<p>I just added UR to my college list because it sounds like they have great science programs while still ensuring a good well-rounded education. What I want to know now is about the campus atmosphere...any comments? Also, for current students, what made you come to UR, what has surprised you, what disappointed you, and what exceeded expectations?</p>
<p>Thanks for your help!</p>
<p>The campus itself is beautiful and it is pretty self contained. Basically everything you need can be found on campus and anything can be pretty easily accessed via the rts bus line that goes into downtown rochester and is available as a free service to rochester students. As to activities, it can either be real boring or real fun depending on how much you commit yourself to finding out what is going on and getting involved.</p>
<p>One of the main reasons I came to Rochester was the atmosphere. It is real laid back but engaging at the same time. Grades or partying is not the extremes that you see, as most students have a comfortable balance of both. No one is cut throat, and everyone is pretty friendly. Most of my classes have been the same experiance, professors are great and class discussions are real engaging.</p>
<p>The main reason I came to Rochester in the end was probally the open cluster cirriculum. I have a pretty random choice of majors, computer science and english, and I loved that I could pursue both with being tied down by general ed requirements that many other colleges have.</p>
<p>As for what suprised me, the winter really is not that bad or maybes its global warming. When I left in December it was still in the 50s and I was in sandals. It was cold when I got back in January but the snow was not as terrible as everyone made it out to be though it didn't melt till late april. </p>
<p>I don't think anything disappointed me that wasn't outside of my control. </p>
<p>The classes I've had in the past year have definately exceeded my expactations. All the professors I've had know me on a first name basis, and each class has been enlightening.</p>
<p>I am thinking about adding Rochester to my list as a potential safety school in addition to my state school. I am interested in majoring/studying neuroscience, and as of right now I want to be premed. How is Rochester's neuroscience program? What about the sciences in general? Are there good opportunities for undergrads to conduct their own research with a professor? Does UR have good med school placement?</p>
<p>Rochester has an excellent reputation in the sciences. When we went there for Accepted Students Day, the dean mentioned that Rochester now has more undergraduate research opportunities than it has undergraduates.</p>
<p>But I wouldn't count on Rochester as a "safety" no matter how good your stats are. Kids from d's high school with better stats than she had didn't get in. Its yield keeps going up. For the class of 2010, they accepted the same number of students as in previous years, and had a significantly higher yield than expected. Because of that, for the class of 2011, they accepted 15% fewer students, and still have a bigger class than anticipated. And don't forget - Rochester tracks interest.</p>