UNIVERSITY · CDS 2021-2022
University of Rochester
Rochester, NY 6,521 undergrad Updated 2026-04-22
Top 50Eastman School
Accept
41.0%
Yield
21.0%
Test
Optional
Academic Profile · CDS C9 / C11
The numbers a parent will ask about first.
SAT Total (mid 50%, computed)
1360–1510
SAT EBRW (mid 50%)
660–720
SAT Math (mid 50%)
700–790
ACT Composite (mid 50%)
31–34
GPA
Not reported
GPA NOTEAverage GPA of 3.73; 74% in top decile
METHODTotal SAT range is computed by summing the reported EBRW and Math mid-50% ranges from the school’s CDS (Section C9). Use as an approximation — a student’s actual total places them within, not at, the summed endpoints.
Decision Plans · CDS C1 / C21
When and how the school reads applicants.
| Plan | Deadline | Accept rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan details not yet recorded. | |||
Cost & Aid · CDS H Series
What it costs and what families actually pay.
Tuition
$69,030
Total COA
$92,270
Avg need-based aid
$56,831
Avg merit award
$17,163
Net price after avg need aid
$35,439
Rochester meets 0.961% of demonstrated need on average.
Named merit programs
Alan and Jane Handler Scholarship
$92,270 – $92,270 / yr (renewable)
Dean's Scholarship
$14,000 – $14,000 / yr (renewable)
Genesee Scholarship
$14,000 – $14,000 / yr (renewable)
Meliora Scholarship
$14,000 – $14,000 / yr (renewable)
Rush Rhees Scholarship
$14,000 – $14,000 / yr (renewable)
AP Impact Calculator
What the student's APs are actually worth here.
Rochester's AP Policy
The University of Rochester awards credit for AP scores of 4 or 5 on most exams. A maximum of 16 credits can be earned from examinations. AP credit cannot be used to fulfill the primary writing requirement or clusters.
Min score
4
Credit cap
16 credits
Mode
Credit + placement
Per-score grid
Exam-level
Add the student's APs
No APs selected. Click Add AP exam to start, or use the sample profile to see what a strong student might recover.
What They Value · CDS C7
Every CDS factor, weighted exactly as the admissions office files it.
- Rigor of secondary school recordVery Important
- Class rankConsidered
- Academic GPAVery Important
- Standardized test scoresConsidered
- Application EssayImportant
- Recommendation(s)Important
Mission & Narrative
What this school says it is — in their own words.
Learn, Discover, Heal, Create—and Make the World Ever Better.
Distilled Themes
Learning and DiscoveryHealing and CreationContinuous ImprovementGlobal Impact
The Coach's Read
What 'what they value' actually means at the table.
- 01Rochester's 'Ever Better' motto isn't just marketing.
- 02it's a core value that favors applicants who show a genuine drive for self-improvement and a passion for learning.
- 03The university's open curriculum is a major draw for intellectually curious students. Highlight this as an opportunity for them to explore diverse interests and craft a unique academic path.
- 04While test-optional, strong scores can still be a significant plus, especially for STEM programs. Encourage students with good scores to submit them.
Application Targets
What a strong application here should signal.
- 01Demonstrate a strong academic record, particularly in challenging courses, to show you can handle the rigor of a top research university.
- 02Showcase your intellectual curiosity and passion for learning through your essays and extracurriculars, emphasizing how you'll take advantage of the open curriculum.
- 03Highlight your commitment to making a positive impact, whether through community service, research, or other activities that align with the 'Ever Better' spirit.
Quiet Disqualifiers
Things that hurt applicants here, even when they look fine on paper.
- A lack of demonstrated interest can be a red flag. Encourage students to engage with the university through virtual events, campus visits, or reaching out to admissions counselors
- A generic application that doesn't speak to Rochester's unique culture and opportunities will likely get lost in the shuffle
- While the university values well-rounded students, a purely academic focus without any extracurricular or personal passions may not be enough
Signature Programs
Where this school is genuinely best-in-class.
Eastman School of Music; The Institute of Optics; Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences; Rochester Early Medical Scholars Program (REMS)
Application calendar
Every date the family needs to know.
Deadlines & Decision Dates · 2025-2026
Family deadline matrix
Plan
Deadline
Decision release
Early Decision I
Binding
Decision release is mid-December.
Nov 1, 2025
→ Dec 15, 2025
Early Decision II
Binding
Decision release is early February.
Jan 5, 2026
→ Feb 15, 2026
Regular Decision
Non-binding
Jan 5, 2026
→ Apr 1, 2026
Early Action
Not offered
—
Restrictive Early Action
Not offered
—
Rolling Admission
Not offered
—
See every school side-by-side on the Deadline Tracker →
CDS C7 · Level of applicant's interest
Does effort toward this school move the needle?
Demonstrated Interest·CDS C7 (2024-2025)
TrackedWeight: Considered
University of Rochester considers demonstrated interest; applying Early Decision, visiting campus, and interviewing are all ways to show interest.
What they watch
- Campus visit
- Virtual info session
- Email opens / clicks
- Optional interview
- Applying ED
Coach action
Visit campus or attend a virtual session, open all emails, and consider applying Early Decision to show your interest.
Provenance