Rochester named ‘New Ivy’ by Newsweek

By Enid Arbelo

he University has received recognition that many say is well deserved and perhaps long overdue—Rochester is one of 25 schools named a “New Ivy” in the 2007 Kaplan/Newsweek How to Get into College guide.

This list, produced for the first time this year, includes institutions whose academic programs and level of student achievement are described as rivaling traditional Ivy League schools. The selections were based on admissions statistics and interviews with administrators, students, faculty, and staff.

The University also placed 21st in the Washington Monthly College Rankings, a list that includes institutions the political magazine believes are “benefiting the country,” such as how the school contributes to social mobility by helping the poor improve economic standing, support for research in the humanities and in the sciences, and its promotion of an ethic of service to the country.

The University held its 34th position in the annual and increasingly popular U.S. News & World Report list, sharing the spot with Boston College, NYU, and the University of Wisconsin at Madison.

Dean of Undergraduate Admissions Jonathan Burdick says the new rankings, especially the “New Ivies,” have been well-received by students, faculty, and staff.

“Everyone who is here and is part of the community benefits from this type of recognition. I think the whole town benefits,” Burdick says.

When asked how Rochester was identified for the New Ivies list, Burdick says the University is simply doing all the right things, such as admitting students who are academically successful but also well-rounded and passionate about personal interests like music, sports, or drama. He also points out that the University does not limit admission requirements to SAT scores or GPA.

“We got this recognition, ironically, by being very clear that we are not trying to be an Ivy,” Burdick notes. That recognition has ignited a sense of pride in many incoming and current students.

“The kids here have been very hungry for that. Rochester has been really great but less recognized for a long time,” he adds. Andrea Pomaranski ’10, an incoming freshman from Buffalo, is one of those students. “The more name recognition we can get, the better. It gives you a sense of pride to be a student at the University of Rochester.”

Rankings like the “New Ivy” play a significant role in many students’ college search. Although Pomaranski, who plans to double major in political science and philosophy, was familiar with the University before embarking on her college search, she feels Rochester can use this chance to raise its profile. She says these rankings let potential students and parents know that although the University’s name may not be as nationally recognizable as NYU or Brown, the academic programming and student body are comparable.

That will likely mean more applicants this year, Burdick says. Students nationwide researching their college choice, who may never have heard of the University, may see this list and consider Rochester for their college years.

For Pomaranski, the University’s curriculum was the driving force behind her decision and, according to Burdick, is also the deciding factor for nearly 90 percent of incoming students. “Seeing how flexible the curriculum is made it a great option, an option many of the traditional Ivies don’t offer,” she says.

Meeting students’ educational needs is what really matters, adds Burdick. Rankings and recognition are just a bonus.

Arbelo is a student-life writer in the Office of Communications.