In March 2020, the world came to a halt, except for the college admissions process. As a sophomore in high school, this served as an amazing opportunity to visit and connect with colleges and universities virtually.
As I began the college admissions process and attended numerous events, I narrowed down my list to only one option that I loved, which was the University of Rochester. I attended workshops, open houses, information sessions, read information online, and visited the campus in person. There were several reasons I knew the University of Rochester was the place for me.
Community
When I visited campus, everyone that I ran into was willing to help me and talk to me about their experience on campus. They seemed to really enjoy their experience through what the University of Rochester had to offer.
After being on campus for five full semesters, I have found this to be true. The University of Rochester is a collaborative environment, and people are willing to go out of their way to help others. One day, I was carrying a basket of tennis balls to the outdoor courts and managed to dump all of the balls out of the basket. Another student stopped and offered to help, while another started helping them pick up the balls. I did not know either of these students, but as a community, we support and help fellow students.
Open Curriculum
When I first learned that the University of Rochester had an open curriculum, I was intrigued. I was excited that I would be able to choose my classes and what I would learn about instead of worrying about fulfilling general education classes. I was also excited about being able to explore a variety of academic areas.
As a current junior, I have really enjoyed the open curriculum. Everyone is engaged with the material of the class. Before I started my academic journey here, I only wanted to major in psychology with no minors. Because the open curriculum allowed me to explore areas I did not even know I would be interested in, or areas to the point where I would minor in them. Now, I am a psychology major with three minors (Legal Studies, Brain and Cognitive Sciences, and Jewish Studies).
Research opportunities
There were many opportunities that I wanted to take advantage of as soon as I got on campus. One of them was participating in psychology research. Before I wanted to go into law, I wanted to conduct research in psychology as a career. Being a Tier 1 research institution, the University of Rochester had (and still has) research opportunities for undergrads starting as early as the second semester of the first year. There was also a wide range of research opportunities in STEM fields to Humanities. When I researched psychology research opportunities before coming to campus, just in psychology, there were numerous labs all studying varying aspects of psychology.
During my second semester on campus, I began my research journey. I applied to a few labs and had an interview. I received a Research Assistant position in the Social Stress Lab and enjoyed my time in the lab. I learned a great deal of information. However, due to a change of interest and wanting to study children, I talked with one of my professors, whom I had gotten to know, and I received a Research Assistant position in the Cognitive Development Lab. I have been in this since Fall 2025. Both ways were very easy to get a research position. Professors are willing to talk to undergraduate students about their research and help connect them with opportunities to further advance their academic and career goals.
Clubs and Organizations Opportunities
In high school, I was a part of my school’s tennis team, Mock Trial team, and band, where I played the flute. I knew I wanted to continue these three clubs as they were a big part of me. The University of Rochester had a way in which I could continue doing all three of these activities that are meaningful. Even if there were no ways in which I could continue these activities, I knew that there were resources for me to start my own club.
I joined Mock Trial, Club Tennis, and the Varsity Marching Pep Band my first semester on campus, in addition to many more clubs. During my first semester on campus, I was already able to receive leadership positions, including being a captain for my Mock Trial team. Now my current involvements include captain and Yellowjacket Tournament Director, Vice President, and Women’s Captain for Club Tennis, Wind Symphony, Medallion, Leadership Program, Varsity Marching Pep Band, Hillel, and Chabad. Throughout my time so far, I have tried various clubs and organizations and have found the ones that resonate with me the most.
Community. Open-Curriculum. Opportunities.
At seventeen, I could not have fully understood how transformative my decision to apply Early Decision to the University of Rochester would be. From the moment I stepped onto campus, I knew it was where I wanted to be, but I did not yet realize how much I would grow here. Over time, the University of Rochester has challenged me academically, supported me personally, and encouraged me to explore interests I never expected to pursue. Now, as I begin preparing for law school, I find myself reluctant to leave a place that has shaped me into a more confident, curious, and driven individual.