Q&A: Pre-College Programs
By Ursula Balent, Pre-College Programs Manager
What pre-college summer programs does the University of Rochester offer?
Rochester Scholars is designed for students entering grades 9-12 and offers one-, two-, and three-week noncredit courses. Taste of College allows high school juniors and seniors to enroll in four-week courses and earn college credit. Students may choose to live on campus through either program.
What does a typical day look like?
The students’ day begins with breakfast at 8 a.m. Morning Rochester Scholars classes run from 9 a.m. until noon, when lunch begins. Afternoon Rochester Scholars classes run from 1 to 4 p.m. Students actively participate in a variety of workshops, class discussions, field trips, group projects, experiments, and labs. Small class sizes allow instructors to mentor and guide each student.
While class times vary, Taste of College courses typically run for a total of 3 hours and are held 3-5 days a week. The program allows motivated students to explore subjects that are typically reserved for study on a collegiate level. Courses are offered during the University’s summer academic semesters, and credits are transferable to most colleges and universities.
Students who are not enrolled in both morning and afternoon classes may use the free time to enjoy the many activities available, study, browse the libraries, or simply relax. Students are also encouraged to attend information sessions, workshops, campus tours, and interviews offered by the Office of Admissions.
What subject areas are courses available in?
Rochester Scholars classes introduce students to fields of study such as art, photography, journalism, music, history, forensic science, neuroscience, medicine, and engineering, among others. Classes are also offered in partnership with the Eastman School of Music, the School of Medicine and Dentistry, and the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Life Sciences Learning Center.
Studying alongside University of Rochester undergraduates, Taste of College students can get a jump start on careers in a wide variety of areas. Typical course subjects have included Calculus, Intro to Philosophy, American Sign Language, Prep for College Chemistry, and Principles of Economics, among others.
What activities are offered outside of the classroom?
Evening and weekend activities may include live music performances, outdoor movies, BBQs on the quad, museum visits, local attractions, and art festivals. Activities are organized and supervised by Resident Advisors. The City of Rochester offers countless opportunities for excitement, including the Eastman School of Music, the Rochester Public Market, tours of the historic Mt. Hope Cemetery, laser light shows at High Falls, amusement parks, sporting events, huge fairs and festivals, outdoor concerts, and many beautiful parks. Students are encouraged to take advantage of these enjoyable opportunities to get an even richer taste of the complete Rochester experience.
What are the benefits of enrolling in a pre-college program?
Students will get a true taste of the college environment, gain new perspectives on their academic abilities and potential, and explore their educational goals and career possibilities. They will build lasting relationships with peers who share similar academic and personal interests. Participants who enroll in the residential component of Rochester Scholars or Taste of College will have the opportunity to meet with admissions counselors, attend workshops about the admissions process, and receive tips and advice for study skills. These programs are also attractive additions to college applications. Students can add the program to their résumés, write about their experience in application essays, or talk about it during interviews with admissions counselors. A student who elects to spend time pursuing an academic interest beyond the school environment often translates into a very interesting applicant.
What options are available for students not interested in a residential program?
If they prefer, students from Rochester and the surrounding areas are welcome to commute to campus and attend classes alongside our residential students.
All students are welcome to stay for lunch, regardless of whether they are enrolled in morning, afternoon, or all-day classes. The group lunch hour is from 12-1 p.m. Rochester Scholars students may also use the lunch hour to browse the University bookstore, play video games in Wilson Commons, visit one of the many art collections housed on campus, or explore Rush Rhees Library.
What options are available for younger students?
Rochester Scholars Jr. is designed for students in grades 6-8. The program runs for one week during the summer and offers just the right mix of intellectual stimulation, academic freedom, and gentle guidance and support from instructors. During the lunch hour, Rochester Scholars Jr. students participate in supervised activities and games on campus.
What should students and families look for when considering a pre-college program?
Look for programs that offer courses in subject areas students are interested in exploring. Determine what it is they want to get out of a pre-college program. Talk to former program participants. Determine what the family can afford and ask if there are scholarships available. Ask if the program is run by the university itself or another organization renting space on campus. When thinking about timeframe, keep in mind that summer is a particularly great time for students to try something new and explore their options.
Does Rochester offer any pre-college study abroad opportunities?
Yes! New this year, we are very excited to be offering a pre-college study abroad program for rising juniors and seniors to Malawi, Africa. The two-week Malawi Immersion Summer Seminar offers a unique opportunity to experience Malawi and its culture through exploration, community mapping, research activities, interviews, and field notes. Trips will include extraordinary travels to villages, museums, parks, and safaris. Students will walk away with enhanced knowledge of the customs, cultural and political milieu, and historical context of Malawi.
The University of Rochester’s Office of Pre-College Programs is always adding new classes and exciting opportunities. Please refer to http://enrollment.rochester.edu/admissions/precollege for the latest, most comprehensive information. Please adhere to scholarship and application deadlines.