With a permanently endowed fund, the Alan and Jane Handler Scholarship is awarded to selected students who do not otherwise have the financial means to attain a Rochester education. Scholars are selected on the basis of academic excellence, outstanding potential to be future leaders, and demonstrated mastery of complex challenges. The Handler Scholarship is the University’s leading award. It provides recipients with complete financial support (tuition, fees, room, board, and books), as well as individual and group opportunities, for the duration of the regular academic program.
Dean’s Scholarship
Winners of Dean’s Scholarships have demonstrated both academic achievement and the potential to make unique contributions to Rochester student life. The Dean’s Scholarship is a reward for students’ hard work in high school and a statement of our trust in their continued success here on campus.
Genesee Scholarship
Named for the river surrounding our campus, the Genesee Scholarship aims to answer some of the financial challenges a research-university education may present over four years. Genesee Scholars will shape our residential and academic communities and inspire their teachers and classmates, helping to make the University of Rochester “ever better.”
International Baccalaureate (IB) Scholarship
IB Scholarship winners have excelled in one of the most rigorous college preparatory programs available. The IB Diploma Programme prepares ideal candidates to take advantage of the unique University of Rochester learning environment. This award is an acknowledgment of their hard work and determination. In accordance with the historic partnership between the University of Rochester and the Rochester City School District, students who successfully complete the International Baccalaureate diploma at Wilson Magnet High School will be eligible to be considered for a full tuition IB Scholarship.
Rush Rhees Scholarship
Benjamin Rush Rhees was University president from 1900 to 1935. He helped establish the three complementary Rochester campuses: our College home on the beautiful River Campus, the adjoining Medical Center at Strong Memorial Hospital, and the world-renowned Eastman School of Music in downtown Rochester. We believe Rush Rhees Scholarship winners will bring similar vision and broad interests to the University community.
Sarah E. Sandkuhler ’19 Rush Rhees Scholarship
Hometown: Lititz, PA
Major: Neuroscience
Clusters: Psychology and Music
Activities: Women’s Rowing Team, Women’s Chorus, Voice Lessons at Eastman
Why did you choose the University of Rochester? “I chose Rochester because it offers me just about everything I could hope for! When deciding, I was looking for a university with a strong program in neuroscience that would also give me the opportunity to conduct independent research and really get involved in my learning. I also loved that Rochester has such a strong relationship with the Eastman School of Music, where I could continue my musical pursuits and grow as a musician. On top of that, the open curriculum and cluster program appealed to my love of learning in general, and I loved the idea of having freedom in my education for my four years here. Finally, coming from a small town in southern Pennsylvania, I loved that UR had such close proximity to the city of Rochester, since I wanted the opportunity to experience an environment different from that of my hometown.”
What was your favorite class in high school and why? “It’s so hard to choose! I was fortunate enough to have many wonderful teachers in my high school who made my classes very enjoyable and enriching. Of course, I loved my honors biology class, since it confirmed that the biological sciences were what I wanted to study in college. However, I also really enjoyed my literature and history classes, especially my 9th grade history class. Our teacher really focused on teaching us to think critically, make connections, and synthesize information independently, rather than having us simply memorize and regurgitate information for tests.”
What do you think best prepared you for life at the University of Rochester? “I’m very grateful that my high school focused on college preparation for all four years there. As an underclassman, my teachers taught me how to really think and understand material, not just memorize it. As an upperclassman, AP and Honors classes taught me how to organize my time and find the study habits that worked best for me.”