university of rochester supplemental essay examples

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How to Respond to the 2023/2024 University of Rochester Supplemental Essay Prompts

Cece Gilmore is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cece earned her undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University. While at ASU, she was the education editor as well as a published staff reporter at Downtown Devil. Cece was also the co-host of her own radio show on Blaze Radio ASU.

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Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

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The University of Rochester is located in upstate New York and is the home of “Rocky the Yellowjacket.” So, we bet you are buzzing to get into the University of Rochester, and that will require knowing how to respond to the University of Rochester supplemental essay prompts.

So, how can you make your responses stand out? Read more in our guide for how to respond to the University of Rochester supplemental essay prompts! 

Breaking down the University of Rochester supplemental essay prompts

The University of Rochester offers applicants two mandatory University of Rochester supplemental essay questions they will have to respond to. However, there are a few options under each supplemental essay question that applicants can choose from. 

The first essay is one question that offers the following options to respond to: 

• Essay response
• Creative response
• Research response

The first essay needs to be completed in 200 words or less. This is not a lot of words! So, plan out your responses thoughtfully. You want to make sure that you are not repeating yourself, but instead, are revealing your interests and personality throughout your response.

Adding on to that, be sure you are selecting an option for essay 1 that stands out to you. You want to be as authentic as possible when responding to these questions. 

The second essay is a choice of three prompts. Essay 2 will need to be completed in 200 words or less as well. So, be sure both of your answers to Essay 1 and 2 reveal different pieces of information about yourself. 

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The University of Rochester motto of Meliora – or “ever better” – deeply integrates critical core values into all that we do. These core values of equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect and accountability define not only who we are, but also who we hope to become. Please use the space below to highlight a time, creative idea or research experience when you put into action one or more of these characteristics in order to make yourself, your community or the world ever better. (200-word limit).

You may answer this question in one of three ways: 

• Essay response : Write an analytical or creative response of 200 words or less
• Creative response : Upload up to three works of your own art (e.g. pictures, video, performances, literary) and use the space below to provide a brief explanation as to how the art is tied to making the world, your community and those around you “ever better.”
• Research Response : Upload an abstract describing your own related research and use the space below to provide a brief explanation as to how the research is tied to making the world, your community and those around you “ever better.”

Essay response option

Write an analytical or creative response of 200 words or less

If you choose to select the essay response option, make sure that you are brainstorming and outlining your response from the start. 

The core values of the University of Rochester are blatantly laid out in this question. Therefore, make sure you understand them! Figure out which characteristics best represent yourself. 

To make this essay response very easy for you, write down a list of all of University of Rochester’s core values and then write down a time in which you possessed these values. For example, you can write about how becoming the captain of your varsity basketball team in high school helped you learn responsibility  and reap the benefits of being a leader. 

Completing this brainstorming method for each core value will help you narrow down the best narratives and examples of the traits that you possess. 

Once you create this list, select one core value from it that best represents “you.” Remember, there are only 200 words allowed for this response so selecting one will allow you plenty of room to add necessary details. 

After choosing this one core value, describe the narrative that best shows a time in which you displayed this core value. Be creative in your storytelling while also highlighting what you have learned from this experience. 

You do not want to just hype yourself up, but rather, detail how you learned an important lesson. In addition, you want to describe how this characteristic makes yourself, the community, and even the world a better place. 

Creative response option

Upload up to three works of your own art (e.g. pictures, video, performances, literary) and use the space below to provide a brief explanation as to how the art is tied to making the world, your community and those around you “ever better.”

This response quite literally provides you with a lot of creativity. The University of Rochester is allowing you the freedom to show off your artistic and creative talents. Therefore, select a piece of work that is meaningful to you. 

Remember, although this response allows a lot of creative freedom, it is still a part of Essay 1. Therefore, be sure you are connecting your piece of art back to the essay at hand. Be sure to link your work to one of University of Rochester’s core values. 

Remember, do not upload something that you are not proud of or haven’t created completely by yourself–you want your authentic self to shine through! 

Research response option

Upload an abstract describing your own related research and use the space below to provide a brief explanation as to how the research is tied to making the world, your community and those around you “ever better.”

U of R is known for partaking in world-class research. Therefore, it is understandable why they would offer a research option for one of their responses to their supplemental essay question. 

If you completed any research in high school or have any published research, now would be the time to share it! This will definitely give you a leg up on the competition and show the University of Rochester that you will fit in amazingly at their institution. 

If you have not completed any research, do not worry (most high school students have not!). Therefore, it may make more sense to complete one of the other options. 

For the second University of Rochester supplemental essay, you’ll choose between one of three prompts to respond to.

American social reformer, abolitionist, writer and statesman, Frederick Douglass said, “Some know the value of education, by having it. I knew its value by not having it.” Explain ways in which education has directly influenced you and your ability to do good in the world. How will you use the curricular flexibility and co-curricular opportunities of the University of Rochester experience to grow and to promote positive change for yourself, your community and your world.

The University of Rochester is unique in the fact that it offers “curricular flexibility.” This means that U of R gives students the opportunity to double major, study abroad, take fun electives, and much more without falling behind. Be sure you are doing your research on the University of Rochester prior to applying and answering their supplemental essay questions. 

After researching the University of Rochester, you should begin writing your response to this essay question. The first thing you should highlight is what education means to you. 

Think about the following questions to help spark some ideas: 

• Why do you want to go to college? 
• What does higher education mean to you? 
• How has education helped your life so far? 

Detail how important and thankful you are for your educational opportunities. You should then highlight how U of R’s flexible curriculum will continue to help you achieve your goals. 

You could even describe a narrative detailing when you realized how important public programs for the needy are after volunteering at a soup kitchen. This can reveal how you learned from your experiences and want to continue to pursue your education at the University of Rochester to help others. 

Dr. Donna Strickland, University of Rochester alum and 2018 Nobel Prize winner in Physics said, “There’s no point in me being anything other than me.” The University of Rochester encourages each student to embrace who they are and create their own individual curricular path and experience. How will you use the opportunities here to fully be who you are? What unique experiences will you bring to our community?

Everyone is different. So, how do you differ from everyone else? What makes you special? How can you continue to thrive while at the University of Rochester? This is the core of this question. 

To begin this prompt, you should reveal a quirk of yours. What makes you stand out from others? You should narrate a concise story that reveals this passion or interest of yours that makes you – you ! 

After, this is a perfect opportunity to reveal how well you did your research on the University of Rochester’s clubs and organizations. You should connect your quirk to an extracurricular offered at the University of Rochester! 

For example, maybe what makes you unique is that you love to go for runs because it helps calm you down and gives you the chance to see new scenery. Therefore, you are so excited to join the University of Rochester running club to meet like-minded running friends. 

It is important to connect what makes you unique to aspects of the University of Rochester that will allow you to thrive!

The University of Rochester benefactor entrepreneur, photography pioneer and philanthropist, George Eastman said, “What we do during our working hours determines what we have, what we do in our leisure hours determines what we are.” Looking forward toward your college experience, what do you hope to do outside of the classroom at the University of Rochester? What will enhance who you are as a person? How will specific academic and social opportunities here help you grow?

This question is very similar to option 2. The University of Rochester wants to get to know applicants by understanding what they will take part in while at their university. 

So, write what makes you excited about attending the University of Rochester! Detail specific examples of things that you want to participate in. For example, share about specific courses, clubs, or even something nearby such as a nature walk you want to go on!

The most important thing is that you are writing about something you are genuinely excited about and makes you want to attend the University of Rochester over other schools. 

Remember, take the time to find the specific names of clubs and explain why that particular organization at U of R will help you grow as a person. 

Final thoughts on the University of Rochester supplemental essays 

The University of Rochester’s supplemental essays can be quite overwhelming. However, when it really comes down to it there are just 2 essays you need to write! Therefore, do not get caught up on all of the options presented.

Rather, take it slow! Read each question and its options carefully and select the option that most closely aligns with your interests. If you do not immediately connect with a prompt do not select it! 

Once you have narrowed down your options to just your Essay 1 and 2 questions, begin to brainstorm and plan out what you want to write about! 

The most important thing is that you have done your research prior to answering the questions. This will ensure that you are prepared to name drop any organizations you are excited to participate in. 

Once you have done your research and selected your options, you are ready to respond to the questions! Best of luck during the writing process! 

Next steps after applying to the University of Rochester

Once you have completed the University of Rochester supplemental essay questions, have a trusted person read over your responses to check: 

• For any spelling or grammar errors
• Repetition throughout your responses
• That your responses answer the questions

Now it is officially time to submit your University of Rochester application. Good job! Be sure check for any updates to your application status by looking at your: 

• University of Rochester portal
• Social media accounts run by University of Rochester

Additional resources

Before submitting your University of Rochester application, make sure that your Coalition Application and Common Application essays are perfect also! 

Have you taken the ACT or SAT ? If you are curious about whether or not to send your SAT/ACT scores to test optional schools, check out our guide!

Check out our free scholarship search tool to help you afford your education. Scholarships360 is here to help you! 

Additional supplemental essay guides

• Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA)
• Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD)
• University of Chicago (Chicago, IL)

Frequently asked questions about responding to the university of Rochester essay prompts

How many supplemental essay prompts does the university of rochester have, when are the application deadlines for the university of rochester, are there any helpful tips for making my essay stand out from other applicants, is there a right option to select for the university of rochester essays, scholarships360 recommended.

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University of Rochester Supplemental Essay Guide: 2021-2022

Not sure how to respond to a University of Rochester supplemental essay prompt?  CollegeAdvisor.com ’s guide to the University of Rochester essay questions will show you how to write captivating University of Rochester essay responses and increase your chances against the University of Rochester acceptance rate.

If you need help writing your University of Rochester supplement essays, create your  free account  or  schedule a free advising consultation  by calling (844) 343-6272.

University of Rochester Supplemental Essay Guide Quick Facts:

• The University of Rochester’s acceptance rate is 35% –  U.S. News  ranks the University of Rochester as a  most selective  school.
• The University of Rochester is ranked 34th by US News in their current ranking of national universities.
• We recommend that you complete each University of Rochester supplemental essay thoroughly and thoughtfully to maximize your admissions odds.

What is the University of Rochester acceptance rate?

The current University of Rochester acceptance rate is 35%. According to US News, the average acceptance rate for universities is 68%; this makes the University of Rochester acceptance rate significantly lower than that of many universities.

However, don’t let the University of Rochester acceptance rate scare you. After all, many factors influence whether you’re accepted to a given school. There are plenty of things you can do to boost your admissions odds. For example, crafting strong responses to each University of Rochester supplemental essay. Well-crafted essays, strong recommendation letters, and impressive transcripts can help you overcome the University of Rochester acceptance rate.

Once again, the University of Rochester’s acceptance rate is 35%. Given the low University of Rochester acceptance rate and its test-optional ad policy, well-written University of Rochester supplement essays can considerably increase your admissions odds. In other words, whenever applicable in a University of Rochester supplemental essay, you want to show that you’ve done your research on the school. Your essays should show the admissions team your specific goals in attending Rochester (beyond reputation and prestige). To learn more about DI and how universities use it, check out this  Forbes article .

Want to learn how to use the University of Rochester acceptance rate to build a balanced college list? Check out our recent  blog article .

Is the University of Rochester hard to get into?

US News currently lists the University of Rochester ranking as 34th in the nation. U.S. News takes both the high University of Rochester ranking and the low University of Rochester acceptance rate into consideration when they designate Rochester as a  most selective school .

Once again, the University of Rochester’s acceptance rate is 35%. Given the low University of Rochester acceptance rate and its test-optional admissions policy, well-written University of Rochester supplement essays can considerably increase your admissions odds.

Since the University of Rochester ranking is quite high, you should do all you can to help your application shine. However, don’t let the University of Rochester ranking (or acceptance rate) discourage you from submitting the strongest application you can.

Does the University of Rochester require essays?

Yes. All applicants must complete two University of Rochester essay questions in addition to the required essay for the  Common App  or  Coalition App . Below, we’ll discuss how to best respond to each University of Rochester essay question in this Rochester essay guide.

Need some help writing your Common App essay? Get great tips from our Common App essay  guide .

How many essays does the University of Rochester Require?

There are two University of Rochester supplemental essay prompts on the 2020-2021 Common App. All applicants must complete both University of Rochester supplemental essays.

Does the University of Rochester care about essays?

Simply, yes. Like many other universities, the University of Rochester has moved to a test-optional admissions policy. Last year, over 18,000 students applied to the University of Rochester. Of that number, only about 6,500 students were admitted—which is how they calculate the University of Rochester acceptance rate.

With a test-optional policy and a rising number of applicants, the other aspects of your application become even more important. This includes the University of Rochester supplemental essays. If you don’t send standardized scores in your application, the  University of Rochester emphasizes  that your essays will be even more critical.

To recap, given the low University of Rochester acceptance rate, strong University of Rochester supplement essays could make the difference when it comes to your admissions result. If you want your best shot against the University of Rochester acceptance rate, don’t discount your Rochester essays!

How do I write the University of Rochester essays?

Approach each Rochester essay with a thorough understanding of the prompt. Then, take your time to draft a complete response. Spend the remainder of your time polishing each University of Rochester supplement essay. You’ll want to make sure that your openings grab your reader’s attention. Additionally, you should draft each University of Rochester essay with the word limit in mind—keep your language concise! Finally, whenever possible, your Rochester essays should use DI to reinforce your interest in attending the school.

University of Rochester Supplemental Essay – Question 1 (Required)

The University of Rochester motto of Meliora – or “ever better” – deeply integrates critical core values into all that we do. These core values of equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect and accountability define not only who we are, but also who we hope to become. Please use the space below to highlight a time, creative idea or research experience when you put into action one or more of these characteristics in order to make yourself, your community or the world ever better. (200-word limit).

You may answer one of three ways:

Essay Response: Write an analytical or creative response of 200 words or less.

Creative Response: Upload up to three works of your own art (e.g. pictures, video, performances, literary) and use the space below to provide a brief explanation as to how the art is tied to making the world, your community and those around you “ever better.”

Research Response: Upload an abstract describing your own related research and use the space below to provide a brief explanation as to how the research is tied to making the world, your community and those around you “ever better.”

University of Rochester ranking and reputation aside, focus on how this University of Rochester supplemental essay can help you stand out!

This University of Rochester supplement essay prompt asks you to show how you emulate Rochester’s motto of “ever better” by embodying Rochester’s core values. The prompt invites you to connect your experiences, art, or research with at least one of Rochester’s listed values (equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability) as well as with the motto of “ever better.”

Let’s break down this University of Rochester supplement essay and discuss how to choose the best type of response.

Brainstorming Core Values

The University of Rochester wants students who model their core values and strive to make the world around them a better place. In your Rochester essay, you want to demonstrate that you embody Rochester’s key values. First, think about the values Rochester lists and how they contribute to making the world a better place. Then, brainstorm times when you lived out one or more of these values.

Making a List

To begin, go through each value listed and  free write  about a time or experience when you put that value into action. If you find yourself really taking off on one or two of the values, use that as a starting point for this University of Rochester supplemental essay.

Additionally, the values that matter most to you might not necessarily fit the requirements for your Rochester essay. For instance, if you list “equity” in your brainstorm but struggle to remember a time you lived this value, then you shouldn’t choose that value for this University of Rochester supplement essay. Do you value equity? Of course. But let’s choose a value that meets the University of Rochester supplement essay requirements.

On the other hand, if you list “leadership” and can share an experience when you used leadership to “make yourself, your community, or the world ever better,” you’ve found a topic for this University of Rochester supplemental essay.

Choose one or two of your strongest values that you have put into action to make the world “ever better.” Whichever values you choose, make sure you can back up your experiences with specific details.

Making a Choice

Once you have chosen a topic for your University of Rochester supplemental essay response, it’s time to choose a form. Rochester lets you get creative with this prompt—your University of Rochester supplement essay might not even be an essay at all!

Let’s look at each option and consider which one is best for you:

University of Rochester Supplemental Essay Option 1: The Essay Response

While writing an essay (rather than submitting a creative response or a research project) might seem unexciting, there are plenty of ways you can make your essay response shine. So, if you don’t have artistic projects or research to use for your first Rochester essay, don’t worry! The essay response is the route for you; let’s make the most of it.

For this University of Rochester essay, you need to identify a core value from your brainstorming list and describe how you used that value to better yourself or others. With only 200 words, you don’t have much space. You’ll want to include specific details—while your word count might be limited, your Rochester essay should still tell a story. You might open your essay with an anecdote before discussing how this value impacts your relationship to the world.

While you can address multiple values in your essay, you should do so with caution. Don’t try to tell multiple stories; instead, remain focused on one general idea. It’s better to address one topic in detail than to attempt to write about multiple experiences.

University of Rochester Supplemental Essay Option 2: The Creative Response

Art can be a powerful way to communicate your values. Do you have any creative work (pictures, video, performances, literature, etc.) that demonstrates one of your core values? If so, you might consider this option for your University of Rochester essay.

If you go this route, you can upload up to three artistic works. You must also provide a 200-word written explanation that details how these works align with making the word “ever better” for the University of Rochester supplemental essay.

Any files that you upload must meet the file type and size requirements provided. Name each file logically:

Ex. “Video 1” “Video 2” or “Photo 1” “Photo 2”

If you use specific file names, you can easily refer to them in your written explanation. Your explanation should clearly identify the work, the value it demonstrates, and how that work is “tied to making the world ever better.” As with all University of Rochester supplemental essays, you should be as specific and detailed as possible.

University of Rochester Supplemental Essay Option 3: The Research Response

The University of Rochester prides itself as one of the  leading research universities  in the US. This is one of the reasons the University of Rochester ranking is #34 in National Universities. Consequently, if you have published research, you might choose this option for your University of Rochester supplement essay. Relatively few students will have done extensive research projects, so this Rochester essay response can help your application stand out!

Upload your research abstract—follow the file upload requirements provided in the directions. Next, provide a 200-word discussion that explains how this research expresses a core value and is making the world “ever better.”

In your 200-word University of Rochester supplemental essay, you should use as many details as possible to directly describe how this research improves the world. Why did this research matter to you? How might it relate to projects you hope to continue while studying at Rochester?

University of Rochester Supplemental Essay Key Questions:

• Does your University of Rochester supplemental essay response identify a matching core value?
• Does your University of Rochester essay tie your core value(s) to your actions?
• Did you choose the best method of response to illustrate your value(s)?
• Does your response show how you will make yourself, your community, and the world “ever better” while studying at Rochester?

University of Rochester Supplemental Essay – Option 2 (Required)

Please select one of the following prompts to respond to in 200 words or less.

1. American social reformer, abolitionist, writer and statesman, Frederick Douglass said, “Some know the value of education, by having it. I knew its value by not having it.” Explain ways in which education has directly influenced you and your ability to do good in the world. How will you use the curricular flexibility and co-curricular opportunities of the University of Rochester experience to grow and to promote positive change for yourself, your community and your world.

2. Dr. Donna Strickland, University of Rochester alum and 2018 Nobel Prize winner in Physics said, “There’s no point in me being anything other than me.” The University of Rochester encourages each student to embrace who they are and create their own individual curricular path and experience. How will you use the opportunities here to fully be who you are? What unique experiences will you bring to our community?

3. The University of Rochester benefactor entrepreneur, photography pioneer and philanthropist, George Eastman said, “What we do during our working hours determines what we have, what we do in our leisure hours determines what we are.” Looking forward toward your college experience, what do you hope to do outside of the classroom at the University of Rochester? What will enhance who you are as a person? How will specific academic and social opportunities here help you grow?

The University of Rochester wants students to build their own program of study and engage in campus life. This University of Rochester supplemental essay gives you an opportunity to connect with their ideals.

Let’s check out each of your options here and strategize for your best choice.

Evaluating The Prompts

Both the first and second options mention “curricular flexibility” and “individual curricular path.” So, take some time to understand this unique  Rochester Curriculum  before selecting a University of Rochester essay prompt.

In some ways, each of these prompts is akin to a “Why Rochester” essay. This means that in your University of Rochester supplement essay, you should try to mention specific programs and opportunities only available at Rochester. This is your chance to show the Rochester admissions team that you’re invested in their school—don’t let it go to waste.

Each of these University of Rochester supplemental essay prompts takes a slightly different angle. Let’s break down what each of these questions asks:

Prompt 1: Education and its Influence

This University of Rochester essay prompt directly asks how education has influenced you to do good in the world. You can choose this prompt if you’ve had a unique experience with education that has contributed to your identity and goals.

Remember, your University of Rochester supplemental essays should help the admissions team learn more about you. Do you have a personal experience connected to education that informs your desire to study at Rochester? If so, this might be a great prompt to choose for your University of Rochester supplemental essay.

For example, you might discuss how a volunteering experience you had influenced your desire to promote education for underserved groups. Or, you might describe how your own struggles in the education system have inspired you to help make learning more equitable.

Identify your previous learning experience and connect it to your academic planning with the Rochester curriculum. By connecting your experiences to your goals at Rochester, you can use this University of Rochester supplement essay to show both your understanding of curricular programming at Rochester and your desire to affect change in your community.

Prompt 2: Being Who You Are

This University of Rochester supplemental essay requires you to identify a distinct personal feature and demonstrate how you will express that trait at the University of Rochester.

At Rochester, community extends far beyond the classroom walls. Ninety percent of University of Rochester students participate in student clubs and organizations. Take this opportunity to investigate the  student organizations  on campus. Consider what qualities you will bring to Rochester and how you will contribute to the student body.

You might choose a particular club that accords with your identity or interests and describe how you would interface with that aspect of campus culture. For instance, if you’re a first-generation college student, you might talk about your desire to join Rochester’s 1st Gen Society and help connect the first-generation community. Whatever you choose, make sure to include as many specific details as possible.

Prompt 3: Life Outside the Classroom

In some ways, this University of Rochester essay prompt combines Prompt 1 and Prompt 2. This University of Rochester essay prompt asks you to identify your goals and describe how the University of Rochester will help you grow into the person you want to be.

Once again, you’ll want to be as specific as possible. Focus your University of Rochester supplement essay not just on what opportunities Rochester offers but on how these opportunities will help you grow. The admissions team should come away from your Rochester essay with a solid sense not just of what you will bring to Rochester, but, moreover, of what Rochester (and only Rochester) can do for you.

• Do you use your University of Rochester supplemental essay to highlight your understanding of Rochester’s opportunities?
• Does your University of Rochester supplement essay demonstrate your long-term goals and how Rochester will help you reach them?
• Does your Rochester essay response illustrate how you’ll contribute to campus life?

University of Rochester Supplemental Essay Questions – Final Thoughts

The University of Rochester essay prompts may seem overwhelming, especially in light of the high University of Rochester ranking and the low University of Rochester acceptance rate. However, don’t let that discourage you! With these tips, you can write an engaging set of University of Rochester supplemental essays and maximize your chances against the University of Rochester acceptance rate. Good luck!

This 2021-2022 essay guide was written by Sasha Litzenberger. Want help crafting your University of Rochester supplemental essays? Create your free  account  or  schedule a free advising consultation  by calling (844) 343-6272.

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How to Write the University of Rochester Essays 2021-2022

Located in Rochester, New York, the University of Rochester is a private university with a reputation for its excellence in research. With groundbreaking research in nuclear fusion, cancer stem cells, and biomedical engineering, it’s no wonder that aspiring researchers flock to the University of Rochester. 

However, you don’t need to be a young researcher to apply—Rochester’s schools in business, music, and education make this small university the top choice of many applicants. The Yellow Jackets also have access to athletic programs, Greek Life, a cappella, and over 250 student organizations. 

Applicants to the University of Rochester must complete the Common Application and write strong supplemental essays. The University of Rochester now has three required supplements, and an additional one for applicants pursuing combined degree programs. A strong essay portfolio is crucial in making an impression with the admissions committee. Don’t worry—that’s where we come in.

Read this University of Rochester essay example to inspire your own writing.

University of Rochester Supplemental Essay Prompts

All applicants.

Prompt 1: The University of Rochester motto of Meliora – or “ever better” – deeply integrates critical core values into all that we do. These core values of equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect and accountability define not only who we are, but also who we hope to become. Please use the space below to highlight a time, creative idea or research experience when you put into action one or more of these characteristics in order to make yourself, your community or the world ever better. 

Prompt 1 Essay Response Option: Write an analytical or creative response of 200 words or less.

Prompt 1 Creative Response Option: Upload up to three works of your own art (e.g. pictures, video, performances, literary) and use the space below to provide a brief explanation as to how the art is tied to making the world, your community, and those around you “ever better.”

Prompt 1 Research Response Option: Upload an abstract describing your own related research and use the space below to provide a brief explanation as to how the research is tied to making the world, your community and those around you “ever better.”

Prompt 2: Please select one of the following prompts to respond to in 200 words or less.

Prompt 2 Option A: American social reformer, abolitionist, writer and statesman Frederick Douglass said, “Some know the value of education by having it. I knew its value by not having it.” Explain ways in which education has directly influenced you and your ability to do good in the world. How will you use the curricular flexibility and co-curricular opportunities of the University of Rochester experience to grow and to promote positive change for yourself, your community and the world?

Prompt 2 Option B: Dr. Donna Strickland, University of Rochester alum and 2018 Nobel Prize winner in Physics said, “There’s no point in me being anything other than me.” The University of Rochester encourages each student to embrace who they are and create their own individual curricular path and experience. How will you use the opportunities here to fully be who you are? What unique perspectives will you bring to our community?

Prompt 2 Option C: The University of Rochester benefactor, entrepreneur, photography pioneer, and philanthropist George Eastman said, “What we do during our working hours determines what we have; what we do in our leisure hours determines what we are.” Looking forward towards your college experience, what do you hope to do outside of the classroom at the University of Rochester that will enhance who you are as a person? How will specific academic and social opportunities here help you grow?

Prompt 3: Are you interested in pursuing research while enrolled at the University of Rochester? If Yes, what field/area of study are you interested in researching? (20 words) 

Combined Degree Program Applicants

What relevant experiences or insight have led to your interest in this particular program describe how rochester’s resources: facilities, faculty, peers and research will meet your academic and personal ambitions. describe how you see yourself contributing to the challenging field you want to enter as a rochester graduate. (500 words), all applicants, prompt 1 (required).

The University of Rochester motto of Meliora – or “ever better” – deeply integrates critical core values into all that we do. These core values of equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect and accountability define not only who we are, but also who we hope to become. Please use the space below to highlight a time, creative idea or research experience when you put into action one or more of these characteristics in order to make yourself, your community or the world ever better. (200 words)

There are three different ways that you can answer this prompt. While you can certainly choose the creative or research response (if either applies to you), we are going to focus on the essay response option, since we are essay people over here at Collegevine! 

Even though the essay response may seem more “typical” of a college supplement, you should feel free to choose whatever option allows you to most fully express yourself. In fact, try not to think about it. Pick the option that you feel most excited about or that comes most naturally to you. You won’t be penalized for picking the “wrong” one. 

The central components of this essay are as follows: 

• That you can identify a time where you embodied one of Rochester’s core values
• That you can eloquently discuss how that instance puts one of their values into action
• That you can explain how putting their values into action made the world a better place

We can go through these one at a time. 

• That you can identify a time where you embodied one of Rochester’s core values. 

The first step to writing this supplement is identifying a time, experience, or moment that embodies one of their values. This will be your jumping off point for a deeper discussion that answers the prompt in its entirety. 

Some starter questions to get your brain thinking about possible topics:

• Have you ever acted when confronted with injustice?
• Did you ever step up as a leader when others needed you?  
• How have you used your voice to uplift those who need it? 

There are a million different ways to answer this prompt. For instance, maybe you stood up to your school’s administration when they were enacting sexist dress code standards. Maybe you participated in protests for urgent climate action at your Governor’s office. 

There is no one right way to answer this prompt, but the most important first step is to ground the response in a guiding example. 

Depending how much context your topic requires, this portion of the response will need approximately 25-75 words. The deeper explanation to follow is more important, and thus you should devote the majority of the 200 words to deeper reflections and insights. However, you should not feel bad about including necessary context for the narrative that follows. 

• That you can eloquently discuss how that instance puts one of their values into action.

Once you have an example to motivate the rest of your response, you should make clear how it embodies one of their values. This section will likely require some introspection and soul searching on your behalf. 

Note, something you should not do is simply say, “My actions embodied Rochester’s guiding principle of leadership/equity/integrity/etc.” An overly-mechanistic response like this is not what the prompt is seeking. Instead, the way you reflect upon your actions should make clear to the admissions reader that you are acting in alignment with the University of Rochester’s values. 

For instance, you might say something like, “ It felt uncomfortable to defy my principal’s dress code policies, but I knew I had to take a stand alongside all the girls in my grade who felt uncomfortable that the school would impose punitive standards that blame the victims of sexual violence for their outfits, rather than holding abusers to account. Standing up to their rules was risky, but it taught me how the power of collective action can be used to fight for what is right.” 

Including substantive personal reflections will show the admissions officers that you understand the University of Rochester’s values and motto at a deeper level, as opposed to just repeating a slogan that sounds catchy. Your introspection will show them that you are mature enough to be a contributing member of their campus community. 

Once you have identified the moment that you wish to highlight, and you have reflected on how that moment relates to the University of Rochester’s core values, the final step is to express the broader significance of your actions. 

The whole purpose of this supplement is to ask the applicant how they have made the world a better place. In this portion of the essay, you can answer that question once and for all, having grounded yourself in a central example and reflections on values. 

As above, it is best to avoid simplistic language such as “My actions made the world a better place by…” One of the things admissions readers look for is quality of language and sentence construction, so make sure to use some more passionate and descriptive language to make your response truly come to life. 

As for actually writing this essay, the prompt clarifies that your response can be analytical or creative. An analytical essay will be more straightforward and answer the prompt head-on without much fluff. It will be more formulaic in structure and factual in content. 

A creative response, on the other hand, will be more free-flowing or have a unique structure and should include at least one anecdote. 

Think about how outraged you were at the abysmal, abstinence-only sex education in your health class and how you wrote an angry letter to the school board demanding that the curriculum be changed to include information about safe sex practices. Write about that! Take us to that moment and then explain how your actions made the world a better place.

Whichever structure you choose, don’t go too extreme in either direction. If you are writing an analytical essay, you should still write eloquently and choose an anecdote to share. Similarly, if you are writing the creative essay, don’t get so carried away in your creativity that you forget to include all of the pertinent information.

All Applicants, Prompt 2

Please select one of the following prompts to respond to in 200 words or less..

Broadly speaking, all three of these prompts are asking similar questions, but each has its own nuances. In general, this prompt is asking you “Why University of Rochester,” but with veiled language and variance in the additional context you provide alongside that central question. 

Thus, we will provide advice that broadly applies to all three prompts, as well as some specific advice that addresses the unique nuances of each individual prompt. 

Broad Advice : 

Regardless of which prompt you choose, the crucial task when responding to this supplement is to identify specific opportunities at the University of Rochester that will help you achieve your goals, better understand yourself, and make the world a better place. 

This will serve not only to show the admissions reader what kind of student you will be at the University of Rochester, but also to demonstrate that you have done sufficient research on the school and its offerings. Instead of simply telling them you are interested in making an impact on campus, your goal should be to show them through your research and personal reflections. 

Specificity is always going to be your friend, versus generic statements that don’t tell the reader much about your passions. For example, don’t say something as simple as “I am excited to be a sociology major at the University of Rochester, where I will learn about society and the social relations of the family.” This is not good enough because you could replace “University of Rochester” with any other school name and the sentence would still make sense. 

Instead, you should aim to be as specific and detailed as you can be. For instance, rather than speaking about sociology at Rochester broadly, maybe you identify a particular course that sounds engaging: “I am excited to learn about marriage as a dynamic social institution in Rochester’s SOC 2453, which explores the broader issues of diversity within marital and family systems from ethnic, inter-cultural and religious perspectives.” This shows you have done more serious research into the types of courses you will take as a sociology major at Rochester.

All Applicants, Prompt 2A

American social reformer, abolitionist, writer and statesman frederick douglass said, “some know the value of education by having it. i knew its value by not having it.” explain ways in which education has directly influenced you and your ability to do good in the world. how will you use the curricular flexibility and co-curricular opportunities of the university of rochester experience to grow and to promote positive change for yourself, your community and the world (200 words).

This prompt is more specifically asking about what education means to you and what educational opportunities you will take advantage of at Rochester. As such, this prompt is the most purely academic of the three. However, it also has the added complexity of asking you to connect your academic and co-curricular endeavors to your vision for making the world a better place more generally. 

This prompt requires a few things of you: 

• Reflect upon how education has helped you make a positive impact in the past
• Identify specific offerings at Rochester that would help you in your educational goals
• Connect those educational opportunities to broader themes of positive change 

Let’s take this one point at a time. 

This first portion of the prompt is not the most important part, but it does serve an important purpose of grounding your response in your past experiences. 

You should do some deep introspection to determine how your education has previously empowered you to create positive change, whether it be for yourself, your community, or the world at large. This portion of your response should draw directly from your own experiences, and it should transition smoothly into the rest of the essay. 

For instance, here are some possible models for this portion to get you brainstorming: 

• “Learning about interest groups in my AP U.S. Government class helped me grasp the disproportionate power of large oil corporations in our public policy. This knowledge made me a more informed citizen, capable of advocating for the causes I believe in. I hope to continue learning more about interest groups in politics while at Rochester through courses such as…” 
• “My experiences working in a robotics lab opened my eyes to the potential for automation to upend entire sectors of our economy, allowing us to pursue creative endeavors in our additional leisure time. I am fascinated by these emergent technologies, and I hope to keep developing them as a student at Rochester by…” 

Your past experiences should serve to motivate your future aspirations. Once you have a broad idea of what goals you wish to pursue, as well as how education is meaningful to you, the next step is to research how Rochester is uniquely equipped to help you achieve those goals. 

Much of the advice from above about being specific and well-researched applies to this section. Beyond that, this differs from the others in that it relates to academic and co-curricular opportunities, rather than extracurricular. A good place to start when thinking about this objective is to simply jot down the answers to a few questions:

• What is your intended major?
• Why did you choose that major specifically at the University of Rochester? 
• What are some potential paths that your intended field of study could lead to? 

You of course do not need to commit to a career any time soon, but having a few ideas might help to frame this essay. Think about how you would answer a “ why this major ” or “ why this college ” essay. Don’t write them, but come up with a few talking points you’d want to hit. 

You won’t need to go into details about all of these questions (and, with only 250 words, you won’t have time to), but it’s probably a good idea to mention most of these at least briefly.

This is, naturally, the hardest part of the essay. The first step is to find the link between your future education and your desire to save the world. The second step is to write about it.

Finding a link may not seem straightforward in some cases. How do you connect your interest in universal literacy to your future as a computer science major? The trick here is to get creative and remember that education is about more than just your prescribed course of study for your degree. Your education is also about the people you meet, the organizations you’re a part of, the research you do, and the experiences you have. 

So, maybe the link between universal literacy and computer science is that you will design a website that helps parents teach their children how to read and find age-appropriate books. Now, you just have to think about how the University of Rochester will help you get there.

All Applicants, Prompt 2B

Dr. donna strickland, university of rochester alum and 2018 nobel prize winner in physics said, “there’s no point in me being anything other than me.” the university of rochester encourages each student to embrace who they are and create their own individual curricular path and experience. how will you use the opportunities here to fully be who you are what unique perspectives will you bring to our community (200 words).

Whereas 2A is focused on how your academic and co-curricular ambitions relate to your desire to create positive change, this prompt concerns your unique self-determination and life perspectives as an individual. 

Thus, the primary question you should spend some time thinking about before attempting to write your response is who am I?

You might feel like this is a deep, probing question. It sure is! These supplements are meant to be challenging and encourage introspection that you might not feel comfortable with quite yet. However, if you can answer this well, you will show yourself to be a mature, self-aware individual who is ready for the challenges of college life. 

Accordingly, here are some questions to consider:

• What were some of your formative childhood memories? 
• What do you value? 
• What motivates you? 
• What significant obstacles have you overcome? 
• What makes you different? 
• What culture do you embody? 
• What communities are you a part of? 

There are, of course, many different ways to answer this question. As long as you have done enough soul-searching, and you have settled on some characteristic, attribute, or personal quality as the guiding theme of your response, you will do great. 

Once you have determined the bigger picture, your next step is to do the due diligence needed to find the campus opportunities that will help you better thrive as yourself. Whereas prompt 2A was about how educational opportunities will empower you to positively impact the world, this is about how Rochester’s unique opportunities will facilitate self-discovery. 

As always, in-depth research and specificity are your friend. Once you have identified an opportunity, the key is then to relate it back to your self-discovery. For instance, you might say something like, “I have come to appreciate that being a lesbian is an essential part of who I am. At Rochester, I look forward to further exploring my sexuality with the support of the Pride Network. Sexuality is complicated, and I am certain that a community of supportive and similarly queer peers will help me grow ever more comfortable in my own skin.” 

This is your chance to be unequivocally yourself, so take advantage of it. Show the Rochester admissions committee who you are, and what you’re all about! 

All Applicants, Prompt 2C 

The university of rochester benefactor, entrepreneur, photography pioneer, and philanthropist george eastman said, “what we do during our working hours determines what we have; what we do in our leisure hours determines what we are.” looking forward towards your college experience, what do you hope to do outside of the classroom at the university of rochester that will enhance who you are as a person how will specific academic and social opportunities here help you grow (200 words).

Whereas prompt 2A is about academics for social good, and prompt 2B is about self-determination, this prompt makes space for your extracurricular involvements. Of the three, this is perhaps the most traditional “why school” prompt, as it encompasses academic and social involvements alike. The only thing you should explicitly omit are courses.

This prompt does require you to do some self-reflection as above in prompt 2B, as it also emphasizes that these extracurricular opportunities should contribute towards your unique self-growth. Refer to the section on prompt 2B for advice on how to write about self-growth and personal reflections. 

In terms of balancing social and academic opportunities, don’t feel too much pressure to prioritize one category over the other. Maybe you are really interested in joining an acapella group because you want to practice being part of a larger musical group. Maybe you want to join the mock trial team to work on your public speaking and self-confidence. There are countless directions to take this, provided you can establish a clear and cogent connection between the activities you choose, and your own self-growth. 

Remember, you could join the school newspaper or softball team at any school. Find names of specific clubs on campus and be sure to explain why that particular organization at this particular school will help your personal growth!

All Applicants, Prompt 3 

Are you interested in pursuing research while enrolled at the university of rochester if yes, what field/area of study are you interested in researching (20 words) .

This question is straightforward, and, at only 20 words, there’s nothing else you can do but answer it simply and honestly. Specify what research you are interested in, being as specific as possible without going over the word limit. We recommend that you write in full sentences (more likely one full sentence). 

e.g. “Through the REMS program, I hope to research the efficacy of stem cells as a treatment or cure for cancer.”

If you have no idea what you’d like to research, take a look at URochester’s research page for ideas. It can help if your intended research is actually related to research already happening, as there’s a clear connection to the school.

Combined Degree Program Prompt  

There is a lot to tackle with this prompt, but rest assured that 500 words is plenty of space. This essay should be roughly the same length as your common application essay. Also, like the common application, you can have a more creative form and narrative structure. The operative phrase here is “show don’t tell!” 

Unlike the common application’s essay prompts, which are typically fairly short and open-ended, here you have three specific questions that you have to answer. And, yes, you do have to answer all of them. Let’s take a look at them one at a time.

• What relevant experiences or insight have led to your interest in this particular program?

This question is a bit similar to the “why this major” question, and we’ll approach it in a very similar way—referring to it as a “why this program” question. This prompt asks you to describe your interest in your specialty program of choice and cite a few things (“experiences or insights”) that have sparked your desire to apply to this program. The University of Rochester is looking to understand your academic background and what you’re passionate about—specifically as it relates to your academic career. 

The first step to tackling this essay is to find an anecdote that demonstrates your emotional connection to whatever program you’re applying to. Don’t be alarmed by the phrase “relevant experiences or insights,” as these can be almost anything as long as they help to explain why you’re passionate about your subject area of interest. 

So, let’s take an example of a student applying to The Rochester Early Medical Medical Scholars (REMS) program. The “why this program” is really just as simple as “why medicine” followed by “why does this program help?” 

Maybe this student wanted to go into medicine after being inspired by the mentorship of her Principal Investigator while doing research on the role of Vitamin K in the development of osteoporosis. And, perhaps she is applying to the REMS program because not having to apply to medical school down the line will allow her to have a more interdisciplinary education and seek more leadership opportunities during her time as an undergrad. 

As we mentioned before, this is the place where “show don’t tell” really comes into play. Pick a specific example of a time that illustrates your passion for your program of choice and share an anecdote about it. This is particularly effective at the beginning of your essay as a tool to draw the reader in. 

• Describe how Rochester’s resources: facilities, faculty, peers and research will meet your academic and personal ambitions.

Now the prompt is getting a little more specific. If the last question can be summarized as “why this program,” this question adds the element of “why this program at this school .” 

In the example above, an admissions officer might wonder why the student was applying to the REMS program instead of the many other combined B.A./B.S+M.D. programs in the country. What is it that makes the University of Rochester special? 

Maybe you already have a great answer to this question. Perhaps you picked the Guaranteed Rochester Degree in Education (GRADE) program because of a connection to a professor whose research you’d like to get involved in. 

But this question might require you to do a bit of digging. A quick Google search can get you to faculty profiles (that include research descriptions), class rosters, and a list of student organizations. Another great option is talking to real, live people. If you don’t know anyone at the University of Rochester to talk to, ask your school counselor to connect you to their alumni network.

Remember that whatever reason you give should be specific. Don’t just say that there are great extracurricular activities. Tell us about your specific interest in the Meliora Launch Pad and how having the freedom to explore your interests in entrepreneurship will help you to develop and launch your own startup after graduation. Share with the reader how you will combine your extracurriculars with your learning from the Graduate Engineering at Rochester (GEAR) program.   

• Describe how you see yourself contributing to the challenging field you want to enter as a Rochester graduate.

So now that we’ve covered “why this program at this school,” this question asks you to look further into the future to describe where you see yourself down the line. Note that there is no specific timeline here, other than being post-graduation.

You can talk about how you plan to work as a nurse in an underserved area right after graduating from the University of Rochester School of Nursing program. 

Or, you can look further into the future and talk about how after graduating from the HEAL program, you plan to work in public health for a few years before applying to law school, where you will spend a career advocating for those who have faced medical discrimination. 

As always, be specific. Generality won’t get you far with challenging prompts like these.

Although we broke this essay down into three distinct sections, it’s worth reiterating that it is all one prompt. That means that your answers and examples should all flow together. If you’re talking about the REMS program at the beginning, you shouldn’t be talking about contributing to the “challenging field of engineering” by the end of the essay (unless you have a very specific interest in developing medical devices, for example, in which case go for it). 

We broke this prompt up to make it easier to understand what each section was asking and what answering it might require. However, it’s probably helpful to think about it as one big prompt when choosing the themes of your response before diving into the specifics of each individual question.

As we mentioned before, your essay can be more narrative and creative than you might be used to writing for other supplemental essays. Although these questions are specific (thus requiring facts backed up by research and straightforward language), the 500 word count allows you to get creative with anecdotes. You can choose one specific example to use throughout the essay, or choose something closer to the vignette structure, in which you share small snippets of multiple stories in order to hit home several distinct points.

It’s worth noting that the content in this essay might be similar to what you found yourself writing in the main, required essay that we discussed before. We urge you to avoid being too repetitive. Don’t waste your time repeating information that’s already covered elsewhere in your application. Try to find a new angle to discuss your academic interests and new examples to support them.

Where to Get Your University of Rochester Essays Edited for Free

Do you want feedback on your URochester essays? After rereading your essay countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. Since they don’t know you personally, other students can be a more objective judge of whether your personality shines through, and whether you’ve fully answered the prompt.

You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. We highly recommend giving this tool a try!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Mastering the University of Rochester Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Welcome, Yellowjackets in the making! If you're aiming for the University of Rochester, you're in the right place. We're here to help you navigate the University of Rochester supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle.

University of Rochester Supplemental Essay Prompts

• Why Rochester? (250-300 words)
• What issue of local, national, or international significance have you worked to address? (250-300 words)
• Describe a time when you were challenged by perspectives different from your own and how you responded. (250-300 words)

Here are our top tips to tackle these prompts:

Why Rochester? With this classic "why us" question, Rochester wants to see your genuine interest in their institution. Discuss specific courses, professors, clubs, or research opportunities that excite you. Don't forget to link these elements back to your personal goals and interests. The key here is specificity; make sure the admissions officer can see that this isn't a generic essay you could send to any university.

University of Rochester's commitment to innovation and research, specifically in the realm of quantum physics, has always fascinated me. The Integrated Optics for Undergraduate Native Americans (IOU-NA) program, which combines hands-on research and mentorship, perfectly aligns with my aspiration to delve deep into quantum research, contributing to advancements in the field.

What stands out most to me about Rochester is the "Meliora" spirit. The institution's drive for ever betterment resonates with my personal philosophy of continual learning and improvement. I'm particularly attracted to the Open Curriculum, which empowers students to pursue their intellectual passions. This flexibility will allow me to explore diverse fields like philosophy and computational linguistics that can complement my primary focus on physics, thus fostering interdisciplinary understanding.

Beyond academics, I'm excited about joining the Physics and Astronomy Club and the Society of Physics Students. Collaborating with fellow enthusiasts in these clubs will enable me to engage in stimulating discussions, further expanding my perspective.

What issue of local, national, or international significance have you worked to address? This prompt gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to community service, activism, or leadership. Reflect on an issue you are genuinely passionate about and discuss your role in addressing it. Remember to highlight not just your actions but also your motivations and what you learned from the experience.

Climate change is an issue I'm deeply concerned about. Inspired by Rochester's research on energy-efficient lasers, I led an initiative at my high school to promote sustainable living.

We started a 'Green Warriors' club, which worked towards reducing the school's carbon footprint. We implemented measures like switching to LED lights, promoting waste segregation, and organizing tree plantation drives.

The project's success was not immediate. It required persistence, teamwork, and extensive awareness campaigns. However, over time, we witnessed a tangible shift in our school's attitudes and practices towards sustainability. This experience taught me the importance of proactive involvement in solving global issues and reinforced my commitment to promoting sustainable practices.

Describe a time when you were challenged by perspectives different from your own and how you responded. In this prompt, Rochester is looking for your ability to engage respectfully and thoughtfully with differing viewpoints. Share a story where you encountered a different perspective, how it challenged you, and what steps you took to understand and learn from it.

During a summer internship at a local NGO, I worked alongside Sarah, who held radically different political views. Our differing perspectives initially led to heated discussions. Instead of avoiding these debates, however, I chose to engage constructively with Sarah.

I began by reading authors she suggested and attending a few local political gatherings she frequented. While I didn't always agree with her perspectives, I learned to understand and respect them. Our discussions became less about proving who was right and more about understanding the rationale behind each other's viewpoints.

This experience taught me the value of active listening and open dialogue in bridging ideological divides. As I head to Rochester, I look forward to engaging in such enriching discussions, upholding the spirit of 'Meliora' in true sense.

For all essays, remember:

• Be Authentic : Showcase your personality, values, and interests. Genuine stories always make for compelling essays.
• Be Specific : Specific details, examples, and anecdotes make your essay more engaging and convincing.
• Reflect : A good essay is not just about telling a story but also reflecting on it. What did you learn? How did it change you? How does it relate to your goals at Rochester?

With these tips in hand, you're ready to take on the University of Rochester supplemental essays. Best of luck, and here's hoping we'll see you in Rochester!

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Mastering the Tufts University Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

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University of Rochester’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Meliora short response.

The University of Rochester motto of Meliora – or “ever better” - deeply integrates critical core values into all that we do. These core values of equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect and accountability define not only who we are, but also who we hope to become. Please use the space below to highlight a time, creative idea or research experience when you put into action one or more of these characteristics in order to make yourself, your community or the world ever better.

Select-A-Prompt Short Response

Please select one of the following prompts to respond to in 200 words or less.

American social reformer, abolitionist, writer and statesman Frederick Douglass said, “Some know the value of education by having it. I knew its value by not having it.” Explain ways in which your background, educational experience, and opportunities have directly influenced you and your ability to do good in the world. What specific moments of growth, lessons learned and resilience in your life have prepared you to promote positive change for your community and the world?

Dr. Donna Strickland, University of Rochester alum and 2018 Nobel Prize winner in Physics said, “There’s no point in me being anything other than me.” The University of Rochester encourages each student to embrace the intersectionality of their identity and create their own individual curricular path and experience. What qualities and experiences make you the best version of yourself? What unique elements of your background, perspectives, and experiences will you bring to our community?

Susan B. Anthony, champion of abolition and women’s rights, once said “Organize, agitate, educate must be our war cry.” As you look to join our community of doers and disruptors, in what ways do you envision using both the curricular flexibility and co-curricular opportunities to invoke change for marginalized groups? How has your unique lived experience shaped you and prepared you to be a changemaker here?

The University of Rochester benefactor, entrepreneur, photography pioneer and philanthropist George Eastman said, “What we do during our working hours determines what we have; what we do in our leisure hours determines what we are.” How have the ways you‘ve spent your time enabled you to grow as a person? What challenges have helped define you and your role within your many communities?

Common App Personal Essay

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

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Personal statement and essays.

Professional school applications require a significant amount of writing. All parts of your application should be well polished, from short answers to specific questions, to long research statements. The personal statement, common to almost all applications, is an especially important piece of writing. It is usually an open-ended opportunity for the applicant to discusses why (s)he is interested in his/her chosen profession and what qualifications (s)he has. The length of the essay is restricted.

Some thoughts about personal statements:

It should demonstrate you are a thoughtful, careful, and well-prepared candidate.

It should contain no grammatical (or other) errors, it should be well organized, it should make good use of the space allotted, and it should be tailored for its intended audience.

Assume your audience is a practicing member of the profession you are seeking to join.

Readers of your essay will have access to the rest of your application, so your essay should do new work for you. You may consider including important and relevant information not included elsewhere in your application, or expanding on the significance of one or two qualifications or experiences treated only briefly elsewhere in your application.

A narrative summary of information available in the rest of your essay will rarely add anything to your application.

If there is a specific prompt, be sure you answer the question(s) in that prompt.

Prize clarity and honesty above rhetorical flourishes. Readers view your personal statement as the best chance to get to know the real you (prior to the interview). So write about what is important to you. Standing out for your writing style is less important than demonstrating you are a good fit for the program you are applying to.

Find the right balance of generalization and concrete detail. Reason from evidence. When summarizing your motivation for applying, draw on specific experiences that crystallized those motivations for you. Conversely, when describing an important experience that demonstrates your qualifications, take time to reflect on the significance of that experience.

Make it personal, and specific to you. Your audience has likely read any book you could quote and encountered hundreds of creative and canned “Best Essays.” What they don’t know and want to know is who you are, what you want to do, why you want to do it, and why you think you are qualified to get it done.

How to Apply

The application process for the Pre-College Programs is similar to the college application process. Students are required to submit materials such as short essays, a high school transcript, or a letter of recommendation. The selection committee enjoys learning about students who are passionate, involved, and eager to experience college life.

Please understand many of our courses are highly selective and have limited space available.

I liked the atmosphere of the courses. They were high-level and greatly immersive, but there was also a level of informality to them. I also liked the amount of information and relevant activities we were able to participate in. Nowhere else would I have the opportunity to record a song with a Grammy- winning producer! –Nate

Application Materials

Complete the online application process. Be prepared to provide information for the following items:

• Short Essay (500-word maximum) * This is only required for full-day program applicants

Essay Prompt:  Meliora is our University’s motto, meaning “ever better.” At the University of Rochester, we are always looking for ways to continue learning, and improve ourselves and others. With the course(s) you have selected/applied to, please share how you will use the knowledge from what you learn to make your world “ever better”. In your statement please describe your passion for the subject matter, your motivation for enrolling, and what you hope to gain from this experience.” 

2. Official high school transcript from your school counselor. (There is a page in the application to send an automated email to the school official of your choice to request this.)

3. Letter of recommendation from a school official. (There is a page in the application to send an automated email to your school counselor to request this.)

4. Pay the nonrefundable $60 application fee online through your application (Mastercard, Visa, American Express, or Discover are accepted).

RETURNING COLLEGE COURSE STUDENTS: If you are a returning college course student from the prior semester  do not  open or complete a new application. Please send an email [email protected] with your UR Student ID and the course that you would like to enroll in. We will get you enrolled for the new semester. No new application or application fee is required.

Applying FAQ

Yes. Please apply through our online application system.

RETURNING COLLEGE COURSE STUDENTS:  If you are a returning college course student from the prior semester  do not  open or complete a new application. Please send an email [email protected] with your UR Student ID and the course that you would like to enroll in. We will get you enrolled for the new semester. No new application or application fee is required.

You can find all required forms that need to be submitted online in your application. Follow the step-by-step instructions that takes students through the application. You are also able to save the work you’ve have done in the application and re-visit the application at a later time to complete and submit it.

Any required forms are available to complete electronically through your online application. In certain circumstances a document may need to be uploaded by the student, which you will see in the online application. If you are having issues uploading supplemental documents, please email [email protected] .

Intensive Studies applicants are asked to write a short essays (500 word maximum). The selection committee is interested in learning more about your experiences and interests.

Yes. Both are part of the application process.

The transcript must come from your high school counselor. There will be a section in the application where the student can enter in the counselor’s contact information and an email will be automatically sent to the counselor requesting the transcript on behalf of the student. The school counselor will have access to submit the official transcript for the student’s application.

The letter of recommendation must come from a school official who can speak to your academics, as well as your potential fit related to the classes you are choosing. There will be a section in the application where the student can enter in the school official’s contact information and an email will be automatically sent to the school official requesting the letter of recommendation on behalf of the student. The school official will have access to submit the letter of recommendation for the student’s application.

Limited aid is available and is awarded to families in need of the assistance; this is not a merit-based award.  We cannot guarantee that all eligible applicants will receive aid.  The deadline to apply for aid is April 1 . Financial assistance may not fully cover a student’s expenses for the Pre-College Programs, and students are encouraged to seek other sources of funding. To be considered for financial assistance, you will need to complete the Financial Aid Application.

We do request that international students submit one of the following to prove English fluency: Duolingo, InitialView, TOEFL, or IELTS. If you believe that you should be exempt from submitting one of the above, you can submit a waiver within the application.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis for the non-credit courses and credit courses. Once your application is complete and submitted, please allow two to three weeks for the selection committee to review your application and make a final decision.

Applications for the full-day programs are not reviewed until after the application deadline. Please understand that the full-day programs are highly selective and applications are reviewed based on best fit for the program and not on a first come, first serve basis.

While Rochester’s Pre-College Programs cannot guarantee participants’ admission to the University of Rochester or its combined degree programs, successful participation will enhance a student’s resume, which may prove beneficial when applying to selective universities.

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A Guide to Crafting a Great Supplemental Essay

You’ve narrowed down your college list. You’re about to put the final touches on your application. But wait – you forgot the supplemental essay! You might be surprised to find that many schools ask for an extra, school-specific essay. It can feel like a lot to complete at once, but don’t panic, because we’ve got you covered! Check out these admission-approved tips and tricks for crafting a great supplemental essay.

• Start early and create multiple drafts.  Hello, my fellow procrastinators, I’m talking to you! Putting off assignments until the last minute won’t work at a place like Richmond. One of the biggest mistakes that students make is not giving themselves enough time to write and edit their essays, which leads to them turning in a first draft. Starting early will give you plenty of time to write and make changes, without rushing to meet the application deadline. Most times it takes practice to perfect an essay. If the writing isn’t coming easily, scrap it and try a new angle! You might be pleasantly surprised at where it ends up.
• Create an outline.  It can be difficult to stay on topic when there is so much you want to share in only 650 words (the word count maximum for the Richmond Question). But, for a clear and concise essay, you should pick a prompt and stick to it. This is where outlines come in handy! An outline will guide the direction of your writing. It doesn’t need to be too detailed—just jot down a couple of key points that you want to be sure to discuss. As you’re writing, check back occasionally to make sure you are staying on track. If you decide that you want to change direction, just adjust your outline and keep writing! Half the battle is just getting words on paper to start.
• Invest equal time and effort into supplemental and application essays. Let’s talk Richmond for a moment. In addition to the application essay, the University of Richmond requires an additional Richmond Question. If you didn’t know before, now you do! (Take a look at our three new essay prompts here ). We recommend setting aside adequate time to complete both essays. There’s nothing more disappointing than a polished piece of writing in the application essay followed by a shallow submission for the Richmond Question that feels blown off. Keep in mind that this is one of the best opportunities for your admission counselor to get to know you—so be authentic and genuine and let your personality shine! It can help to think of every space in your application as a new opportunity to share a different angle of who you are. What haven’t we learned yet? Asking this question can be a great guide.
• Show your essays to people you trust.  Don’t be afraid to allow others to read your writing. Have your parents, teachers, coaches, and even your friends take a look at your drafts. It can seem daunting to show your essay to others (especially if you decide to share a more personal story), but the extra effort you put in will pay off. When you show your essay to other people, they can catch mistakes (like spelling, punctuation, or grammar) that you might have overlooked. They can also help to ensure that what you’ve written is clear and concise. Just be sure to only take advice that feels right to you. At the end of the day, this is still your essay. A helpful guiding question you can ask your readers is simply, “Does this sound like me?”
• Trust your gut.  The number one question that students ask admission counselors is “what essay prompt should I choose?” And to that, we say trust your gut instinct. Which prompt stood out to you the most after reading the options? Which prompt will allow you to showcase your most authentic self? Only you can decide which prompt is right for you—for a well-crafted essay that stands out, it needs to feel personal. The more excited you are about responding to a prompt, the more excited we’ll be to read what you have to say! It’s not the topic that matters. It’s how you write, and what you reveal about yourself. We promise you that enthusiasm will shine through.