<p>Hi, I'm applying to U of R's REMS program, so all my stuff is due in two weeks (yikes..).
On my myROC account, there's a suggested item called 'Family Recommendation' that is "recommended".
What exactly is this? Does it have anything to do with alumni status in my family? (Because that status is nonexistent... :p)</p>
<p>The family recommendation has nothing to do with whether there is a UR alumni in your family. </p>
<p>The Family Recommendations is a chance to have a member of your immediate family (parent, grandparent, sibling) write a letter of recommendation for you. After all, who knows you better than your family?</p>
<p>But note–it’s an optional thing and not required. Many (I’d venture to say most) students get admitted to UR without one.</p>
<p>You are correct, WayOutWestMom… most students do not submit a family letter of recommendation, though the letters that I have read have been insightful. If you have a family member that is interested in writing a recommendation on your behalf, please do not hesitate to encourage them to do so.</p>
<p>Oh, okay, I see. Thanks!
That’s one less thing for me to worry about then, since the writing abilities of those in my family are not…great :p</p>
<p>Do you get many letters from parents? I find the process very interesting at Rochester. Of all the schools he is looking at they seem to be the most interested in getting to know the applicant personally, from highly recommending an interview to this kind of input from the family and many other ideas that I haven’t seen at other schools.</p>
<p>I do feel that at Rochester each applicant is really considered very thoroughly and personally. In many ways this school is a real breath of fresh air.</p>
<p>Pepper03: When my D had her interview, I waited in the car as it was too cold to walk around anywhere and the location was 1 hour from our house. D came out to car about 1.5 hrs later and said the interviewer wanted to invite me to join the interview. I was so surprised as none of the 6 other schools who interviewed my D did this. The interviewer had attended 2 other colleges before UR and addressed all parental issues and comparisons with other campuses with me such as partying, rigor of college programs, safety on campus, things to do on campus, etc. I really felt like the school genuinely cares about the students it admits, and I felt honored to be included. I also remember my D’s acceptance letter and how personalized it was, not like the other acceptance letters she received. The huge factor for us was that UR doesn’t compare itself to other top schools during the student visitor days. They show their real picture, and let you decide if its right for you whereas other schools will tell you about how much their great name will do for your child. If you want any other info, please send me a PM, and I’ll be glad to talk to you and your family.</p>
<p>Wow… I greatly appreciate the above comments and hope you don’t mind if I share with my co-workers. It is extremely important to us that we make informed decisions while shaping each year’s freshmen class - interviews and family letters of recommendation are among the most valuable resources we having in doing so. To be honest, they are each fun for counselors as well.</p>
<p>To respond to your question Pepper03… We have only offered family members the opportunity to submit a letter of recommendation for the past two years. The number of letters increased from the first year to the second, and I anticipate an increase this year as well. Ultimately, the percentage of applicants that submit family letters is small, but the letters that we do recieve are typically honest and insightful.</p>
<p>I’ll second that WOW! I regret even more I was not at that campus visit they made in August. Oh well, I will be there in January no matter what.</p>
<p>I will submit a letter and be happy to do so. I have found that Rochester does have a unique admissions process and it does seem pretty clear they are very concerned about putting together a class and doing their best to make sure it is the right fit for all involved.</p>
<p>A PM will be forthcoming-thanks for the offer! OOPS skatingmom you don’t have PM enabled so I left you a visitor message. PM me if you like.</p>
<p>I wrote the recommendation letter. It was very difficult to do. I tried my best to be as honest as possible. Does the school want it by regular mail? I think that is what I will have to do since my scanner isn’t working and it has to be attached to the from provided by the school.</p>
<p>It was a very interesting exercise though. I still have to write on the school form the first words that come to mind to describe him and that is tough. Don’t ask me why, I am stuck on that part.</p>
<p>Does anyone know whether the family recco is due by the same date, Jan 1, that the application materials are due?</p>
<p>nervous1… To ensure that a family letter of recommendation is included in the review of your application, it is best to get it in as early as possible. We will read letters of recommendation sent after January 1, but it would be to your benefit to submit one by or at least around that date.</p>
<p>I sent mine in the mail yesterday. I recommend everyone take the opportunity to write one if asked. It was so interesting to look at him as a student and not just my son. I did exceed the 500 word limit though-sorry. :)</p>