The University of Rochester

Date: Sep 27 2003
Major: English (This Major's Salary over time)
I applied Early Decision, knew in December of my senior year that I was in for sure and never looked back. Washington and Lee and Princeton were my other top runners. With my test scores and grades I probably would have had a good shot at one of the Ivies but I picked UR for a reason.

Within my department at least, the professors are engaging and profoundly intelligent, and small class sizes foster fabulous discussions and participation. (My Modern Poetry class has nine students) Academically UR is top notch and while it may not have the street level name recognition of Harvard, it is very well known in the academic community and recognized as an outstanding and demanding school by any graduate school.

A lot of people moan about the social life. These are probably boring people. The Greeks tend to be the most social in the traditional party hardy college sense, and the party scene is really nothing to complain about. Lately the administration has been cracking down more on drinking, but I haven't seen it stop anyone.

Complaints about the city of Rochester are also frequent. I live right outside a major city in my hometown, to deter the thought that I am comparing the Roc to my local bean farm, and I can say with conviction that there ARE things to do here. There is a mad coffee shop scene with free jazz many nights of the week, two of the country's most famous art film theatres, some tolerable shopping, restaurants, bars, bowling, the most diners I have ever seen in any town… the list goes on. Allie yourself with someone who has a car or find a bus schedule and your sleep deprivation is your limit.

But more than anything, I recommend you visit. It's not for everyone. The student body tends to be rather intellectual. You'll click or you won't. Every year campus recieves another infusion of students who genuinely want to be here who could have had their pick of schools.

If you end up here, make the most of it. Rush a greek group, do your homework, join a club, try new things. That's what college is about, and people who are disappointed with their college careers are probably people who let all the myriad opportunities college provides pass them by.