The University of Rochester requires much of its applicants if they hope to be successful. Across schools nationwide, standardized testing is a notorious part of the college application process – this article breaks down University of Rochester-specific ACT requirements and University of Rochester ACT scores. In addition to this post, check out our other article that discusses the University of Rochester’s SAT expectations!
In keeping with its reputation of academic excellence, the University of Rochester’s average composite ACT score falls around a 33, out of the maximum possible 36 points. This is significantly higher than the national average of about 21. The 25th percentile score for incoming students was a 31, and the 75th percentile was a composite score of 34. This means that the lowest 25% of scorers achieved a 31 or below, and the highest 25% of scorers had a 34 or above. These numbers demonstrate the high standards the University of Rochester holds for its students. However, the range also shows that there is no one number that applicants must achieve for admission.
The ACT composite score is the average of the scores a student achieves on each of the four test sections: English, mathematics, reading, and science. Here, we will break down the University of Rochester ACT English and Math score statistics. The average ACT English score at the University of Rochester for enrolled students was 35. Additionally, the 25th and 75th percentiles fall at 32 and 35, respectively.
This means that 25% of applicants scored 32 or below on their ACT English section. Meanwhile, another 25% scored between 32 and 35. The remaining 50% scored 35 or above. Overall, University of Rochester students perform very well on the English section of the ACT, with the majority achieving high scores.
The average ACT Math score for the University of Rochester falls between the 25th and 75th percentiles of 29 and 35. An ACT Math score of 33 would place you around the middle 50% of scorers at the University of Rochester. These statistics indicate that 25% of applicants scored 29 or below on their ACT Math section. Additionally, another 25% of accepted students scored 35 or above.
While these scores are a bit lower than the English section scores, they are still quite high when compared to the national averages. Furthermore, as with the other sections, there is no one particular benchmark that applicants must meet.
The University of Rochester’s undergraduate admissions process is test-optional. Choosing to go test-optional does not jeopardize your admissions chances. Omitting test scores from your application also won’t negatively impact your scholarship consideration.
The University of Rochester accepts scores from the SAT, SAT Subject Tests, the ACT, or AP exams. You may self-report these scores on your application, but via email, phone, or postal mail. If admitted, however, you must submit the official test scores before enrollment. Your official test scores must precisely reflect the self-reported scores, or you jeopardize your admittance to the University of Rochester.
Note that the University of Rochester does not require the writing section of the ACT. Read more about the University of Rochester’s standardized testing expectations on their Testing Policies webpage.
Among the admitted applicants, 11% submitted ACT scores. In addition, 28% submitted SAT scores. The remaining approximate 61% omitted standardized test scores from their application.
From these statistics, the SAT remains a popular standardized test for admitted applicants. To be specific, more than twice as many applicants chose to submit the SAT as the ACT. Nevertheless, there is no inherent advantage to taking one test over the other, apart from individual circumstances and preferences. Moreover, there is no disadvantage to going test-optional.
Submitting a high SAT or ACT score can help an applicant’s chances for admission to a competitive school like the University of Rochester. Although the University of Rochester is test-optional, and applicants will not be penalized for omitting test scores, we recommend that any student who can take the SAT or ACT do so. If you achieve a competitive score, it will boost your application. If not, you can choose to omit the score on your application.
Consider your scores in the context of the school’s averages to decide whether to submit to a test-optional school. Sending in a strong score will enhance your application, but choosing not to do so will not harm your chances.
The University of Rochester superscores the ACT. This means that they use your highest subscores in each section across different test dates. However, they do not average SAT and ACT scores for a hybrid superscore. Using the ACT equivalent of the College Board’s Score Choice option, students can select which test dates to submit scores from. This can be advantageous for students who have taken the ACT multiple times with differing outcomes.
The University of Rochester does not have specific ACT score requirements or cutoffs. Standardized test scores aren’t the most important application element for the admissions team at the University of Rochester, but they recognize the effort of those who have submitted strong scores.
In fact, most admitted students have high standardized test scores. The average composite score is around 33. The upper 25% of students scored 34 or higher. Therefore, if you have a score around 33, your application is well-positioned for admission to the University of Rochester. Moreover, if your score hits 34 or above, then submitting your score will definitely boost your chances of acceptance.
| Section | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 31 | 33 | 34 |
| English | 32 | 35 | 35 |
| Math | 29 | 33 | 35 |
Getting into the University of Rochester with a low ACT score is possible if more challenging. The lower quartile SAT score is 31. It is in an applicant’s best interest to aim for the lower quartile or higher. That said, 25% of admitted students scored below 31.
Additionally, applicants who demonstrate strong academic and extracurricular performance can stand out in other ways. Leadership and initiative in extracurricular activities can be judged more favorably than high test scores alone. Therefore, while scores are important, applicants should also focus on extracurricular passions, personal projects, academic achievement, college essays, and so on.
For students planning to submit applications during their senior year, it is generally accepted that the best time to take the ACT is during the junior spring semester.
For Early Decision applicants, the University of Rochester will accept October ACT scores, but no later. Regular Decision applicants can submit as late as the December ACT scores. That said, it is recommended to submit scores as early as possible to allow for timely evaluation.
The University of Rochester’s ACT code for submitting official test scores is 2980.
While the University of Rochester no longer requires applicants to submit ACT or SAT test scores, the standards for those who do choose to submit scores are still quite high. Choosing not to take the exams or to omit scores from an application will not harm an applicant, but sending a good score can only help. Ultimately, the decision of whether to take and submit exam scores is a personal decision to be evaluated in the context of an applicant’s strengths, goals, and priorities. If you are considering the SAT instead, be sure to check out our University of Rochester SAT Breakdown!
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