College: Case Western Reserve University

Location: Cleveland, Ohio

Type of Institution: private research university

Size: 5,200 undergraduates

Admissions Advice: Case Western is a selective university with a really approachable application process (Common Application, no supplemental essay required on the front end, optional interview, test optional through fall 2024). Plus it is a rare phenomenal STEM-oriented institution that doesn’t require students to declare their major right away; it is actually possible to stumble into Engineering or Computer Science after completing some classes on campus! That said, the secret is out about Case and it has become increasingly competitive over the past few years. I strongly recommend that students show demonstrated interest along the way, completing any and all “optional” application components such as interviews, submitting music/fine arts supplements, etc.

Most popular majors: Engineering (a large number of options, too!), Biology, Computer Science, Business Management

Words to describe students I met: practical, curious, driven, collaborative, independent thinkers

Unique academic aspects: As I mentioned in the admission section, students at Case don’t have to declare their major or even college on the front end. You can come in and explore for the first couple of semesters before making the big decision. Yes, there may be prerequisite classes and certain GPAs students need to meet in order to declare certain majors, but it is not as restrictive as most strong STEM colleges out there. (Side note: Case also has some incredibly unique majors, such as Origins Sciences, Gerontological Studies, and Polymer Science and Engineering.)

The exceptions to this flexibility are Nursing (which has a direct entry pathway and a very limited internal transfer option) and the dual-degree program with the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM). CIM is a fantastic music conservatory program for seriously talented musicians, located just across the street from Case. Like other conservatories, auditions are key to the CIM application process, and those who are admissible to CIM are then passed along to Case for a secondary review. It is a fairly unique opportunity to blend intensive conservatory training with the resources of a more well-rounded medium sized university. Added bonus: Professors are often symphony musicians with the Cleveland Orchestra, which plays at the beautiful Severance Hall right in the middle of the CIM/Case campuses.

Unique social/cultural aspects:  Case is a medium-sized university which does have a more intellectual feel to it, but that doesn’t mean there is no social life. For example, about 25% of Case students participate in Greek life, so this is an option for students who have their hearts set on that system typically more common at larger universities.

Also, I think Case’s location is a strong suit, though many students will hear Cleveland and immediately write the school off as a no. It is located among the cultural institutions of the city, like museums and performance halls, and has a decent number of restaurants and nightlife close by, but still has a traditional campus feel. It is a good place for students who want an urban campus experience that isn’t completely overwhelming.

Colleges that seem similar: University of Rochester, Washington University in St. Louis, Johns Hopkins, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Concerns about this college: Honestly, I don’t really have many concerns about Case Western as I feel like it could be a great match for so many different types of students! That said, I would be hesitant to recommend Case to a student who is passionate about Humanities related majors. Though there are a range of offerings, they are not among Case’s strongest/most popular majors, and students might feel a bit out of place in a sea of STEM, business and preprofessional students. This is something my tour guide mentioned during the visit, as well as feedback I’ve received from many friends and family members who’ve attended Case Western over the years.

Overall impressions:  Case Western Reserve University provides an amazing education for students interested in healthcare, engineering, business, and research careers in particular. Though it has historically flown under the radar, especially with my students in on the west coast, I think those days are over. The resources and facilities are incredible (check out the Sears thinkbox), the connections to Cleveland institutions are impressive (Cleveland Clinic and professional sports teams, for example), and the supportive and collaborative culture is unique among strong STEM schools. Case truly offers students the best of many worlds.