<p>For what it is worth, I noticed there were multiple 'chance me' threads, and though I have been responding to most and will continue to respond, I thought that these threads were also symptomatic of a need to discuss our admissions criteria and the goals that we have established for each freshmen class.</p>
<p>I often mention on College Confidential that our greatest concern is 'fit', which is difficult to define. In simplified terms, for each student, I need to be sure that Rochester can provide the support/resources that he/she needs to be successful, and that he/she is going to contribute to the Rochester community in specific ways, academically and/or socially.</p>
<p>Though fit is difficult to assess, there are usually around 15 separate criteria that we consider when determining a students admissibility. Yes, this includes GPA and standardized test scores, but interviews, essays, letters of recommendation, demonstrated interest in Rochester, extracurricular activities, and even the passion a student exhibits for a particular discipline are important.</p>
<p>I am often intrigued most by students that have a particular passion in, for the sake of this conversation let's say, Biochemistry. As a high school student, he/she may have performed very well in AP biology, AP chemistry, and/or science related tests. He/She may also be doing individual research or an internship in a biochem lab at a local hospital. That same student however may fall below our averages because of his/her weaker scores in disciplines unrelated to his/her primary interests, like English or History. Though it is important that our students be successful in a variety of areas and that they be exposed to traditional disciplines in high school, our curriculum is defined by the freedom and flexibility it allows students. This is a student that is likely to come to Rochester and thrive in our biochemistry department, in spite of having gotten a B- or a C in Honors Lit and history.</p>
<p>This is only one example of thousands that I could give, but I hope it provides a bit of insight into what I consider the importance of 'fit' to be. Students make the mistake of assuming their admission because they fall at or above our averages - Rochester is never a shoe-in, nor is it a safety school. We want students that want to be here - that is a large part of what makes this place special - so to apply to Rochester with that in mind could be helpful.</p>
<p>There is a lot more I could say, but I'll let you ask the questions and respond with what I can. I hope everyone is having a great summer!</p>