The University of Rochester strives to be a resource for its community through every life stage. For some, this begins when prospective students and their families start the process of finding the school that is the best fit for them. Brett Sonnenschein P’28 shared why his son, Owen, chose Rochester, and why he now helps other families as they begin that same journey.
When Brett Sonnenschein P’28 first visited the University of Rochester with Owen, he could feel it right away: this was a community that cared. “Every person I dealt with in the process wanted to help, and everyone we spoke to was very open during the admissions process,” Sonnenschein said. “Whether it was the student who gave us the tour or the financial aid counselor, they were all so helpful.”
There were even opportunities to get to know the Rochester community without having to leave home. At a Metro New York City Network event, the Sonnenscheins met volunteers, connected with other parents, and saw Owen quickly bond with fellow students. “I was able to meet volunteers, hear other parents speak, and Owen was able to chat with other students and exchange phone numbers and other discords,” Sonnenschein said.
This continuous support was a deciding factor for Owen in finally deciding to attend Rochester.
Sonnenschein felt compelled to help others go through the admissions process, which can often be overwhelming for those who have not done it before. “I helped over Zoom and was able to give a few tips and tricks to people,” he explained. “One of those tips is to sign up for the last tour [of the day] because you receive a lot of one-on-one attention.”
Sonnenschein discovered that giving back didn’t require grand gestures—just a willingness to share his experience. Sometimes being a part of the Rochester community is as easy as sharing your experience with others.
“These things can seem a little intimidating, and you might feel you have no idea how to help, but it’s pretty easy if you just share the experience that you’ve lived and use the help of the Rochester staff,” said Sonnenschein.
As Brett explained, “I think there are a lot of different opportunities, and you will find something that works for you. It’s a small way of paying back and easing the transition for those coming after you.”
Join the process! Become an alumni interviewer for the undergraduate admissions process or join the Parents Council.
Unsure of where to start? Check out all the available opportunities on the Greene Center website.
–Benjamin Vandenberg, November 2025