I was deferred from Case after I applied EA (I was frankly rather surprised, based on my test scores, extracurricular resume, recs, etc., but I won’t get into that). Case is requesting a mid-year application update. One of the questions is an “optional short answer” that is as follows: “Imagine your future. How will you utilize the resources and opportunities available at Case Western Reserve University to realize that future?” I’m curious what people think about this question. Will not doing it severely hurt my chances during the Regular Decision round? Obviously, completing it could show that you have interest in the school, but the fact that it’s optional is weird. What do you all think?
CWRU thinks that your interest in their school is an “Important” factor according to their Common Data Set. This essay is a way to show that interest. If you don’t do it, you are giving them a data point…which is that you are not that interested. So what is your major? Go to the departments website and see what resrouces they have. Are you interested in the coop program? Research? ThinkBox? Internships? Music? Virtual Worlds Lab>
I think by making it optional they get a better insight into who is interested.
If you are interested in Case, you should definitely respond and demonstrate continued interest. As bopper stated above, by not responding, you are showing that you aren’t that interested. If you look at threads from previous years regarding deferrals, etc., you will see that interest level can have impact on a deferral becoming an offer! Many colleges defer well-qualified applicants whom they believe really aren’t that interested in ultimately attending. Good luck.