University of Rochester: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics

The University of Rochester is a private research university with an acceptance rate of 30%. Located on the Genesee River on the outskirts of Rochester, New York, the University of Rochester has highly ranked programs ranging from the health sciences to music and optics. For strength in the liberal arts and sciences, the university was awarded a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, and due to its impressive research programs, the school earned membership in the Association of American Universities. The university's many strengths earned it a place among the top New York Colleges and the top Middle-Atlantic Colleges. The University of Rochester Yellowjackets compete in NCAA Division III athletics in the Liberty League and University Athletic Association.

Considering applying to this selective school? Here are the University of Rochester admissions statistics you should know.

Acceptance Rate

During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, the University of Rochester had an acceptance rate of 30%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 30 students were admitted, making Rochester's admissions process competitive.

SAT Scores and Requirements

The University of Rochester has test-flexible admissions, meaning that applicants can choose to submit SAT Subject test scores, Advanced Placement exam scores, International Baccalaureate exam scores, and several international standardized tests in lieu of SAT and ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 66% of admitted students submitted SAT scores. Note that beginning with admission in the fall of 2020, University of Rochester will have a test-optional application policy.

This admissions data tells us that most of University of Rochester's admitted students fall within the top 20% nationally on the SAT. For the evidence-based reading and writing section, 50% of students admitted to University of Rochester scored between 620 and 710, while 25% scored below 620 and 25% scored above 710. On the math section, 50% of admitted students scored between 660 and 790, while 25% scored below 660 and 25% scored above 790. Applicants with a composite SAT score of 1500 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at the University of Rochester.

Requirements

The University of Rochester does not require the SAT writing section. Note that University of Rochester participates in the scorechoice program, which means that the admissions office will consider your highest score from each individual section across all SAT test dates.

ACT Scores and Requirements

The University of Rochester has test-flexible admissions, meaning that applicants can choose to submit SAT Subject test scores, Advanced Placement exam scores, International Baccalaureate exam scores, and several international standardized tests in lieu of SAT and ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 28% of admitted students submitted ACT scores. Note that beginning with admission in the fall of 2020, University of Rochester will have a test-optional application policy.

This admissions data tells us that most of University of Rochester's admitted students fall within the top 9% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of students admitted to University of Rochester received a composite ACT score between 29 and 34, while 25% scored above 34 and 25% scored below 29.

Requirements

The University of Rochester does not require the ACT writing section. Unlike many universities, University of Rochester superscores ACT results; your highest subscores from multiple ACT sittings will be considered.

GPA

In 2019, the average high school GPA for incoming University of Rochester freshmen was 3.7. This data suggests that most successful applicants to the University of Rochester have primarily A grades.

Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph

The admissions data in the graph is self-reported by applicants to the University of Rochester. GPAs are unweighted. Find out how you compare to accepted students, see the real-time graph, and calculate your chances of getting in with a free Cappex account.

Admissions Chances

The University of Rochester, which accepts fewer than a third of applicants, has a competitive admissions pool with above average GPAs and SAT/ACT scores. However, University of Rochester has a holistic admissions process involving other factors beyond your grades and test scores. A strong application essay and short answer response and glowing letters of recommendation can strengthen your application, as can participation in meaningful extracurricular activities and a rigorous course schedule. Students with particularly compelling stories or achievements can still receive serious consideration even if their test scores are outside University of Rochester's typical range.

To apply, students can use the Common Application or the Coalition Application. Applicants to the Eastman School of Music must apply directly to the program on the school's website. University of Rochester has an Early Decision program that can improve admission chances for students who are sure the university is their top choice school.

In the graph above, the blue and green dots represent accepted students. You can see that the majority of successful applicants had high school averages of "A-" or higher, combined SAT scores of 1250 or higher, and ACT composite scores of 27 or better. A significant number of applicants had perfect 4.0 GPAs.

All admissions data has been sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics and University of Rochester Undergraduate Admissions Office.