<p>Well, I think Rochester would be a good school for me and I have a few questions about the admissions process. I've heard it's important to UR if you show interest. What's the best way to do so? As much as I would like to visit, I have absolutely no way to fly to the east coast (I'm in California). I'm also a little afraid to do a local interview. I'm insecure, self-conscious, and I get very nervous around strangers. </p>
<p>About me: Female from California, URM (Half black), raised by single mother
My School: My school is only 4 years old and as far as I know hasn't sent any kids to any stellar schools besides Berkeley.</p>
<p>I think my GPA is a bit too low. It's probably around 3.5 or 3.6 weighted. I'm waiting for my school to mail me an updated transcript so i know for sure.</p>
<p>APs: I've taken AP US Hist, got an A in the class and a 5 on the test.</p>
<p>I have a very rigorous senior schedule:
Honors Eng. 12
AP Government/Econ.
Human Anatomy
Russian 2
Russian 3
Spanish 4 AP (Year-round)
Academic Decathelon</p>
<p>I'm on a block schedule.</p>
<p>SAT 2100 CR 800, M 600 (Low, I want to retake), Writing 700
SAT II: US Hist 740, Lit 700</p>
<p>ECs: I've played guitar for about 6 years, I played in my school blues band in 10th grade, played guitar for the school play, participated in drama club (10th grade), during 11th grade my after school time was pretty much all sucked up by my fast food job (have held the same job over 1 year). I'm a little late when it comes to volunteering. I'm starting at an animal shelter next month. I think I should have started sooner. For my high school senior project I'm learning New Testament Greek and doing a translation project.</p>
<p>What do you think my chances of admission/aid money are? Thanks for any input.</p>
<p>I know about the interviews, it's just I get nervous about interviews and would rather avoid them. Are they mandatory for admission or financial aid? I meant that I couldn't visit and tour the campus because I can't get there.</p>
<p>Interviews are not required for admission or for financial aid, although they are recommended. </p>
<p>It's OK not to visit campus. The school understands that not everyone is able to fly crosscountry to visit in person. But I would try to make contact with the traveling rep. On your personalized admissions tracking page, there is a tab for "local events"--that will tell you where and when a school representative will be in your area. You can request/schedule an interview there and will receive a confirmation by email.</p>
<p>And don't be afraid of the interviews--they're very informal. </p>
<p>At least that was my D's experience when she interviewed with the traveling school rep. They met in the lobby of a local hotel near the airport for about 20-25 minutes. They talked about our town (it was his first trip to the Southwest), about what kinds of things D's liked to do when she wasn't in school, about the weather in Rochester vs. her hometown, about her classes, her hobbies/interests, what kinds of things she thinks she might be interested in studying at UR--- just general stuff. Then the rep asked what questions she had about UR and answered them for her. It was a pleasant and very low-key experience. </p>
<p>The rep is NOT there to judge you. And it's OK to be nervous--your interviewer will understand that. Just try to be yourself.</p>
<p>I think your chances for admission are good, but I'm not familiar enough with UR's financial aid to policies to know if they meet 100% of need or not.</p>
<p>(Actually I just checked--UR does NOT guarantee to meet 100% of need. Average percentage of need met is 86%.)</p>