Take Five Scholars
NOTICE: Applications for the Take Five Scholars Program are now open for the Fall 2026 Application cycle!
Students with an expected completion date of December 2026 who were unable to apply in the Spring, but have interest in doing so now are encouraged to email take5@ur.rochester.edu to discuss a possible exception to their otherwise typical ineligibility to apply in their final semester.
Academic enrichment with NO additional tuition!
Are you struggling to find the time to pursue a special academic interest that falls outside your rigorous studies? Or perhaps you have recently discovered an interest but have run out of time to learn more? Maybe you're simply so overwhelmed with requirements that you have not had the chance to consider all that the University has to offer. If so, you may want to consider applying to the Take Five Scholars Program.
The Take Five Scholars Program, unique to the University of Rochester, provides an additional semester or year, tuition-free. It offers the chance to pursue a demanding major and still enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the broad-based, intellectual enrichment of a liberal arts education. Since its inception in 1986, over 1,100 students have become Take Five Scholars. The number of students enrolled in the program varies each year, with new Scholars accepted each semester.
If this sounds like something you'd like to explore, take some time to talk it over with your parents, your faculty advisors, and current Take Five Scholars. Think about a topic that you are passionate about but have not been able to study. Look online course descriptions in UR Student/Workday and list the courses that might help you attain your intellectual goals. Then, begin to consider how you might incorporate them into a coherent and cohesive course program. You'll be on your way to creating a proposal to explore during a tuition-free fifth year!
Take Five Information Sessions
All information about the Take Five Scholars Program and the application process is available through Blackboard.
In order to apply, eligible students must enroll themselves in the Take Five Blackboard organization and review all content in the module. Students will need to hit "Enroll" and then "Submit" to join the course.
For program information, questions, and application advising support please email take5@ur.rochester.edu. You can also schedule an advising appointment through our online scheduler. Scroll down and choose the "Take Five: Zoom/In-person" option when making an appointment.
Note: Please do not schedule directly with a College Advisor regarding Take Five.
Take Five Semester Deadlines
Fall Application Cycle
Take Five Applications and two recommendation letters due Sunday, October 18, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
Spring Application Cycle
Deadlines for the spring 2027 application cycle have yet to be determined.
For further questions email take5@ur.rochester.edu.
Take Five Petition
If you are currently a Take Five Scholar and need to alter your T5 coursework or schedule, you must submit the Petition to Change Course Schedule Form.