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2023-24 General Bulletin

Academic Advising

Academic advising is an important component of the educational program at Case Western Reserve University.  Advisors assist students as they explore academic opportunities at the university, select courses, and develop a holistic plan for their undergraduate experience and preparation for life after college.  Each student is assigned both a faculty advisor and a four-year advisor in the Undergraduate Advising Support Office .

The advising model at Case Western Reserve aims to balance generalist and field-specific advising, shifting the balance as students progress through their undergraduate careers. At the beginning, the student's pre-major faculty advisor provides generalist academic advising until the student declares a major.  At the same time, representatives from each major and minor are available to provide field-specific advice as a student decides on an area of focus. Once a student declares a major, the emphasis shifts to major-focused advising with a faculty advisor assigned in that field to guide the student in the construction of an academic plan and to monitor the student's progress in pursuit of that plan. Throughout their undergraduate career, the student's four-year advisor in the Undergraduate Advising Support Office is available to provide general information and advice, to address concerns that fall outside of the pursuit of a specific major, and to help the student develop an overall plan that places their academic experience in the broader context of opportunities at the university and beyond.

Students are expected to initiate and maintain regular contact with their advisors to address curricular and career concerns, and to review progress towards graduation.  At a minimum, students are expected to meet with academic advisors when declaring a major or minor, before registering for classes each semester, and when making corrections to their academic requirements reports.

Advising during the First Year

During a student’s first year at Case Western Reserve, they are assigned a faculty pre-major advisor.  Each student and their advisor are expected to explore the student’s academic interests and concerns, as well as educational and career goals, and to seek expert information and advice about academic policies and procedures and about specific academic programs from the student's participation in the Explore program, the General Bulletin, newsletters and websites, the academic representatives designated as first year resources in the majors and minors, and other sources of advice and counseling on campus.  Four-year advisors in the Undergraduate Advising Support Office, along with staff in the Career Center , Academic Support Resources for Students , the Office of Multicultural Affairs , the University Health & Counseling Services , Disability Resources , and specialized programs such as Co-op (co-operative education), the Office of Education Abroad , the Office of International Student Resources and Engagement , and the Center for Civic Engagement and Learning (community service), are available to support first-year students and their advisors through Explore programming, publications, websites, experiential learning opportunities, and individual communications.

Advising in the Majors and Minors

When a student selects a specific major or minor, the academic representative of that major or minor assigns a faculty advisor to the student.  Although some first-year undergraduates enter with definite goals, they are not assigned advisors in the majors until they have declared their major.  Students who are ready to declare a major may do so beginning in November of their first year (April for those who matriculate at CWRU in the spring semester).  Students engaging in further exploration of majors are expected to declare a major no later than March 31 or October 31 of their second semester of enrollment.  A student may change majors later as they explore and learn about other fields of study, and they will be assigned a new advisor from the new major.  (See Declaring a Major in the section on Academic Policies and Procedures ).  Opportunities for exploring majors and minors include a Choices Fair, departmental information sessions as part of the Explore program, and individual conversations with faculty and academic advisors.

Undergraduate Advising Support Office

The Undergraduate Advising Support Office serves as a hub to provide guidance in all aspects of being an undergraduate student at Case Western Reserve, including academic information related to undergraduate enrollment and degree programs.  Each student is able to establish a multi-year relationship with their four-year advisor, who is assigned during the summer before matriculation and continues to work with the student through the completion of degree requirements.  Four-year advisors are available to answer student and faculty questions about university rules, practices, programs, and resources and to refer students to other offices and opportunities, as appropriate.

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Case Western Reserve University Guide

The Ivy Scholars guide to Case Western Reserve University’s culture, admissions, and other essential information for prospective students and their families.

Location: Cleveland, Ohio

Mascot: Spartie the Spartan

Type: Private University

Population: 11,850 (5,300 undergrads)

Jump to Section:

Statistics  

Natl. Rankings  

Admissions Info

Academics  

Special Programs

Student Life  

Financial Info  

Fun Facts     

About Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University is known for its world class research. Its myriad focuses span from technology, engineering, and science to liberal arts; encompassing a variety of programs. Founded through the merging of Case Institute of Technology and Western Reserve University to create its current form, it now contains a concentration of educational, medical, and cultural institutions.

Case Western Reserve University Statistics

Year Founded: 1826

4 Year Graduation Rate: 65%

Gender Distribution: 55% male, 45% female

Acceptance Rate: 29%

Residency: 29% in state, 52% out of state, 19% international

Location Type:  Urban

Schedule System:  Semesters

Student/Faculty Ratio: 11:1

Average Class Size:  20

Demographics: 48% Caucasian , 15% Asian , 6% Black, 5% Hispanic, 4% Other

Need assistance with the college admissions process?

National rankings.

US News Rankings:

• #39 Best Undergraduate Engineering Program
• #40 National Universities
• #49 Best Value Schools 
• #57 Most Innovative Schools
• #64 First Year Experiences

Independent Rankings:

• #8 Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Program per Bloomberg Businessweek
• #31 Colleges with Best Professors in America per Niche
• #52 National Universities per The Times of Higher Education
• #55 Best Value Colleges per The Princeton Review
• #59 Research Universities per Forbes
• #65 College with the Best Academics in America per Niche
• #75 Private Colleges per Forbes

Case Western Reserve University Admissions Information

Application Deadlines:

• Early Action/Decision I:  November 1st
• Pre-Prof Programs : December 1st
• Early Decision II: January 15th
• Regular Decision: January 15th
• Transfer Deadline (Fall): July 1st

Notification Dates:

• ED: Mid-December
• PP:  February 1st
• ED II:  Within two weeks
• RD:  May 1st
• Transfer: Within two weeks

Acceptance Rates:

• Transfer:  23%

Average Applicant Pool: 29,000

Average Number of Applicants Accepted: 8,400

Average Number Enrolled: 1,400

Application Systems:  Common App, Coalition App

Average GPA: 4.00 weighted

SAT Scores: 25th% – 1360, 75th% – 1480

ACT Scores: 25th% – 30, 75th% – 34

*Test mandatory. Writing sections are not required.

Demonstrated Interest:

Case Western does consider demonstrated interest.

• Schedule a visit
• Virtual Tour
• How to Demonstrate Interest

Recommendation Letter Policies: 

Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation, one from a counselor and two from teachers. The admissions team must be able to assess your academic capabilities and should therefore come from your most recent instructors in your proposed field of study. 

Case Western Reserve University Essay Prompts:

• Common App Personal Statement (650 words)
• Case Western Essay Writing Tips

Special Notes:

• Students who are applying to transfer who have already applied within the last 12 months only need to complete the reapplication form .
• Transfer students receive the same financial aid considerations as first year students, including the school’s pledge to meet all demonstrated need.
• Students may use either the Common App or the Coalition App.
• A recommendation from a college instructor, and a report stating you are in good standing at your current institution are required. Additional letters of recommendation are optional.
• Intended music majors must complete the arts supplement.

Case Western Reserve University Admission Strategy

Admissions Criteria: 

A student’s class rank, GPA, test scores, course rigor, and extracurriculars are the most important parts of an application. Also considered, but of secondary importance, are recommendations, interviews, demonstrated interest, character, essay, and abilities. The school may consider legacy status, ethnicity, and first-generation status.

Case Western wants incoming students to have taken classes that demonstrate their ability to do work at the college level. Doing well in a rigorous set of courses demonstrates that a student is ready for the challenges of college coursework. High scores on exams will also show your readiness, although they cannot make up for low grades or shirking on challenging classes.

Students who are looking to pursue a major in math or the sciences should take math and science courses all four years of high school, with at least two years of lab courses for the sciences. Students who want to study liberal arts should have four years of social studies, and three years of a foreign language.

Case Western does recruit athletes, but being recruited won’t provide much of a boost to your admissions chances.

What is Case Western Looking For?

Case Western is looking for passionate and involved students. They want students who have participated deeply in extracurriculars, and activities that set students apart from the crowd are more likely to shine. Students who participate in a more popular activity will have to work harder and achieve greater heights to stand out in comparison to the crowd.

Case Western has a number of current initiatives which inform its admissions process. They are trying to improve the school’s social impact, and are looking to increase student engagement in social impact projects. They are also trying to increase entrepreneurship and startups created by students. Finally, they are undertaking diversity initiatives to increase the number of historically disenfranchised or under-represented students on campus. This is both a focus on recruitment, and on retention, alongside an overall push to increase retention rates among students. The push is strongest in the STEM fields.

Case Western is very concerned with their yield numbers, and may waitlist or outright reject students if they believe those students are using them as a safety school, and intend to go elsewhere if they are admitted. 

Finally, students who are admitted should align with the values of Case Western. This is harder to show, as there are no supplemental essays to show off in. Your main essay should not necessarily be targeted at Case, but should demonstrate your values. 

Case Western Strategy:

Case Western’s desire to keep their yield high means that demonstrating interest, and clearly showing the Case is your top choice, will aid your application. While this may not make up for weakness, it can be the deciding factor in a tie. Applying ED or ED II can help you here, as a binding commitment to attend shows keen interest. ED is a better boost to admissions chances than ED II, but both are advantageous. Interviews are also a good way to demonstrate interest, and you should complete one if possible.

Showing a willingness to improve your community, and a desire to create positive change is important, as Case Western has a renewed commitment to positive social impact, and a desire to involve their student body in that quest. An activities list with prominent volunteering activities or social initiatives will show you are the kind of student they are looking for.

The school’s search for new entrepreneurial talent can also be shown through your activities list. Business internships, self-guided projects, and entrepreneurial exploits will all help you stand out, and show that you fit within the model the school is trying to build. 

Students planning on studying art should definitely submit an optional arts supplement, in order to better showcase their talents and interests.

The school is trying to increase their retention rate overall, so demonstrating that you are capable of handling college-level courses with a high GPA and challenging course load is key. This will show the school that you are properly academically prepared to attend, and less likely to drop out. Demonstrating interest will also make them think you are less likely to transfer out, which is the other part of retention.

Case Western Academics

• College of Arts and Sciences
• School of Engineering
• Weatherhead School of Management
• Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing
• Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences
• It is very difficult to transfer between schools. Students may add a secondary major at another school.

Core Requirements:

• Complete general education requirements vary by the school and degree, but all include: Physical Education (2 semesters), the Seminar Approach to General Education and Scholarship (SAGES) which will become a portfolio of all 3 seminars; the first seminar (4 credit hours; must be completed by the end of the 2nd year), 2 university seminars, departmental seminar (3 credit hours), and the Senior capstone (3-6 credits/1-2 semesters).
• Comprehensive Degree Requirement Information

Courses of Study: 

• 70 Majors offered
• Double major: Available in two (or more) Arts and Sciences majors for the BA degree, or two (or more) Engineering majors for the BS in Engineering degree, or two (or more) Management majors for the BS in Management degree. Additional credit-hours may be needed to meet all requirements of the two (or more) majors. Students pursuing multiple majors within a single degree will receive one diploma corresponding to the degree earned and each major will be noted on the diploma.
• Popular majors include Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering; General Biology/Biological Sciences; Mechanical Engineering; Computer Science; and Registered Nursing
• 68 Minors offered
• Course Catalog

AP Credit Policies:

• Case Western gives credit for scores of 4 or 5 on most AP exams and scores of 6 or 7 on IB higher-level exams.
• Comprehensive AP Credit Information

Honors Programs:

• Honors in the Major and Departmental Awards are determined and granted by individual programs. Contact individual departments for more information
• Dean’s Honors are determined each semester, based on GPA
• Latin Commencement Honors are awarded at graduation based on cumulative GPA.
• Academic Honor Societies

Research Availability:

• 84% of undergraduates participate in research opportunities during their enrollment.

Study Abroad: 

• Study Abroad Options

Business Options: 

• Weatherhead School of Management applies innovation to their management with a focus on globalization. Their market based management approach keeps their students on the pulse of society and its business trends.
• The Undergraduate Program offers six majors, seven minors, five concentrations, and five integrated Master’s programs.
• Wolstein Society | Weatherhead Business choses seniors each year that are exceptional students to join their society. Those in the society participate in events throughout the year.

Pre-Med Options:

• Pre-Professional Programs offer undergraduates the opportunity to students who know they want to pursue a doctorate in Medicine and or Dental as well as some other advanced degrees to start in a track that aligns with those goals. Additionally, t he PPSP grants undergraduate admission and conditional admission to Case Western Reserve’s School of Medicine or School of Dental Medicine.
• Pre-Med certificate 
• Pre-Health Advising

Pre-Law Options:

• Pre-Professional Programs include pre-law.
• Pre-Law Handbook
• Pre-Law Advising Program
• Case Honor Society

Computer Science Options: 

• The Computer Science Major is offered through the school of Arts and Sciences, with many of the classes offered through the School of Engineering. There is also a BS in Data Science offered.
• There is also a BSE in Computer Engineering offered through the School of Engineering.
• There is a joint BS/MS in Computer Engineering and Data Science available.

Additional Specialty Programs: 

• Combined degree programs that you can apply to after admission.
• The 3-2 Dual Degree Program for Engineering Students allows students to take classes at one of the 50 liberal arts colleges for 3 years and then attend Case Western for two years earning an Engineering degree. 
• Arts Scholarship Audition and Portfolio Requirements
• Pre-Professional Programs

Programs for High Schoolers:

• Pre-Scholars College Program is a Summer program open to advanced high school students from Ohio who want to experience college life.
• Resources for High School Student Researchers

Student Life at Case Western

School Motto:   Light (Historical)

Mission and Values:

• Mission : To improve people’s lives through preeminent research, education and creative endeavor.
• Values: Academic excellence and impact, inclusiveness and diversity, integrity and transparency, and effective stewardship
• Additional Information
• Student Testimonials ( Niche , Unigo , Cappex )

Housing System:

5 smaller residential communities offer a unique experience at Case for First Year students. The primary goal is to provide a foundation for future success by supporting the transition from high school to college. Second year students move to a different set of dorms featuring suite-style housing in the South Residential Village. Upperclassmen may move off, or move back to North Residential Village for either suite or traditional dormitory housing.

Housing Statistics:

• All unmarried students are required to live on campus for 2 years
• 90% of undergraduates live in on-campus housing for the entirety of their stay

Campus & Surrounding Area :  

• Located in a quaint neighborhood on University Circle, students can enjoy many parks, green space and places to stroll around, and there is plenty to do in the surrounding area including the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Cleveland Orchestra offers free concerts regularly.  
• Safety Information ( Case Western, Collegefactual )

Transportation:

• Energy and sustainability are important goals in how the university views transportation. 
• Gohio Portal connects students with one another to carpool.
• RTA is part of Cleveland’s extensive transportation system and students are given a year round bus pass. 
• Extensive shuttle busses get students around campus. 
• Carpooling , Biking , Wellness Incentives for Biking to Work, and HOPR Bikes Sharing .    
• They even have commuting contests to motivate people to save energy.
• Parking Information

Traditions:

• Hudson Relays is an annual event which has run almost every year since 1910. It consists of teams divided by graduating class with team sizes ranging from 24 to 52.
• It is a tradition that students that turn 21 receive a birthday greeting featuring the campus and a reminder to celebrate safely. They also recieve a gift certificate for two to the Michelson and Morley in the Tinkham Veale University Center.
• Legacy Week was created to observe and showcase the history of Case Western.
• Senior Week celebrations are an annual event.
• Spring Student Activities Fair and Springfest happen each year where there are booths, events and music for students to enjoy and unite.
• Thwing Study Over occurs each Fall and Spring during finals where students take a break, congregate and enjoy some chow.

Student-Run Organizations:  

• Organization Database
• Sample Organizations (200 clubs and over 600 groups: Archery Club , Cricket Club , Emerging Leaders Program )
• DIII Athletics: UAA Conference (Good Men’s cross country and Women’s indoor track and field)
• Intramural Sports
• Club Sports  
• Main Rival: Carnegie Mellon

Greek Life:

Nearly 50% of students participate in Greek Life . The program consists of 17 Fraternities and 10 Sororities and have been in existence for the last 175 years.

• Not considered a “party school”, but the students do like to have fun and choose to balance their rigorous studies with socializing.
• Cleveland has been named “America’s hottest city” and Case Western students enjoy many things such as Cleveland Museum of Natural History , concerts , and restaurants in and around Cleveland.

Financial Information

Yearly Cost of Attendance:

• Total: $70,213
• Tuition: $50,924
• Room & Board: $15,614
• Books & Supplies: $1,200
• Other Expenses: $1900
• Additional Financial Aid & Student Loan Information

Scholarships: 

85% of the students at Case Western receive grants which is 3% above the average given by other private educational institutions. Additionally, they meet 100% of demonstrated need for all admitted students. Finally, more that 80% of all students receive some form of financial aid.

All admitted freshman applicants are automatically considered for several scholarships, however they have several other scholarship competitions that can be applied for. Additional Aid Options include ROTC and Tuition Exchange programs.

• Paul Tippet, founder of Craigslist is an alumnus.
• The Adelbert Gymnasium was originally built for WWI as an armory.
• Without alumnus Paul Buccheit, Gmail would not have been created as he was its developer.
• 15 Nobel prizes have been awarded to graduates and faculty.
• The atomic weight of oxygen was determined by Edward Morley in a Case Western laboratory.
• Bill Belichick’s father played for Case Western’s football and basketball team. He also played in the NFL on the Lions. In honor of his father Bill Belichick funded Case Western’s weight room. 
• Professor Charlie Korsmo was a pretty famous child actor and starred in movies such as Hook and What About Bob. 
• Rich Sommer, actor on the popular TV series Mad Men, is an alumnus. 
• The school’s first motto “Lux Et Veritas” (Light and Truth) was copied from Yale’s.

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Advice from Case Western Reserve Online MBA Students

Pursuing an MBA online while working full time can be daunting. To succeed in an online program, MBA candidates must find a balance that allows them to achieve their academic, professional and individual goals. 

When it comes to deciding if earning a degree online is the right path for you, students in Case Western Reserve’s Online MBA in Healthcare Management program can offer insights into the benefits of pursuing your MBA online and share why this program has been so rewarding for them. 

Become an Innovative Healthcare Leader

Case western reserve’s online mba can help, choose the right program for you.

“I looked into a bunch of different schools and decided an online program would be best for me because I’m working full time as a clinical therapist and a supervisor right now. I felt like I wouldn’t have the capacity to go in person to sit down in a classroom after work or during the day. So, I knew I would need to find a degree program for working professionals .” — Kelly Papenfus , Class of 2024

Find Work/Life Balance 

“You really have to want to put in the work. Many of us hold full-time jobs while in the program, so work/life balance is key .” —Bill Beutler, Class of 2025

Lean on Peers and Professors for Support

“Don’t doubt your abilities to complete an online program. The workload can be rigorous if you work full time or part time—but it is doable. Your professors will help you. Your classmates will be there for you. Your program director and your student success coach will support you along the way. If there are doubts that you can do it, there’s absolutely no reason to lean into those doubts because you have a built-in support network at Weatherhead that won’t let you fail.” —Kelly Papenfus, Class of 2024

Embrace New Learning Opportunities 

“If you believe you would benefit from being able to participate in conversations differently, understand budgets and understand how the business of medicine works, then this is exactly what you should do. It is absolutely the right path for someone who wants to grow, no matter where you are within the spectrum of your career.” —James Leaming, MD, Class of 2024

Network With Your Classmates and Faculty

“Go into the program curious and looking to make connections because it is not the type of program where you simply show up, do your work and tap out. The real benefit is getting to know your peers and the professionals you get to interact with along the way.” — Robin Edmonds , Class of 2024

“I’ve gotten to meet many different people from a variety of healthcare backgrounds. I have one classmate working in marketing and PR, so I’ve been asking her a lot of questions because I have some interest in that based on what I’ve been learning in class.” —Kelly Papenfus, Class of 2024

Think Beyond the Online MBA Classroom 

“I’ve also been using the career support services at Weatherhead [School of Management] to revamp my resume and give it more of a business edge. They always send out information about networking updates, telling us about events we could attend in Cleveland or virtual educational series where executives will talk about their companies.” —Kelly Papenfus, Class of 2024

Earn an MBA With a Healthcare Focus

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How to Get Into Case Western: Admissions Stats + Tips

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How hard is it to get into case western, average academic profile of accepted case western students, what is case western looking for, how to improve your chances of getting into case western.

Case Western Reserve University is a private university located in Cleveland, Ohio, known for its world-class research.

Case Western has an excellent engineering program, and they offer over 140 dual-degree programs to prepare students for their post-college careers. They provide over 200 student organizations and have an undergraduate population of just over 5,000 students.

Case Western is a highly-ranked school with a competitive admissions process. To be accepted, you must have a solid academic profile and a well-rounded application. In this post, we’ll review the average academic profile of Case Western students, note important factors the admissions committee will consider, share some tips for improving your chances, and more.

Case Western is a competitive school. Last year, out of the 29,084 students who applied, only 8,804 were accepted, giving the school a 30% admissions rate.

While Case Western’s acceptance rate is low, your chances of acceptance may be higher or lower depending on the strength of your academic profile.

To gain an understanding of your chances of acceptance at Case Western, use our free admissions calculator . This tool uses your grades, test scores, extracurriculars, and more to calculate your odds of acceptance at top schools, like Case Western. The tool will also give you tips on how to improve your academic profile.

The average high school GPA of the Case Western Class of 2025 is 3.75 . The percentage of students with a 4.0 GPA is 7% , and 53% of students had a GPA between 3.75 and 3.99.

The middle 50% SAT scores for admitted Case Western students were 1350-1490 . The median 50% for ACT scores is 31-34.

69% of students submitted SAT scores, while 49% of students submitted ACT scores. Case Western does not require students to submit ACT and SAT scores for the Fall 2022 semester, but the admissions committee will consider test scores if offered.

Out of the students accepted to Case Western for the 2020-2021 school year, 70% were in the top ten percent of their high school graduating class, and 95% of students graduated in the top quarter of their class.

Most students applying to Case Western are excelling academically. Although your grades and test scores are essential, it’s also critical to be a well-rounded individual to stand out to the admissions committee.

Case Western says they are looking for students who are “on the path to personal, intellectual and professional success.” This means that your life experiences and interests are just as meaningful as your high school courses and class rank.

How Case Western Evaluates Applications

According to their 2020-2021 Common Data Set , Case Western considers the following factors “very important” :

• Course rigor
• Academic GPA
• Extracurricular activities

These factors are “important” :

• Application essay
• Recommendation(s)
• Talent/ability
• Character/personal qualities
• Race/ethnic status
• Volunteer work

These are “considered” :

• Standardized test scores
• First-generation
• Alumni relation
• Work experience
• Level of applicant’s interest

And these are “not considered” :

• Geographical residence
• State residency
• Religious affiliation

Discover your chances at hundreds of schools

Our free chancing engine takes into account your history, background, test scores, and extracurricular activities to show you your real chances of admission—and how to improve them.

1. Achieve at least a 3.75 GPA while taking the most challenging classes available

Since the average GPA of students accepted to Case Western for the 2020-2021 school year was 3.75 , you’ll want to focus on maintaining a GPA that meets or exceeds these requirements to increase your chances of admission.

The reason why it’s crucial to maintain a competitive GPA is a tool called the Academic Index . The Academic Index is used by selective schools, like Case Western, to determine if applicants have enough academic success to move to the next step in the admissions process. If your transcript lacks the necessary academic qualifications, it’s unlikely you will make it past the Academic Index.

While it’s essential to keep your GPA high, it’s also crucial to challenge yourself with rigorous courses . Consider taking AP classes or honors classes to make your transcript extra competitive.

If your GPA is lower, and you’re earlier on in your high school career, check out our tips for increasing your GPA . If you’re a junior or senior in high school, it will be harder to improve your GPA, so the easiest way to increase your Academic Index is to get a higher test score.

2. Aim for a 1490 SAT and 34 ACT

Last year, the middle 50% SAT scores for admitted students at Case Western was 1350-1490, and the middle 50% for ACT scores was 31-34. 69% of students submitted SAT scores, while 49% of students submitted ACT scores.

It’s important to note that Case Western is test-optional ​​for students entering in the fall of 2021, 2022, and 2023. In light of COVID-19 test-optional policies , we recommend taking the test if you can safely.

According to this year’s Common Data Set, we recommend submitting your SAT score to Case Western if it’s a 1350 or above and your ACT score of 31 or above. You can use our free chancing engine to help you determine whether or not you should use your test scores in your application.

To improve your SAT or ACT scores, check out these free CollegeVine resources:

• How to Get a Perfect 1600 Score on the SAT
• How to Get a Perfect 36 Score on the ACT
• More SAT Info and Tips
• More ACT Info and Tips

3. Cultivate at least one or two Tier 1-2 extracurriculars (find your “spike”)

Even though all extracurriculars demonstrate your interests and passions, certain types of extracurriculars can help your application stand out to the admissions committee. And since Case Western considers your extracurriculars as “very important” during the admissions process, you should focus heavily on developing your list of extracurriculars.

At CollegeVine, we’ve created a rating system called the Four Tiers of Extracurriculars to help you understand how each type of extracurricular is evaluated. When you’re applying to competitive schools like Case Western, we recommend becoming involved in a few Tier one and two extracurriculars. Here’s a look at what these types include:

Tier 1 activities include prestigious leadership positions, like being chosen to attend an esteemed summer program or receiving national recognition for academic or athletic achievement.

Tier 2 activities include more common achievements that still demonstrate exceptional leadership, like being your school’s student body president or earning the all-state selection for your school band.

We recommend focusing heavily on a related set of extracurriculars (a highly-developed interest known as a “ spike “) rather than participating in several unrelated activities. For example, starting and leading a book club at your school and winning a national essay contest demonstrates that you’re interested in literature and writing.

4. Write engaging essays

Your essays are one of the best ways to stand out and showcase your unique personality during the admissions process. Try to demonstrate your alignment with the school, and also weave in the factors that Case Western considers to be “important” for admission, like your talents and abilities, character qualities, race and ethnic status, and volunteer work you’ve been involved in during high school.

Read our tips for writing the Case Western essays for the 2021-2022 school year !

5. Apply early decision or early action

Case Western has both early decision and early action plans. They also have two phases of early decision admissions. Case Western’s early action plan does not inhibit students from applying to other schools’ early action plans. However, early decision students must be committed to going to Case Western if they are accepted.

Typically, students who apply early decision and early action are more likely to be accepted than students who apply by the regular decision deadline. Generally speaking, early decision students are 10-12% more likely to be accepted than regular decision students, and early action students are 4-6% more likely to be accepted. For a school with an admissions rate of 30%, applying early action or early decision can make a big difference!

However, keep in mind that there are some limitations to applying for the early decision deadline. Read this blog to determine if the early decision plan is right for you.

6. Prepare for your interview

Interviews are optional for Case Western applicants, but they are highly recommended and deemed “important” by the admissions staff. Interviews are also a great way to display your personality and credentials in a one-on-one setting.

Case Western recommends that students do the following during/while preparing for their interview:

• Ask questions that demonstrate your interest in Case Western.
• Anticipate questions the interviewer might ask you. Here is a list of common college interview questions to prepare for.
• Know where you are going when you arrive for your interview.
• Dress professionally but in a way that is comfortable and matches your style.
• Arrive early to fill out paperwork and explore the campus.
• Follow up with the person who interviewed you by sending them a thank you note or email.

7. Request great letters of recommendation

Case Western considers letters of recommendation to be an “important” part of the admissions process. Before you start collecting letters of recommendation, read these tips on how to request an excellent letter of recommendation from a teacher or academic counselor.

How to Apply to Case Western

Application Requirements

Students can apply to Case Western using the Common Application or Coalition Application. You’ll also need the following:

• Official high school transcript
• Transcripts from other universities
• Official SAT or ACT scores (optional)
• $70 application fee
• Optional portfolio

Learn more about Case Western

• What Is Case Western Known For?
• Case Western Reserve University Student Panel
• What Does It Cost to Attend Case Western?

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

How do you upload a resume to Case?

Just realized as we were uploading video files for the Fine Arts supplement that there really is no place to upload an actual resume to Case. Other than the activities etc filled in on the common app. Are others uploading a real “resume” or leaving it to what’s in the common app?

Or perhaps my son is missing where to do this. The Case personalized applicant portal (he has already submitted his common app) has a spot to self submit ACT scores, but that’s a form to fill in.

Let us know if we’re not seeing it.

I do not remember any college including Case, asking my sons for a resume but sometimes interviewers will ask for a paper copy.

I would think anything in his resume would be covered in the common app. I would think colleges would prefer the standard layout/presentation they get from common app over a zillion different resumes.

Email your son’s Regional Advisor and don’t leave it up to Common App. I would also call to follow up (or visit if reasonably local).

You can do this with any additional material you want to have included with the application - ie. Unofficial College Transcripts

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case western reserve interview... any tips?

are there certain things i should mention, things to avoid, things that i should be looking out for? anyone else's experience?