Pauline Gordula is majoring in Political Science. She intends to graduate in 2026.
1. What led to your decision to attend college in Rochester, at a research university with a
flexible curriculum?
I chose the University of Rochester for three reasons. First, during my college search, I came across the concept of an “open curriculum”. The ability to design my own coursework without mandatory core classes appealed to me (This was my way of avoiding any form of math in college, but I digress). This freedom allows me to explore a range of subjects at my own pace, making my education more tailored and enjoyable.
Second, the University of Rochester has a highly regarded political science program. As a political science major on the pre-law track, I wanted to get the best of the best in terms of my area of study. It was a big selling point for me!
Lastly – and this was something I didn’t expect – I fell in love with the university’s environment. Living in New York City, I always imagined I’d attend a college surrounded by skyscrapers. But during Admitted Students’ Day, I was captivated by the natural beauty of the campus. I enjoyed walking along the Genesee River and admiring the early spring bloom. I appreciated the charm of Upstate New Yorker, and I was confident that Rochester was going to be my new home.
2. Can you describe what kind of support/communities exist for minority students at the
University of Rochester? In what ways can a student of color find her niche at the University of Rochester? Feel supported?
A student of color can find her niche and feel supported at the University of Rochester in a variety of ways! The university offers a welcoming environment with over 250 clubs and organizations that help students connect with their interests and identities. As soon as I arrived on campus, I sought out groups that aligned with my goals and passions. The Activities Fair at Wilson Quad was a great resource to learn about the numerous clubs Rochester has! As a pre-law student myself, I knew that I wanted to join Mock Trial and the Students’ Association Government because they are both a great way to build connections and find similar aspirations. These organizations were a crucial part of my support network since I made the most amazing friends I have in both clubs!
I also wanted to join a cultural club – which is something I highly recommend! Cultural clubs play a big role in fostering community and supporting students of color. I value my identity as a Filipino-American, so I joined the Filipino-American Students’ Association (FASA) my freshman year. Despite being far away from home, I was still able to celebrate my culture in Rochester with other Filipino-Americans like myself and share it with my community. College is the time to explore your interests. If you find yourself wanting to join a particular club or try out for a sport, do it. You never know where you’ll find your home on campus!
3. What advice do you have for juniors and seniors in high school who want to attend the
University of Rochester and...
a.... are worried about the winter weather?
When I told my AP English Language teacher that I was heading to college upstate, he told me to invest in a good-quality coat and boots. He couldn’t’ve been more right! When the cold becomes intense and the snow piles up, having reliable winter gear will make all the difference. Another great resource is the Campus Information Center (CIC) in Wilson Commons, where you can borrow seasonal affective disorder (SAD) lamps for free! Good lighting can have a big impact, especially during those stretches when the sun hides for days on end. I also recommend making time to do fun activities with friends. Winter may be challenging, but it can be enjoyable when you embrace it. Whether it’s ice skating at the Genesee Valley Sports Complex, visiting the Memorial Art Gallery, or finding fun indoor activities, there are plenty of ways to take your mind off the cold and make the season memorable!
b ...are concerned about the cost of attending a private university?
I knew college would be expensive, so I started planning as early as possible. In my junior year of high school, I created a detailed list of scholarships to apply for by researching online. It was a comprehensive checklist that kept me organized throughout the process. I included each scholarship’s application portal, required materials (e.g., essays and recommendation letters), and deadlines. This helped me track which applications I had completed and which ones were still pending, making it much easier to stay on top of everything.
c. ... want their application to stand out?
Show your interest in the University of Rochester! Whether it’s going on virtual tours, attending information sessions, or signing up for an interview, it’s important to show that you are very interested in attending the university. I interview prospective students for the Office of Admissions, and I can tell which students have done their research on the university when I ask them “Why Rochester?” Instead of giving general answers about the open curriculum and research opportunities, tell me other specific programs in your intended field of study that you find interesting or a professor whose work you’d love to learn more about! This approach also applies to your Rochester supplemental essay. With a limited word count, be specific and intentional in your answer. Highlight particular aspects of the university that excite you and explain why they matter to you personally. This shows not only that you’re interested but that you’ve thoughtfully considered how Rochester aligns with your goals.
4. What are some of the University of Rochester’s most notable programs?
The University of Rochester has several unique combined degree programs. One of the most popular and highly competitive dual degree programs is the University of Rochester’s Rochester Early Medical Scholars (REMS). This is an eight-year combined BA/BS + MD program that provides conditional acceptance into the School of Medicine and Dentistry. There are other dual degree programs, such as the Graduate Engineering at Rochester (GEAR) and Guaranteed Rochester Accelerate Degree Education (GRADE). You can read more about them here. Another distinctive Rochester program is the Take Five Program. This program gives students a chance to pursue an area of study for an additional semester or year tuition-free. I have a few friends who completed the Take Five Program, and they all had positive experiences. The Take Five Program allowed them to finish their major while also exploring a different field of interest, which enhanced their academic journey at the University of Rochester.
5. What advice would you offer a student who is considering attending the University of
Rochester, but is on the fence about it?
If you’re undecided about attending the University of Rochester, I highly recommend visiting campus during Admitted Students' Day in the spring, especially if you haven't had a chance to tour before. For me, attending Admitted Students' Day solidified my choice. I loved experiencing the campus firsthand, learning more about the Political Science Department, and even dining at Danforth Dining Hall! I also suggest talking to current students about their experiences. Hearing about student life directly from those who live it will give you a more complete picture of what it’s really like to be a Yellowjacket!
6. One word to describe a University of Rochester student?
Passionate.
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