Would I be a Good Fit at this School? Worth Applying To?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Rochester
1

<p>Alright, I apologize for encroaching on your board space with this thread. I made a post in the College Search forum about good schools for the quiet, intellectual type who's interested in biology and this was mentioned a number of times. I compared and contrasted it to my StateU and most people responded that it was of equal or greater prestige than UW-Madison, but was just as research-focused. In addition, it seems to lack the "Work Hard, Play Hard" mentality that the badgers are so fond of, and substitutes it for a more intellectual culture that I can appreciate. Anyway, I definitely plan on applying. I am interested in majoring in something genetics-related with pre-med being a possibility.</p>

<p>That being said, the admissions page confuses me a tad and I realize I am a little behind in getting everything together. I was wondering if I could direct a few questions at those who frequent this board in hopes they can lead me in the right direction. :)
-First, do you think I have a good shot at being accepted if I apply?
-Second, how important is the interview? Obviously, it's a bit of a trek for me to get to Rochester from Wisconsin during the school year. I'm wondering if making the journey would be worth it, if it would really help my cause.
-Third, can someone please explain the Bausch and Lomb award scholarship opportunity to me? I realize I'm not exactly in the top 10th percentile of those applying so I don't expect too much merit but I'm wondering if there is any possible way for me to get some merit money because that's going to be the issue with attending if I can get accepted. </p>

<p>Thanks much for your help!</p>

<p>I have included my stats below of reference.</p>

<p>White Male from Wisconsin
Catholic School
Rank: (Tied for 1 of ~100)/No Rank
Int. Major: Genetics (Pre-med track)</p>

<p>GPA: 4.0 uw
PSAT: 202
ACT: 31 (E: 33 M: 29 R: 34 S: 27) (retaking in September)</p>

<p>AP Tests: Psychology-5 (self-studied), Human Geography-5 (self-studied) [My school offers very few APs, I've taken the most rigorous courseload offered--no study halls or anything like that, although I am a library assistant this year.]</p>

<p>ECs:
- Environmental Club: 1 year
- Medical Prep. Club: 1 year
- NHS: 1 year (I'm going to list probably about 30+ volunteer hours under this)
-Hospital Volunteering: 4 years (ER, Security, Vol. Office and Urology Dept. roughly 40 hours per year)
-Varsity XC: 4 years (State-Qualified Junior Year)
-Varsity Track: 3 years (Sectional-Qualified Junior Year in 1600m)
-Various other small volunteer opps.
Hobbies:
-Guppy Breeding (if I can list this)
-Guitar Building (if I can list this)</p>

<p>Awards:
- National Merit Scholar -Commended
-Bausch and Lomb Science Award
- All-State Academic Award
- Various History Awards at my school that I will explain.
- Other County/Conference Track and Minor School Awards</p>

<p>Recs: I think they will be pretty good, I've already asked an English teacher and a History teacher/XC coach and they both seemed enthusiastic.</p>

<p>Essays: Haven't even looked at the essay(s) for this school yet. :[</p>

2

<p>Read around on the board. You can interview locally. You would be a good candidate. You don’t need to visit Rochester; I’d wait until you’re accepted and are making decisions.</p>

<p>You would likely enjoy UR a lot. It’s not Big 10, meaning sports is not the be all, end all. It’s neither a party school nor a grind school. It’s at the opposite end of the university scale; UR is about the same size as Yale, about 5k undergrad. You will definitely notice the difference in atmosphere & the way everything works, from selecting classes to getting jobs and doing research to basic social functions.</p>

3

<p>As a high school B&L recipient, you will be automatically considered for one the B&L scholarships should you be accepted to UR. There are several levels of B&L scholarships, ranging from $2000/year up to around $15,000/year. The scholarships are competitive, but I believe that all high school B&L recipients are guaranteed at least a $2000/year merit award.</p>

<p>P.S. D2 is a bio (and math) major and pre med at UR, if you have any specific questions about either, please ask.</p>

4

<p>You should totally interview! When Rochester came to Chicago in May the rep said many of those who recived merit scholarships also interviewed. I live in the Chicagoland area and have my off campus interview today!! Go to the school website and see if they offer off campus interviews in your area and sign up. It is worth giving it a shot and not regreting it later.</p>

<p>I think you have a great shot at URochester if you get your ACT score up. Kids from my school who got accepted to Rochester all had about 33-34 range with high gpas. I wish you the best of luck!</p>

5

<p>Hi Wiscongene,</p>

<p>I hope that I can also help address your questions…</p>

<p>First, from the information that you provided, your academics and your extracurriculars look solid (I want to hear more about the Guppy breeding and guitar building honestly) so I certainly hope that you apply. The U of R Admissions Counselors take a lot of time pouring over high school transcripts. We want to make sure you’re challenging yourself academically (taking AP/IB/honors courses when available) and being successful. </p>

<p>Additionally, we are always looking for the right “fit”. The U of R is different in that we have an Open Curriculum which allows students to follow their academic passions instead of taking general education requirements. Students who are excited to pursue their academic passions first semester freshman year are typically a great match with the University of Rochester. Interest in undergraduate research, and anticipating to be involved in student life on campus (music, juggling, guppy breeding, creative writing, volunteering, athletics, see a full list of clubs here: <a href=“https://sa.rochester.edu/clubs/[/url]”>https://sa.rochester.edu/clubs/&lt;/a&gt;) also help to complete a student’s “fit” with the U of R.</p>

<p>The interview is a great way for the Admissions Counselor to get to know you, and it gives you a chance to learn more about the U of R. We always encourage students to interview, (it’s a great way to increase your chances for receiving a merit scholarship), and we host interviews throughout the country so you don’t necessarily have to come all the way to campus.</p>

<p>In the next few weeks, the Admissions Counselors will be finishing up their travel plans. Keep checking this website in order to find out when we’ll be in a city near you: [University</a> of Rochester : College Admissions](<a href=“http://www.enrollment.rochester.edu/admissions/events/OffEvents/]University”>http://www.enrollment.rochester.edu/admissions/events/OffEvents/) </p>

<p>Finally, every single student who applies to the University of Rochester is considered for a merit scholarship. There are no hoops to jump through, (unless you are the son or daughter of an alum, then you have to fill out the Meliora Scholarship Essay which will be emailed to you during the application process), you are automatically considered for a scholarship. </p>

<p>Feel free to message me if you have anymore questions!</p>

<p>Tyler</p>

6

<p>Oooh, so I take it that you pretty much need the interview to get admitted, even though it’s “optional”? Hmm. I’m not sure that I can make an interview within the next couple of weeks. Are they pretty laid back? Haha, I’m kind of a nervous guy so I don’t want to give the wrong impression.</p>

<p>Does the University have an affiliated medical school?</p>

<p>Thanks for the responses so far!</p>

7

<p>Interview’s are optional. My daughter was accepted without one. Still, it’s a really good idea to make some kind of contact and I know they do phone interviews as well, so there is always that route.<br>
Strong Medical School is right across the street from campus but I will bow to others more knowledgeable about that.</p>

8

<p>Wiscongene,</p>

<p>Interviews are optional, as rgmom just stated. However, if you want to give yourself a chance to learn more about the U of R, and if you want to let the Admissions Counselors get a chance to know what you are like outside of your paper application, then it is always a good idea to interview. It’s a great opportunity to highlight your passions.</p>

<p>The interviews are not interrogations, they are friendly conversations. We essentially like to hear why you are interested in the U of R, what you like to study, and what you do for fun. </p>

<p>You can interview from now until January, on-campus, off-campus, or over the phone. There’s no time crunch! See this link for details: [University</a> of Rochester : College Admissions](<a href=“http://www.enrollment.rochester.edu/admissions/events/OffEvents/]University”>http://www.enrollment.rochester.edu/admissions/events/OffEvents/) </p>

<p>Click on “Interviews”.</p>

<p>Finally, rgmom is correct again, the University of Rochester Medical School is located in Strong Memorial Hospital which is adjacent to our campus.</p>

9

<p>Interviews are a common topic. I suggest using search and reading some of the threads.</p>