University of Rochester

The University of Rochester, located in Rochester, New York, is a private research university with about 12,000 students. Rochester is distinguished by its flexible curriculum, which requires students to complete only one cluster of courses outside their major, allowing for tremendous freedom in academic exploration. The university is especially strong in music (through the Eastman School of Music), optics, political science, economics, and the health sciences. Its campus, situated along the Genesee River, combines historic buildings with modern research facilities. Rochester students are often characterized as intellectually curious, collaborative, and independent-minded. With its balance of strong research, creative freedom, and close-knit community, the University of Rochester offers both academic rigor and flexibility.