How to Apply

The application process for the Pre-College Programs is similar to the college application process. Students are required to submit materials such as short essays, a high school transcript, or a letter of recommendation. The selection committee enjoys learning about students who are passionate, involved, and eager to experience college life.

Please understand many of our courses are highly selective and have limited space available.

I liked the atmosphere of the courses. They were high-level and greatly immersive, but there was also a level of informality to them. I also liked the amount of information and relevant activities we were able to participate in. Nowhere else would I have the opportunity to record a song with a Grammy- winning producer!

–Nate

Application Materials

Complete the online application process. Be prepared to provide information for the following items:

Short Essay (500-word maximum) *This is only required for full-day program applicants

Essay Prompt: Meliora is our University’s motto, meaning “ever better.” At the University of Rochester, we are always looking for ways to continue learning, and improve ourselves and others. With the course(s) you have selected/applied to, please share how you will use the knowledge from what you learn to make your world “ever better”. In your statement please describe your passion for the subject matter, your motivation for enrolling, and what you hope to gain from this experience.”

2. Official high school transcript from your school counselor. (There is a page in the application to send an automated email to the school official of your choice to request this.)

3. Letter of recommendation from a school official. (There is a page in the application to send an automated email to your school counselor to request this.)

4. Pay the nonrefundable $60 application fee online through your application (Mastercard, Visa, American Express, or Discover are accepted).

RETURNING COLLEGE COURSE STUDENTS: If you are a returning college course student from the prior semester do not open or complete a new application. Please send an email precollege@rochester.edu with your UR Student ID and the course that you would like to enroll in. We will get you enrolled for the new semester. No new application or application fee is required.

Applying FAQ

I participated in the program last year. Do I need to reapply?

Yes. Please apply through our online application system.

Where can I find the required application documents?

You can find all required forms that need to be submitted online in your application. Follow the step-by-step instructions that takes students through the application. You are also able to save the work you’ve have done in the application and re-visit the application at a later time to complete and submit it.

How do I submit the required application documents?

Any required forms are available to complete electronically through your online application. In certain circumstances a document may need to be uploaded by the student, which you will see in the online application. If you are having issues uploading supplemental documents, please email precollege@rochester.edu.

Do I need to submit an essay?

Intensive Studies applicants are asked to write a short essays (500 word maximum). The selection committee is interested in learning more about your experiences and interests.

Do I need to submit a transcript and a letter of recommendation?

Yes. Both are part of the application process.

The transcript must come from your high school counselor. There will be a section in the application where the student can enter in the counselor’s contact information and an email will be automatically sent to the counselor requesting the transcript on behalf of the student. The school counselor will have access to submit the official transcript for the student’s application.

The letter of recommendation must come from a school official who can speak to your academics, as well as your potential fit related to the classes you are choosing. There will be a section in the application where the student can enter in the school official’s contact information and an email will be automatically sent to the school official requesting the letter of recommendation on behalf of the student. The school official will have access to submit the letter of recommendation for the student’s application.

Do you offer financial aid?

Limited aid is available and is awarded to families in need of the assistance; this is not a merit-based award. We cannot guarantee that all eligible applicants will receive aid. The deadline to apply for aid is April 1. Financial assistance may not fully cover a student’s expenses for the Pre-College Programs, and students are encouraged to seek other sources of funding. To be considered for financial assistance, you will need to complete the Financial Aid Application.

Do you require international students to submit supplemental materials?

We do request that international students submit one of the following to prove English fluency: Duolingo, InitialView, TOEFL, or IELTS. If you believe that you should be exempt from submitting one of the above, you can submit a waiver within the application.

When are applications reviewed?

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis for the non-credit courses and credit courses. Once your application is complete and submitted, please allow two to three weeks for the selection committee to review your application and make a final decision.

Applications for the full-day programs are not reviewed until after the application deadline. Please understand that the full-day programs are highly selective and applications are reviewed based on best fit for the program and not on a first come, first serve basis.

Will I be guaranteed admission to the University of Rochester after taking a pre-college program?

While Rochester’s Pre-College Programs cannot guarantee participants’ admission to the University of Rochester or its combined degree programs, successful participation will enhance a student’s resume, which may prove beneficial when applying to selective universities.