does rochester have supplemental essays

University of Rochester 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 5

You Have: 

University of Rochester 2024-25 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 Essay of 250 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Community

The University of Rochester benefactor, entrepreneur, photography pioneer and philanthropist George Eastman said, “The progress of the world depends almost entirely upon education.” In what ways do you envision using the curricular flexibility and co-curricular opportunities at the University of Rochester to promote progress and change within the communities you inhabit? (250 word limit)

The University of Rochester wants to know two things here: 1) how you will take advantage of the resources and academic flexibility they offer and 2) how you will use that to improve your communities. Your “community” can be just about anything, from your neighborhood to your gender identity to rugby fans worldwide. Think about what kind of advancements you’d like to see in the world and how those relate to one of your communities. Then spend some time on University of Rochester’s website to understand how you might use their courses, research opportunities, student clubs, or other unique offerings to start making those changes. Maybe you’ll major in Politics and pair a Language and Cognition cluster with a Russian Literature and Culture cluster to prepare for a future career as a diplomat to your grandmother’s native country. Perhaps with a double major in International Theater and Black Studies, you will study abroad through the Theatre in England program, gaining insight into how different cultures express cultural clashes on stage with the aim to found your own theater promoting Black creatives. Show admissions that you have an idea of how your time at U of R will help you promote progress in your communities. 

Note that while you have the option to write an essay for this question, you may send in a work of art or an abstract describing your related research instead. This is a great option for students who express themselves more authentically through outlets other than writing. However, if you choose one of these options, you’ll still have to send in a short explanation of how your response relates to creating positive change within your community. 

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University of Rochester Supplemental Essays 2024-25

The University of Rochester is a mid-sized, private university in the city of Rochester, New York . Rochester ranks in the top 10% of American universities, so strong applicants need well-crafted University of Rochester supplemental essays. Given the competitive University of Rochester acceptance rate, strong Rochester supplemental essays can make a major difference in the admissions process.

In this guide, we’ll discuss the University of Rochester supplemental essays. Namely, we’ll analyze the Rochester essay prompts for 2023–2024 and highlight what a standout University of Rochester essay looks like. We’ll also provide tips for writing great University of Rochester supplemental essays. 

If you’re ready for some guidance on writing Rochester supplemental essays, let’s jump right in.

Rochester Supplemental Essays: Quick Facts

University of rochester quick facts.

• University of Rochester Acceptance Rate: 36% . University of Rochester is a relatively selective school. 
• 1 (~250 word) community essay
• University of Rochester Application: Students must submit their application through the Common or Coalition Application . Make sure to review your whole application, including the University of Rochester supplemental essays, before submitting. 
• Early Decision I: November 1st
• Early Decision II: January 5th
• Regular Decision: January 5th 
• University of Rochester Essay Tip: The second University of Rochester essay gives you several prompts to choose from. Thoroughly read each prompt and brainstorm ideas for each before making your final choice.

Please note that essay requirements are subject to change each admissions cycle, and portions of this article may have been written before the final publication of the most recent guidelines. For the most up-to-date information on essay requirements, check the university’s admissions website.

Does University of Rochester have essays?

Yes, most applicants will complete two University of Rochester supplemental essays: a community essay and the personal essay found on the Common Application. We’ll focus on those two Rochester supplemental essays through most of this article. However, it’s important to note that some applicants to Rochester may have different requirements . Depending on the school you’re applying to, you may be prompted to write an additional supplemental essay.

First, let’s talk about students who don’t have to write the primary University of Rochester supplemental essays. If you’re applying solely to Rochester’s Eastman School of Music, you have different application requirements . Like many music programs , Eastman has a different application platform from the rest of Rochester. The separate Eastman application requires auditions (or recordings) as well as other specific materials by major. However, all Eastman applicants must still complete a personal statement.

Understanding the personal statement

What is a personal statement? All Rochester applicants—including Eastman applicants—must complete one. In short, a personal statement is an essay that highlights important personal qualities and values. While the Eastman School of Music personal statement has no prompt, the Common and Coalition Application ones do. Due to the widespread use of the Common App, this essay is also called the Common App essay . 

Reading successful essays can help you learn what makes a personal statement great. We have several Common App essay examples for you to read, which each include an analysis from our expert team. 

Next, let’s dive into the University of Rochester supplemental essays.

University of Rochester Supplemental Essay Requirements

There is one required University of Rochester supplemental essays for Arts, Sciences & Engineering applicants—that is, most Rochester undergraduate applicants . While there are over 200 Rochester majors and minors, the University of Rochester essay requirements are the same for all AS&E applicants. Let’s briefly introduce the two Rochester supplemental essays.

Key details about the Rochester supplemental essays

The first University of Rochester essay is the same for all applicants and can be referred to as a “community essay.” Strong University of Rochester supplemental essays for this prompt will detail contributions to a community, large or small. This essay has a limit of 250 words or about two to three paragraphs.

However, this Rochester essay takes the average community essay one step further. The prompt encourages students to get specific about how the University of Rochester will specifically invoke change within their communities. But, we’ll get into the specific prompt shortly, as well as how to respond to it.

Remember, Rochester applications on the Common App require the personal statement as well as these two essays. Students will also submit the usual requirements— recommendation letters , transcripts, and so on—as part of a complete application .

Now, let’s take a closer look at the University of Rochester supplemental essays, their prompts, and how to write them.

Rochester Essay Prompts: Community Essay

You may have heard “community essay” used in reference to diversity essays concerning community. These ask about your cultural background and how that contributes—or will contribute to—the communities of which you’re a part. Notably, these essays ask specifically about your background in some way. In contrast, Rochester supplemental essays may be more about your values. Let’s read the prompt for this 250-word essay.

The University of Rochester benefactor, entrepreneur, photography pioneer and philanthropist George Eastman said, “The progress of the world depends almost entirely upon education.” In what ways do you envision using the curricular flexibility and co-curricular opportunities at the University of Rochester to promote progress and change within the communities you inhabit? (250 word limit)

This University of Rochester essay asks how you would utilize Rochester’s values and curriculum to better yourself and your community.

What would successful University of Rochester supplemental essays for this prompt look like? First and foremost, they’ll almost certainly be narrative essays with vivid imagery that paints a picture. All the usual essay advice applies: show, don’t tell; use literary devices where possible; write evocatively. Use specific details about your experience to bring your story to life for the reader.

Of course, address the prompt in a genuine way—don’t write about an experience that sounds impressive but that bores you. Enthusiasm, or a lack thereof, will come through in your University of Rochester supplemental essays. Moreover, a passionate response will deepen your personal narrative much more effectively than a half-hearted essay about something you don’t love.

Tackling the community essay

The community essay is a common college essay prompt. Every school has their own version, but in general, they can all be approached in similar ways.

First, you’ll need to consider the communities to which you belong. This is quite open-ended. Community can be many things. It may be a religious group, culture, or an interest. For example, if you’ve been dancing ballet since you’re five years old, you’re certainly a part of that community.

The University of Rochester supplemental essay prompt asks students to consider how the school’s unique curriculum and offerings will invoke change within their communities. So, you’ll need to research the programs and curriculum at Rochester before starting your essay. What jumps out to you about it? How would you take advantage of its flexible structure? What knowledge obtained at Rochester would you bring back to your communities? And, most importantly, how would that knowledge or experience invoke positive change in those communities?

This may seem like a lot to consider, however, the most important part of success when writing the University of Rochester supplemental essays is to find the link between your communities and what Rochester has to offer. Choose a topic that is the most meaningful to you. This way you will be able to write passionately and genuinely about it.

Be sure to use your words carefully in this essay. You have a couple of important points to cover in order to fully respond to the prompt. However, you only have 250 words to do so. Be concise, yet creative with your response. You’ll need to clearly and succinctly craft a narrative.

Tips for Approaching the Rochester Supplemental Essays

At their core, supplemental essays allow admissions committees to understand what an applicant could bring to the community. What kind of student and community member will they be? Will they contribute to the existing campus culture and uphold the university’s image and legacy? These are big questions, and answering them in a short application is no easy feat. Therefore, University of Rochester supplemental essays lacking clear connections between the writer and campus culture will miss the mark.

For this reason, the first step to writing Rochester supplemental essays is to research, research, research. Even though only one of these prompts directly asks about what you like about Rochester, be prepared. Knowing Rochester’s core values can help you write focused University of Rochester supplemental essays. They’ll form a solid foundation on which to build the rest of your Rochester supplemental essays.

Brainstorming your topic

Once you’ve got some research done, take plenty of time to brainstorm (maybe the real first step is starting early!). Read through all the Rochester essay prompts and think about ways you could respond. Try brainstorming exercises to narrow down your topic or to flesh out fledgling ideas. Your peers and mentors may also have helpful advice for your essays. During this stage, you may write a few drafts to see how you can respond to each prompt.

When writing University of Rochester supplemental essays, your voice should make a strong impression. Many college supplemental essays follow a narrative form, and descriptive language can help bring your essay to life. 

You can either write about one specific episode or draw broad strokes connecting several moments. Depending on your essay prompts and goals, you may have one University of Rochester essay of each type. Either way, your essays should be well-structured. So, make an outline before you start writing.

Is University of Rochester hard to get into?

Looking strictly at the 36% University of Rochester acceptance rate, it’s not impossible to get into—however, it’s not a cakewalk, either. That 36% is much higher than an Ivy League acceptance rate; by the same token, though, over 60% of applicants are rejected. So, how do you put together a strong University of Rochester application?

There are several steps you can take to make your application shine, starting with good grades. This goes for any school—high grades in diverse, challenging courses make you a strong candidate. If you have options for electives , choose from a wide variety of classes that interest you. Even with the benefits of a holistic application process, low academic achievement can jeopardize your application.

Speaking of academic achievement, you may also be wondering about standardized test scores. University of Rochester is test-optional this application cycle, so you aren’t required to submit scores. However, if you can achieve or already have good scores, send them. Other crucial parts of the application include the extracurricular activities section and letters of recommendation . Remember, all parts of your application are evaluated as a holistic package, so make sure each of your requirements shines.

Application dates and deadlines

Finally, a key consideration when applying is the deadline, and not just because you need to plan your timeline . The University of Rochester offers three deadlines : Early Decision I and II, and Regular Decision. ED I has a November 1st deadline; both ED II and RD are due on January 5th. Early Decision is binding, meaning ED applicants must attend Rochester if they’re accepted. If Rochester is your dream school , this is a great option: 43% of their most recent entering class were early applicants.

To sum up, Rochester isn’t the most selective university out there, but you should still submit the best application you can. While University of Rochester supplemental essays are important, don’t forget the importance of other components like grades and extracurricular activities. You should also think about your application deadline, which may give you a higher chance of acceptance.

How to Make Your University of Rochester Essays Stand Out

Since your essays form the bulk of your application, you want them to stand out. After all, they’re the best place for you to directly tell the University of Rochester admissions team about yourself. 

So, how can you craft essays that make a lasting impression and maximize your chances of admission? Here are a few tips to keep in mind while you write your University of Rochester supplemental essays.

Start Early

A high-quality University of Rochester essay takes time: you need to choose a topic, brainstorm, make an outline, draft, revise… So, start early to give yourself enough breathing room to do that while keeping your grades up. And keep track of your time—deadlines can sneak up on you if you’re not careful. Whether you keep a strict writing and editing schedule or set milestones, find a system to stay on top of deadlines.

Pick Your Topic Wisely

Choosing a topic for your Rochester supplemental essays can be challenging. From examples online, you may think University of Rochester supplemental essays should discuss ending world hunger or something else incredible. Not true. Indeed, there are several common mistakes you should avoid, one of which might be your topic. However, even common essay topics can be compelling in the hands of a good writer. If you think you can write a really strong University of Rochester essay on a sports game, go for it.

Write to Share

It’s easy to feel like you’re talking to imaginary admissions officers when writing your essays. But it’s useful to write like you’re sharing a story with someone—how would you convey your feelings and actions? What’s your writing voice? Think of how your favorite books or media portray character traits. Then, try to implement them in your writing. If you’re not much of a creative writer, you can read essay examples to inspire your Rochester supplemental essays.

Be Personal and Specific

Let’s be honest, you’ll likely recycle some parts of your essays, especially if you have a full college list . That’s not off-limits, but make sure that all your essays are personal and about you. After all, you’re the one applying to college. But in addition, be specific when writing school supplemental essays. We mentioned doing your research—that research will help you write about particular offerings and aspects of Rochester. The University of Rochester admissions staff want to see your enthusiasm about their school in your writing.

Revise, Revise, Revise

Your first draft is not going to be perfect. Probably not your second or third, either. You should revise your Rochester supplemental essays multiple times to ensure they show you at your best. Trusted peers or mentors may have valuable feedback on whether your character shines through in your Rochester supplemental essays. And of course, proofread for technical accuracy, like grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

More supplemental essay resources from CollegeAdvisor

If you’re writing University of Rochester supplemental essays, chances are you’re writing essays for other schools, too. Luckily, our website features essay guidance applicable far beyond Rochester supplemental essays. We have hundreds of free articles and webinars covering college admissions from A to Z. That includes, of course, guides on much more than just the Rochester supplemental essays.

If you’re looking for a wealth of information on college essays in general, read our article on writing better essays . This article is packed with tips for writing essays and advice on approaching different kinds of essays. It also discusses essay categories you’ll recognize from this year’s Rochester supplemental essays.

Many students struggle with creative writing and finding their voice in college essays. That’s why we hosted a webinar on crafting standout supplemental essays with a focus on storytelling . Especially when writing University of Rochester supplemental essays, creativity is key.

We’ve got another comprehensive webinar hosted by an experienced admissions officer. In this webinar, you’ll learn how to write standout essays , from choosing a topic to making revisions. These invaluable insights, straight from an admissions officer, will help you craft and submit strong University of Rochester supplemental essays.

Whether you’re just starting your college search or applying for scholarships , CollegeAdvisor has something for you. Browse our website for more free resources.

University of Rochester Supplemental Essays – Final Thoughts

The University of Rochester is a great private university with bustling student life and plenty of research opportunities. With a 36% acceptance rate, it’s not the most selective, but applicants still need strong University of Rochester supplemental essays.

In this article, we covered the University of Rochester essay prompts and how to approach them. We discussed how to impress the University of Rochester admissions committee with your essays. Then, we gave more general advice for submitting a strong application and maximizing your odds of admission. Finally, we provided some CollegeAdvisor.com resources that will help you write great supplemental essays for every college on your list.

College admissions can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. For more expert guidance on the college process, click here to schedule a free meeting with our team and learn how one-on-one advising can help you increase your admissions odds.

This essay guide was written by Gina Goosby. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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How to Write the University of Rochester Supplemental Essay 2024–2025

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The University of Rochester , founded in 1850, is located in the artsy tech hub known as the “ Flower City .” The University of Rochester’s accomplished alumni include actor Lance Reddick, novelist Shirley Jackson, and Nobel Prize-winning economist Richard Thaler. In addition, the University of Rochester produces many physicists, politicians, engineers, musicians, and artists. If you’re hoping to follow in their footsteps, you’ll need to nail your University of Rochester supplemental essay first. This post will break down the prompt’s complexities and give you the tools you need to succeed.

University of Rochester’s 2024-2025 Prompt

The university of rochester benefactor, entrepreneur, photography pioneer and philanthropist george eastman said, “the progress of the world depends almost entirely upon education.” in what ways do you envision using the curricular flexibility and co-curricular opportunities at the university of rochester to promote progress and change within the communities you inhabit (250 words or fewer), we’ll review your essay.

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Contextualizing the Prompt

This prompt begins with some crucial historical context. In brief, this context may shed light on the ambitious vision the University of Rochester holds for their applicants.

The first part of this prompt provides a brief biography of George Eastman. Eastman was the founder of Kodak, the successful photography company. Why is the prompt written in this way, and how are you as the writer expected to respond to it? There are a few nuances here. First, Eastman’s donations have had a significant impact on the University of Rochester community. These contributions have strengthened the University of Rochester’s offerings in music and medicine, among other areas.

In addition, Eastman’s contributions to the film and photography industries through his work have impacted the city of Rochester. The Rochester Film Festival , as well as The Institute of Optics at the University of Rochester, are world-renowned for their scientific and artistic contributions.

When the University of Rochester’s admissions team poses this question, they attempt to see you as an applicant within the broader context of the University of Rochester’s mission and societal contributions. The admissions officers are not just hoping to fill a class of well-rounded, intellectually engaged students. In short, they are seeking future change-makers. In other words, it’s your job to help the reader see how you fit into Eastman’s legacy.

University of Rochester Short Essay Question

This is the only University of Rochester supplemental essay prompt, so you’ll need to make it count if you choose to write it. That said, you may also provide a creative response or a research response to this prompt, if that is preferable to you. Here’s we’ll focus on how to approach the essay response. Let’s dive in.

This prompt may seem confusing on its surface, opening with a quote and ending with the expectation that you will promote “progress and change” in your community. Ultimately, though, this is a “Why University of Rochester?” essay. Let’s break it down.

As shown above, the first part of the prompt is important historical context. That said, the second part of the prompt is the actual question you’ll need to answer. In it, you are asked to envision the ways you will maximize the opportunities available at the University of Rochester. Ideally, you will not just mention which opportunities you wish to seize. Moreover, you will need to describe how you’ll seize these opportunities and why it’s important that you have access to these opportunities. The prompt implies that the “why” is because you will enact positive societal change. In your essay, though, you’ll need to get more specific than that.

Specificity is key to nailing this essay. In 250 words, you can compose a few paragraphs (approximately one double-spaced page). That said, it’s not a lot of room to tackle all of the different questions embedded in this prompt. You can start with an outline. Research the specific opportunities you intend to pursue at the University of Rochester. Then, write down a few reasons why these opportunities excite you. Next, brainstorm a short list of goals these opportunities will help you reach. Lastly, write down a few positive impacts that these goals will have on the communities you inhabit.

In addition, remember to think broadly as you brainstorm ideas, write up your outline, and compose your first draft. The “communities you inhabit” could be as specific as your immediate family. Or, they could be as broad as the climate you live in. Similarly, the opportunities you hope to seize at the University of Rochester could be as small as taking a particular course. Alternatively, they could be as great as your imagination stretches. That said, whatever opportunities you choose to describe, be sure to express how these opportunities are specific to the University of Rochester.

If you need help polishing up your University of Rochester supplemental essays, check out our College Essay Review service. You can receive detailed feedback from Ivy League consultants in as little as 24 hours.

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