I am an ambitious international student having an extremely hard time choosing between the University of Rochester and the University of Richmond to attend this fall. I received $40,000 financial aid from Richmond and $45,000 from Rochester. The amount I pay will be the same for both schools considering the difference in their tuitions, so the cost is pretty much out of question at this time. I also can not visit the campuses due to the high plane costs.
Even though they are ranked similarly (U of Richmond #30 liberal arts, U of Rochester #33 national university), I hear people saying liberal arts colleges are not that good for science students. I will be majoring in computer science and probably have business as a minor or a second major. Each school has its own unique points: U of Rochester being a research university, U of Richmond offering up to $4,000 for a summer internship/research and so on. U of Rochester seems to be one step ahead in academics but one step behind in social life when compared to U of Richmond. Rochester weather is also a huge concern. So I am inclined towards Richmond right now.
I wish to settle in the U.S after graduation. My ultimate goal is to work for a tech company in the Silicon Valley. I want a school with a vibrant social life and challenging academics. Which school would offer me a better college experience and a more prestigious diploma that will bring me closer to my ultimate goal and a prestigious grad school (Stanford)?
I would go with Rochester. Excellent school for what you are looking for. Richmond is also very good though. The type of student that attends both schools is somewhat different. Richmond has much more partying, while Rochester is in my opinion more focused academically. Only problem with Rochester is that it is extremely cold. Both have great campuses though.
Rochester is a fine university. Sports there are kept in proper perspective in relation to academics. The winter snow is suitable for the adventurous. The region is not the coldest in the U.S. (Rochester’s January low of 18° is significantly warmer than, as examples, Burlington VT, 9°, or Minneapolis, 6°.) I know less about Richmond. Good luck.
You are very lucky. Many American students whose parents pay taxes don’t get treated that well. I am sure both schools have at some point taken federal funds but are able to offer financial aid to foreign students, interesting.
I would go to Rochester given what you want to study. Since US taxpayers are indirectly footing the bill, the weather is something you can handle I am sure as is the lack of social life.
Don’t worry about rankings. They don’t matter especially since URichmond and URochester are comparable, academics-wise. Richmond is a good school but I think, especially for your interests and desires, that Rochester is a better fit.
Prestige and “well-known” status is subjective but I personally believe, in proper/appropriate situations (not barbecues or Christmas parties, I mean more like job interviews/grad school etc.), the right people will know what URichmond is.
@SternBusiness It seems so. Everybody is telling me to go to Rochester but I do not see college as only academics. Yes, I want to challenge myself in academics but it will be four years of my life in which I will have the chance to be a more developed individual, not just a more developed scholar. I feel like I will not be as happy in Rochester as I will be in Richmond due to the combination of extremely demanding academics and harsh weather that Rochester has. I am more of a sunny weather person so I imagine myself in my door room at Rochester studying in a depressed mood. Also, Richmond seems to offer a better college and “real life” experience, with its proximity to major cities and so on. I guess I will just follow my heart and be the best student/individual that I can be in Richmond, unless I change my mind at the last minute.
We visited Rochester about a week ago for an admitted student day. We were impressed with the facilities and the student environment seems very collaborative. The students also seem very involved and so I think it would not be depressing. There’s no denying the fact, however, that much of the year will be colder weather. There are tunnels connecting the main buildings so you can minimize your exposure - but yes, you would be inside a lot more.
I would go to Richmond then definitely. They are both comparable, but Rochester is gonna be more demanding and is a lot gloomier and for some can become depressing. Richmond has everything that you are looking for. Better weather, and less stress. Rochester is a great school, but if you are unhappy there it will be a waste of time and money for you.
I think it’s mostly a fallacy that LACs are not good for science students, as LACs send some of the highest proportions of science students onto graduate school. URichmond is an excellent school. Either school can be an excellent foundation for tech and a top graduate school in the future.
You sound like you want to go to UR, so I think you should go to UR.
thanks everyone for your insights, they are all greatly appreciated!