop/tutorial that offers intensive work on writing in small group and individual settings. In weekly sessions, students continue to revise writing from their WRTG courses. Students may also choose to work on forms of academic writing relevant to their spring coursework – forms which may include summary, critical response, the argumentative essay, the lab report, and others. Guided by their instructor and by Writing Center consultants, students plan, draft and revise their writing, critique each other's work, assess their own writing, and participate in small group sessions on writing issues that the group faces. The semester's work will culminate in a final portfolio that features polished essays and an overall self-reflection.

The Extension is designed for WRTG 104, WRTG 105E, and WRTG 105B students but, if space is available, may be made available to WRTG 105 students who have worked diligently and completed the course but have received a grade of C- or lower.

Grading: Students do not receive an independent grade for the Extension because it is not a credit-bearing course, but rather a continuation of WRTG 104, WRTG 105B, or WRTG 105/E that allows students who have worked diligently to continue improving their writing skills for a second semester, with the ultimate goal of satisfying the Primary Writing Requirement and/or improving their WRTG Grade.

Permission of program required.

Not sure which course is right for you?

Take the Writing Self-Placement Survey.* Complete parts one and two of the survey. If you are an international student or are still unsure what course is right for you, you should continue on to part three. After completing part three, you will have an opportunity to speak with a writing placement advisor.

Log in to  Blackboard . On the right-hand side of the screen, find your class year link under "My Organizations.” Click that link, then under the left side panel click on "Writing Self-Placement Survey" to take the survey.

*Note: Students entering through the Early Connection Opportunity (ECO) program or EAPP do not need to take the Writing Self-Placement Survey. ECO students work with ECO summer writing instructors and the Office of Minority Student Affairs (OMSA) counselors to select their writing course, while EAPP students are enrolled in their courses through EAPP itself.

Repeating the First-Year Writing Course

If you pass WRTG 105, WRTG 105E, or the WRTG 105A/B sequence, but earn a grade lower than the minimum “C” required for the PWR, you may choose to take the course a second time for four additional credit hours.

Both grades are counted in your GPA as long as you submit the appropriate form to the College Center for Advising Services (CCAS) by the end of the fourth week of the semester. Alternatively, you may apply the standard repeat policy .

How to Apply

The application process for the Pre-College Programs is similar to the college application process. Students are required to submit materials such as short essays, a high school transcript, or a letter of recommendation. The selection committee enjoys learning about students who are passionate, involved, and eager to experience college life.

Please understand many of our courses are highly selective and have limited space available.

I liked the atmosphere of the courses. They were high-level and greatly immersive, but there was also a level of informality to them. I also liked the amount of information and relevant activities we were able to participate in. Nowhere else would I have the opportunity to record a song with a Grammy- winning producer! –Nate

Application Materials

Complete the online application process. Be prepared to provide information for the following items:

• Short Essay (500-word maximum) * This is only required for full-day program applicants

Essay Prompt:  Meliora is our University’s motto, meaning “ever better.” At the University of Rochester, we are always looking for ways to continue learning, and improve ourselves and others. With the course(s) you have selected/applied to, please share how you will use the knowledge from what you learn to make your world “ever better”. In your statement please describe your passion for the subject matter, your motivation for enrolling, and what you hope to gain from this experience.” 

2. Official high school transcript from your school counselor. (There is a page in the application to send an automated email to the school official of your choice to request this.)

3. Letter of recommendation from a school official. (There is a page in the application to send an automated email to your school counselor to request this.)

4. Pay the nonrefundable $60 application fee online through your application (Mastercard, Visa, American Express, or Discover are accepted).

RETURNING COLLEGE COURSE STUDENTS: If you are a returning college course student from the prior semester  do not  open or complete a new application. Please send an email [email protected] with your UR Student ID and the course that you would like to enroll in. We will get you enrolled for the new semester. No new application or application fee is required.

Applying FAQ

Yes. Please apply through our online application system.

RETURNING COLLEGE COURSE STUDENTS:  If you are a returning college course student from the prior semester  do not  open or complete a new application. Please send an email [email protected] with your UR Student ID and the course that you would like to enroll in. We will get you enrolled for the new semester. No new application or application fee is required.

You can find all required forms that need to be submitted online in your application. Follow the step-by-step instructions that takes students through the application. You are also able to save the work you’ve have done in the application and re-visit the application at a later time to complete and submit it.

Any required forms are available to complete electronically through your online application. In certain circumstances a document may need to be uploaded by the student, which you will see in the online application. If you are having issues uploading supplemental documents, please email [email protected] .

Intensive Studies applicants are asked to write a short essays (500 word maximum). The selection committee is interested in learning more about your experiences and interests.

Yes. Both are part of the application process.

The transcript must come from your high school counselor. There will be a section in the application where the student can enter in the counselor’s contact information and an email will be automatically sent to the counselor requesting the transcript on behalf of the student. The school counselor will have access to submit the official transcript for the student’s application.

The letter of recommendation must come from a school official who can speak to your academics, as well as your potential fit related to the classes you are choosing. There will be a section in the application where the student can enter in the school official’s contact information and an email will be automatically sent to the school official requesting the letter of recommendation on behalf of the student. The school official will have access to submit the letter of recommendation for the student’s application.

Limited aid is available and is awarded to families in need of the assistance; this is not a merit-based award.  We cannot guarantee that all eligible applicants will receive aid.  The deadline to apply for aid is April 1 . Financial assistance may not fully cover a student’s expenses for the Pre-College Programs, and students are encouraged to seek other sources of funding. To be considered for financial assistance, you will need to complete the Financial Aid Application.

We do request that international students submit one of the following to prove English fluency: Duolingo, InitialView, TOEFL, or IELTS. If you believe that you should be exempt from submitting one of the above, you can submit a waiver within the application.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis for the non-credit courses and credit courses. Once your application is complete and submitted, please allow two to three weeks for the selection committee to review your application and make a final decision.

Applications for the full-day programs are not reviewed until after the application deadline. Please understand that the full-day programs are highly selective and applications are reviewed based on best fit for the program and not on a first come, first serve basis.

While Rochester’s Pre-College Programs cannot guarantee participants’ admission to the University of Rochester or its combined degree programs, successful participation will enhance a student’s resume, which may prove beneficial when applying to selective universities.

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