Case Western Reserve University

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Students Say - Academics
With more than half its students in the labor-intensive disciplines of engineering and the sciences, it's no wonder students tell us that "Case is about hard work." Undergrads here tell us that "a 9-to-5 job will be exceptionally easy after a Case undergraduate education (which is 9-to-5 classes, then 5-to-2 homework)." While some complain that Case Western "is designed to beat students down [and they] attempt to compete with better schools by giving more homework," others counter that "you can choose to complain about it all the time or you can take advantage of everything that's offered here-enjoy yourself and get a great education." For those who know where to look, Case offers "great means for student development outside of the classroom. The Emerging Leaders Program for first-year students...holds leadership conferences-largely planned and organized by students for students-every semester." It's also "incredibly easy to get involved" in the "ground-breaking research" that occurs on this campus daily. Some here acknowledge that Case "could improve on diversifying its non-engineering and non-science offerings," a matter of significance to all since the school introduced mandatory interdisciplinary seminars (called the SAGE program, which students tell us "is still a work in progress"). Most agree that while the administration "has done a better job at getting to know the students," most would like to see an increase in "their willingness to cater to students' interests, especially when these differ from the beaten path."

Students Say - Campus Life
Many students feel that Case Western students do much more work than a typical student and thus miss out on more chances for socializing, even during the weekend, but others tell us that despite the "ton of hard work," there is "still plenty of time in the day for extracurricular activities." "Actually, that's part of the reason why people are so busy in the first place," says one student. Case offers "a wide range of on- and off-campus activities to choose from. Events such as Drag Ball, a local sorority's Mr. CWRU, and our university program board's major concerts pull hundreds of students out to bond and have a great time. Smaller events are always going on through one of our officially recognized student organizations, be they guest lecturers brought in by the Case Democrats, choral showcases featuring one or many of our a cappella groups, or simply smaller events." Cleveland provides further diversion; the school is located in University Circle, home to "a number of museums, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Botanical Gardens, and much more. This is a great resource of our school, which we are encouraged to take advantage of." The party scene here is "more mellow" than other colleges. "If you want to party, you can." If you'd rather stay away from that scene, you can. "There's no pressure."

Students Say - Student Body
A typical Case student is "heartily dedicated to classes and tries to figure out what else can fit into his/her schedule." Because the school is "so academically focused, there are plenty of the overstressing pre-medical students" along with similarly disposed engineers ("mostly male") and nursing students ("mostly female"). While "many Case students are primarily gamers" who "may not leave their rooms," very often, students "who are incredibly involved and busy joining and leading numerous organizations" are "increasingly more common" on campus. There is also "a vibrant musical community" as well as an active group of intramural sports enthusiasts. One student sums it up, "The greatest strengths of Case are the diversity of the student body, the studious character of the student body, the professors, and the tolerance students have toward different students."

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