<p>I learned about UR with the scholarship for science and math. I wanted to apply until I read some stuff on studentsreview that really bashed the place. Students wrote that most people feel ripped off and wished they didn't come because there is nothing to do for fun. I don't want to write it off yet though. Can anyone who goes there respond to the comments I've heard. Also, how does it compare to BU?
Thanks</p>
<p>Visit the campus. Daughter visited and knew it was the place for her. Felt that the kids she met were down to earth and studious. It was the only place (out of about 10 visits) where the tour guides seemed like "regular students", as opposed to " I have a triple major in Russian, physics, and Polish, I'm president of my frat/sorority, and took a year off to mediate a peace accord in a developing third world nation". </p>
<p>Rochester is a good sized city. There is much to do if you look for it.</p>
<p>My d felt the same way as MADad's. She's interested in so many of the clubs/activities that she's only afraid she won't have time for everything!</p>
<p>And don't forget, the kids who post on studentreview generally are those who have a real axe to grind. If you don't feel strongly about something, you won't take the time to post (or more likely, vent & rant).</p>
<p>As far as comparing it to BU - two very different schools. First, BU has multiple undergraduate schools, like Communications, Education, Arts & Sciences, etc. Rochester has only 2 - Engineering and Arts & Sciences. BU has no real campus to speak of - it's strictly an urban school with buildings situated around Commonwealth Avenue and side streets in the Fenway/Kenmore Square area of Boston. Rochester has a beautiful campus with lots of green open space - many people on our tour commented that "this is the way Harvard is supposed to look!" </p>
<p>BU is also significantly bigger than Rochester. From BU's website:
[quote]
With more than 30,000 students from all 50 states and 140 countries, it is the fourth largest independent university in the United States.
[/quote]
Rochester, on the other hand, has about 4200 undergrads and 2000 grad students.</p>
<p>From what I've heard from undergraduates there, BU is not nearly as focused on undergraduate teaching as Rochester seems to be. And it can actually be harder to find "things to do" at BU, since many kids just look to the city to find them - there are fewer organized social activities. You have to look for your fun.</p>
<p>My d has had the same experience as MADad and Chedva. She is very busy with sports and clubs.Her friends are diverse.The campus is active. She attends concerts at Eastman frequently. She has never complained about being bored. She is returning to campus tomorrow excited about her classes. She is a sophmore now and spent the summer visiting with friends who go to schools all over the country. I think her best comment was " they are all having a good time - but my professors know my name!" Not all could say the same.</p>
<p>No matter where you are decide to go to school - it will be what you make of it.</p>
<p>I think that the problem with reading student reviews about the University of Rochester is that there is a vocal minority who really didn't want to go to Rochester, i.e. they got turned down at their first choice Ivies, and no matter what goes on at Rochester, they are going to bash it out of anger and disappointment. The truth is that Rochester has a tremendous amount of things going on. Eastman School of Music has all sorts of concerts going on all of the time along with an excellent Symphony Orchestra and jazz galore. There is a very active cinema society, great Division III athletic league, wonderful speakers frequently on campus and all sorts of great student activities and groups. The city of Rochester is nothing great, but it is very friendly and the school makes up for it. I know, because I went there and had siblings and children at numerous other schools such as NYU, Chicago and Yale. They are all different and each has its good and bad points. But, for a bright student who may or may not fit in at an Ivy League, Rochester is an excellent alternative. I got a fantastic education there with lots of personal attention, mostly small classes and it led me to a very successful career. My roomates and friends have all been very successful and are prominent doctors and lawyers, etc. It is a big mistake to sell Rochester short and to only listen to the naysayers. The majority who enjoy the school and too busy with their lives to waste time bashing it. And the campus is quite beautiful with a lac experience in a small university setting.</p>