<p>Hello
I would like the input of current students and CC'ers on the benefits of attending Case as well as the cons. I will be visiting over spring break, but please add anything that I may not 'see' on campus.
Please give your unbiased opinions. I really want to get better acquainted with the school.
Thank you</p>
<p>Aren't all opinions biased? :)</p>
<p>PRO:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>A Top 35 National University; very strong in biological-related fields</p></li>
<li><p>Generous with merit awards and financial aid: allows many students to attend a small private technology-oriented university at a price comparable to an in-state public college</p></li>
<li><p>On-campus opportunities: undergraduate research, part time jobs, volunteer positions (at hospitals and other agencies in the University Circle), has its own Medical School, schools helps with internships and co-ops</p></li>
<li><p>It's not difficult to have professors get to know you and be able to write a letter of recommendation for you</p></li>
<li><p>Urban location, lots of choices of restaurants, museums, concerts, pro sports </p></li>
<li><p>Has a reputation that its graduates are sought by the top Graduate Programs</p></li>
<li><p>Double majors are common, and you can do whatever combination you want, the university will not restrict you (as some places do like CMU, Cornell, Michigan, etc)</p></li>
<li><p>You can register for classes at the Cleveland Institute of Music or the Cleveland Institute of Art</p></li>
<li><p>Easy access to a major airport (the rapid transit line goes directly to the airport, takes 45 minutes; 2 stops on Case campus) (the cab ride is about $40)</p></li>
<li><p>New apartment-style housing on campus for upper-class students, the best you'll see in university housing anywhere</p></li>
<li><p>Does have Greek life and sports teams, which can help as a built-in support group to help survive the rigor of a school like this</p></li>
</ul>
<p>CON:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Your parents can't brag at cocktail parties about how you are at an Ivy League school</p></li>
<li><p>Lake effect snow (if you have expectations of wearing shorts and riding a bike all year)</p></li>
<li><p>If you are looking for a big time sports program and the spirit it brings, it does not have that</p></li>
<li><p>If you are looking for a huge college scene like Boston or Ann Arbor, it does not have that</p></li>
<li><p>If you are expecting your classmates to be the children of rich and powerful people who will help you in your career for the rest of your life, I doubt that will be likely; the student body has a very middle class, non-prep school vibe</p></li>
<li><p>The campus is not an isolated bubble shielding you from the real world, if thats what you are looking for</p></li>
<li><p>If the name of the school was shorter or it had a snappier acronym, it would move up in the US News rankings by at least 5 slots ;)</p></li>
</ul>
<p>--</p>
<p>You will have to decide for yourself if Case is a fit for your personality, work ethic, social expectations, etc. Some see the not-a-party-school aspect of Case as a PRO, many see it as a CON.</p>
<p>Pro: People who need to know about Case have heard of it. Ask just about ANY premed student in the midwest, and even some west coast/east coast and they know Case's name. As do many engineering firms. You will impress the right people by saying you go to Case. </p>
<p>Con: Many average people won't know what you mean by Case. You will not impress John Q. Public when you say you go to Case.</p>
<p>The wikipedia article on Case Western Reserve seems very insightful. Unless it comes with a hidden bias, of course. The stuff about SAGES bothered me.</p>
<p>Haha I've seen that article...its...alright? I dunno, its wikipedia man, everything comes with a grain of salt. Just like all of this!</p>