The University of Rochester

Date: Jun 29 2001
Major: Biology (This Major's Salary over time)
First of all, I want to say that I only attended this university for two years before dropping out - so take these comments with a larger grain of salt than usual. Lots of the below comments are true - especially about the constant apologizing, and the cold. The campus is rather attractive in the summertime, but most students don't even see it in the long winter, as they use the tunnel system that runs under most buildings. I didn't find the atmosphere too festive and fun loving. Mostly drinking in frat houses or dorm rooms on weekends, and hanging out in small groups in rooms on the weekdays. To reinforce a point from below - you have to look for things to do, or you'll be stuck being bored and drunk. Lots of students don't go into the city of Rochester except when absolutely necessary. They aren't missing out, since for it's size, it's a pretty lame place to be. Again, I didn't try as hard as I should have to find fun, maybe, but these sentiments were widely shared among my friends while I was there. I really can't talk about academics much, since I was such a poor student, except to say that the eastern religion department is better than you would think. Lots of pre-meds. Kinda bland and tedious, but I only took the intro classes (repeatedly due to failure). The professors were competent, as they should be at a good school. I didn't have any classes taught by TA's, except small seminars, and those were real helpful. My friends seemed to enjoy the upper level classes/instructors. The students are pretty smart, but not exceptionally so. No srtong views on anything, bland, but hard working. Bottom line: the education is good, probably towards the top end, but you will not be motivated by your surroundings to explore areas on your own or to go above and beyond. Nothing Special - and not worth it in my opinion. I would consider going somewhere else. Oh, the financial aid is real good - that's why I went there. That and being waitlisted by Harvard :)