mantori.suzuki

On paper, Case looks like a great school: Strong in sciences, nice size, serious academics, interesting location (University Circle), selective, smart students, lots of merit aid.

The problem is that, in spite of all of this, NO ONE SEEMS TO REALLY LIKE IT. I don't think I've ever heard or read a single enthusiastic review of Case. Every other school has at least one person who says, "I loved it! Best four years of my life! Would do it all over again! A bargain at twice the price!"

Why doesn't anyone seem to say the same about Case? On paper, it looks like one of the best schools my son could apply to. In my gut, I worry that he'd be miserable there, and no one says anything to make me feel better about it. Are all of the students and alumni just super-serious academics who don't get excited about anything?

Comments appreciated.

mantori.suzuki

Just reading some of the older threads about Case. Still can't shake the bad feelings. The most positive comments are all along the lines of, "College is what you make of it. You can have fun anywhere if you try." Sorry, but that's almost always code for, "There's nothing interesting to do here."

I'm not Case-bashing, I promise! I'm hoping to find a hidden gem here, but am I looking in vain?

Schmoomcgoo

I did love Case, it was in my daughter's top 4 in 2008, and my son (who got a glimpse when his sister visited) wants to visit Case this summer. I loved the first-class, state-of-the-art feel to the place (with auto-defibrillators all over the place, the fastest (or biggest, or some superlative) wireless network, newsfeeds about the whereabouts of campus buses in the bus stop shelters), it's pretty hefty list of Nobel Laureates, the exciting architecture, it's proximity to Cleveland's "Little Italy" (not sure if it's actually called that), the upperclassmen housing and it's proximity to the football field, and--call me crazy--its reputation as a nose-to-the-grindstone, all-work-no-play place (I like this because, while it must have some basis in reality, I do believe fun-seekers will find fun).

It can't hurt to apply, or visit (unless that's an expensive prospect).

mathandpi

I am a current student at Case who really likes it here and will try to offer my input:

You asked if the students were just super-serious academics who don't get excited about anything and for me, I do get excited about super-serious academics! I love the field I am majoring in and enjoy making new connections and finally deriving some equation or such on a problem set and seeing how the concepts 'fit together' and make intuitive sense.

Besides academics though, I really like Case because of the access to the various cultural institutions it provides. Tickets to the Cleveland Orchestra are only $10 (or free if you win the raffle), you can get free admission the the Great Lakes Science Center, the Cleveland Botanical Gardens, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, etc.
I find (unscientifically and with no valid statistical sample) that the people who don't really enjoy CWRU don't take advantage of these and other opportunities. (There are tons of campus groups with different events so everyone can find something that interests them!)

Case Western it a LOT of work and very challenging academically, so students with no motivation to learn who want to party all week will not like Case very much. I believe the 6-year graduation rate is about 81%, so clearly there are those who do not like the school and go elsewhere. I love the school however, both for its academics and for the events around campus and Cleveland and the people I have met (and I love going to a school I can have serious discussions about things like the Large Hadron Collider in the dinning halls!)

CaseSpartan10

I love it here. To be honest though, I've made this post about a thousand times, and don't really feel like explaining myself AGAIN. Just look up some old threads and you'll see why i like it here.

wrestler09

dude if you are looking for parties then do not come here i heard, im wrestling for case so at least thatll take my mind off the fact that there will be almost nothing to do. its just the FA was so great that i couldnt go to my favorite school

mantori.suzuki

Thanks for your replies, which I think pretty much confirm my impression of Case.

My son is a serious student who gets more excited about academics than anything else. He is not a partier. In that sense, I think he might fit well at Case.

But please tell me...if one wants to get involved in theater, go dancing, go hiking, go on weekend excursions to surrounding attractions, can one do those things easily at Case? Or will it be hard to find a significant number of people willing to take time away from their studies or research?

Put another way: I understand that the emphasis at Case is not on social activities, but is it difficult to engage in social activities if one wants to?

CaseSpartan10

My friends and I love to check out some of the museums occasionally (Natural History, Art, Automobile, etc.) Also, I'm not into this myself, but some like to see the Cleveland Orchestra, which plays right on campus.

For what its worth, I drink/party every weekend with friends, and I never have issues finding things to do.

casegirl

Ditto CaseSpartan's 1st post.

I can't recall ever having a problem finding someone to do stuff with me;during midterms or other tough study times most of my friends will be studying, but I also usually can find a couple people who are done, are taking study breaks, want to procrastinate, or otherwise NOT studying who will do something with me.

I have quite a few friends who are serious students who are heavily involved in things like theater or other student groups, Greek life, sports (intramural or university)...

leparfait

I considered Case when choosing a college. I did not pick it, and I can't say I know tons about it, but what personally threw me off was the campus. Since it's right in Cleveland, I didn't get the college feel I was looking for. Not that this is the most important thing :-P but have you made a visit? This alone did not make me pick somewhere else. Case is an excellent school!

mantori.suzuki

We have not made a visit. Since it would not be son's first choice, I'm thinking maybe he should apply there, then visit if he doesn't get into a better school and if the financial aid package is attractive versus our in-state flagship school. Case is a long way from home, and a visit would not be easy, but if all the pieces fall into place, it could be worthwhile...the jury is most definitely still out.

xtra

I'm a current student. What I would emphasize about Case Western Reserve is its administration. Try to do some research on the admin. and how it handles "issues" students file with the admin.

(Sources of research: The Observer newspaper (the student newspaper at Case), archives of Cleveland Plain Dealer, forum.case.edu)

This is from a student who's "okay-ish" with Case.

CaseSpartan10

k, good luck with your "better schools"

mantori.suzuki

Is that sarcasm? Are you saying there are no better schools?

CaseSpartan10

No, i'm saying that its tactless to say things like that, especially in the forum of the school you're talking about.