2014-2015 University of Rochester Application Thread

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soccerusa said:
Definitely would have considered going here otherwise I would not have applied. I am applying with a longtime significant other and this was a school that appealed to both of us. Nothing arrogant about it. Objectively, I just would have thought I had a better chance here than at some of the other more competitive schools.
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After interviewing here, they really place an emphasis on fit for their mission. Their MCAT average is also 33, much lower than yours. Objectively I don't see how you thought you would have a better chance here than at a top 10-20 school.
 
PolarBlue said:
Rejected pre-interview. Complete 7/17. LizzyM 70+.

This was part of the rejection email. Maybe it will be useful insight into what Rochester wants in their students for future applicants:

"This year we received over 5,000 applications for the 104 places in our entering class. Many highly motivated and qualified applicants have applied to Rochester and it is truly unfortunate that we can only accept a few of these outstanding applicants.

In addition to outstanding academic records, many of our applicants also have enhanced their academic careers by participating in significant and sustained extracurricular activities, including research, clinical and medical shadowing experiences, study and volunteer programs abroad, and outreach to underserved communities here and in developing countries. Rochester values "patient-centered" medicine and we are particularly interested in applicants who have extended themselves well beyond their comfort zone. This often includes extensive volunteer or work activities with people from different cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds, both in their local communities and elsewhere, far beyond the campus environment."

Good luck to all those still waiting to hear back.
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This seems pretty true from what my interviewer said... I'm paraphrasing, but her answer to my question of what kind of student does U of R look for was "those who understand their privileges".
 
II today! Is it too late though to have a good chance at acceptance, or is studentdoctor just making me paranoid?
 
All of the sudden, I no longer have access to the portal. Does that = rejection (but haven't gotten the letter yet) or just IT issues? Has anyone else had this problem?

EDIT: I apologize for the intense paranoia
 
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tpha5256 said:
Does University of Rochester accept letters of updates? I couldn't find any related info on their website. Any help would be appreciated, thanks!
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I would also like to know if they accept updates. I asked their admissions but haven't received a response.
 
I just withdrew from Rochester following another acceptance. It was not easy to do because people are constantly telling me how much they love the school. I hope someone gets my interview spot for later this month!

EDIT: Someone did get that spot!
 
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godawg300 said:
Would you ever even matriculate there!? Your numbers are way higher than Rochester's. Best to stick with the top 20 schools....
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which rankings are you using, US News? ARWU and Shanghai are the most reputable rankings and even those are silly and subjective in my opinion. Wish you the best in this process but remember that the so- called top 20s differ per ranking. I'm sure you meant well but I couldn't resist.
 
optikos said:
which rankings are you using, US News? ARWU and Shanghai are the most reputable rankings and even those are silly and subjective in my opinion. Wish you the best in this process but remember that the so- called top 20s differ per ranking. I'm sure you meant well but I couldn't resist.
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Us news ranking. As one director of admissions told me, that's all he cares about. It's pretty good imo.
 
godawg300 said:
Us news ranking. As one director of admissions told me, that's all he cares about. It's pretty good imo.
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But this is one guy. I also had two interviewers from a top 20 disregard the US News. And the big 3 rankings are QS, times and shanghai. You could make your own rankings based off residency matching stats, devotion to community service and fit and no one would be able to fault you.
 
optikos said:
But this is one guy. I also had two interviewers from a top 20 disregard the US News. And the big 3 rankings are QS, times and shanghai. You could make your own rankings based off residency matching stats, devotion to community service and fit and no one would be able to fault you.
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It's not a be all list, but look at us news top 10 and compare to those ranked in the 30s and 40s. They are completely different match lists and step 1 scores and Mcat scores. You don't have to take it as gospel but it's a good guideline for how competitive the schools are. That was my point.
 
godawg300 said:
It's not a be all list, but look at us news top 10 and compare to those ranked in the 30s and 40s. They are completely different match lists and step 1 scores and Mcat scores. You don't have to take it as gospel but it's a good guideline for how competitive the schools are. That was my point.
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I thought you were suggesting that amazing schools such as Iowa, Rochester, Mayo, dartmouth, brown, emory etc were lesser options for medical education because US News ranks them outside it's top 20(research only basis too). Either way I wouldn't use US News but that's not the point. Its your opinion and that is fine. Also step scores don't follow US News trend. Too many variables are involved. What I've been trying to say is that among the top schools, any ranking ( much less US News) is subjective and fit is what I am looking for.
 
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adimelon said:
is their website down?
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I've been having similar problems as well. Hopefully, they can get it sorted out soon! I can occasionally access it, but recently it has been down a lot (both the portal and admissions website).
 
Complete 7/11 and still nothing... here and Brown are just keeping me in limbo -_-
 
has anyone used a student host at rochester? if so, how did you get in contact / how was your experience?
 
4malit said:
has anyone used a student host at rochester? if so, how did you get in contact / how was your experience?
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I emailed a few people from their list (it is in the portal) before someone was able to take me, but I had a great experience! Being able to talk to students without the pressure of it being "interview day" helped me feel like I was able to get a more accurate impression of what it would be like to attend. Plus being with people instead of alone in a hotel room was much better for my nerves.
 
been complete since July 1 havent heard a peep. I tried to log in and the website isnt working so i called and they said my application is still under review, they are not sure why the portal isnt working.

anybody else in a similar position?

for the record i am a non trad with lo uGPA (sub 3) and hi grad GPA, 33, lots of ec, research at top tier institutions.
 
howbaddoyouwantit said:
been complete since July 1 havent heard a peep. I tried to log in and the website isnt working so i called and they said my application is still under review, they are not sure why the portal isnt working.

anybody else in a similar position?

for the record i am a non trad with lo uGPA (sub 3) and hi grad GPA, 33, lots of ec, research at top tier institutions.
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same here
 
has anyone with a II that had checked off the option to be considered for an earlier interview date if one becomes available actually been contacted about an earlier date?
 
DoctorLacrosse said:
has anyone with a II that had checked off the option to be considered for an earlier interview date if one becomes available actually been contacted about an earlier date?
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I did check off the option but I never received an earlier date option. It doesn't matter now since mine is tomorrow. When is yours?
 
Sorry if this has been answered before, but having problems finding this information.

Does anyone know if Rochester accepts brief update letters? And if so, do they prefer to receive text in the body of an email or an attached pdf?
 
neworleans8 said:
Sorry if this has been answered before, but having problems finding this information.

Does anyone know if Rochester accepts brief update letters? And if so, do they prefer to receive text in the body of an email or an attached pdf?
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Yes email the main email address and they will add it.
 
optikos said:
I see the issue. But they seem to send out rejections very liberally to students they don't want so don't be discouraged. You have an interview so they must be quite interested in you.
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I hope so, thank you for the encouragement!
 
Anyone here know how late interview slots are filled up to? Haven't heard a peep yet, but considering how many rejections they seem to be dishing out, I'm remaining cautiously hopeful.
 
I got my acceptance 10/16 after 9/23 interview. Really fell in love with this school--I think Rochester's biopsychosocial approach is a great fit for me, especially as a transplant from Social Science Land. My interviewers were wonderful, and seemed to have been selected in order to make a connection with me along lines that I discussed in my app. Decided to cancel the rest of my interviews--they're so expensive, and Rochester is a great fit, so why make life harder on myself? I'm quite convinced that they only want academic numbers beyond a certain (fairly high) bar and then their absolute #1 concern is character--are you a person who sees the complexity in life, who will use their privilege to fight the good fight?
 
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pinec1 said:
I got my acceptance 8/16 after 9/23 interview. Really fell in love with this school--I think Rochester's biopsychosocial approach is a great fit for me, especially as a transplant from Social Science Land. My interviewers were wonderful, and seemed to have been selected in order to make a connection with me along lines that I discussed in my app. Decided to cancel the rest of my interviews--they're so expensive, and Rochester is a great fit, so why make life harder on myself? I'm quite convinced that they only want academic numbers beyond a certain (fairly high) bar and then their absolute #1 concern is character--are you a person who sees the complexity in life, who will use their privilege to fight the good fight?
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Getting your acceptance before you even interviewed, that's ,crazy! Lol jk and Congrats! I hope I'm in there with ya because UofR is an awesome school. I'd still go on interviews simply because of $$, but that's my prerogative. Grats again!
 
Think I'm still in the running guys? Complete since 7/31 and total silence. I've heard Roc isn't shy about sending rejections. Maybe an update would be a good idea?
 
Good luck to all who are interviewing and congratulations to all those who will be attending. I called this morning to withdraw my application. This seems like a great school; but, I will be accepting an offer at another school.
 
Toastayy said:
Getting your acceptance before you even interviewed, that's ,crazy! Lol jk and Congrats! I hope I'm in there with ya because UofR is an awesome school. I'd still go on interviews simply because of $$, but that's my prerogative. Grats again!
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Whoops! I meant 10/16. Anyway, it was right after they started allowing admissions decisions out. They said it'd take 6-8 weeks, but apparently 3 was enough 🙂

Regarding the question of $$, I was going to also interview at Tufts, but it's $10k a year more expensive, and in a big city (high rent.) I know Rochester doesn't do merit based financial aid, so it's up to FAFSA how my loans are distributed anyhow.
 
Seems like it's been a while since any post-interview news. Come on, Rochester, show me some love!
 
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