URoch pros:
-open curriculum, so no required classes/gen eds (except for a writing course, much like CWRU’s SAGES)
-extremely research-oriented to a fault (but I see this as a plus)
-club tennis (apparently CWRU doesn’t offer it)
-renowned in optical engineering (not a deciding factor, but it’s something I wouldn’t mind looking into)
CWRU pros:
-a more open campus (URoch’s is too closed or “isolated”)
-University Circle
-think[box]
-pretty good research opportunities
-a lot closer to home
I really like everything URoch has to offer, but the campus seriously doesn’t resonate with me as much as CWRU’s (I’ve visited both). Weirdly enough, I prefer Cleveland to Rochester. The weather is equally as bad in both locations, so I’m not taking weather conditions into consideration. The scholarship I was offered at URoch will offset the cost difference a bit, but I’m wondering if there’s anything else unique to either school (both positive and negative). I’m planning to go on the premed track, if that helps a bit.
**********In short:
*Am I just being picky about URoch’s campus, or does it really matter whether or not I can picture myself there?
*Should I email the admissions counselor at Case if scholarship money turns out to be a deciding factor? I’m only asking this since the scholarship money may sway my parents’ opinion.
*Do gen eds get in the way of taking premed courses or courses towards a major? And how well does each school prepare premeds?
*According to a few people I’ve asked, CWRU and URoch tend to be regarded as very similar schools. How much truth does this hold?
It’s not strange at all that you would prefer Cleveland - a lot more going on there than in Rochester. My S did put Rochester ahead of CWRU mainly because the areas of study (economics and CS) were ranked a bit higher but he liked the more urban feel of CWRU. Are the costs comparable?
@singermom4 Oh my gosh, I was digging through threads under CWRU and URoch discussions and I can’t believe I didn’t stumble across this!
Thank you for linking them!
With the scholarship included, CWRU would cost roughly $6k/yr more than URoch. Money isn’t necessarily a huge problem, but considering that CWRU and URoch are such similar schools, I’m not entirely sure if the cost discrepancy is worth it.
You may not found the threads because I forgot to mention that I posted those questions last year.
When you say CWRU is a lot closer to home does that mean you can drive to CWRU but need to fly to Rochester? You should also calculate travel costs in your annual cost planning and think about how often you want to visit home. To me 6K doesn’t seem a huge difference but it’s all relative.
URoch’s classically arranged campus (in Greek Revival architecture) could contribute to a traditionally collegiate experience for some students. I’m not saying you “should” like it, but maybe UR’s campus is worth another look.
“CWRU and URoch tend to be regarded as very similar schools”
With some degree of geographic proximity and similar enrollments and student profiles – as well as an athletic conference in common (the UAA) – this is inevitable.
The research oriented to a fault label was what I found at U of Rochester. I did not feel the teaching abilities of the professors was up to par, very hit and miss since most faculty earn tenure by research and not teaching. I think the liberal arts education might well be better at U of R, but for the sciences or engineering especially, the geek is chic vibe of case and the slightly quirkier student body would get my vote.
Truly is a very close call, but you sound like you are feeling Case a lot more strongly. Both are excellent schools, hard to go wrong. Good luck!
@bopper Huh, when I asked my interviewer about a club tennis, she said the school didn’t have it.
That’s a pleasant surprise!
I heard from someone that getting a hold of research opportunities and other positions can be somewhat competitive because of the large grad school population. Is this true?
I’m thinking about majoring in economics or finance, though I’m not entirely set on this yet.
Is there any chance that CWRU offers co-ops in fields other than engineering?
@singermom4 I can drive to CWRU, but URoch is flying distance (though I can also drive; it’ll just be a really long drive) since URoch is significantly farther away. I don’t think I’ll be coming home often since I plan to get involved in volunteering and research during the summers. 6k/yr eventually stacks up to be 24k over the course of four years, and I know cost isn’t a huge deal, but 24k is still a good amount of money that my parents will be losing. I just need enough justification for whether or not it’s worth it.
@merc81 I suppose it’s true that one visit isn’t enough to gauge whether or not URoch’s campus is a good fit for me, but during the 8-9 hours I was there, I still felt that CWRU’s campus suited me better. Unfortunately, I don’t have the time to go back for another visit with the deposit deadline coming up. I can see why some people like the campus a lot, and perhaps it could be a matter of adjusting to the environment, but from what I’ve gathered I just don’t think the campus or the city is for me.
@Skates76 I’ve been reading a lot of mixed reviews about URoch’s professors, but I guess it mainly depends on which classes people take. I talked to a couple of professors while I was on campus, and they seemed really into helping out students. But 2-3 professors probably isn’t a good sample size, haha.
I also really like the “geek is chic” vibe from CWRU! I’ve been leaning towards CWRU, but the slight cost discrepancy is holding me back a bit.
When I was at U of R it was a number of years ago. I found all the professors willing to help and good in small groups or one on one. Some just lacked the true teaching skills needed in larger lecture classes. There are plenty of resources online and from other students at the school where you can quite often avoid the profs who don’t teach well or simply understand that you will have to make extensive use of TA sessions and study groups when you can’t. I really don’t think you can go wrong with either school and financial concerns are very real. Personally I preferred Rochester as a city over Cleveland (outside of University Circle), but again, just a matter of taste and preference. You have some great, but not easy choices to make.
I agree that finances should always be a major point to consider. What do your parents say? I think it’s wonderful you are concerned with not spending more than necessary but you really need to sit down with them and find out how much it impacts them or any other siblings who may be heading to university.
We personally know a student at CWRU who started out in biology and changed to Economics because of the excellent teaching. While Rochester is ranked higher for Economics I think both will provide you with a good education in this field. We also know two students who transferred out of Rochester because they did not enjoy the city.
Though honestly, I think you can make anything worth with the right attitude. All of S’ friends (freshman this year) are happy where they landed.
@Skates76 I figured that would be the case for most schools, so I guess it really does come down to fit then. Thanks for your input!
@merc81 I’m still not entirely sure if I want to go into economics, but I’ll definitely keep that in mind! Thanks for the info!
@singermom4 My parents told me they wouldn’t mind too much as long as I coordinate my time efficiently, so I suppose the extra 6k/yr can act as a motivator for me not to screw around–not that I was planning to, haha. It’s good to know how great the professors are at CWRU! I’ll keep this in mind as well! Thanks for your help!