Virtual visit opportunities
If you are unable to come to campus, we provide a host of opportunities to engage with us, as well as with the campus community, through virtual information sessions and admissions workshops.
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.
Watch
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.”
In the know
Parent & Family information form
We recognize the important role that family plays in the college decision process. As a parent or guardian, you likely have your own questions about how this all works. Let us keep you informed throughout the college search, application, and enrollment process.
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.
Watch
‘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.
“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’!”
–Dr. Marian Tanofsky-Kraff ’87, alumna and parent of a student in the Class of 2024
“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.”
–Jennifer Christensen, parent 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.”
–Alan and Remy Freeman, parents of a student in the Class of 2025
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.
Resources
Visiting campus
Seeing campus—whether it’s during our daily visit opportunities or one of our larger campus events, or as part of a virtual tour or event—is a great way to discover if Rochester is a match for your child.
Financial aid information
The decision to invest in a quality education is substantial. We’re here to help answer your questions about our financial aid process and policies.
Parents and families website
A comprehensive resource to help families of undergraduates at Rochester understand the student experience.
The City of Rochester
With the city and region’s unique culinary scene, annual festivals, rich local history, and scenic outdoor spaces, you’ll find activities and entertainment to enjoy all year round.
Our mailing list
Add your child to our mailing list so they’ll receive event information and important application-related emails.
Tips & Advice
Applying to college during a pandemic
Robert Alexander, dean of undergraduate admissions for Arts, Sciences & Engineering, offers his advice for prospective students and their families as they lay out a path to college amid COVID-19 disruptions. Plus, visit the University of Rochester’s official COVID-19 website for updates and resources.