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Parent and Family Information

As a parent, family member, or guardian, the college search and decision process can sometimes be confusing. We want to help make this as easy as possible for you and your child. If you have any questions, please contact us. We’re happy to help.

 

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Welcome

from the dean

“The college admissions process, if done well, can be an opportunity for self-discovery, for identifying not just your student’s academic potential, but their values—and what they’re looking for in terms of the college experience.”

Family testimonials

Wondering what it’s like to be a part of the University of Rochester family community? See what some of our current families have to say.

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‘One of the top research universities in the nation’

Jazy Zhang, the parent of a student in the Class of 2024, explains why her son chose the University of Rochester for his college education.

See what some of our Rochester parents and family members have to day about their student’s experiences as a Yellowjacket.

Dr. Marian Tanofsky-Kraff ’87, alumna and parent of a student in the Class of 2024

“I have been so impressed with UR’s thoughtfulness in handling the pandemic and level of communication throughout the many unknowns leading up the fall semester and currently. There have been so many opportunities to gain information—through parent council contacts, Facebook, regular emails, and virtual meetings with deans. For everyone, there was a lot of anxiety leading up to the start of school, particularly for those of us with freshman students and who live out-of-state. Yet, I never felt in the dark about UR’s planning considerations. Moreover, if I requested information, I typically received a response within hours. As an alum, I have always been proud of UR. Clearly, UR continues to be ‘Ever Better’!”

Jennifer Christensen, parent of a student in the Class of 2025

“I sent my son off to Rochester with a lot of apprehension.  We were still in a pandemic.  He had spent the last year and a half attending high school from his bedroom and had been painfully socially isolated.  I was worried he would struggle to connect with anyone and find friends. The University did an amazing job on getting the freshman to interact with one another beginning the night of move-in.  Owen met a great group of kids and they quickly formed a strong bond.  I’m not sure this would have happened unless there was an intervention of sorts by the school.  By the time Meliora Weekend rolled around I exhaled and felt confident that my son had found “his people”.  As parents we all want our kids to adjust seamlessly to college but sometimes it doesn’t happen.  I’m incredibly grateful that the University nudged these kids along to help my son adjust quickly.”

Alan and Remy Freeman, parents of a student in the Class of 2025

“Our son has had a terrific time at the University of Rochester.  He’s enjoyed his classes, and found the professors to be engaging and genuinely interested in his progress.

He also enjoys the social life on campus, where he is active in Hillel and the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity.  We’re very pleased he’s used the City of Rochester as an extended campus – attending minor league hockey and baseball games, sampling the local food scene, and becoming involved in the broader community.  There’s so much he wants to do, that he’s already worried about whether there will be enough time.

As parents, we have been welcomed into the University of Rochester community.  Every question has been answered quickly and professionally, and we have not felt in the dark about anything.  More importantly, we’ve been impressed by the attention that members of the administration and faculty pay toward undergraduates.  We have a strong sense that the University cares about the well-being of each student, and is willing to dedicate the resources necessary to support them.  We sleep well at night, knowing that our son is happy and well-cared-for at the University of Rochester.”

Watch

‘Tremendous amount of opportunity for students’

Adam Konowe ’90, a Rochester alumnus and the parent of a student in the Class of 2021, talks about his daughter’s experience at Rochester as well as about the role of the admissions office from a parent’s perspective.

Parent Admissions Volunteer Form

Already a parent of a current University of Rochester student?

Your student is immersing themselves in the many opportunities that drew them to the University of Rochester. As their parent/guardian, you also played a substantial role throughout their college search and selection process, and now have a wealth of information you can offer future applicants and their supporters.

Families who’ve never had a student apply to Rochester, or college in general, could benefit greatly from folks like you who’ve gone through the process before them. We’d love you to consider putting your experience to use helping others!

We welcome your partnership with our office by volunteering your time and experience during this upcoming admissions season. You can determine your own participation based on your availability when we reach out to you with virtual or local opportunities. To volunteer, please complete the UR Involved Parent Admissions Volunteer form.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Beth Luke, our volunteer coordinator. In the spirit of Meliora, we hope you’ll help us inform and welcome future generations of University of Rochester parents and families!

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