How to Apply to Physics at the University of Rochester: Four BA and BS Degrees in Physics and in Physics and Astronomy, a Strongly Recommended Honors Physics Sequence, the Gaokao on the Approved Exam List, and Requirements for Domestic, International (Including Chinese) and Transfer Students

The University of Rochester (URochester) is in Rochester, New York. Physics is taught by the Department of Physics and Astronomy, whose page is labeled School of Arts & Sciences; the admissions testing page refers to admission and scholarships for "Arts, Sciences & Engineering", so the two labels differ. Engineering, mathematics, chemistry, computer science and other majors are not covered here. Below is what the websites say, for domestic students, international students (with a separate section for applicants from China) and transfer students.

1. Physics degrees and tracks

• Four degrees: the department offers Physics and Physics and Astronomy (astrophysics), each as a BA or a BS. The department calls the BA "perfect for students looking for a broad overview and the flexibility to double major"; the BS is "intensive", gives stronger preparation for graduate school in physics or a closely related field, and students planning graduate study normally elect it, with independent reading or research in the senior year encouraged.
• BS in Physics: besides the pre-concentration (calculus and three introductory physics courses), six physics courses (Electricity and Magnetism I and II, Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics, Classical Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics of Physical Systems, Quantum Theory); one writing-designated lab course (Advanced Experimental Techniques I or II, or the Advanced Nuclear Science Education Laboratory); one four-credit 200-300 level physics or astronomy course; two advanced math courses (Applied Boundary Value Problems required; Complex Variables or Mathematical Methods for Optics and Physics recommended); a computer literacy requirement (Computational Physics, an introductory computer science or programming course, or certification through research); and one natural science course.
• BA in Physics: Electricity and Magnetism I, Classical Mechanics and Quantum Mechanics of Physical Systems are required, plus one of Electricity and Magnetism II, Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics, Advanced Experimental Techniques I, the Advanced Nuclear Science Education Laboratory or Quantum Theory; one four-credit 200-300 level physics or astronomy course; and eight more credit hours of technical courses in physics, astronomy, mathematics or another science or engineering.
• BS / BA in Physics and Astronomy: the BS requires three of Gravitation and General Relativity, The Milky Way Galaxy, Astrodynamics, Stellar Astrophysics, Galaxies and Cosmology, Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics, Observational Astronomy and Physics of Planetary Interiors, plus six from a list of nine physics core and advanced lab courses and the AST 393W Senior Thesis, plus two advanced math courses and computer literacy. The BA requires two of the astronomy courses above, three other 200-level physics or astronomy courses (two from a specified list of four physics courses) and two 200-level technical courses.
• Common rules: at least a 2.0 (C) average in astronomy, physics and mathematics courses; all course choices approved by the undergraduate physics (or astronomy) advisor; graduate courses generally cannot replace undergraduate core requirements, though well-prepared students may take them as electives; the university's upper-level writing requirement can be met with the department's W-designated courses.
• Labs and thesis: the BS in Physics requires one W-designated advanced lab course; the BS in Physics and Astronomy counts the AST 393W Senior Thesis as one option among six; the pages read do not say a thesis is required for the physics major.
• Other: the department page says a minor in physics or in physics and astronomy exists and that the program is flexible enough for a dual major, pre-med, pre-law or teacher certification, and special programs include a Physics MS or MAT in Education with NYS certification (4+1). The minor requirements were not read.

2. How admission works: the university first; the major is declared by the end of sophomore year

• You apply to the university, not the department: first-years use the Common Application or the Coalition for College Application. The first-year materials list read does not ask you to choose a major (combined degree programs must be indicated at application, with a short essay; section 4).
• When to declare: the department says students have until the end of their sophomore year to declare; those wishing to major in physics or in physics and astronomy should meet with the department's undergraduate office before then to be assigned a departmental advisor. Any seat limit or grade threshold is not on the pages read; the only grade rule is the C average in major courses.
• The Rochester Curriculum: admissions says there are no required subjects and one required skill, written communication; students complete their major, then a cluster (three related courses) in each of the two other areas of learning (engineering majors complete one cluster).
• Advisors: undergraduate program coordinator Lysa Wade (ugcoordinator@pas.rochester.edu); physics advisor Prof. Kelly A. Douglass; physics and astronomy advisor Prof. Eric Blackman.

3. Preparation

• High school courses: neither the first-year admissions page nor the department page lists required high school courses for prospective physics majors; not published on the pages read, so ask admissions or the department.
• College calculus and physics starting points: the major's prerequisites are one calculus sequence (MTH 161, 162, 164, 165, or MTH 171-174) and three introductory physics courses. There are three physics sequences: PHYS 113/114 (a two-semester calculus-based course for life-science students); PHYS 121, 122, 123 (Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, Modern Physics; the basic sequence for prospective physics and physics and astronomy majors and engineering students); and the honors sequence PHYS 141, 143, 142 (Mechanics, Modern Physics, Electricity and Magnetism). The department strongly recommends the honors sequence for suitably prepared prospective majors (those who have taken AP Physics or high school physics) and encourages it for any student with a good high school introduction to calculus. PHYS 143 is restricted to first-years and precedes PHYS 142; placement into PHY 141, 142 or 143 on the basis of AP credit requires the instructor's permission.
• Course advice: the department's advice page says prospective physics majors are encouraged to take PHY 141 in the fall, concurrently with MTH 161 (Calculus I), then PHY 143 in the spring. Students unfamiliar with calculus who want PHY 141 in the fall can self-study a book such as Quick Calculus (Kleppner and Ramsey); less well-prepared students can wait to take PHY 121 in the spring and still not be behind entering sophomore year.
• AP physics credit (department "Transfer and AP Credit" page): a 5 on AP Physics C Mechanics earns credit for PHY 113 or PHY 121 and placement into PHY 114, 122 or 142; a 5 on C Electricity and Magnetism earns credit for PHY 114, conditional credit for PHY 122 and placement into PHY 123 or 143; a 4 on either earns conditional credit (a grade of B- or better is needed in the course placed into). A 5 on AP Physics B, Physics 1 or Physics 2 earns four general credit hours that cannot satisfy any requirement of the physics or physics and astronomy major or minor. The department also says prospective majors with AP credit for PHY 121 are still strongly encouraged to take PHY 141, and those who want to skip it should meet an advisor. AP Calculus credit is not described on the department pages read.
• IB: IB physics is not calculus based and generally earns no department credit; a 7 in Higher Level physics is treated like a 5 on AP Physics B (four general credit hours, not usable for the major); lower scores earn nothing, and IB Physical Science earns nothing.
• Other exams: an A-Level physics grade of A earns four general credit hours, also not usable for the major; the page also lists credit for India's national CBSE and ISC exams and state HSC exams by percentage (above 85%, above 75% and so on).
• Honors and research: the department pages read describe no honors degree; the honors path is the PHYS 141-143 sequence. The department says a sizeable fraction of upper-class majors take part in its NSF-funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates program; most research positions are for juniors and seniors, with occasional openings for first-years and sophomores. The summer REU is a 10-week stipend program open to Rochester and outside students; the department also runs a teaching internship program and the Rochester Symposium for Undergraduate Physics Students (RSPS), a northeast regional research conference. Admissions describes Research and Innovation Grants (RIG) of USD 3,500 for College students working with a faculty sponsor.
• How physics competitions (USAPhO and others) are viewed in admissions is not on the pages read.

4. Rounds and deadlines (fall 2027 entry)

• Early Decision I (binding): November 1, notification in mid-December; other materials due December 1.
• Early Decision II and Regular Decision: both January 5; ED II is notified in early February and RD on April 1, with a reply by May 1; other materials are due February 1 (ED II) and February 15 (RD).
• Priority scholarship deadline: December 1 (not binding): completing all materials by then gives highest consideration for merit scholarships, with notification in late February and a May 1 reply. The site says all applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships.
• Spring regular decision: October 15, notified December 1; combined degree programs are not available for a spring start.
• The dates page prints no year, while the first-year supplement page names the 2026-27 cycle; confirm they apply to fall 2027 entry.
• Application fee: USD 50; a fee waiver request form is available. School code 002894.
• Essays: the main essay of the Common App or Coalition plus the Rochester supplement (2026-27 cycle: "How will you combine our academic flexibility and co-curricular opportunities to create an experience that reflects your interests and ambitions?", 250 words).
• Recommendations: one teacher recommendation is required and up to three may be submitted, from any academic area; the counselor submits the School Report and a recommendation; also a mid-year report and a final transcript. The site does not say the teacher must teach science.
• Interview: highly recommended; optional materials include a family/peer recommendation form and links to electronic media.
• Testing: test optional: applicants who do not submit tests are not disadvantaged, including for scholarships. At submission you choose test-optional or test-flexible. Test-flexible options include the SAT (code 2928) or ACT (code 2980), or two or more results from SAT Subject tests, AP, IB (a signed letter of predicted scores from the IB coordinator), A-Levels (three to four exams preferred) and the national exams on the approved list. SAT and ACT are superscored separately, not combined.
• Combined degree programs: indicate the program at application and write a short essay (for example REMS November 15 and DDE January 5; international applicants are not eligible for REMS). Any link between physics and a combined degree is not on the pages read.

5. Domestic students

• Tuition: the cost page says tuition is a flat rate for all full-time undergraduates, with no in-state and out-of-state split. 2026-2027 for residential students: tuition USD 71,750; mandatory fees 1,622; housing 12,822; food 8,506; transportation 300; personal expenses 1,022; total USD 96,022 (off-campus 87,080; living with parents 81,364). Textbooks and select course materials are included in tuition through the UR Essentials program. The page notes higher travel allowances for international students and most out-of-state residents.
• Aid and scholarships: need-based aid applications use the FAFSA and CSS Profile (FAFSA school code 002894, CSS code 2928); for Early Decision they are due December 1, and ED applicants receive the same aid consideration as RD applicants. The site says the university meets 100% of the demonstrated need of admitted students, all applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships, and typical packages include scholarships, grants, loans, work-study and outside awards.
• Resident preference or guarantee: not on the pages read.
• A scholarship specific to physics students is not mentioned on the department pages read.

6. International students

• Materials: secondary school transcript, one teacher recommendation, School Report and counselor recommendation, mid-year report, final transcript when available; English exam results or an English Proficiency Waiver Request; and either the International Financial Support Form (IFSF, if you do not need need-based aid) or the CSS Profile (if you do; school code 2928, available from October 1).
• English exams: if your native language is not English and you attend school in a non-native English speaking country, take the Duolingo English Test, IELTS or TOEFL. Recommended scores: Duolingo 130; IELTS 7.5; TOEFL iBT 100 on the former scoring or 5 on the new scoring (live since January 21, 2026). Sub-scores from different sittings are not combined and TOEFL MyBest is not accepted; TOEFL code 2928. Scores should come from the testing agency, though a counselor may submit a copy if cost is a barrier. Applicants outside the ranges are still encouraged to apply, and some may gain admission through the English for Academic Purposes Program (EAPP), a two-semester program you cannot apply to directly.
• Waiver: native English speakers; at least three years of high school with English as the primary language of instruction; transfer applicants with a year or more of U.S. college coursework including a writing-intensive course.
• Proof of funds: international applicants must show the means to attend or apply for need-based aid. Those who can pay the full cost submit the IFSF (applications are incomplete without it); funding from a government, private sponsor or a source not on the IFSF should be supported with a sponsor letter.
• Need-based aid and scholarships: the site says financial need is a contributing factor for international applicants, so admission is "highly selective for students with financial need"; only a small number of international applicants qualify for need-based aid, and applicants who cannot secure the needed funding cannot be admitted. The university also says it meets the full demonstrated need of admitted students, and the CSS Profile must be renewed each year. All applicants, regardless of citizenship, are considered for merit scholarships.
• Credential evaluation: not required for first-year applicants on the pages read; international transfer applicants with college work outside the U.S. need a course-by-course evaluation (WES or ECE).

7. Applicants from China

• Gaokao: in the testing-policy page's list of approved national exams, the entry for China is the Chinese National Higher Education Entrance Examination (Gao Kao), with a note that a verification report can be requested through CHESICC. It is one way to satisfy the test-flexible option (testing overall is optional); the site gives no cutoffs or conversion method, so ask admissions (admit@admissions.rochester.edu).
• Transcripts and exam certificates: only the general international materials list is given; requirements specific to Chinese high school transcripts or school-leaving exams are not published.
• English: the rules in section 6 apply; there is no separate score line for China.
• The admissions site mentions a WeChat account; other China-specific notes are not on the pages read.

8. Costs, scholarships and outcomes

• Costs: see section 5; USD 96,022 for residential students in 2026-2027.
• Department scholarships and research: the NSF-funded REU stipend and the teaching internship program; a physics-specific undergraduate scholarship is not mentioned on the pages read.
• Outcomes: graduate outcomes or employment data for physics are not on the pages read.

9. Transfer students

• Eligibility: you are a transfer applicant if you have a high school diploma or equivalent and will have completed eight or more college credits after graduating; the most competitive have completed at least a year (24-32 credits) by the time of applying. Students earning a diploma through dual enrollment or early college are considered first-year applicants.
• Grades: incoming transfers have on average at least a 3.3 GPA; the typical admitted student had a median college GPA of 3.5; those with less than a year of college are also reviewed on high school academics.
• Major: students are not admitted directly to a major, but the intended major is a factor in review; majors have course prerequisites. Departments allow at least two courses taken elsewhere into the major. For physics, the department requires that transfer courses be calculus based, include the required laboratories and come from a four-year college or university, and recommends getting approval before taking the course.
• Deadlines: fall March 15 (priority consideration); spring October 15; supplemental materials June 15 for fall and December 1 for spring. The page prints no year; confirm it is fall 2027.
• Materials: Common Application; all college transcripts; a final high school transcript (waivable after a full year of college); one academic recommendation; a CSS Profile (aid for transfers is need-aware); an interview is strongly recommended. International transfers also need English results or a waiver, the IFSF or CSS Profile and a WES or ECE course-by-course evaluation.
• Credit transfer: an evaluation comes with the admission offer; courses with a C or better and comparable level and content transfer as elective credit; to get specific course equivalencies, contact the department. A degree needs 128 credits and at least four full-time semesters (48 credits) at Rochester.

Checklist

Domestic students:

• ED I November 1, or ED II and RD January 5, through the Common App or Coalition; USD 50 fee; the Rochester supplement essay
• To be considered for top scholarships, complete everything by December 1; testing is optional
• Declare physics by the end of sophomore year; prepare for calculus and the PHYS 141-143 honors sequence (strongly recommended)

International students (including those from China):

• English results (Duolingo, IELTS or TOEFL) or a waiver request; the IFSF or the CSS Profile (code 2928)
• The Gaokao is on the approved national exam list; ask admissions how it is evaluated

Transfer students:

• Apply through the Common App by March 15; at least 8 college credits, ideally a year; physics transfer courses must be calculus based with labs

Sources: University of Rochester, Physics and Astronomy: undergraduate program; Department: major requirements; Department: BS in Physics; Department: BA in Physics; Department: BS in Physics and Astronomy; Department: BA in Physics and Astronomy; Department: advising; Department: courses; Department: undergraduate research; Department: special programs; Department: transfer and AP credit; Department: sundry advice; Admissions: dates and deadlines; Admissions: first-year students; Admissions: how to apply; Admissions: international students; Admissions: testing policies; Admissions: transfer students; Admissions: the Rochester Curriculum; Admissions: student research; Undergraduate tuition and expenses. The dates on the admissions "dates and deadlines" page print no year; confirm they apply to fall 2027 entry. The first-year supplement page states the 2026-27 application cycle. Check the University of Rochester for the latest details.