Meliora Visit Program
Experience URochester on a more personal level
The University of Rochester’s Meliora Visit Program (MVP) offers a funded campus visit for prospective students from a wide range of backgrounds. Our community is shaped by our University motto, Meliora, which means “ever better.” Embedded in this ideal are the shared values that guide us: leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability.
Through MVP, we seek to select students who embrace these values and can further enrich our community. We invite current high school seniors attending school in the United States who might not otherwise have the financial means to visit campus to apply for MVP.
MVP Application
MVP is a selective program due to limited space. The deadline to apply for MVP is Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. You will be asked to upload your unofficial high school transcript and a permission slip, and to submit two short written responses. You are unable to save and return, so we advise reviewing the application and preparing materials in advance before returning to submit.
Contact mvp@ur.rochester.edu or the admissions office at (585) 275-3221 if you have any questions.
Want more advice and to hear from past participants in MVP? We are offering a one-time virtual workshop on Tuesday July 21 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
About MVP
Prospective students who are accepted to MVP receive free travel to and from URochester, specialized programming, and a two-night stay with a current student host in a residence hall. High school seniors studying in the United States are welcome to apply whether it would be a long trip or local travel. The fall 2026 MVP event will take place from Thursday, October 22 – Saturday, October 24 in conjunction with the October 24 Research Rochester. Research Rochester is our open house for prospective students.
MVP events include topics like:
- Application and Financial Aid Overviews
- First-generation student experience at URochester
- URochester’s commitment to non-discrimination and to being a University that welcomes students regardless of their sex, race, color, national origin, or religion
- Campus resources, including time spent at the David T. Kearns Center for Leadership and Student Success, the Douglass Leadership House, the Office of Mentoring and Student Advocacy, and the Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center
Schedule
Below is a sample schedule. We will send a final schedule to all invited participants.
Thursday, October 22
|
Time |
Event |
Description |
| Times vary | Travel to Rochester | In addition to purchasing tickets for approved air, train, or bus itineraries, we provide rides from the Rochester Airport and stations to campus. |
| Times vary | Meet Your Host | Drop off your luggage and meet your student host. |
| 6:15-7:45 p.m. | Welcome Dinner | Enjoy a catered meal on campus. |
| 8:00-9:00 p.m. | Current Student Panel | Meet with current URochester students and ask questions. |
Friday, October 23
|
Time |
Event |
Description |
| 8:30-9:15 a.m. | Breakfast | Enjoy breakfast in one of our dining halls. |
| 9:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. | Class Visits and Other Activities | Admissions will offer a selection of experiences to enrichen your Rochester understanding. |
| 2:00-5:00 p.m. | MVP Group Activities | Play games, ask questions, & attend a unique tour of campus resources for MVP participants. |
| 5:00-8:00 p.m. | Dinner | Explore campus with your student host and dine at one of several options with a meal voucher. |
| 8:00-10:00 p.m. | Student Life Activities | More information soon. |
Saturday, October 24
|
Time |
Event | Description |
| 8:00-8:45 a.m. | Breakfast | Enjoy breakfast in one of our dining halls. |
| 8:45 a.m.-2:00 p.m. | Research Rochester | Explore open house sessions. Lunch is included. |
| Times Vary | Departures | Time to return home! Admissions will provide rides to the Rochester airport, bus terminal, and train station. |