What are my chances with University of Rochester SAT scores?

I'm planning my college applications and wondering about the SAT score range for University of Rochester. How competitive is it, and what scores do most admitted students have? Should I retake the test to improve my chances?

Although the University of Rochester has adopted a test-optional policy, providing SAT scores can sometimes be beneficial, especially if your scores are within or above the range of typically admitted students.

For a reference point, the University of Rochester's middle 50% SAT range for the 2020-2021 admissions cycle was between 1390-1540. This means that amongst those who did submit scores, 25% of admitted students scored below 1390, 25% scored above 1540, and the remaining half fell in between. While these scores can give a rough indication of the competitive landscape, keep in mind that they're not cut-offs or guarantees of admission, especially given the holistic review process.

However, also remember that there are many important factors beyond test scores that universities consider in their admissions decisions. These include your GPA, course rigor, extracurricular activities, recommendation letters, and essays, among others. If these other aspects of your application are strong and you feel your SAT score doesn't represent your capacity well, you might opt to apply without it—more so if your score falls below the typical range for admitted students at Rochester.

If you do decide to test again and aim for a higher score, ensure you balance preparation time with other important aspects of your application, like maintaining your grades and participating in meaningful extracurriculars. It's about presenting a well-rounded picture of who you are, not just a high test score.

Above all, apply to a variety of schools, ranging from "safety" to "reach" schools so that you have a balanced set of options when decisions start rolling in.