Rochester / Interview
The Rochester interview
Optional interview, and it carries minor weight in the decision. Here is how it works and how to prepare.
Optional interview
Optional alumni interview, ~30-45 min, virtual or in your area; offered on a first-come, first-served basis after application submission
How to prepare for Rochester
- Sign up for an interview as soon as possible after submitting your application , availability fills up quickly and interviews are not guaranteed.
- Be ready to discuss why Rochester's open curriculum appeals to you specifically; the lack of distribution requirements is a genuine differentiator and interviewers will probe whether you understand it.
- This is an informational conversation, not a grilling , alumni are not trained evaluators scoring you on a rubric, so use it as a genuine exchange and ask thoughtful questions about their experience.
- Connecting your academic interests to Rochester's research opportunities (especially in optics, data science, or the medical center connection) will make you more memorable than generic enthusiasm.
Practice before the real thing
Rehearse real admissions-interview questions and get an honest read on your answers, what an interviewer hears, where you sound generic, and what to sharpen. We coach you; we never script you.
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