<p>I’ve always been a bit puzzled that Case Western is as highly regarded as it is by some on CC. I mean, it’s not a bad school. But it’s not a great school, either. It’s OK in the sciences, but with no truly top-ranked programs. It’s probably best known for engineering, but its engineering program is nowhere near a top-25 program, either. In fact, it’s the second-best engineering school in the state of Ohio, after Ohio State, and Ohio State is the 8th-best engineering school in the Big Ten. Maybe that’s why so few people apply to Case Western (9,382 applicants in 2010): its natural applicant base would come from Ohio and surrounding states, but Ohio and every nearby state save WV and KY (and they’re not exactly in the same region) has a public university that is as strong or stronger than Case Western overall, and significantly stronger in engineering, supposedly Case’s signature program. So I guess if you’re an Ohio kid you might apply to Case Western as a back-up to Ohio State, but if you get into OSU you probably go there unless Case lures you with enough FA or merit money to make it cheaper to attend than the in-state flagship. Or unless you’re just really, really into Cleveland and can’t stand to be as far away as Columbus.</p>
<p>Case Western does have something of a following among those who believe private is always better. But most of those who apply apparently are using it as a back-up to better schools, because most who are admitted to Case go elsewhere, presumably to better schools. Case’s yield in 2010 was a dismal 16.1%.</p>
<p>Bottom line, it’s simple math: if you only get 9,300 applicants and your yield is only 16.1%, you’re going to need to admit an awful lot of those who apply into order to fill the seats in your freshman class.</p>