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how to write case western supplemental essays

2 Great Case Western Reserve Essay Examples

What’s covered:, essay example 1 – personal statement, essay example 2 – pre-professional scholars program.

  • Where to Get Your Case Western Essays Edited

Case Western Reserve is a highly-selective college in Ohio. With small class sizes and an abundance of eager applicants, it’s important that your application stands out with strong essays. In this post, we’ll share real essays students have submitted to Case Western, and share what they did well and how they could be made even better. (Names and identifying information have been changed, but all other details are preserved).

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Read our Case Western essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts.

Prompt: In the college application process, you are constantly prompted for a list of your achievements, awards, and accomplishments. While this information is useful to us, we are interested in hearing more about you. Describe an event, achievement, or experience of which you are particularly proud but that will not show up on a resume, may not garner any recognition, and does not appear anywhere else on your admission application. (700 words)

My Senegalese side of the family had always told me that I couldn’t dance because I had inherited a terrible rhythm from my English father. While they were right, I was devastated as this small fact utterly destroyed my hopes of being sprayed with one-dollar bills on the dance floor. Because I couldn’t follow a rhythm to save my life, I was missing out on an essential part of my culture– because Senegalese people live to dance. We’ll find any excuse to blast some P-Square whether it be high school graduation, a Senegalese traditional wedding, or even a fifteen-year-old’s birthday party.

However, one Christmas eve, everything changed for me. It was my brother’s birthday dinner, and my cousins ate their jollof rice. “Don’t Jealous Me” from Black is King summoned my brother from his place in front of his food, and he pulled out his trademark dance move. Being the birthday boy, my grandpa started spraying him with cash. At that moment, I knew that I needed to overcome my lack of rhythm and make some money. 

I made my way over to our makeshift dance floor.

“Oh, Katie’s got some moves!” My aunt cheered for me. A few minutes later, my uncle announced that the first annual inter-cousin dance competition was about to begin. My growing confidence in my spectacular dance moves fueled a familiar sense of competitiveness in a whole new setting. I was going to win this competition, no matter what. 

I danced and danced to Yemi Alade, the Black is King soundtrack, and more P-Square for what felt like hours, surrounded by my sweaty cousins all jumping for the dollar bills my grandpa was still spraying. But, at this point, all I cared about was winning. When the music finally stopped, my aunt called for a speech from each competitor on why they deserved to win. 

My turn for a speech arrived, and I paused dramatically. 

“All my life, you all have told me that I would never be able to dance because of my English genes. Today I proved you all wrong.” I then proceeded to exclaim why I deserved to win more than my brother and everyone else. 

When everyone finished their speeches and my relatives had concluded their final debates on the winner, they called us over. 

“The winner is… Katie!” 

The feeling of pride I felt at this moment was more rewarding than any National Latin Exam award or lacrosse game win. Despite the adamant protests of my siblings and cousins, the validation I had gained at being able to relate to my Senegalese heritage was something that I will never forget. 

What the Essay Did Well

This is a good essay for two main reasons: the topic was perfect for this prompt and this student brought the reader into the action with her.

To begin with, this prompt specifically asks to learn something about the applicant that isn’t anywhere else on their application. It would be a mistake to simply expand on an activity that’s already listed on her resume, but this student smartly wrote about something completely separate from the rest of the application. Focusing on her heritage and a family celebration allowed her to explain her background, demonstrate the importance of family, and show us her internal conflict. 

Her topic is also very focused which works in this essay’s favor. The essay tells the story of a singular Christmas dinner and the dance competition she partook in. Honing in on this one night allowed for the inclusion of more details and personal reflection, both of which are essential for a good essay.

This student’s use of specific details really helps to bring the readers into the story. Since we have never been to her family celebrations, understanding what it sounds, looks, and tastes like lets us appreciate the deeper aspects of the story. Telling us about the jollof rice, the specific songs and artists that were playing, and including direct quotes makes the story come to life.

What Could Be Improved

This essay could be improved further with more elaboration on what drives this student. She included background about her dual-heritage, but we don’t fully understand how isolated she felt from her Sengalese culture. Is it just dancing that makes her feel left out? Does she feel like she is being torn between two cultures and doesn’t have a place in either of them? Delving into these deeper questions would provide great personal depth and self-reflection that would reveal a lot to the admissions committee.

Additionally, she tells us that she is competitive, but we don’t really understand what drives this competition. We get the sense from this essay that this student is a generally competitive person, but where did that come from and how does it motivate them? Building on questions like these, providing more depth and context for the essay, would make this response even better.

Prompt: By applying to the Pre-Professional Scholars Program, you are applying to gain admission to professional school earlier than students who apply in the traditional way. Please indicate why you’re interested in your chosen profession. How do you see yourself being particularly suited to this field? What events and/or experiences have led you to your choice? (250-500 words)

In the United States, common illnesses faced by seven-year-old children do not include malaria. Strep throat, the flu, and even chickenpox are relatively normal for kids to undergo at least once in their lifetime. However, malaria remains a danger for people living in countries that consistently battle the influx of mosquito swarms day and night.

As a malaria survivor myself, I can testify to the horrible experience of chills and high fever in 100-degree heat. All frequent flyers to Sub-saharan Africa know that you’re supposed to start taking the prescription drug five days before your flight. However, sometimes, amid all the craziness it takes to prepare for a trip to a third-world country, it’s possible this little pill might slip from one’s mind. Two weeks later, as my parents prepared to make the long bus ride to the Ewohimi village, I began to feel a little sick. By the time we’d arrived, I was curled up in a ball on my mother’s lap.

My great-grandmother died of a wound infection. The kind of injury that would have you in and out of the hospital in a couple of days killed her due to the lack of resources in Nigerian hospitals. I still remember the shock that crossed my mother’s face as she heard the news over the phone. It didn’t make any sense. Because how can such a simple thing kill someone?

Global health inequities have resulted in the countless loss of lives. Having experienced the result of this inequality myself, I hope to change the supply of healthcare in whatever way I can. 

Three out of four members of my father’s family have carried the burden of cancer on their backs. My grandmother passed away from ovarian cancer. Lung cancer killed my nonsmoking grandfather. My aunt can never carry children as a result of her past with cervical cancer. My dad is the only one who’s been lucky enough to avoid the trials and pain that came along with chemotherapy. I’ve seen each of them deteriorate physically and mentally in the days after treatment. As a potential future radiation oncologist, I aspire to make new breakthroughs in cancer treatment research. 

I’ve volunteered at my local hospital as well as taken advanced science and math classes throughout my years of high school. In my role as the co-editor-in-chief of my school newspaper, I’ve been able to spread awareness about health inequity and the impact of Covid-19 throughout the world. I have experienced different global healthcare disparities throughout my travels firsthand, and I’m excited to make more of an impact by starting my career in medicine.

This essay does an excellent job of taking time to build to the prompt’s response and not jumping the gun. A less sophisticated essay would tell the reader in the first or second paragraph exactly why they want to be a doctor, but this essay builds suspense over three paragraphs. We are compelled to keep reading because we need to know how all these stories relate to one another.

Another positive aspect of this essay is the conversational tone. It doesn’t feel like this student used a thesaurus on every word or tried to include fancy diction. The topic was very personal and vulnerable, and the voice matched the content. Phrases like “As a malaria survivor myself,” “All frequent flyers to Sub-saharan Africa know…” and “Because how can such a simple thing kill someone?” all create a more casual and conversational tone by letting us in on her credibility, insider tips, and inner thoughts. 

Finally, by taking the time to focus on the background and why behind their chosen career, this student didn’t need to include too many basic sentences later on about why they want to go into medicine. Showing us how they’ve been scarred and affected by every family member who battled cancer is a much stronger reasoning than a run-of-the-mill sentence like “I want to be a radiation oncologist because I’ve seen the toll it takes on patients and their family.” Since there was such strong buildup at the beginning of the essay, once we learn what this student wants to do, we are able to connect the dots in our head.

The weakest aspect of this essay is the last paragraph. This paragraph reads like a resume and feels out of place in such a descriptive essay. Because the prompt asks how you see yourself suited to the field and what events have led to pursuing this career, the student probably felt compelled to explain their practical experience with medical care. However, all of the anecdotes at the beginning answered those questions in a far more reflective and engaging manner.

Personal experiences are just as valid motivators — if not more — than extracurricular activities. Admissions officers know that this student volunteered at the hospital and was editor-in-chief at the paper, but they would never know about how malaria affected them, the helpless feeling of hearing their grandpa died, or the battles this student’s family has faced. Briefly throwing those activities in at the end distracted the reader from the rest of the essay and left a less compelling impression.

Where to Get Your Case Western Essays Edited 

Do you want feedback on your Case Western essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools.  Find the right advisor for you  to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

how to write case western supplemental essays

Case Western Reserve University (Case Western) Supplemental Essays Guide: 2021-2022

Not sure how to approach the Case Western supplemental essays? CollegeAdvisor.com’s guide to the Case Western Reserve University supplemental essays will show you exactly how to write engaging Case Western supplemental essays and maximize your chances of admission. If you need help answering the Case Western supplemental essays, create your  free account  or  schedule a free advising assessment  by calling (844) 343-6272.

Case Western  Essay Guide Quick Facts:

  • The Case Western acceptance rate is 30.0% —  U.S. News  ranks Case Western Reserve University as a  highly selective  school.
  • The Pre-Professional Scholars Program, or Case Western PPSP, acceptance rate is 1% ( Forbes ).
  • If you are planning to apply to Case Western PPSP (Pre-Professional Scholars Program), you will need to write  two  essays. If you are not applying to the Case Western PPSP, you  DO NOT  need to write Case Western supplemental essays.

Does Case Western Have Essays?

Yes, there are Case Western supplemental essays—but only students applying to the  Pre-Professional Scholars Program (PPSP)  must answer them. If you are not applying to Case Western PPSP, you do not need to answer the Case Western PPSP essays.

Regardless of whether you apply to Case Western or to Case Western PPSP, all applicants must submit a personal statement. You will need to submit your personal statement through either the  Common App  or the  Coalition App .

Need some help writing your Common App essay? Get great tips from our Common App essay  guide .

How Many Essays Does Case Western Require?

There are  two  required Case Western Reserve University supplemental essays for applicants to Case Western PPSP. The Case Western PPSP essays help the admissions team understand why you are a strong candidate for Case Western PPSP. The first of the Case Western PPSP essays asks why you are interested in your area of study; the second asks you to share something that makes you proud.

Before discussing the Case Western supplemental essays, here is some additional information on Case Western Reserve University and the Pre-Professional Scholars Program.

What is the Acceptance Rate for Case Western Reserve University?

The Case Western acceptance rate is 30%. This year’s Case Western acceptance rate is reflective of the increasing selectivity of the school. The school saw its most selective admissions year in 2019. According to Case Western’s  admissions statistics , the middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores of 1350-1490 or ACT scores of 31-34. Additionally, 95% of admitted students were in the Top 25% of their high school class.

Acceptance Rate for Case Western PPSP

The Case Western Pre-Professionals Scholar Program is even more competitive. The Case Western PPSP acceptance rate last cycle was only 1%—that’s thirty times below the general Case Western acceptance rate.

Because there are only 25-30 available spots in the Case Western PPSP, the Case Western PPSP acceptance rate is much lower than the Case Western acceptance rate.

The Case Western acceptance rate shouldn’t scare you. If the Case Western supplemental essays and the Case Western PPSP acceptance rate seem daunting, don’t worry. Remember the benefits of gaining admission to Case Western PPSP. Upon completion of the requirements, both the Medical and Dental Case Western PPSP guarantee entry into Case Western’s professional schools. They also provide you with a structure to guide your professional studies.

Overall, don’t let the Case Western acceptance rate—or even the low Case Western PPSP acceptance rate—discourage you from applying. While the Case Western PPSP acceptance rate may be low, remember your admissions results depend on a variety of factors. If you write strong Case Western supplemental essays, you’ll have a chance of overcoming the Case Western PPSP acceptance rate.

For more information on the Case Western acceptance rate—and acceptance rates in general—read our blog  article . And remember, beating the Case Western acceptance rate is all about preparation. Take our free quiz below to test your knowledge of the college admissions process.

What is the Case Western Pre-Professional Scholars Program?

The Case Western Pre-Professional Scholars Program grants selected students a conditional commitment of admission to Case Western Reserve University’s Professional Schools of Medicine or Dentistry. The Case Western PPSP is an excellent opportunity for students who are confident in their future career path. If you are planning to apply to the Case Western PPSP, you’ll want to focus on your Case Western PPSP essays. They must demonstrate not only why you are interested in your field of study, but also why you are well-suited to it.

So, before beginning your Case Western supplemental essays, check out the Office of Undergraduate Studies  Case Western PPSP page . The page has a wide variety of information on each program’s courses, timeline, and requirements.

Admission to the Case Western PPSP is highly competitive. Subsequently, the Case Western PPSP acceptance rate is significantly lower than the Case Western acceptance rate. Case Western accepts 15 to 20 students to the Case Western PPSP in Medicine and approximately 10 students to the Case Western PPSP in Dentistry.

Because every student applying to the Case Western PPSP will have outstanding academic credentials, it is important you take your time with the Case Western supplemental essays. For your best chance against the Case Western PPSP acceptance rate, you should do all you can to show the admissions team what makes you well-suited for an intensive pre-professional program like PPSP. This includes writing strong Case Western Reserve supplemental essays.

Does Case Western Care About Essays?

Yes, the admissions team cares about your Case Western supplemental essays. Given the extremely low Case Western PPSP acceptance rate, you’ll want to use every chance you can to show the admissions team who you are and why you are an outstanding candidate. Due to the fact that the Case Western Reserve University supplemental essays are only required for PPSP applicants, they are crucial to making your Case Western PPSP application stand out in admissions.

Therefore, if Case Western is one of your top choice schools, you’ll want to take your time writing your Case Western supplemental essays. Basically, by submitting the best Case Western PPSP essays possible, you can maximize your chances of getting into Case Western PPSP despite the low Case Western PPSP acceptance rate. Even if PPSP does not offer you a spot, Case Western’s undergraduate program may still consider you for admission.

Let’s dive into some tips and guidelines to help you as you begin writing your Case Western supplemental essays.

How Do I Write the Case Western Essays?

The Case Western Reserve University supplemental essays are your chance to show admissions who you are and what matters to you. The Case Western PPSP essays have complex prompts and relatively high word limits. This means you’ll have plenty of space to answer the prompts specifically and completely.

Having extra room to share your thoughts can be freeing to some students. However, completing the Case Western supplemental essays—and making sure every word counts—can be a challenge. Here are some steps to help you as you begin writing your Case Western supplemental essays.

Before you start

Brainstorm and make a plan.  Break down the prompt to individual questions and categories, then try some  freewriting  before you begin your actual draft. Write down moments, thoughts, feelings, ideas— any important details or information that you might use in your essay. The more initial thoughts you get down on paper, the more material you’ll have to generate your draft.

Write, edit, and rewrite.  Then, once you’ve completed your brainstorm, you can begin drafting your Case Western supplemental essays. As you start writing, remember this is only a first draft. While you’ll need to review and edit your Case Western supplemental essays to make them the best they can be, this is not that time. Start with getting your words on paper, then edit for clarity and specificity.

Edit and reflect

Go line by line.  The Case Western supplemental essays have word limits (and the admissions team reads thousands of essays). Therefore, every sentence must add something to your essay. As you read over your drafts, go line by line and check that each sentence shares something. Each sentences should either answer the prompt or showcases an important part of your identity.

Take a step back.  Once you think you have a strong draft, step back and review each of your Case Western PPSP essays. What is the overall impression your Case Western supplemental essays give your reader? Is there a beginning, middle, and end to each essay’s narrative? Your Case Western supplemental essays should start with a strong hook that will engage your reader. Additionally, your essays for Case Western PSPP should flow through the middle, and finish with a compelling conclusion.

Ask for help

Get a second opinion.  When you think you are ready to submit your Case Western supplemental essays, get another set of eyes to look over them. An outside reader can tell you how your Case Western supplemental essays read. Additionally, they can catch any spelling or grammar mistakes you might have missed.

We have provided the prompts for the 2021-2022 Case Western Reserve University supplemental essays below. You’ll find advice on how to approach each prompt alongside tips for writing Case Western supplemental essays that will overcome the low Case Western PPSP acceptance rate.

Case Western Supplemental Essays – Key Steps:

  • Brainstorm and make a plan.
  • Write, edit, and rewrite.
  • Go line by line.
  • Take a step back.
  • Get a second opinion.

Case Western Supplemental Essays – Question 1 (Required for Case Western PPSP)

By applying to the Pre-Professional Scholars Program, you are applying to gain admission to professional school earlier than students who apply in the traditional way. Please indicate why you’re interested in your chosen profession. How do you see yourself being particularly suited to this field? What events and/or experiences have led you to your choice? (250-500 words).

The first of the Case Western PPSP essays asks about your chosen area of study. This is your opportunity to show Case Western why you are passionate about pursuing a career in either medicine or dentistry. Therefore, you need to reflect not only on your past experiences that led you to your chosen career path but also on your long-term goals and why you’ll succeed at Case Western and beyond.

Your essay should fully address all three questions that this prompt asks. One way to approach these questions is to split up your brainstorm into three categories: ‘Why am I interested?”; “Why will I be successful?”; and “When was I inspired?”

Address each question

For the first question, focus on the why rather than the what. For example, if you want to go to medical school to become a surgeon, it is not enough to simply state that. Firstly, ask yourself, in specific terms, why you are interested in surgery. Does the physiology of the body interest you? Do you want to help people and save lives? The more specific you are, the more your interest, knowledge, and passion will shine through.

The second question asks about you: your traits, your skills, your beliefs, and everything about you that makes you a good fit for the medical or dental field. To answer this question, you should apply your traits to traits that lead to success in your desired field. For example, if you want to become a dentist and think you are empathetic, your essay must show how being empathetic will make you a good dentist.

The third question should include specific anecdotes from your life. If you are having trouble thinking of a specific moment, try remembering your firsts. If you want to go to dental school, when did you first decide you wanted to go? When did you first learn about dentistry? What was your first experience with a dentist? What was a moment when you felt capable, like you had the ability to become a dentist?

Constructing the narrative

Once you have your ideas laid out, you can start forming them into a smooth and engaging Case Western PPSP essay. Consider how best to tell your story, starting with organization. Do you want to progress chronologically, beginning with your first moment of inspiration and ending with the person you are today? Or do you want to start with what you hope to accomplish and use anecdotes to showcase how you will succeed? Remember, these are not three mini-prompts, but three parts of a single prompt. This means your response should tell one coherent story that touches on each of the given questions.

No matter how you organize your essay, be sure you take time to brainstorm and explore every possible avenue for your Case Western PPSP essays. As you edit your essay, remember to answer all aspects of the prompt. With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to write a Case Western PPSP essay that stand out, even given the low Case Western PPSP acceptance rate.

Case Western Supplemental Essay Draft Key Questions:

  • Does my essay answer all three questions in the prompt?
  • Are my responses a reflection of who I am, what I’ve experienced, and why I will be successful?
  • Do I communicate the ideas in my essay clearly, specifically and in my voice?
  • Does my essay tell a coherent, unified story?

Case Western Reserve University supplemental essays – Question 2 (Required for Case Western PPSP)

In the college application process, you are constantly prompted for a list of your achievements, awards, and accomplishments. While this information is useful to us, we are interested in hearing more about you. Describe an event, achievement, or experience of which you are particularly proud but that will not show up on a resume, may not garner any recognition, and does not appear anywhere else on your admission application. (750 words or less).

The second of the Case Western PPSP essays asks you to describe something you are proud of. Case Western wants you to share something new—something they won’t find anywhere else in your application. This prompt can be tricky since you might already describe many of your greatest accomplishments elsewhere in your application. Take this constraint as an opportunity to think outside the realm of academic achievement.

Consider the activities you do outside of school, what you do for your family, and what you do for yourself when nobody’s watching. If no awards or achievements come to mind, think about times when you overcame a challenge, learned a new skill, or took action. For example, maybe when you were eleven you won an 8th place medal in synchronized swimming, a sport you no longer participate in. Perhaps it was the first and only medal you’d ever received and influenced your development through high school. Or maybe you were scared to learn how to drive but knew you needed to learn so you could take you and your little brother to school while your parents were working.

Be yourself

Whatever you write about, make sure you feel genuinely proud of the thing you did. See what emotions come up when you think of that event or achievement. If you feel happiness, satisfaction, or joy, it’s probably a great starting point for your essay.

This Case Western PPSP essay prompt gives you plenty of space to tell your story, so it’s important you do just that. Instead of simply stating what happened, be sure to include how you felt and why this is experience matters to you. Overall, use your voice to capture your unique experience. Show admissions not only what it meant to you at the time, but what it means to you now as you prepare to begin your pre-professional studies.

  • Does my essay describe a unique experience not found anywhere else in my application?
  • Have I discussed why I am proud of this experience?
  • Does my essay tell a clear story?

For more tips on writing the Case Western supplemental essays, check out this video from Case Western Reserve University’s director of undergraduate admissions.

Case Western Supplemental Essays: Final Thoughts

Your Case Western Reserve University supplemental essays are your opportunity to show Admissions why you belong in their Pre-Professional Scholars Program. Given the low Case Western PPSP acceptance rate, your academic successes will likely be well matched by other applicants. The Case Western PPSP essays can help you stand out.

While writing the Case Western Reserve University supplemental essays may seem time-consuming—especially given the Case Western PPSP acceptance rate—remember the opportunities the Case Western PPSP provides. If you know you want to attend medical or dental school, use your passion and insight to write the Case Western PPSP essays and save yourself the pressures of medical and dental school applications after graduation.

This 2021-2022 essay guide on Case Western was written by Stefanie Tedards. For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources, click  here . Want help crafting your Case Western Reserve University supplemental essays? Create your  free account  or  schedule a no-cost advising consultation  by calling (844) 343-6272.

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how to write case western supplemental essays

Tips for Writing Case Western Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Introduction.

Case Western Reserve University is renowned for its exceptional academic programs, particularly in the fields of scientific research, engineering, and the medical professions. As such, gaining admission to this prestigious institution can be highly competitive. One crucial aspect of the application process is the supplemental essays, which provide an opportunity for prospective students to showcase their unique qualities and aspirations. In this blog post, we will delve into tips and strategies for crafting compelling supplemental essays specifically tailored to Case Western's Pre-Professional Scholars Program.

When it comes to writing these essays, it is essential to understand their purpose. The admissions committee wants to gain insight into who you are as an individual beyond your academic achievements and standardized test scores. They are looking for students who possess not only strong intellectual abilities but also a genuine passion for their chosen field of study. Therefore, your essays should aim to highlight your personal experiences, motivations, and aspirations that align with Case Western's rigorous academic environment.

One effective strategy is to choose a unique and compelling topic that will captivate the reader's attention from the start. Consider sharing a personal anecdote or experience that has shaped your journey towards pursuing a career in medicine or dentistry. This could be a transformative event, a significant challenge you overcame, or even a moment of inspiration that sparked your interest in the field. By selecting an engaging topic, you can immediately establish a connection with the admissions committee and demonstrate your enthusiasm for becoming part of Case Western's vibrant community.

Moreover, when addressing Prompt 1 of the supplemental essays, it is advantageous to focus on showcasing personal growth and resilience through failure. Admissions officers appreciate candidates who have faced setbacks or obstacles along their path and have demonstrated resilience in overcoming them. Reflect on a time when you encountered failure or adversity in your academic or personal life and explain how it shaped you into a stronger individual with an unwavering commitment to your goals.

In Prompt 2 of the supplemental essays, it is crucial to demonstrate your fit with the medical or dental profession. Highlight your experiences, such as internships, volunteer work, or research projects, that have exposed you to the realities of these professions. Discuss how these experiences have solidified your desire to pursue a career in medicine or dentistry and how Case Western's Pre-Professional Scholars Program aligns perfectly with your aspirations. Additionally, explain why specifically attending Case Western's School of Medicine or School of Dental Medicine is an integral part of your academic and professional journey.

By following these tips and strategies, you can craft exceptional supplemental essays that will set you apart from other applicants and increase your chances of gaining admission to Case Western Reserve University's Pre-Professional Scholars Program. In the next sections, we will delve deeper into each aspect of the essays and provide specific examples and insights to guide you through the writing process.

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Understanding the Purpose of the Essays

Case Western Reserve University's supplemental essays play a crucial role in the application process for the Pre-Professional Scholars Program. These essays provide applicants with an opportunity to showcase their unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations that make them a strong fit for the program.

The purpose of the Case Western supplemental essays is twofold. Firstly, they allow the admissions committee to gain deeper insights into an applicant's character, motivations, and goals. By requiring additional essays beyond the standard application, Case Western aims to understand each applicant on a more personal level. This helps them evaluate whether the applicant aligns with the values and mission of the Pre-Professional Scholars Program.

Secondly, these essays enable applicants to demonstrate their writing skills and ability to articulate their thoughts effectively. As future professionals in scientific research, engineering, or medical fields, strong communication skills are essential. The supplemental essays provide a platform for applicants to showcase their ability to convey complex ideas concisely and persuasively.

In evaluating these essays, Case Western looks for authenticity and originality. They want applicants who can think critically and creatively about themselves and their future careers. It is important for prospective students to avoid generic responses or clichés when addressing the prompts. Instead, they should strive to provide unique perspectives that highlight their individuality.

By understanding the purpose of these supplemental essays, prospective students can approach them with clarity and intentionality. They should view this as an opportunity to tell their story in a way that sets them apart from other applicants. Through thoughtful reflection and careful crafting of their responses, students can demonstrate why they are a perfect fit for Case Western Reserve University's Pre-Professional Scholars Program.

In the next section of this blog post, we will explore strategies for choosing a unique topic that will captivate the admissions committee's attention.

Choosing a Unique Topic

When it comes to writing the supplemental essays for Case Western Reserve University's Pre-Professional Scholars Program, one of the most important aspects is choosing a unique and compelling topic. Admissions officers read countless essays, so it is crucial to select a topic that stands out from the rest. While it may be tempting to write about a common experience or topic, such as volunteering at a hospital or participating in a science fair, it is essential to find an angle that sets your essay apart.

To begin, think about your own personal experiences and interests. Consider what makes you unique and what experiences have shaped your journey towards pursuing a career in medicine or dentistry. Reflect on moments that have had a significant impact on your life and have helped shape your passion for the field. These could include personal challenges, influential mentors, or transformative experiences.

Authenticity is key when choosing a topic for your essay. Admissions officers are looking for genuine and sincere reflections of who you are as an individual. Avoid writing about topics simply because you think they will impress the reader. Instead, focus on topics that genuinely resonate with you and allow you to showcase your personality and values.

Additionally, consider how your chosen topic aligns with Case Western Reserve University's mission and values. Research the university's programs, initiatives, and faculty members to identify areas of overlap between their goals and your own aspirations. This will help demonstrate your fit with the university and show admissions officers that you have thoroughly researched their institution.

Showcasing Personal Growth and Resilience

One of the key aspects that Case Western Reserve University looks for in applicants is their ability to showcase personal growth and resilience. This is particularly important when writing the supplemental essays for the Pre-Professional Scholars Program. Admissions officers want to see how applicants have overcome challenges and setbacks, and how these experiences have shaped them into stronger individuals.

When discussing personal growth and resilience, it's important to highlight specific instances where you faced adversity or failure, and how you managed to overcome them. The purpose of this is not to dwell on your failures, but rather to demonstrate your ability to learn from them and grow as a result.

For example, you could discuss a time when you struggled academically or faced a significant setback in a project or extracurricular activity. Instead of focusing solely on the negative aspects of the experience, emphasize how you were able to bounce back and learn from your mistakes. Talk about the lessons you learned, both about yourself and about the situation at hand.

Furthermore, it's crucial to explain how these experiences have shaped you as an individual. Discuss any changes in mindset or perspective that occurred as a result of overcoming challenges. Admissions officers want to see that you have developed resilience and maturity through these experiences, as it indicates your ability to handle difficult situations in the future.

Demonstrating Fit with the Medical or Dental Profession

To successfully demonstrate fit with the medical or dental profession in the Case Western Reserve University supplemental essays, it is crucial to explain your interest and passion for these fields. Begin by discussing what sparked your interest in pursuing a career in medicine or dentistry. This could be a personal experience, an influential figure in your life, or even a specific event that inspired you to make a difference in people's lives through healthcare.

After explaining your initial interest, highlight any relevant experiences and skills that have further solidified your desire to pursue a career in the medical or dental profession. This could include volunteering at a local hospital or clinic, shadowing doctors or dentists, conducting research projects related to healthcare, or participating in extracurricular activities that showcase your dedication to these fields.

In addition to highlighting your experiences, it is important to discuss how Case Western's School of Medicine or School of Dental Medicine aligns with your goals and aspirations. Research specific programs, faculty members, and resources offered by the university that resonate with you and support your future plans. For example, you may be interested in Case Western's strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare research or their commitment to community outreach programs.

By demonstrating fit with the medical or dental profession at Case Western Reserve University, you are showing the admissions committee that you have carefully considered their program and how it aligns with your own goals and values. This not only showcases your dedication and commitment but also highlights why you believe Case Western is the perfect place for you to develop as a future healthcare professional.

In conclusion, when writing about demonstrating fit with the medical or dental profession in the supplemental essays for Case Western Reserve University's Pre-Professional Scholars Program, it is essential to convey both your passion for these fields and how Case Western specifically supports and enhances this passion. By effectively communicating your interest, experiences, and alignment with the university's programs and resources, you will present yourself as a strong candidate who is well-prepared and motivated to excel in the medical or dental profession. Good luck with your application!

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How to Get into Case Western: Admission Requirements and Tips

how to write case western supplemental essays

By Eric Eng

how to write case western supplemental essays

Case Western Reserve University is a renowned institution, known for its high academic standards and selective admissions. Getting into this university can be challenging due to its rigorous application requirements and the competitive applicant pool.

In this article, we’ll offer practical advice on how to successfully navigate the application process for Case Western. You’ll find essential tips and strategies to improve your chances of admission .

Overview of Case Western

Case Western Reserve University boasts a rich history dating back to its founding in 1826. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, the university sits in an urban setting, offering students both a vibrant city life and a strong educational environment.

Case Western is renowned for its exceptional programs, particularly in fields like engineering, medicine, nursing, and law. It offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, all marked by an emphasis on research and innovation.

how to write case western supplemental essays

In terms of prestige, Case Western holds an impressive position, ranking #53 in National Universities in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges by U.S. News and #51 nationally in the US College Rankings 2022 by Times Higher Education. These rankings reflect its excellence in academia and research.

The university’s impact is further highlighted by its association with 16 Nobel laureates. They include Albert A. Michelson, the first American scientist to receive the prize. This legacy of excellence is a testament to the university’s commitment to pioneering research and academic rigor.

When applying to Case Western , it’s crucial to understand and align with the university’s values of academic excellence, research innovation, and intellectual curiosity. Highlighting your achievements and interests in these areas can strengthen your application, reflecting your potential to contribute to and thrive in Case Western’s challenging academic environment.

How Hard Is It to Get into Case Western?

Gaining admission to Case Western Reserve University is competitive. Its latest acceptance rate is 29%.

This figure indicates that out of every 100 applicants, only 29 are admitted, illustrating the selectivity of the university. This is a clear indicator of the high standards and rigorous criteria that Case Western sets for its incoming students.

Case Western’s acceptance rate

In recent years, Case Western Reserve University’s acceptance rate has consistently remained at or below 30%:

how to write case western supplemental essays

Class of 2023 27%
Class of 2024 30%
Class of 2025 30%
Class of 2026 27%
Class of 2027 29%

This trend underscores the university’s status as a highly selective institution, where gaining admission is increasingly competitive.

For the Class of 2027 , Case Western saw a total of 39,039 applicants, out of which 11,193 were accepted. This translates to an approximate acceptance rate of 29%, further emphasizing the competitive nature of the admissions process.

Prospective students should view the acceptance rate as a measure of the university’s selectivity. It highlights the importance of submitting a strong and well-rounded application to increase the likelihood of admission.

Factors influencing the acceptance rate

The overall acceptance rate at Case Western is influenced by several institutional factors:

  • Application Volume: A higher number of applications typically leads to a lower acceptance rate due to the fixed number of available spots.
  • Admission Policies: The university’s holistic admission process, which considers a wide range of student qualities, affects the acceptance rate.
  • Academic Standards: Case Western’s high academic standards ensure that only the most qualified candidates are admitted.
  • University Reputation and Rankings: The university’s growing reputation and national rankings can attract more applicants, impacting the acceptance rate.

Case Western Admission Requirements

Gaining admission to Case Western Reserve University involves meeting various requirements that demonstrate academic excellence and potential. Here’s an overview of the key components of the application process:

  • GPA : A high GPA is essential, reflecting your academic diligence and ability to excel in a challenging educational environment.
  • High School Curriculum: Applicants are expected to have a strong high school background, including courses in math, science, English, social studies, and foreign languages. This preparation is key for the rigorous academic environment at Case Western.
  • Standardized Test Scores: SAT and ACT scores are optional but can be submitted to strengthen your application.
  • Personal Statement: The personal statement is your chance to share your unique story and explain why you’re a good fit for Case Western, showcasing your personality and aspirations.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Insightful recommendations from teachers or counselors can highlight your academic abilities and personal qualities, providing a more comprehensive view of your potential.
  • Extracurricular Activities: Active involvement in extracurriculars demonstrates leadership, teamwork, and diverse interests, traits highly valued by the admissions committee.

The admission process at Case Western is comprehensive and holistic. Each application is reviewed thoroughly, with equal attention given to academic achievements, personal qualities, and potential contributions to the university community. This process ensures that not only the brightest but also the most well-rounded candidates are selected.

What Does Case Western Look for in Students?

Case Western Reserve University seeks students who embody the values and qualities that align with its mission and vision. Knowing these values is crucial for prospective students, as it helps tailor the application to what the university values most.

how to write case western supplemental essays

1. Academic background

Case Western Reserve University places a high priority on a strong academic foundation. This is not limited to just grades and standardized test scores, which are optional, but extends to the rigor of your high school curriculum.

Excellence in subjects that align with your intended major is particularly important. For example, if you’re aiming for a STEM field, excelling in advanced math and science courses can demonstrate your readiness for Case Western’s challenging academic environment. Similarly, strengths in humanities and social sciences are crucial for majors in those areas.

It’s about showing that you have not only excelled in your studies but have also taken on challenges and succeeded, preparing you for the rigorous coursework at Case Western.

2. Life experiences

Case Western looks beyond academic achievements to the experiences that shape you as an individual. Life experiences that demonstrate resilience, leadership, and the ability to overcome obstacles are highly valued.

This can include a wide range of experiences, from significant personal challenges and achievements to impactful community service projects. For instance, leading a community initiative, overcoming a personal hardship, or navigating unique family circumstances can provide insights into your character and resilience.

These experiences contribute to the depth and diversity of your application, showing Case Western that you bring more to the table than just academic excellence.

3. Interests

The university seeks students with a variety of interests and passions. Case Western values engagement and achievement in areas that you are genuinely passionate about, be it in arts, sciences, community service, or leadership roles.

Your involvement in these areas should reflect not just participation but meaningful engagement and impact. For example, excelling in a music program, conducting an independent research project, or leading a student organization can showcase your dedication and ability to contribute to the university’s dynamic campus life.

Case Western is looking for students who will not only benefit from its academic environment but also enrich the campus community with their diverse interests and passions.

In sum, understanding and aligning with these values can significantly enhance your application to Case Western Reserve University. It’s not just about being a top student academically but also about being a well-rounded individual who can contribute meaningfully to the university community.

how to write case western supplemental essays

Case Western GPA and SAT Requirements

GPA and SAT scores , though not the sole determinants, play a significant role in the admissions process at Case WesternReserve University. These metrics are important for several reasons.

Your GPA is a crucial indicator of your academic performance over an extended period. It reflects your ability to handle challenging coursework and maintain a high level of academic achievement.

Case Western, known for its rigorous academic environment, looks for students who have demonstrated consistent excellence in their studies. A strong GPA suggests that you are well-prepared for the demanding academic life at the university.

While SAT scores are optional for Case Western admissions, they can still be an important part of your application if you choose to submit them.

High SAT scores can complement your academic profile, especially if your GPA alone does not fully reflect your academic capabilities. For students who excel in standardized testing, SAT scores can provide an additional metric to showcase their academic readiness.

In essence, both GPA and SAT scores (if submitted) give Case Western a quantitative measure of your academic abilities. They are considered in conjunction with the rest of your application to provide a holistic view of your academic potential.

Case Western GPA Requirements

At Case Western Reserve University, while there’s no set minimum GPA requirement, the middle 50% of admitted students typically have a GPA ranging from 3.6 to 4.0. This range indicates the university’s emphasis on academic excellence and its preference for students who demonstrate strong academic performance.

The GPA range of 3.6 to 4.0 places Case Western’s students among the top achievers academically, both within the university and nationally. This range reflects a student body that has consistently achieved high grades, particularly in a challenging high school curriculum.

When looking at these statistics, it’s crucial to recognize that while a higher GPA within this range is desirable, the university employs a holistic admissions process. However, aiming for a GPA within or above this middle 50% range can significantly bolster your application.

GPA recommendations

Prospective students should ideally aim for a GPA within or above the 3.6 to 4.0 range to be competitive for admission to Case Western. To increase your chances of meeting the university’s GPA expectations, consider the following tips:

  • Enroll in advanced, honors, or AP courses if available. These classes show your willingness to tackle difficult subjects and can positively impact your GPA.
  • Aim for consistent high grades throughout your high school years. A steady upward trend in your academic performance can be particularly impressive.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance if you’re struggling in a subject. Utilizing resources like tutoring or study groups can help improve your understanding and grades.
  • Good time management is key to balancing a rigorous course load with other responsibilities. Develop a study schedule that allows you to dedicate ample time to each subject.
  • Active participation in class discussions and activities can enhance your learning experience and potentially improve your grades.
  • Identify subjects where you may need improvement and devote extra time and effort to strengthen these areas.
  • Engage in summer programs or online courses to further enhance your knowledge and skills, especially in areas related to your intended major.
  • While it’s important to challenge yourself, also ensure that you can realistically manage your course load alongside extracurricular activities without compromising your GPA.

Case Western Course Requirements

Understanding the course requirements for admission to Case Western Reserve University is crucial. These requirements not only reflect the academic preparation needed for success at the university but also inform the admissions committee about your academic rigor and readiness for college-level work.

how to write case western supplemental essays

Case Western Reserve University specifies a set of high school courses that applicants should complete to be considered for admission:

  • English (4 years): A solid foundation in English is essential. This includes studying literature, composition, and developing strong reading and writing skills.
  • Math (3 years minimum): Applicants should complete at least three years of math, including algebra, geometry, and higher-level courses like trigonometry or calculus. This demonstrates quantitative and problem-solving skills.
  • Science (3 years, with at least 2 laboratory sciences): A strong science background is vital. Courses should include biology, chemistry, or physics, with an emphasis on laboratory work to develop scientific inquiry and experimentation skills.
  • Social Studies (3 years): A comprehensive study in history, government, economics, or similar subjects helps develop a broader understanding of societal structures and events.
  • Foreign Language (2 years minimum): Studying a foreign language enhances cultural understanding and communication skills. Two years in the same language are typically required.

For students interested in specific fields, additional coursework is recommended:

  • Engineering and Sciences: An additional year of both math and laboratory science strengthens your preparation for these rigorous fields.
  • Liberal Arts: An extra year of social studies and foreign language can provide a broader educational base, beneficial for liberal arts studies.

Meeting these course requirements is not just a checkbox for admission but a way to prepare yourself for the academic challenges at Case Western. Demonstrating your commitment and ability to succeed in these core areas can significantly enhance your application.

Course selection tips

When choosing your high school courses with an aim to apply to Case Western Reserve University, consider the following tips to strengthen your application:

  • If you have a specific major in mind, select courses that are relevant. For instance, focus on advanced math and science courses for STEM fields or emphasize humanities and social sciences for a liberal arts track.
  • Enroll in AP, IB, or honors courses if they are available. These challenging courses demonstrate your academic rigor and preparedness for college-level work.
  • While it’s important to challenge yourself, ensure that you can realistically manage your workload. Balance your schedule to maintain a high GPA alongside taking advanced courses.
  • Even if you have a preferred area of study, include a range of subjects to showcase your well-roundedness and ability to handle diverse academic disciplines.
  • Start planning your high school courses early. Think about how your choices each year will build upon each other and prepare you for your senior year and college.
  • High school counselors can provide valuable advice on course selection and how it aligns with your college goals. They can help ensure you meet all the requirements and recommend courses that suit your interests and strengths.
  • If certain subjects particularly interest you, pursue them. Passionate engagement in subjects you care about can lead to better grades and a more enjoyable high school experience.
  • If your high school doesn’t offer certain advanced courses , look for online classes or community college courses that could fill these gaps.

Case Western SAT Requirements

The SAT is a standardized test that assesses a student’s readiness for college. It measures mathematical skills, evidence-based reading, and writing. The test is designed to provide a common metric for comparing the academic capabilities of applicants on a national scale.

1480 1420 1520

These figures indicate a highly competitive applicant pool. With the average score around 1480, these students rank well above national averages, reflecting the university’s emphasis on strong academic potential.

Scoring in the 75th percentile (1520) suggests that your SAT score is higher than 75% of admitted students, positioning you well in terms of standardized testing performance.

Scoring in the 25th percentile (1420) indicates that your SAT score is lower than 75% of admitted students. It’s still within the range of accepted scores, but it should be complemented with strong elements in other parts of your application.

When evaluating these statistics, remember that SAT scores are just one component of your application. High scores can certainly enhance your application, but they are not the sole determining factor. Case Western considers a range of factors in its holistic review process.

SAT recommendations

Aim for the 75th percentile score (1520) to place yourself in a competitive position for admission to Case Western. To enhance your SAT scores and strengthen your application to Case Western Reserve University, consider the following strategies:

  • Begin your SAT preparation well in advance. This allows you more time to understand the format, work on weaker areas, and take practice tests.
  • Regularly taking full-length practice tests can help you get accustomed to the SAT’s format and time constraints. Analyze your performance in these tests to identify and improve weak areas.
  • If certain sections of the SAT are more challenging for you, devote extra time to practicing those areas. Use resources like prep books, online courses, or tutoring for targeted improvement.
  • Understand and practice effective test-taking strategies, such as time management, educated guessing, and question prioritization.
  • If self-study isn’t enough, consider enrolling in an SAT prep course or hiring a tutor. Professional guidance can provide personalized strategies and feedback.
  • Keep informed about any changes to the SAT format or content, and adjust your preparation accordingly.
  • Consistency is key in SAT preparation. Regular study and practice can significantly improve your scores.
  • While preparing for the SAT is important, balance it with your schoolwork and extracurricular activities to maintain a well-rounded application.
  • If your first SAT score isn’t what you hoped for, consider retaking the test. Many students improve their scores on a second attempt.

Case Western ACT Requirements

The ACT is a standardized college admissions test that evaluates a student’s readiness for college coursework. It measures competencies in four core areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. Additionally, there’s an optional writing section. The ACT aims to assess a student’s academic skills and their ability to apply knowledge in these subjects.

Case Western Reserve University does not set an absolute minimum ACT score requirement. However, the typical ACT scores of admitted students are competitive:

33 32 35

These scores are significantly higher than the national average, reflecting the university’s selective admissions process. These scores are indicative of a highly competitive applicant pool and Case Western’s commitment to academic excellence.

Scoring in the 75th percentile (35) places you above the majority of admitted students in terms of standardized testing, suggesting a strong alignment with the academic caliber Case Western typically admits.

Scoring in the 25th percentile (32) means your score is below 75% of admitted students. While it’s within the range of scores of admitted students, it’s advisable to strengthen other aspects of your application, such as extracurricular achievements and essays, to compensate.

While high ACT scores are advantageous and align with the academic profile of Case Western’s admitted students, they are not the only factor considered in admissions. The university employs a holistic review process, where various aspects of an applicant’s profile are evaluated.

ACT recommendations

Aspiring applicants should aim for an ACT score in the 75th percentile (35) to be competitive. To optimize your ACT performance and strengthen your application to Case Western Reserve University, follow these tips:

  • Familiarize yourself with the ACT’s structure, including the types of questions and the time allotted for each section. This understanding will help you navigate the test more effectively.
  • Take full-length practice ACT tests under timed conditions. This will not only help you get used to the test’s format and pacing but also identify areas where you need improvement.
  • Identify which sections of the ACT are more challenging for you and allocate additional study time to these areas. Utilize resources like study guides, online tools, and prep courses for targeted practice.
  • Learn and practice strategies like time management, prioritization of questions, and techniques for educated guessing.
  • If self-study isn’t yielding the desired results, think about enrolling in a prep course or hiring a tutor for personalized guidance and strategies.
  • Regular and disciplined study is key to improving your ACT scores. Set a consistent study schedule and stick to it.
  • Ensure your ACT preparation doesn’t come at the expense of your high school coursework and extracurricular activities. A balanced profile is important for a holistic application.
  • If your initial ACT score isn’t up to your expectations, consider retaking the test. Many students improve their scores on a subsequent attempt.
  • Lastly, maintain a positive attitude and confidence in your abilities. Stress can negatively impact performance, so it’s important to stay relaxed and focused.

Is Case Western Test-Optional?

Case Western Reserve University has adopted a test-optional policy . This means that submitting SAT or ACT scores as part of your application is not mandatory.

This policy offers flexibility and reduces pressure. If you feel that your SAT or ACT scores are strong and would enhance your application, you can choose to submit them. However, if you believe that your scores do not adequately represent your academic capabilities, you can opt not to include them without penalty.

Case Western Reserve University’s decision to adopt a test-optional policy aligns with a growing recognition that standardized test scores may not be the only or the best indicator of a student’s potential for success in college.

This approach is part of a broader move towards a more holistic review process, aiming to provide equal opportunities to all students, regardless of their test-taking abilities. It reflects the university’s commitment to evaluating students based on a comprehensive view of their academic and personal achievements, rather than relying solely on standardized test results.

Does Case Western Superscore SAT and ACT?

Case Western Reserve University superscores both the SAT and ACT for applicants who choose to submit their scores. Superscoring means that the university considers the highest score from each section across all test dates, combining them to form the highest possible composite score.

This policy can work to your advantage in several ways. If you’ve taken the SAT or ACT multiple times, Case Western will take the highest scores from each section across all your test dates. This could potentially give you a higher composite score than any single test date.

Knowing that Case Western superscores, you can focus on improving specific sections in subsequent test sittings. For example, if your math score is strong but your evidence-based reading and writing score could be higher, you can concentrate on improving just that section.

This policy can reduce the pressure of achieving the perfect score in a single sitting. You have the opportunity to improve specific sections over time, knowing that only your best scores will be considered.

Overall, Case Western’s policy of superscoring, in combination with its test-optional approach, underscores the university’s commitment to a holistic and flexible admissions process. This policy allows you to present the strongest possible application, whether you choose to include standardized test scores or not.

Case Western Application Essays

The application essays are a crucial part of your application to Case Western Reserve University. They offer a unique opportunity to present yourself beyond grades and test scores.

Through your essays, you can showcase your personality, experiences, values, and how you view the world. They provide the admissions committee with insight into who you are as an individual and what you can bring to the university community.

how to write case western supplemental essays

Personal statement

All applicants must submit a personal statement of up to 650 words. The topic of this essay is open, allowing you to choose what you wish to share. The key is to make it personal and authentic.

This is your chance to tell your story, share your experiences, passions, or challenges that have shaped you. It’s an opportunity to reveal aspects of your character and life that aren’t visible in other parts of your application.

Supplemental essays

Only applicants to the Pre-Professional Scholars Program (PPSP) are required to submit two supplemental essays . The PPSP at Case Western is a highly competitive program that grants undergraduate admission and conditional admission to the School of Medicine or School of Dentistry. The program is designed for students who are passionate about pursuing a career in medicine or dentistry.

These are the prompts:

  • Prompt 1 (max 750 words): In the college application process, you are constantly prompted for a list of your achievements, awards, and accomplishments. While this information is useful to us, we are interested in hearing more about you. Describe an event, achievement, or experience of which you are particularly proud but that will not show up on a resume, may not garner any recognition, and does not appear anywhere else on your admission application.
  • Prompt 2 (250-500 words): By applying to the Pre-Professional Scholars Program, you are applying to gain admission to professional school earlier than students who apply in the traditional way. Please indicate why you’re interested in your chosen profession. How do you see yourself being particularly suited to this field? What events and/or experiences have led you to your choice?

In writing these essays, be thoughtful, reflective, and genuine. Use them to provide the admissions committee with a deeper understanding of who you are, what drives you, and why you believe Case Western Reserve University is the right fit for you.

how to write case western supplemental essays

When crafting your application essays for Case Western Reserve University, keep these specific tips in mind to create compelling and impactful submissions:

  • Your essays should reflect your true self. Don’t try to impress by guessing what the admissions officers want to hear. Authenticity resonates more than perfection.
  • Use storytelling to make your essays engaging. Narrate experiences or moments that have significantly influenced your life, making your writing more relatable and memorable.
  • Rather than just describing an event or achievement, emphasize what you learned from it and how it contributed to your personal growth or shaped your worldview.
  • Make sure your essays reflect your individuality. Use your unique voice and perspective to differentiate yourself from other applicants.
  • Stay focused on the prompt. It’s easy to get sidetracked, but direct responses show that you can follow directions and stay on topic.
  • Ensure your essays are well-written and free from grammatical errors. Proofreading shows attention to detail and a commitment to presenting your best self.
  • Have someone you trust review your essays. Constructive feedback can provide new perspectives and help refine your narratives.
  • While it’s important to be descriptive, ensure your writing is clear and to the point. Avoid unnecessary filler words or overly complex sentences.
  • Tailor your essays to reflect why Case Western is a good fit for you. Mention specific programs, opportunities, or aspects of the university that align with your goals and interests.

Case Western Recommendation Letters

Recommendation letters play a crucial role in your application to Case Western Reserve University. They provide the admissions committee with a deeper understanding of your academic abilities, character, and potential from the perspectives of those who have known you in a learning environment.

These letters offer insights into your work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and contributions to your school community, which grades and test scores alone cannot convey. They are essential in painting a fuller picture of who you are as a student and as a person.

Case Western requires one counselor recommendation and two teacher recommendations.

Counselor recommendation

This letter should come from your school counselor. It’s expected to provide an overview of your academic and personal achievements within the context of your high school experience. The counselor’s recommendation can offer valuable insights into your growth, resilience, and readiness for college-level work.

Teacher recommendations

These two letters should be from teachers who have taught you in major academic subjects, preferably in your junior or senior years. The teachers you choose should be able to speak to your strengths, contributions in the classroom, and academic potential.

It’s beneficial if these teachers can provide specific examples and anecdotes that highlight your intellectual engagement, collaborative skills, and any unique contributions you’ve made to the class.

Tips for requesting recommendation letters

When requesting recommendation letters for your Case Western Reserve University application, consider these strategies to ensure effective and supportive references:

  • Select recommenders who know you well and can speak to your strengths, achievements, and character. Ideally, these should be individuals who have observed your academic progress and personal development.
  • Give your recommenders an overview of Case Western and why you are applying. Explain what aspects of your character and achievements you would like them to highlight.
  • Provide a copy of your resume or a summary of your academic and extracurricular achievements. This can help your recommenders recall specific details and accomplishments.
  • Ask for recommendations well in advance of the deadline. This courtesy allows recommenders enough time to write a thoughtful and detailed letter.
  • Share your academic and career goals with your recommenders. Understanding your aspirations can help them tailor their letters to support your application effectively.
  • Politely follow up with your recommenders as the deadline approaches, if necessary. This ensures your letters are submitted on time.

how to write case western supplemental essays

Tips for recommenders

If you’re writing a recommendation letter for a student applying to Case Western Reserve University, consider the following advice to craft an impactful letter:

  • Focus on qualities that align with the values of Case Western, such as intellectual curiosity, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration skills.
  • Provide specific examples of the student’s achievements, contributions to class discussions, or any projects that showcase their skills and character.
  • If you’ve known the student for a long time, describe their growth and development. Highlight their potential for future success in a university setting.
  • While it’s important to praise the student, a balanced letter that also acknowledges areas of growth can be more credible.
  • Tailor your letter to the student rather than using a generic template. A personalized letter can make a stronger impact.
  • Ensure that your letter is well-written and free from errors. A polished letter reflects well on both you and the student.

Extracurricular Activities for Case Western Application

Extracurricular activities are a significant component of your application to Case Western Reserve University. They provide a window into who you are outside of the classroom, offering insights into your interests, passions, and character.

how to write case western supplemental essays

Engaging in activities beyond academics shows the admissions committee your ability to balance multiple responsibilities, your initiative, and your potential to contribute to the university’s community.

When evaluating extracurricular activities, Case Western looks for involvement that aligns with its core values and academic programs:

  • Leadership and Initiative: Positions of leadership or initiatives where you have had a significant impact are highly valued. This could be leading a club, organizing events, or starting a new project or organization.
  • Community Service and Social Impact: Activities that demonstrate a commitment to serving and improving your community resonate with Case Western’s focus on social responsibility.
  • Involvement in Areas of Academic Interest: Participation in clubs, competitions, or projects related to your intended field of study shows your genuine interest and dedication to your academic pursuits.
  • Creative and Artistic Pursuits: Involvement in the arts, music, theater, or other creative endeavors can be a strong addition, especially if it aligns with your intended area of study or showcases unique talents and perspectives.

Extracurricular activities tips

To effectively showcase your extracurricular activities on your Case Western Reserve University application, consider these targeted strategies:

  • Focus on a few activities where you have demonstrated significant involvement and leadership, rather than a long list of superficial commitments.
  • Align your extracurriculars with your intended field of study if possible. This shows consistency and depth in your interests.
  • Highlight the impact of your involvement, whether it’s a change you instigated in your school or community, an award you won, or a notable accomplishment in your activity.
  • Reflect on how your extracurriculars have contributed to your personal development. Share any skills or lessons learned through these experiences.
  • Don’t overlook non-traditional activities like part-time jobs, family responsibilities, or hobbies that have contributed to your growth and skills.
  • Provide specific details about your roles and contributions in each activity. Authenticity in your descriptions will make your application more compelling.
  • Highlight both individual achievements and your ability to work effectively as part of a team, showcasing your versatility.
  • When describing your activities, use action verbs that convey your involvement and accomplishments energetically and effectively.
  • Tailor your descriptions to resonate with Case Western’s values, such as innovation, community service, and leadership.

Case Western Application Requirements

how to write case western supplemental essays

Mandatory requirements

  • Common or Coalition Application: Case Western accepts both the Common Application and the Coalition Application. These platforms include your personal information, academic history, extracurricular activities, and more. Take time to fill out every section accurately and thoroughly to provide a comprehensive picture of your academic and personal background.
  • Personal Statement: A personal statement of up to 650 words is required. This is your opportunity to tell your story in your own voice. Use this essay to share something meaningful about yourself that goes beyond your academic achievements.
  • Official High School Transcript: Your transcript provides a detailed record of your academic performance. Ensure that your school sends the most updated version of your transcript.
  • Counselor Recommendation: This letter should ideally provide insight into your academic performance and personal qualities. Inform your counselor about your college goals so they can tailor their recommendation accordingly.
  • Two Teacher Recommendations: Choose teachers who know you well and can speak to your abilities and character. Provide these teachers with your resume or a summary of your accomplishments to help them write detailed letters.
  • Application Fee or Waiver: The application fee is $70, but waivers are available for those who qualify. If the fee is a burden, don’t hesitate to request a waiver early in the application process.

Optional requirements

  • Standardized Test Score: SAT or ACT scores are optional. Only submit these scores if you believe they strengthen your application.
  • Arts Supplements: This is optional for most applicants but required for music and music education majors. An audition or portfolio can showcase your artistic talents. Use this opportunity to highlight any unique artistic abilities or accomplishments.
  • Resume: A resume can provide a concise overview of your extracurricular activities, work experience, and achievements. Tailor your resume to highlight experiences that align with Case Western’s values and programs.
  • Research Abstracts: If you have been involved in research, submitting an abstract can underscore your academic interests and achievements. Ensure that your abstract clearly explains the research and your role in it.
  • Additional Recommendation Letter: An extra letter can offer another perspective on your personality and abilities. Choose a recommender who can provide unique insights different from your existing recommendations.

Other requirements

  • Supplemental Essays: If you’re applying to the Pre-Professional Scholars Program, you will need to write additional essays. These essays should highlight your commitment to the chosen professional field and your understanding of it.

How to Apply to Case Western

Applying to Case Western Reserve University is a structured process that requires careful planning and attention to detail. Following a step-by-step approach ensures that you meet all requirements and deadlines, paving the way for a successful application.

how to write case western supplemental essays

1. Preparation and research

Begin your application process at least a year in advance. This gives you ample time to research Case Western’s programs, understand its culture, and align your application with the university’s values.

Familiarize yourself with the application requirements, deadlines, and any specific criteria for your desired program, especially if you are considering specialized programs like the Pre-Professional Scholars Program.

If you plan to submit SAT or ACT scores, start preparing early. Consider whether you need to retake these tests based on Case Western’s average scores of admitted students.

2. Gathering materials

Ask your high school to send your official transcript to Case Western. Request recommendation letters from your counselor and teachers well in advance, providing them with all necessary information about your achievements and aspirations.

Dedicate significant time to crafting your personal statement and any supplemental essays. These should be reflective, authentic, and well-written.

3. Filling out the application

Choose between the Common Application and the Coalition Application . Fill in all sections meticulously, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

If applicable, prepare and submit additional materials like arts supplements, resumes, or research abstracts.

4. Application review and submission

Double-check your application for any errors or omissions. Ensure that all parts of the application, including essays and supplemental materials, present you in the best possible light.

Once satisfied with your application, submit it before the deadline. Pay the application fee or submit a fee waiver request if applicable.

5. Awaiting and responding to results

After submission, regularly check your email and the application portal for any updates or additional requests from Case Western.

If accepted, thoroughly review the offer and respond by the specified deadline. If placed on a waitlist, decide whether you wish to remain on it and follow any given instructions.

How to Submit Supplemental Materials to Case Western

Submitting supplemental materials to Case Western Reserve University can enhance your application and showcase your talents and achievements beyond what’s reflected in the standard application. It’s an opportunity to provide a more comprehensive view of your capabilities and interests.

Case Western accepts these types of supplemental materials:

how to write case western supplemental essays

  • Arts Supplements: Portfolios and auditions are accepted and are optional for most applicants but required for music and music education majors. These materials should meet specific requirements based on the type of art, such as music, theater, or dance. Detailed guidelines are available on Case Western’s official website .
  • Additional Materials: Case Western also welcomes resumes, research abstracts, additional letters of recommendation, ACT writing tests, AP scores (3 or better), predicted IB results, and Schoolhouse.world tutor transcripts.

All supplemental materials should be submitted through your applicant portal . This centralized platform ensures that all your application components are organized and easily accessible to the admissions committee.

Step-by-step guide

By following these steps, you can smoothly submit your supplemental materials to Case Western Reserve University, ensuring that your application reflects your full academic and personal profile.

  • Gather all the supplemental materials you intend to submit. Ensure that each item, especially arts supplements, meets the specific requirements outlined by Case Western.
  • After you submit your application (Common or Coalition), you’ll receive access to the Case Western applicant portal. Use the credentials provided to log in.
  • Navigate to the section of the portal designated for supplemental materials. Upload each item according to the instructions provided. For arts supplements, make sure to follow the format and content guidelines.
  • Label each document or file clearly with your name and the type of material.
  • Before submitting, review each document for accuracy and completeness. Once satisfied, submit the materials through the portal.
  • After submitting, ensure that your materials are listed as received or uploaded in the portal. Keep an eye out for any confirmation emails or notifications from Case Western.
  • Submit all supplemental materials by the specified application deadlines. Late submissions may not be considered.
  • Regularly check the applicant portal and your email for any updates or additional requests related to your supplemental materials.

Case Western Scholarships and Financial Aid

Case Western Reserve University offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make education accessible and affordable for students:

  • Merit-Based Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership, service, and talent. They are available to students without the necessity of demonstrating financial need. Merit-based scholarships at Case Western can cover a portion or, in some cases, all of a student’s tuition, and they are often renewable for four years.
  • Need-Based Financial Aid: Case Western is committed to meeting 100% of the demonstrated financial need of its students. Need-based aid may include federal grants, work-study opportunities, and subsidized loans. The amount of aid is determined based on the financial information provided by the student and their family.
  • Specialized Scholarships: There are also scholarships specific to certain majors or fields of study, as well as scholarships for underrepresented or minority students. Additionally, scholarships for particular talents, such as music or athletics, may be available.
  • External Scholarships and Grants: Students are encouraged to seek external scholarships and grants, which can be combined with the aid offered by Case Western.

Scholarship tips

Applying for scholarships and financial aid at Case Western Reserve University can significantly reduce the financial burden of college. It’s important to take advantage of these opportunities and understand the various options available to you. Consider the following tips:

  • Submit your financial aid applications as soon as possible. Meeting early deadlines ensures that you have the best chance to receive the maximum amount of aid.
  • For need-based aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile. These forms are crucial in determining your eligibility for financial aid.
  • Look for scholarships outside of those offered by Case Western. There are many resources available for finding scholarships based on your background, interests, and talents.
  • Be aware of and adhere to all deadlines for scholarships and financial aid applications. Missing a deadline can significantly impact your eligibility.
  • When filling out financial aid applications, ensure all your information is accurate and complete. Errors or omissions can delay processing and affect the amount of aid you receive.
  • If offered work-study as part of your financial aid package, explore the different positions available and how they might fit into your schedule and interests.
  • Regularly check your email and applicant portal for updates on your financial aid status and for any additional information requests from the financial aid office.

Case Western Regular Decision vs Early Decision vs Early Action

how to write case western supplemental essays

Choosing between Regular Decision, Early Decision, and Early Action when applying to Case Western Reserve University is a significant decision. Each option has its own deadlines and commitments, and understanding these differences is key to making the best choice for your college application strategy.

Regular Decision

This is the standard, non-binding application process with a later deadline, allowing you more time to complete your application and decide where to apply. Acceptances under Regular Decision are not binding, giving you the flexibility to choose among any colleges where you are admitted.

Early Decision

Case Western offers two Early Decision plans. Early Decision I is a binding agreement with an earlier deadline. If you are accepted under this plan, you are committed to attending Case Western and must withdraw applications to other schools. This option is ideal if Case Western is your top choice and you are certain you will attend if accepted.

Similar to Early Decision I, Early Decision II is also binding but has a later deadline. It offers another chance for those who decide later that Case Western is their first choice.

Early Action

Early Action allows you to apply earlier and receive your admissions decision sooner, but unlike Early Decision, it is not binding. This option lets you demonstrate your interest in Case Western while retaining the ability to explore other options.

Which application plan to choose

In choosing the best application route for you, consider the following:

  • Select Early Action if you are keen on Case Western but also want to keep your options open. Early Action is a great way to express early interest without the binding commitment of Early Decision.
  • Go for Regular Decision if you need more time to finalize your college choice, want to compare offers from multiple schools, or if your application would benefit from including more of your senior year accomplishments.

Case Western Application Deadlines

When planning your application to Case Western Reserve University, it’s crucial to be aware of the specific deadlines for each application option . Here are the key dates for the upcoming admissions cycle:

how to write case western supplemental essays

Early Decision I November 1 December 10
Early Action November 1 December 21
Early Decision II January 15 December 21
Regular Decision January 15 March 20

Marking these deadlines in your calendar and preparing your application materials in advance will help ensure a smooth and timely application process.

How Hard Is It to Get Into Case Western?

Gaining admission to Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) is a significant achievement, given its selective nature. The acceptance rate for the Class of 2027 was 28.67%, showcasing the competitiveness of its admissions process. This low acceptance rate underscores the university’s high standards and the strong qualifications of its applicants.

To understand what makes an application stand out, it’s crucial to look at the holistic review process employed by CWRU. The university evaluates academic achievements and considers extracurricular involvement, personal essays, and letters of recommendation.

This comprehensive approach means students are assessed based on their individual stories and potential contributions to the university community beyond their grades and test scores.

For a successful application, showcasing strong academic credentials is essential. The profile of admitted students indicates that a significant portion had GPAs above 3.75, and many had perfect 4.0s.

Furthermore, demonstrating interest in the university through campus visits, interactions on social media, and communications with the admissions office can positively influence an application.

Benefits of Attending Case Western

Choosing the right university is critical for any student. It involves considering various factors, from academic offerings to campus life. Case Western Reserve University stands out as a top choice for many, thanks to its diverse strengths that cater to a wide range of student needs and aspirations.

how to write case western supplemental essays

Comprehensive Academic Programs

Case Western offers various undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. Known for its strong engineering, business, medicine, arts, and science programs, the university provides students with a solid academic foundation. The curriculum is designed to be challenging yet flexible, allowing students to tailor their educational journey to their interests and career goals.

Research and Innovation Opportunities

The university is renowned for its focus on research and innovation. Students have numerous opportunities to engage in hands-on research projects, often working alongside experienced faculty members. These research experiences enhance learning and prepare students for their future careers, especially in fields that require a strong research background.

Vibrant Campus Life

Life at Case Western extends beyond academics. The university boasts a vibrant campus life with various extracurricular activities and student organizations. From sports teams to cultural clubs, there are many ways for students to get involved, explore new interests, and build a community. This rich campus life fosters personal growth and helps students develop valuable leadership and teamwork skills.

Supportive Community and Resources

Case Western is committed to supporting its students academically and personally. The university offers various resources, including career services, mental health counseling, and academic advising, to ensure students have the support they need. Case Western’s inclusive and diverse community also contributes to a supportive environment where students can thrive.

How Can an International Student Get Into Case Western?

Getting into Case Western as an international student involves a series of steps to ensure a competitive application. Below is a list of requirements and recommendations for international applicants:

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  • Academic Records: Submit official high school and college transcripts and English translations if they are not originally in English.
  • English Language Proficiency: Demonstrate proficiency in English through tests like the TOEFL (minimum score: 90), IELTS (7), PTE Academic (61), or Duolingo English Test (115). This requirement can be waived if you have attended a school where English is the language of instruction for two years by the time of graduation.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Provide a letter of recommendation from a college instructor, which can give insights into your academic abilities and potential.
  • Standardized Test Scores (Optional): CWRU is test-optional through fall 2024. However, if you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores, they can enhance your application.
  • Financial Documentation: Complete the CSS Profile if applying for need-based financial aid. This helps the university assess your financial need and eligibility for aid.
  • Demonstrate Interest: Engage with the university through campus visits (in-person or virtual), communication with admissions officers, and participation in university-led webinars or international student events.
  • Personal Essays: Write compelling essays that reflect your personality, experiences, and reasons for choosing Case Western. This is your opportunity to make your application stand out.
  • Application Fee: Pay the $75 application fee, a standard part of the application process.

By carefully following these steps and presenting a well-rounded application, international students can increase their chances of admission to Case Western Reserve University.

How to Get into Case Western as a Transfer Student

Transferring to Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) requires careful planning and a thorough understanding of their specific criteria. If you’re considering transferring to CWRU, here are the steps and requirements you need to follow:

how to write case western supplemental essays

  • Check Eligibility: You must have graduated from high school or the equivalent and enrolled in college courses. This applies irrespective of whether you have earned credit.
  • Prepare Your Documents: Gather your official final high school and college transcripts. These are crucial for assessing your academic background.
  • Letter of Recommendation: Obtain a letter of recommendation from a college instructor. This letter should highlight your academic abilities and potential.
  • Application Submission: Apply for either spring or fall transfer enrollment. Remember, Case Western admits first-year transfers in the spring semester.
  • Reapplication Process: If you applied to CWRU in the previous year, you only need to complete the reapplication form, bypassing the application fee.
  • Credit Evaluation: After admission, you will receive a preliminary transfer credit evaluation showing which courses will transfer and how they align with CWRU courses. Ensure these courses were completed with a ‘C’ or better grade.
  • Financial Aid: If you need financial assistance, apply for need-based financial aid. CWRU meets the full demonstrated financial need for all admitted students. Transfer students are also automatically considered for merit-based scholarships.
  • Orientation and Resources: Engage with the resources provided for transfer students, including newsletters and the Discover orientation program, to ease your transition.

Transferring to Case Western can be a smooth and successful process by following these steps and meeting the requirements.

Can an average student get into Case Western?

Gaining admission to Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) can seem daunting, especially for students who consider themselves ‘average’. However, it’s important to understand that CWRU’s admissions process is holistic and considers more than academic metrics.

Academic Performance

While CWRU doesn’t officially state a minimum GPA, the academic profile of admitted students suggests that high academic performance is a significant factor. Most admitted students had a GPA well above 3.75. However, this doesn’t mean students with lower GPAs have no chance. If your GPA is not as high, compensating with other strong aspects of your application is key.

Holistic Admissions

CWRU values diverse experiences and backgrounds. Your extracurricular activities, personal essays, and letters of recommendation are also critical. They allow you to showcase your unique qualities, talents, and potential contributions to the CWRU community.

Demonstrated Interest

Showing genuine interest in attending CWRU can enhance your application. This includes campus visits, interactions with admissions officers, or university events.

Testing Policy

CWRU’s test-optional policy through fall 2024 allows students to decide whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores. If your standardized test scores are strong, they can add value to your application.

How to Get into Case Western with a Low GPA

Gaining admission to Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) with a low GPA is challenging but not impossible due to its holistic admissions process. Here are strategies to strengthen your application:

Enhance Your Application Beyond GPA

  • Strong Letters of Recommendation: Obtain compelling recommendations from teachers or counselors who can vouch for your academic potential and character.
  • Extracurricular Involvement: Highlight your involvement in sports, clubs, volunteering, or other activities demonstrating leadership, commitment, and a well-rounded character.
  • Personal Essays: Write impactful essays that tell your unique story, including any challenges you’ve faced that may have affected your GPA.
  • Standardized Test Scores: If your SAT or ACT scores are strong, consider submitting them, as they can counterbalance a lower GPA.

Additional Considerations

  • Early Decision: Applying through Early Decision can sometimes give you an edge, as it shows your commitment to attending CWRU.
  • Interviews: Opt for an interview if offered, to personally express your enthusiasm and fit for CWRU.
  • Demonstrate Interest: Engage actively with the university through campus visits, virtual events, and communications with the admissions office.
  • Special Talents or Circumstances: If you have unique talents or have faced significant challenges, articulate these in your application.

Remember, a low GPA is only one aspect of your application. CWRU seeks diverse, talented students who demonstrate potential beyond just academic scores. Focus on presenting a well-rounded, authentic picture of who you are and what you can bring to the CWRU community.

What Makes Case Western Unique?

Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) in Cleveland, Ohio, stands out for several unique features that distinguish it from other institutions of higher learning.

A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

CWRU, rooted in history with origins dating back to 1826, has evolved into a hub of innovation. The university is renowned for its strong emphasis on research and development.

This commitment is evident in its state-of-the-art facilities and numerous research centers that foster cutting-edge discoveries, particularly in biomedical engineering, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and social justice.

Diverse and Inclusive Community

CWRU’s student body is a mosaic of cultures and backgrounds, with students from 74 countries speaking over 46 languages at home. This diversity enriches the campus environment, promoting a global perspective and a broader student understanding.

The university actively supports underrepresented students through its Multicultural Center and various initiatives, ensuring an inclusive and equitable educational experience.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

CWRU excels in providing students with practical, real-world experience through internships, co-op programs, and community service. These opportunities allow students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, preparing them for successful careers post-graduation.

The university’s location in Cleveland, a city known for its cultural richness and innovation, further provides students access to various professional and cultural experiences.

What Does the Case Western Application Look Like?

The application process for Case Western Reserve University is comprehensive and considers several aspects of a student’s academic and personal profile. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Academic Transcripts: High school and, if applicable, college transcripts must be submitted, showcasing academic rigor and performance.
  • Standardized Test Scores (Optional): CWRU is test-optional through fall 2024. If submitted, the university superscores SAT and ACT results.
  • Letters of Recommendation: At least one recommendation from a college instructor is required, providing insight into the student’s academic abilities and character.
  • Extracurricular Activities: Involvement in sports, arts, volunteering, and part-time jobs are considered, reflecting a well-rounded individual.
  • Personal Essays: Essays are crucial in allowing students to express their individuality and motivations for applying.
  • Interview (Optional): One-on-one interviews with admissions staff offer a chance to make a personal impression.
  • Demonstrated Interest: Activities like campus visits and communications with admissions officers are noted.
  • Arts Supplement (if applicable): Required for music majors and those pursuing an Arts Achievement Scholarship.
  • English Language Proficiency (for International Students): Non-native English speakers must submit language test scores unless exempted.
  • Financial Aid Documents: The FAFSA and CSS Profile are required for those applying for need-based aid.

Is Case Western a Good School for You?

Determining if Case Western Reserve University is the right fit involves considering several factors.

Academic and Career Aspirations

CWRU is ideal for students seeking a strong foundation in research and innovation, particularly in engineering, business, medicine, and the arts. The university’s research-intensive environment and numerous experiential learning opportunities provide students with the skills and experiences needed for successful careers.

Community and Diversity

Students who value a diverse and inclusive environment will find CWRU welcoming. The university’s commitment to global perspectives and its range of programs supporting underrepresented groups creates a dynamic and supportive learning atmosphere.

how to write case western supplemental essays

Personal Growth and Development

CWRU is suited for individuals seeking personal development alongside academic achievement. The campus life at CWRU, enriched by various extracurricular activities and student organizations, offers numerous opportunities for leadership, creative expression, and community engagement.

Financial Considerations

Prospective students should also consider the financial aspects. CWRU provides merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid, ensuring that education is accessible to many students. The return on investment, in terms of career opportunities and lifelong learning, is significant for graduates.

How Selective is Case Western?

Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) is a premier institution known for its selective admission process. Understanding the level of selectivity is crucial for prospective students as it shapes their expectations and application strategy.

CWRU’s selectivity can be gauged through its acceptance rates and application numbers. For the Class of 2027, the acceptance rate was 28.67%. Notably, these rates fluctuate annually, influenced by factors such as the application pool’s size and quality.

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The academic credentials of admitted students offer further insight into CWRU’s selectivity. The university does not explicitly mention a minimum GPA requirement; however, data suggests that many admitted students possess high GPAs.

For instance, for the Class of 2025, about 62% had a GPA better than 3.75, and 17% had a perfect 4.0. Such statistics underline the importance of strong academic performance for admission.

CWRU employs a holistic review process, considering various aspects beyond grades. This approach includes evaluating extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. Despite the absence of a minimum GPA criterion, this holistic process implies that academic excellence is crucial but not the sole factor in admissions decisions.

Should You Apply to Case Western?

Deciding whether to apply to Case Western Reserve University requires careful consideration of various factors.

Here’s a list to help you evaluate if CWRU aligns with your academic and personal goals:

  • Academic Strengths: If your interests align with CWRU’s strong programs, particularly in engineering, business, medicine, and sciences, it’s a worthy choice. The university’s commitment to research and innovation provides a stimulating environment for academically driven students.
  • Selective Admission: CWRU’s selective nature, with an acceptance rate of 28.67% for the Class of 2027, is suited for high-achieving students. If you have a strong academic record and a robust extracurricular profile, CWRU could be a good fit.
  • Campus and Community: Consider if CWRU’s urban campus in Cleveland, Ohio, and its vibrant student life appeal to you. The university offers a range of extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations that foster a diverse and inclusive community.
  • Financial Considerations: Assess the financial implications. CWRU provides need-based financial aid and merit-based scholarships, making it accessible to students from various socioeconomic backgrounds.
  • Career Opportunities: CWRU’s strong connections with industries and emphasis on practical experiences, such as internships and co-ops, make it an excellent choice for career-oriented students.
  • Research Opportunities: If you’re interested in research, CWRU offers numerous opportunities across disciplines. Engaging in research projects can enhance your academic experience and prepare you for graduate studies or a professional career.
  • Holistic Application Review: CWRU’s holistic admission process looks beyond grades. This approach benefits well-rounded applicants who have engaged in community service, leadership roles, or other unique experiences.

how to write case western supplemental essays

How Does Case Western Review Applications?

Understanding how Case Western Reserve University reviews applications is key to crafting a compelling application. The university employs a holistic approach, ensuring that each aspect of an applicant’s profile is considered.

Academic Performance and Rigor

The cornerstone of CWRU’s review process is academic performance. A high GPA is advantageous, though there’s no stated minimum requirement. For the Class of 2025, many admitted students had GPAs above 3.75. Additionally, the rigor of the curriculum is assessed to determine an applicant’s preparedness for CWRU’s challenging academic environment.

Standardized Test Scores

CWRU adopted a test-optional policy for classes entering through fall 2024. However, test scores are superscored if submitted, meaning the highest scores from multiple sittings are considered. This policy reflects CWRU’s commitment to evaluating students in a multifaceted manner.

Extracurricular Activities

The review process also emphasizes extracurricular activities. CWRU values applicants who demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and engagement in activities that align with their interests and passions. This aspect of the application allows students to showcase their personality, character, and potential contributions to the CWRU community.

Letters of Recommendation and Essays

Letters of recommendation and personal essays are pivotal in providing insight into an applicant’s character, goals, and suitability for CWRU. These components allow the admissions committee to understand the applicant beyond academic metrics, offering a glimpse into their motivations, challenges, and achievements.

CWRU considers demonstrated interest in its admissions process. Activities like campus visits, interactions with admissions officers, and participation in university-related events can positively impact an applicant’s chances.

Does Case Western Require Interviews?

Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) adopts a holistic approach in its admissions process, where the interview is an optional but significant component.

how to write case western supplemental essays

The university offers prospective students the opportunity to engage in one-on-one interviews with an admissions staff member. These interviews are not mandatory but can be a valuable addition to an application.

Maximizing Your Interview Opportunity

For applicants who opt for an interview, it’s a chance to connect with the admissions team personally. It lets you discuss your academic interests, extracurricular activities, and reasons for choosing CWRU.

The interview can be particularly beneficial if your profile doesn’t fully reflect your capabilities or if you have unique experiences that set you apart. It’s a platform to showcase your personality, enthusiasm, and fit for the university.

Preparing for Your Interview

Preparation is key to making a good impression. Research the university’s programs and values and consider how they align with your goals. Be ready to articulate why CWRU is your preferred choice and how you can contribute to their community.

Practice answering common interview questions and be prepared to converse naturally. Remember, the interview is as much about you assessing if CWRU is the right fit for you as it is about them evaluating your candidacy.

What Extracurriculars Do You Need for Case Western?

Case Western Reserve University values diverse extracurricular activities in its applicants. Participation in these activities demonstrates your skills, interests, and commitment beyond academic achievements. Here’s a list of extracurriculars that can strengthen your application to CWRU:

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  • Leadership Roles: Holding positions in student organizations, clubs, or community groups.
  • Community Service: Volunteering at local charities, non-profits, or community events.
  • Athletics: Participating in sports, whether at a competitive level or as part of school teams.
  • Arts and Culture: Engagement in music, theater, dance, visual arts, or other creative pursuits.
  • Academic Competitions: Involvement in science fairs, debate clubs, math leagues, or other academic challenges.
  • Work Experience: Part-time jobs, internships, or shadowing professionals in a field of interest.
  • Research Projects: Participating in research activities, particularly in areas related to your intended major.
  • Entrepreneurial Ventures: Initiating a start-up, developing an app, or other projects.

While having a range of activities benefits, CWRU values the depth of engagement over the number of activities. Demonstrating commitment, leadership, and impact in your activities is important. Long-term dedication to a few activities often speaks louder than a list of superficial involvements.

What Should You Write About in Your Personal Statement to Get into Case Western?

Crafting a compelling personal statement is a critical part of your application to Case Western Reserve University (CWRU). This essay is your opportunity to present yourself as more than just grades and test scores, allowing admissions officers to see your individuality and potential as a student at your institution.

how to write case western supplemental essays

Showcasing Your Academic Passion

In your personal statement for CWRU, emphasize your academic interests and aspirations. Discuss specific subjects or areas of study that excite you and how they align with the programs offered at Case Western. Highlight any relevant projects, research, or coursework demonstrating your passion and preparedness for your chosen field.

Reflecting on Personal Growth

Use your personal statement to reflect on experiences that have shaped your character and worldview. This could include overcoming challenges, learning from failures, or moments of significant personal growth. Your aim should be to provide insights into who you are and how these experiences have prepared you for college.

Demonstrating Extracurricular Involvement

Detail your involvement in extracurricular activities, particularly those that have significantly impacted your development or relate to your academic interests. Discuss leadership roles, initiatives you’ve led, and skills gained through these experiences. This section should illustrate how your outside interests complement your academic pursuits.

Articulating Career Goals and Aspirations

Articulate your long-term goals and how attending Case Western will help you achieve them. Be specific about what aspects of the university’s programs, community, or resources align with your career aspirations. This shows admissions officers that you have a clear vision for your future and see CWRU as integral to realizing it.

Adding a Personal Touch

Lastly, add elements that make your statement unique. This could be a personal anecdote, a creative approach to the essay, or insights into your values and beliefs. The goal is to leave a memorable impression distinguishing you from other applicants.

How Do You Write a Case Western Supplemental Essay?

Writing a compelling supplemental essay for Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) can significantly enhance your application. This essay provides an opportunity to showcase your personality, aspirations, and fit with the university. To craft an effective essay, follow these steps:

how to write case western supplemental essays

1. Understand the Prompt

Firstly, thoroughly understand the essay prompt. It asks what you hope to achieve at CWRU and how your personal experiences have prepared you for these goals. Reflect on your academic and personal journey, focusing on moments that define your aspirations and preparedness for college.

2. Brainstorm and Outline

Begin by brainstorming ideas that align with the prompt. Identify experiences or achievements demonstrating your readiness and enthusiasm for CWRU’s offerings. Once you have solid ideas, create an outline to organize your thoughts coherently.

3. Write a Compelling Introduction

Your introduction should captivate the reader. Start with a compelling anecdote, a surprising fact, or a thought-provoking question. This should seamlessly lead to the main theme of your essay.

4. Use Specific Examples

Support your points with specific examples. Whether it’s a project you spearheaded, a challenge you overcame, or an extracurricular activity that shaped you, use these examples to illustrate your qualities and how they align with CWRU’s values.

5. Show Your Fit with CWRU

Demonstrate why CWRU is the right choice for you. Link your academic interests, extracurricular activities, and career goals with what CWRU offers. Research the university’s programs, culture, and opportunities to tailor your essay accordingly.

6. Edit and Proofread

Finally, edit and proofread your essay. Ensure it’s clear, concise, and free of grammatical errors. Seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or peers for an outside perspective.

What Enrichment Opportunities Will Help You Get Into Case Western?

Case Western Reserve University values students with diverse experiences and achievements. Engaging in enrichment activities can enhance your application by demonstrating your commitment, leadership, and passion. Here are some activities to bolster your chances:

  • Community Service: Volunteering in community service projects showcases your willingness to contribute to society. Whether it’s local community work or global initiatives, these experiences reflect your character and values.
  • Leadership Roles: Taking on leadership roles in school clubs, sports teams, or community groups indicates your ability to lead and work collaboratively.
  • Research Projects: Participating in research, especially in fields related to your intended major, shows your academic curiosity and commitment to learning.
  • Artistic Pursuits: Engaging in the arts, whether in visual arts, music, theater, or dance, highlights your creativity and ability to think outside the box.
  • Internships or Work Experience: Gaining practical experience through internships or part-time jobs in your field of interest can demonstrate your readiness for college-level work and career aspirations.
  • Summer Programs: Participating in summer programs, especially those focusing on academic enrichment, can provide valuable learning experiences and a taste of college life.
  • Sports Participation: Active involvement in sports can show your teamwork, perseverance, and commitment to personal and team goals.
  • Cultural Exchange Programs: Participation in cultural exchange programs can enhance your global perspective and adaptability, valuable traits in a diverse academic environment.
  • STEM Competitions: For students interested in STEM fields, participating in competitions like science fairs or math olympiads can showcase your analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Entrepreneurial Ventures: Starting a project or a small business can demonstrate innovation, initiative, and real-world skills.

Do You Need to Take AP Courses to Get Into Case Western?

Enrolling in Advanced Placement (AP) courses can benefit prospective Case Western Reserve University students. AP classes are not explicitly stated as a requirement for admission, but they offer several benefits:

how to write case western supplemental essays

  • Demonstrates Academic Rigor: AP courses are considered rigorous and challenging. These courses show you’re willing to push yourself academically and can handle college-level coursework.
  • Strengthens College Applications: Colleges, including CWRU, look favorably on students taking challenging high school courses. This demonstrates your commitment to learning and ability to succeed in advanced subjects.
  • Potential College Credit: Scoring well on AP exams can earn you college credit, allowing you to skip introductory courses in college potentially. This can save time and money and enable you to dive into more advanced classes early in your college career.
  • Prepares for College Workload: AP classes simulate a college workload and academic expectations. Success in these courses can indicate your preparedness for university-level studies.
  • Enhances Scholarly Interests: AP courses allow you to explore subjects in depth, which can help identify and strengthen your academic interests, which is beneficial for your major selection in college.

However, it’s important to balance your course load. Excelling in AP courses is beneficial, but not at the cost of your overall GPA or well-being. Colleges also consider the context of your school’s offerings; if your school offers limited AP courses, you won’t be penalized for not taking many.

Focus on excelling in the opportunities and demonstrating your academic potential through high school performance.

Does Case Western Accept AP Credit?

Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) acknowledges students’ efforts in Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The university grants credit for AP exams, depending on the score and the specific subject. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how CWRU translates AP scores into college credits.

  • Art History: A score of 4 or 5 earns 3 credit hours, equivalent to ARTH 100-TR. However, this credit does not apply to a major or minor in Art History.
  • Biology: Scores of 4 and 5 translate to 3 credit hours each, equating to BIOL 114 and BIOL 200-TR, respectively.
  • Chemistry: A score of 4 or 5 in Chemistry grants 4 credit hours, equivalent to CHEM 111.
  • Computer Science A: A score of 4 or 5 earns 3 credit hours, corresponding to CSDS 132.
  • Economics (Micro and Macro): Both require a score of 4 or 5, each granting 3 credit hours, equating to ECON 102 and ECON 103, respectively.
  • English Language/Composition and Literature/Composition: A score of 4 or 5 in either exam earns 3 credit hours, equivalent to ENGL 200-TR.
  • Environmental Science: A score of 4 or 5 grants 3 credit hours, equivalent to EEPS 100-TR.
  • Foreign Languages: Scores in Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin, and Spanish exams can earn varying credit hours based on the score and specific language.
  • Government and Politics: Scores of 4 or 5 in Comparative Politics and a 5 in U.S. Government are required for credit.
  • History: AP scores in European, U.S., and World History require a 5 for credit.
  • Mathematics (Calculus AB and BC): Varying credit hours awarded based on scores.
  • Music Theory: A score of 4 or 5 earns 3 credit hours, equivalent to MUTH 103.
  • Physics: Scores in Physics 1, 2, B, C-Mech, and C-E & M can earn credit contingent on specific scores.
  • Psychology: A score of 4 or 5 in Psychology grants 3 credit hours, equating to PSCL 101.
  • Statistics: A score of 5 in Statistics earns 3 credit hours, equivalent to STAT 201.

how to write case western supplemental essays

Important Considerations

  • Credit for courses is awarded upon admission and as scores are received.
  • If a course equivalent to an AP credit is taken after admission, the AP credit is forfeited.
  • CWRU’s AP credit policies are reviewed annually and are subject to change.
  • Specific placement and exemptions are provided for each subject.

CWRU’s AP credit policy reflects its commitment to recognizing academic achievements and providing a head start in college education.

Will Case Western Look at Your Social Media?

Case Western Reserve University, like many modern institutions, understands the digital footprint of its applicants. However, there is no explicit policy stating that admissions officers routinely check applicants’ social media profiles. Here are some insights into how social media might affect the admissions process.

  • No Official Policy: CWRU has no stated policy on reviewing applicants’ social media accounts. This means that routinely checking social media profiles is not a standard part of their admissions process.
  • Potential Red Flags: While not standard practice, admissions officers might look into social media profiles if specific concerns or red flags are raised during the application review.
  • Positive Showcase: Conversely, a well-curated social media profile can showcase a candidate’s interests, achievements, and community involvement.
  • Privacy Settings: Applicants concerned about privacy should review their social media settings to control what is publicly visible.
  • Consistency and Authenticity: Applicants must ensure consistency between their application information and online presence.

Best Practices for Applicants

  • Be Mindful: Always be aware of what you post and share online.
  • Professionalism: Maintain a level of professionalism in your online interactions.
  • Positive Image: Use social media to showcase your interests and achievements positively.

how to write case western supplemental essays

Will Visiting Case Western Help You Get In?

CWRU, like many colleges, pays attention to how much interest you show in attending their school. This is known as “demonstrated interest.” When you visit CWRU, you’re showing that you’re really interested in being a part of their community.

This can make your application stronger because it tells the admissions team that you’ve made an effort to learn more about the university. However, visiting the campus alone doesn’t guarantee admission.

Making Your Application Better

A visit to CWRU can give you a lot of information and experiences that you can use in your application. When you’re there, you get to see what the campus is like, meet people, and feel the atmosphere.

This experience can help you write more personal and detailed application essays or talk about the university in interviews. Talking about your visit shows that you know the university well and that you’ve thought about how you would fit in there.

Tips for a Great Campus Visit

To get the most out of your visit to CWRU, here are some things you can do:

  • Join a Campus Tour: This will give you a good look at the campus and its facilities.
  • Go to Information Sessions: These sessions can give you important information about applying and what CWRU offers regarding courses and programs.
  • Meet Faculty or Staff: If you can, try to meet with teachers or staff. This can give you a closer look at what studying at CWRU would be like.
  • Talk to Current Students: They can tell you what life at CWRU is like, both in and out of class.
  • Look Around the Campus and Area: Understanding the campus layout and what’s nearby can help you decide if CWRU feels right for you.

Applying to Case Western Reserve University involves understanding various critical aspects. It’s essential to compile a strong application. The opportunity to submit optional materials also allows you to showcase your diverse talents and achievements. Lastly, keeping track of deadlines is crucial for a successful application.

The competition to get into Case Western is undoubtedly intense, but don’t let this discourage you. Instead, use it as motivation to strengthen your application.

Focus on presenting a well-rounded profile that highlights not only your academic achievements but also your unique personality, interests, and potential contributions to the Case Western community. Remember, each part of your application is an opportunity to showcase different facets of your character and abilities. Stay positive, be authentic, and put forth your best effort.

how to write case western supplemental essays

We can help you figure out how to get into Case Western

At AdmissionSight , we understand the nuances and challenges of the college admissions process.

Our expertise lies in helping students like you navigate this journey successfully. We offer personalized guidance to enhance every aspect of your application, from selecting the right courses and extracurricular activities to crafting compelling essays and preparing for interviews. Our goal is to help you present the strongest application possible.

If you’re aiming for a spot at Case Western Reserve University, let us assist you in making your application stand out. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step towards achieving your college aspirations.

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Supplemental Essay Guide 2024-25

What do the 2024-25 supplemental essay prompts really mean, and how should you approach them? CEA's experts are here to break them all down.

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Agnes Scott College 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

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Alvernia University 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide  

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Conquering the Case Western Reserve University Supplemental Essays

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When applying to Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), a highly ranked and innovative research institution, there's more to consider than just the common application. As part of the process, applicants need to respond to a set of supplemental essays specific to CWRU. These essays allow you to demonstrate your interest in the university and how you see yourself contributing to the CWRU community.

In this blog post, we will provide tips and strategies for each prompt and how best to approach them. Remember, the key is to be genuine and let your unique personality shine through.

Prompt 1: Why are you attracted to your chosen field of study?

This prompt is a classic "Why Major?" question. You should focus on detailing your journey towards choosing your major. Include any personal experiences, academic interests, and long-term goals related to this field. Show a clear understanding of what studying this field at CWRU entails and how it aligns with your aspirations.

Ever since I dismantled my first radio at the age of seven, my curiosity for how things work was ignited. My high school physics class transformed this curiosity into a passion for Electrical Engineering. Understanding the principles behind circuits and signals was captivating. My internship at a local tech startup solidified my decision. There, I applied classroom knowledge to real-world challenges, furthering my fascination for the field. The innovative environment at CWRU, especially the pioneering research at the Case School of Engineering, aligns with my ambitions. I am particularly intrigued by Professor X’s work on sustainable energy systems. Studying Electrical Engineering at CWRU would offer me the blend of theoretical foundation and practical experience, helping me realize my goal of designing efficient and sustainable energy solutions.

Prompt 2: How have you contributed to your high school and/or local community?

CWRU values students who can contribute positively to their community. In this prompt, discuss any experiences where you made a significant impact, be it a school club, local charity, or a personal project. The key is to highlight your initiative, leadership, and commitment to improving the lives of others.

During my sophomore year, I founded a coding club at my high school. I noticed a lack of resources for students interested in programming, and I aimed to fill that gap. We started with five members and expanded to over thirty in two years. We created an inclusive environment where students could explore coding at their own pace. I organized weekly meetings, coding challenges, and guest lectures from local tech professionals. Additionally, we developed an app to connect local charities with volunteers, demonstrating our commitment to the local community. My work with the coding club gave me the satisfaction of providing a learning space for my peers and contributing positively to my community.

Optional Prompt: Is there anything else you would like us to know?

Only respond to this prompt if there's a significant aspect of your profile not covered elsewhere in the application. This could include overcoming personal hardships, unique life experiences, or explaining any inconsistencies in your academic record. Keep it concise and relevant.

During my junior year, my grades experienced a slight dip due to health issues. I was diagnosed with mononucleosis and had to miss school for a month. It was a challenging period as I juggled between recovery and keeping up with my academic commitments. However, I used this experience to develop resilience and adaptability. I caught up with my curriculum through extra classes and self-study. This experience, though tough, has made me more resilient, and I am confident in my ability to overcome future challenges.

Specific School Prompts:

If you're applying to a specific program, such as the Pre-Professional Scholars Program or the Integrated BS/MS Program, you will have additional prompts. These require more specific responses demonstrating your interest and aptitude for the selected program.

Now, let's talk about how to make the most of your word limit for each essay. Aim to be detailed but concise. Provide personal anecdotes where possible to add a narrative element and make your essay engaging.

Optimization of your essays to rank higher is crucial. Here are some key words and phrases related to CWRU to consider:

  • Case Western Reserve University
  • Community involvement
  • Pre-Professional Scholars Program
  • Integrated BS/MS Program

Remember, these keywords should be used naturally and contextually. They are meant to enhance your content, not to be used as filler.

Writing college essays can feel daunting, but remember that they are just another opportunity to showcase who you are and what you bring to the table. Be authentic, be reflective, and most importantly, be you!

Best of luck with your CWRU application!

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Calculate for all schools

Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, are the case western supplemental essays different each year.

Just wondering if the Case Western Reserve supplemental essays change every year or if they stay relatively consistent? If they change, any idea when the prompts for the Class of 2025 will be released? Thanks in advance!

The Case Western Reserve supplemental essay prompts can vary somewhat from year to year, but there is often consistency in the overall themes they cover. For instance, they frequently ask students to discuss their interest in a specific major or program at Case Western, their reasons for applying to the university, and their involvement in extracurricular activities.

While there's no guarantee that the previous year's prompts will be exactly the same for the Class of 2025, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with past prompts and start brainstorming potential essay topics. The updated essay prompts for the Class of 2025 will likely be released on the official Case Western Reserve website or the Common Application website during the summer, typically around the end of July or early August. Make sure to monitor these websites for updates on the prompts to be well-prepared when they become available. Good luck on your application!

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Case Western & Cleveland Clinic Medical School Secondary Essay Prompts

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There are two sets of Case Western secondaries: 1) Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) and 2) Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine (CCLCM). Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (both CWRU and CCLCM) admits students who are strong in academics and research. Submitting an OUTSTANDING Case Western secondaries are vital to receiving an acceptance. It’s important to discuss your research clearly   in your Case Western secondary essays. 

**Case Western changed its secondary essay prompts for the 2023-2024 cycle.** We would not recommend pre-writing this secondary because the prompts might change again this upcoming 2024-2025 application cycle.

Our Cracking Med School Admissions team has a track record of helping several of our mentees receive acceptances to Case Western year after year. We can help you next! We want to stress that submitting a strong Case Western secondary application is crucial and we can help you through our secondary essay editing packages . 

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Case Western Medical School Secondary Application Essay Prompts: 2023 - 2024

Case western reserve university secondary essay prompts.

  • The most successful medical students at our school are generally those who are intrinsically motivated, self-directed learners. Think of a time when you had to pursue a goal without clear external direction. Describe your approach and any new knowledge, perspectives, or skills that you acquired. (1,000 character limit)
  • Based on your current maturity and wisdom, reflect upon an experience from the past few years that you would handle differently today. (1,000 character limit)
  • Did you take a gap year(s)? Yes or No? If Yes : If you are taking time off between college graduation and medical school matriculation, please tell us what you are doing during this gap, and why. (1,000 characters max)
  • Optional – Research/Scholarly Work: One of the four pillars of the Western Reserve2 Curriculum is Research and Scholarship. Although research is not a prerequisite requirement for the University Program, if you have participated in research or another scholarly project, please tell us about it. Describe your experience, including the question you pursued and how you approached it, your results and interpretation of the results, and most importantly, any thoughts about what this experience meant to you. Remember that research is broad-based and can include such projects as a senior capstone or a thesis and can include both medical and non-medically-related investigations. If you have not completed research/scholarly work, you will be able to indicate this in a radio button embedded within this response. (3,500 character limit)   Note that if you are applying to both the University Program and the CCLCM, the research response will default to the CCLCM required response – see below.
  • Optional – Additional Information Response:   Is there any further information that you wish to share with the Admissions Committee that may not be captured in the rest of your application? (2,000 character limit)

Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine Secondary Essay Prompts

  • Greatest Challenge Essay:  The admissions committee is interested in gaining more insight into you as a person. Please describe a significant personal challenge you have faced, one which you feel has helped to shape you as a person. Examples may include a moral or ethical dilemma, a situation of personal adversity, or a hurdle in your life that you worked hard to overcome. Please include how you got through the experience and what you learned about yourself as a result. (2,000 character limit)
  • Research Essay:   Please tell us about ONE research project to which you made a significant contribution. In your essay, describe your role on the project, the hypothesis of your research and whether you contributed to hypothesis generation, why the methods were selected to answer that hypothesis, your results, and interpretation of your results with respect to future findings. In addition, please briefly share your motivation for pursuing this research project and reflect on how this experience affected your future career goals. (3,500 character limit)
  • Career Essay:  What does your ideal career entail fifteen years after medical school graduation? (1,000 character limit)
  • Gap Year(s) if applicable:  If you are taking time off between college graduation and medical school matriculation, please tell us why you made this decision and what you will be doing or have done during this gap time. (1,000 character limit)
  • OPTIONAL – Additional Information Response:   Is there any further information that you wish to share with the Admissions Committee that may not be captured in the rest of your application? (2,000 character limit)

Case Western MSTP Secondary Essay Prompts

  • Based on your current maturity and wisdom, reflect upon an experience from the past few years that you would handle differently today. (1,000 character limit) 
  • PhD Advisor:  What do you look for in a PhD advisor, and who at CWRU would interest you? (800 character limit)
  • Area of Interest:  What is your specific interest in the MSTP at CWRU? (800 character limit)

Tips to Answer Case Western Secondaries

Case Western Secondaries Pre-Writing Guidance: Because the Case Western secondary changed a lot in the previous cycle, we recommend students to NOT pre-write their Case Western secondaries this year.

Read our Cracking Med Secondary Essay Workbook and Examples  to help you with all your secondary essays!

Case Western Secondary Application Tip #1: Answer as many questions as possible on your Case Western secondaries. Our Cracking Med School Admissions team does not view Case Western Medical School secondary essays as optional. For the optional essay about the COVID-19 pandemic, incorporate your personal experiences as well as healthcare current issues you noticed throughout the COVID pandemic. We have an entire healthcare current events blog post here , where you can read more about healthcare disparities and COVID-19 .

Case Western Secondary Application Tip #2: For the question, “Based on your current maturity and wisdom, reflect upon an experience from the past few years that you would handle differently today” and “ The admissions committee is interested in gaining more insight into you as a person. Please describe a significant personal challenge you have faced, one which you feel has helped to shape you as a person. Examples may include a moral or ethical dilemma, a situation of personal adversity, or a hurdle in your life that you worked hard to overcome. Please include how you got through the experience and what you learned about yourself as a result ” make sure you clearly discuss what the challenge was and how you overcame this. Common mistakes students make include:

  • Talking about a topic that is too common among premed students, such getting a “C” in organic chemistry.
  • Not providing enough context about the challenge they faced.
  • Not discussing how they overcame the stressful situation.

Many of our Cracking Med School Admissions students write about challenges they had in their research projects for this question. If you have questions about whether your topic is a good topic to write about, send Dr. Mediratta and Dr. Rizal a question through our contact form below. 

Case Western Secondary Application Tip #3: Remember, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine LOVES students who have been engaged with research. Even if the research essay is optional, you definitely HAVE TO answer it!

Furthermore, for the research question, you must describe your research clearly. You are not only judged on your actual research endeavors, but you are also judged on how well you can communicate your research. This is a great secondary application to get our help through secondary essay editing !

Case Western Secondary Application Tip #4: Don’t forget to incorporate a little bit about “Why Case Western Med” throughout your Case Western secondaries. You can definitely write more “Why Case Western” in the optional essay, “ Is there any further information that you wish to share with the Admissions Committee that may not be captured in the rest of your application? ” Talk about projects and research you want to do at Case Western.

  • Read our blog post  Why this Medical School? Secondary Essay Example

Case Western Secondary Application Tip #5: Have questions about how you can stand out on your Case Western Med secondaries? Contact us below. Need editing help on your secondary? We can help you through our secondary essay packages . 

[ Read more secondary essay tips:  Washington University in St. Louis , Stanford , Northwestern , University of Chicago ]

Your medical school application Coaches, Mentors, & Cheerleaders

We Personally Advise Every Student We Work With.

Dr. Rachel Rizal

Rachel Rizal, M.D.

Changing the trajectory of people’s lives.

Undergraduate Princeton University, cum laude

Medical School Stanford School of Medicine

Residency Harvard, Emergency Medicine

Awards & Scholarships Fulbright Scholar USA Today Academic First Team Tylenol Scholarship

Dr. Rishi Mediratta

Rishi Mediratta, M.D., M.Sc., M.A.

Advising students to attend their dream schools.

Undergraduate Johns Hopkins University, Phi Beta Kappa

Residency Stanford, Pediatrics

Awards & Scholarships Marshall Scholar Tylenol Scholarship Global Health Scholar

stand out from other applicants with our secondary essay edit packages

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Secondary Essay Guide

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Case Western Medical School Secondary Application Essay Prompts: 2022 – 2023

  • The Admissions Committee is interested in gaining more insight into you as a person. Please describe a significant personal challenge you have faced, one which you feel has helped to shape you as a person. Examples may include a moral or ethical dilemma, a situation of personal adversity, or a hurdle in your life that you worked hard to overcome. Please include how you got through the experience, how you handled the uncertainty or stress, and what you learned about yourself as a result. (3,500 characters max – leave blank line between paragraphs)
  • (Optional) The past year has reflected an unprecedented time in world history, and we are aware that many have experienced significant disruptions in numerous aspects of their lives. Please use the text field below to share with us how you may have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including academic, financial, medical disruptions, etc. If medically-related or patient-based experiences were interrupted, tell us how you were able to explore these areas in alternate ways. (3,500 characters max – leave blank line between paragraphs)
  • Did you take a gap year(s)? Yes or No? If Yes : If you are taking time off between college graduation and medical school matriculation, please tell us what you are doing during this gap, and why. (1,000 characters max – leave blank line between paragraphs)
  • One of the four pillars of the Western Reserve Curriculum is Research and Scholarship. Although research is not a prerequisite requirement for the University Program, if you have participated in research or another scholarly project, please tell us about it. Describe your experience, including the question you pursued and how you approached it, your results and interpretation of the results, and most importantly, any thoughts about what this experience meant to you. Remember that research is broad-based and can include such projects as a senior capstone or a thesis and can include both medical and non-medically-related investigations. Please limit your response to 1 page (3,500 character recommendation), and leave a blank line between paragraphs.
  • Is there any further information that you wish to share with the Admissions Committee that may not be captured in the rest of your application? (3,500 characters)

Case Western Secondary Application Optional Questions

  • If you took coursework that was Pass/No Pass due to pandemic disruptions for for 2019-2020 and/or 2020-2021 academic years, please list the courses below.

Case Western Medical School Secondary Application Essay Prompts: 2021 – 2022

  • One of the four pillars of the Western Reserve Curriculum is Research and Scholarship. Although research is not a prerequisite requirement for the University Program, if you have participated in research or another scholarly project, please tell us about it. Describe your experience, including the question you pursued and how you approached it, your results and interpretation of the results, and most importantly, any thoughts about what this experience meant to you. Remember that research is broad-based and can include such projects as a senior capstone or a thesis and can include both medical and non-medically-related investigations. Please limit your response to 1 page (about 3,500 character recommendation), and leave a blank line between paragraphs.

Case Western Medical School Secondary Application Essay Prompts: 2020 – 2021

  • The past few months have reflected an unprecedented time in world history, and we are aware that many have experienced significant disruptions in numerous aspects of their lives. Please use the text field below to share with us how you may have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including academic, financial, medical disruptions, etc. It would also be helpful for us to know if any of your planned experiences in shadowing, volunteering, research, employment, or other activities have been suspended due to the pandemic. (3,500 characters max – leave blank line between paragraphs)
  • If you were working on a small group project and you thought that another student wasn’t carrying his/her load, how would you handle it? (300-1000 characters recommendation – leave blank line between paragraphs)
  • Is there any further information that you wish to share with the Admissions Committee that may not be captured in the rest of your application? This optional response will only be considered by the University Program. (3,500 characters max – leave blank line between paragraphs)
  • One of the four pillars of the Western Reserve2 Curriculum is Research and Scholarship. Although research is not a pre-requisite requirement for the University Program, if you have participated in research or another scholarly project please tell us about it. Describe your experience, including the question you pursued and how you approached it, your results and interpretation of the results, and most importantly, any thoughts about what this experience meant to you. Remember that research is broad-based and can include such projects as a senior capstone or a thesis and can include both medical and non-medically-related investigations. (3,500 characters max – leave blank line between paragraphs)
  • How will you contribute to the diversity and inclusion mission of our medical school?  (1,000 character recommendation)

Case Western Medical School Secondary Application Essay Prompts: 2019 – 2020

  • (Required)  The admissions committee is interested in gaining more insight into you as a person. Please describe a significant personal challenge you have faced, one which you feel has helped to shape you as a person. Examples may include a moral or ethical dilemma, a situation of personal adversity, or a hurdle in your life that you worked hard to overcome. Please include how you got through the experience and what you learned about yourself as a result. (3,500 characters max – leave blank line between paragraphs)
  • (Required)  Please describe the hypothesis of your research, why the methods were selected to answer that hypothesis, your results and interpretation of your results with respect to future findings. In addition, please briefly share your motivation for pursuing this research project and reflect on how this experience affected you. If you have not participated in research or scholarly work, please indicate so in the text area below.
  • (Required)  If you were working on a small group project and you thought that another student wasn’t carrying his/her load, how would you handle it? (300-1000 characters recommendation – leave blank line between paragraphs)
  • (Required for College Program) Areas of Improvement Essay: Each year our students target for themselves areas of improvement. Other than the acquisition of new knowledge, what personal area do you think you have that could use strengthening? Design a plan as to how you could improve it. (1,000 characters max – leave blank line between paragraphs)
  • (Required for College Program) Criticism and Feedback Essay: Tell us about a time when you received unexpected criticism or negative feedback. How did you react? What did you do? (1,000 characters max – leave blank line between paragraphs)
  • (Required for College Program) Career Essay: How do you see your career ten years from now?  (1,000 characters max – leave blank line between paragraphs)
  • (Required for College Program) Teaching Essay: When were you challenged to teach, coach, or mentor others to learn a new skill or improve an old one? Please describe how it went and what you learned from the experience. (1,000 characters max – leave blank line between paragraphs)
  • (If Applicable) Gap Year Essay: Did you take a gap year? If you are taking time off between college graduation and medical school matriculation, please tell us in no more than four sentences what you are doing during this gap, and why.

(Optional) Additional Information Essay: Is there any further information that you wish to share with the Admissions Committee? This optional response will only be considered by the University Program.

Case Western Medical School Secondary Application Essay Prompts: 2018 – 2019

  • The admissions committee is interested in gaining more insight into you as a person. Please describe a significant personal challenge you have faced, one which you feel has helped to shape you as a person. Examples may include a moral or ethical dilemma, a situation of personal adversity, or a hurdle in your life that you worked hard to overcome. Please include how you got through the experience and what you learned about yourself as a result. (3,500 characters max – leave blank line between paragraphs)
  • Did you take a gap year? Yes or No? If you are taking time off between college graduation and medical school matriculation, please tell us in no more than four sentences what you are doing during this gap, and why.

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Case Western Medical School Secondary Application Essay Prompts: 2017 – 2018

  • The Admissions Committee is interested in gaining more insight into you as a person. Please describe a significant personal challenge you have faced, one which you feel has helped to shape you as a person. Examples may include a moral or ethical dilemma, a situation of personal adversity, or a hurdle in your life that you worked hard to overcome. Please include how you got through the experience and what you learned about yourself as a result. (3,500 characters max)
  • Please describe the hypothesis of your research, why the methods were selected to answer that hypothesis, your results and interpretation of your results with respect to future findings. If you have not participated in research or scholarly work, please indicate so in the text area below (3,500 characters max)
  • If you were working on a small group project and you thought that another student wasn’t carrying his/her load, how would you handle it? (1,000 characters max)
  • (Optional) Is there any further information that you wish to share with the Admissions Committee? This optional response will only be considered by the University Program.

Case Western Medical School Secondary Application Essay Prompts: 2016 – 2017

  • (Optional) One of the four pillars of the Western Reserve Curriculum is Research and Scholarship. Although research is not a pre-requisite requirement for the University Program, if you have participated in research or in another scholarly project please tell us about it. Describe your experience, including the question you pursued and how you approached it, your results and interpretation of the results, and most importantly, any thoughts about what this experience meant to you. Remember that the definition of research is broadly-based and can include such projects as a senior capstone or a thesis, and can include both medically and non-medically-related investigations. (3,500 characters max)
  • If you were working on a small group project and you thought that another student wasn’t carrying his/her load, how would you handle it?  (1,000 characters max)
  • (Optional)  Is there any further information that you wish to share with the Admissions Committee? This optional response will only be considered by the University Program.

Case Western Medical School Secondary Application Essay Prompts: 2015 – 2016

Case western medical school secondary application essay prompts: 2014 – 2015.

  • The Admissions Committee is interested in gaining more insight into you as a person. Please describe a significant personal challenge you have faced, one which you feel has helped to shape you as a person. Examples may include a moral or ethical dilemma, a situation of personal adversity, or a hurdle in your life that you worked hard to overcome. Please include how you got through the experience and what you learned about yourself as a result.  (3,500 characters max)
  • Please describe the hypothesis of your research, why the methods were selected to answer that hypothesis, your results and interpretation of your results with respect to future findings. If you have not participated in research or scholarly work, please indicate so in the text area below  (3,500 characters max)

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Case Western Reserve University Admission Essay Writing Guide

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Application Guide

Essay examples, how to write an outstanding motivation letter to case western reserve university.

Having been founded in 1826, Case Western Reserve is a highly rated university located in Cleveland, Ohio. The university is famous for world-class research, with many opportunities for students to thrive outside of the classroom. It has a broad range of top-rated specialty programs like its health law curriculum, which the university boasts of.

Notable alumni include former U.S Representative Dennis Kucinich and Craig Newmark, creator and namesake of the website Craigslist.

If you're applying to Case Western Reserve University and find yourself in need of a quick yet quality essay , StudyMoose offers a specialized academic writing service to assist you.

The university ranks 42nd in National Universities, 48th in Best Undergraduate Teaching, 50th in Best Value School, 70th in Most Innovative Schools, 202nd in Top Performers on Social Mobility, 45th in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs, 12th in Biomedical program, 10th in Nursing and 46th in Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects.

Its admissions are pretty competitive, with an acceptance rate of 30%, meaning for every 100 applicants, 30 are admitted. Admissions officials at Case Western Reserve University consider a student’s GPA a significant academic factor. Apart from the academic experience, the admission counselors at CWRU consider your life experiences and interests.

For graduate school and for bachelor, all applicants who apply to CWRU must submit a personal statement essay through either the Common App or Coalition App.

Does Case Western Have supplemental essay Options?

Yes, there are Case Western Supplemental essays, but only for students in the Pre-Professional Scholars Program (PPSP), an application for first-year students that differs from the university’s collaborative graduate study programs. Admission to PPSP is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 1%, thirty times below the general Case Western acceptance rate.

This low acceptance rate should not scare you; we have numerous Case Western University supplemental essay examples that will help you kick start the process of writing your own. Going through many samples will make the essays less daunting for you.

For students whose CWRU is their first choice, taking their time to write your Case Western supplemental essays and submitting their best work will help them maximize their chances of getting accepted.

Case Western Reserve University Supplemental Essay Prompts

Prompt 1: By applying to the Pre-Professional Scholars Program, you are applying to gain admission to a professional school earlier than students who apply traditionally. Please indicate why you’re interested in your chosen profession. How do you see yourself being particularly suited to this field? What events or experiences have led to your choice?

This is a 250-500 word introduction essay that lets you demonstrate why you are passionate about pursuing a career in either medicine or dentistry. Case Western supplemental essays should fully address the three questions posed in this prompt; it is; excellent for you to explain your reasons why.

Ensure you tell your story in chronological order and let your essay tell a coherent, unified story. Start by easing in into the essay and engage the admissions officials; start by sharing your a-ha moment, the moment that led to your inspiration, how you hope to make an impact and what person you hope to be in the future as a result of your success in your chosen field.

Prompt 2: Describe an event, achievement, or experience of which you are particularly proud, an accomplishment that may not garner any recognition and does not appear on your admissions application.

The second prompt of the Case Western Reverse University supplemental essay asks you to describe something you are proud of. This should be unique to you, so be as specific as you can because the admissions board is interested in knowing you and not some version of you that you are trying to create to make an impression. This may be pretty confusing as you may have mentioned your accomplishments previously in the application, so choose to go in a different direction and dwell on opportunities outside of the academic realm.

Your accomplishments don’t necessarily need to come with an award so consider the extra curriculum you are engaged in, the things you do for friends, family, and even strangers. This essay prompt gives you plenty of space to tell your story and demonstrate how you felt and why that experience means a lot to you. Show the admission officials what it meant to you at the time and what it means to you now as you get ready to begin your pre-professional studies.

Pointers for Writing your Case Western Supplemental Essay

Before starting your essay, you need to consider how well you can articulate your words; selling yourself is a priority, and doing it effortlessly and making every word count should not feel like a challenge. The following pointers will help you write a compelling application essay.

1. Brainstorm and outline your plan

Break down the prompts into individual questions and try to write down some points you are considering for the essay. Write down all thoughts, feelings, ideas, and moments in detail; the more initial thoughts you have, the more material you will have for your essay.

2. Write, edit and rewrite

Once you have brainstormed, it is time to begin the drafting process of your essay. Take your time and put down everything since this is just a draft, do not limit yourself. This is where you are free to make a few mistakes since you will have the time to review and edit for clarity and specificity.

3. Take time to reflect

Since Case Western Reserve University supplemental essays have word limits, making every word count is essential. Allow the admission officials to enjoy reading your essay since they will be reading thousands of them. As you go through your essay, go line by line and check that all sentences answer the prompt questions and that through the essay, you have brought out your identity.

Once you think you have a strong draft, ensure you did not lose track of the continuity and relevance of the essay. Engage the admission board from the beginning and finish strong.

4. Proofread

Before submitting your CWRU supplemental essay, get another set of eyes to read over it. You can ask friends, colleagues, a teacher, a professional editor, or someone who has experience with such an application process for advice and ideas. In addition to catching spelling and grammatical errors you might have missed, an outside reader can tell you how your essay looks and feels from their point of view.

You can also visit the school website and get in touch with a few students for sound advice and extra tips. You can also search for frequently asked questions about Case Western applications to see how other people answer some common questions and issues. The point is to find out as much relevant information as possible. If you find it difficult, check out our numerous free examples of entrance essays and cover letters on our site or hire our team to write you an excellent letter.

All these tips and key points will prove effective when writing your admission letter for scholarship, for internship, or for graduate school. However, your knowledge of what is expected, your personal touch, and your excellent delivery are what will matter and make your application stand out among a pile of numerous other applications.

Various Faculties at the University

  • Case School of Engineering
  • College of Arts and Sciences
  • Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing
  • Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences
  • School of Dental Medicine

For university with a student-faculty ratio of 11:1, the school has 62.9% of its classes with fewer than 20 students.

The most popular majors at CWRU are:

  • Engineering
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
  • Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services

The average freshman retention rate is 93%, which indicates student satisfaction. The university has more than 200 student organizations with the Greek system stressing a commitment to on-campus and community service, which involves about a third of students.

The core values of CWRU go far and beyond academic excellence & impact, inclusivity & diversity, integrity & transparency, and effective stewardship. With these values in mind, candidates writing their Case Western Reserve University supplemental essays should incorporate their values with those of the university.

For college applicants, your essays should demonstrate how being at CWRU will improve and enrich your life and how that transformation will help you make an impact in the world around you. We encourage you to put your best foot forward and shine through your essay.

It is also essential for masters degree applicants to have a well-written motivation letter since it will be a factor in ensuring you a place in your desired program. A motivational letter is the most personalized document for your application, and the task of writing it should not be taken lightly.

An appealing Case Western supplement essay will help you stand out in the application; this works well for scholarships applications for professor approval and makes a massive difference between being accepted or rejected.

Feel free to use our site to view samples of essays, and if you are still in doubt about your writing capabilities, you can check out one of the many online writing services where you can buy a sample at a cheap price, or you could pay for one to be written for you.

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FAQ about Case Western Reserve University

how to write case western supplemental essays

Case Western Reserve University Guide

The Ivy Scholars guide to Case Western Reserve University’s culture, admissions, and other essential information for prospective students and their families.

Location: Cleveland, Ohio

Mascot: Spartie the Spartan

Type: Private University

Population: 11,850 (5,300 undergrads)

Jump to Section:

Statistics  

Natl. Rankings  

Admissions Info

Academics  

Special Programs

Student Life  

Financial Info  

Fun Facts     

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About Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University is known for its world class research. Its myriad focuses span from technology, engineering, and science to liberal arts; encompassing a variety of programs. Founded through the merging of Case Institute of Technology and Western Reserve University to create its current form, it now contains a concentration of educational, medical, and cultural institutions.

how to write case western supplemental essays

Case Western Reserve University Statistics

Year Founded: 1826

4 Year Graduation Rate: 65%

Gender Distribution: 55% male, 45% female

Acceptance Rate: 29%

Residency: 29% in state, 52% out of state, 19% international

Location Type:  Urban

Schedule System:  Semesters

Student/Faculty Ratio: 11:1

Average Class Size:  20

Demographics: 48% Caucasian , 15% Asian , 6% Black, 5% Hispanic, 4% Other

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National rankings.

US News Rankings:

  • #39 Best Undergraduate Engineering Program
  • #40 National Universities
  • #49 Best Value Schools 
  • #57 Most Innovative Schools
  • #64 First Year Experiences

Independent Rankings:

  • #8 Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Program per Bloomberg Businessweek
  • #31 Colleges with Best Professors in America per Niche
  • #52 National Universities per The Times of Higher Education
  • #55 Best Value Colleges per The Princeton Review
  • #59 Research Universities per Forbes
  • #65 College with the Best Academics in America per Niche
  • #75 Private Colleges per Forbes

Case Western Reserve University Admissions Information

Application Deadlines:

  • Early Action/Decision I:  November 1st
  • Pre-Prof Programs : December 1st
  • Early Decision II: January 15th
  • Regular Decision: January 15th
  • Transfer Deadline (Fall): July 1st

Notification Dates:

  • ED: Mid-December
  • PP:  February 1st
  • ED II:  Within two weeks
  • RD:  May 1st
  • Transfer: Within two weeks

Acceptance Rates:

  • Transfer:  23%

Average Applicant Pool: 29,000

Average Number of Applicants Accepted: 8,400

Average Number Enrolled: 1,400

Application Systems:  Common App, Coalition App

Average GPA: 4.00 weighted

SAT Scores: 25th% – 1360, 75th% – 1480

ACT Scores: 25th% – 30, 75th% – 34

*Test mandatory. Writing sections are not required.

Demonstrated Interest:

Case Western does consider demonstrated interest.

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  • How to Demonstrate Interest

Recommendation Letter Policies: 

Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation, one from a counselor and two from teachers. The admissions team must be able to assess your academic capabilities and should therefore come from your most recent instructors in your proposed field of study. 

Case Western Reserve University Essay Prompts:

  • Common App Personal Statement (650 words)
  • Case Western Essay Writing Tips

Special Notes:

  • Students who are applying to transfer who have already applied within the last 12 months only need to complete the reapplication form .
  • Transfer students receive the same financial aid considerations as first year students, including the school’s pledge to meet all demonstrated need.
  • Students may use either the Common App or the Coalition App.
  • A recommendation from a college instructor, and a report stating you are in good standing at your current institution are required. Additional letters of recommendation are optional.
  • Intended music majors must complete the arts supplement.

Case Western Reserve University Admission Strategy

Admissions Criteria: 

A student’s class rank, GPA, test scores, course rigor, and extracurriculars are the most important parts of an application. Also considered, but of secondary importance, are recommendations, interviews, demonstrated interest, character, essay, and abilities. The school may consider legacy status, ethnicity, and first-generation status.

Case Western wants incoming students to have taken classes that demonstrate their ability to do work at the college level. Doing well in a rigorous set of courses demonstrates that a student is ready for the challenges of college coursework. High scores on exams will also show your readiness, although they cannot make up for low grades or shirking on challenging classes.

Students who are looking to pursue a major in math or the sciences should take math and science courses all four years of high school, with at least two years of lab courses for the sciences. Students who want to study liberal arts should have four years of social studies, and three years of a foreign language.

Case Western does recruit athletes, but being recruited won’t provide much of a boost to your admissions chances.

What is Case Western Looking For?

Case Western is looking for passionate and involved students. They want students who have participated deeply in extracurriculars, and activities that set students apart from the crowd are more likely to shine. Students who participate in a more popular activity will have to work harder and achieve greater heights to stand out in comparison to the crowd.

Case Western has a number of current initiatives which inform its admissions process. They are trying to improve the school’s social impact, and are looking to increase student engagement in social impact projects. They are also trying to increase entrepreneurship and startups created by students. Finally, they are undertaking diversity initiatives to increase the number of historically disenfranchised or under-represented students on campus. This is both a focus on recruitment, and on retention, alongside an overall push to increase retention rates among students. The push is strongest in the STEM fields.

Case Western is very concerned with their yield numbers, and may waitlist or outright reject students if they believe those students are using them as a safety school, and intend to go elsewhere if they are admitted. 

Finally, students who are admitted should align with the values of Case Western. This is harder to show, as there are no supplemental essays to show off in. Your main essay should not necessarily be targeted at Case, but should demonstrate your values. 

Case Western Strategy:

Case Western’s desire to keep their yield high means that demonstrating interest, and clearly showing the Case is your top choice, will aid your application. While this may not make up for weakness, it can be the deciding factor in a tie. Applying ED or ED II can help you here, as a binding commitment to attend shows keen interest. ED is a better boost to admissions chances than ED II, but both are advantageous. Interviews are also a good way to demonstrate interest, and you should complete one if possible.

Showing a willingness to improve your community, and a desire to create positive change is important, as Case Western has a renewed commitment to positive social impact, and a desire to involve their student body in that quest. An activities list with prominent volunteering activities or social initiatives will show you are the kind of student they are looking for.

The school’s search for new entrepreneurial talent can also be shown through your activities list. Business internships, self-guided projects, and entrepreneurial exploits will all help you stand out, and show that you fit within the model the school is trying to build. 

Students planning on studying art should definitely submit an optional arts supplement, in order to better showcase their talents and interests.

The school is trying to increase their retention rate overall, so demonstrating that you are capable of handling college-level courses with a high GPA and challenging course load is key. This will show the school that you are properly academically prepared to attend, and less likely to drop out. Demonstrating interest will also make them think you are less likely to transfer out, which is the other part of retention.

Case Western Academics

  • College of Arts and Sciences
  • School of Engineering
  • Weatherhead School of Management
  • Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing
  • Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences
  • It is very difficult to transfer between schools. Students may add a secondary major at another school.

Core Requirements:

  • Complete general education requirements vary by the school and degree, but all include: Physical Education (2 semesters), the Seminar Approach to General Education and Scholarship (SAGES) which will become a portfolio of all 3 seminars; the first seminar (4 credit hours; must be completed by the end of the 2nd year), 2 university seminars, departmental seminar (3 credit hours), and the Senior capstone (3-6 credits/1-2 semesters).
  • Comprehensive Degree Requirement Information

Courses of Study: 

  • 70 Majors offered
  • Double major: Available in two (or more) Arts and Sciences majors for the BA degree, or two (or more) Engineering majors for the BS in Engineering degree, or two (or more) Management majors for the BS in Management degree. Additional credit-hours may be needed to meet all requirements of the two (or more) majors. Students pursuing multiple majors within a single degree will receive one diploma corresponding to the degree earned and each major will be noted on the diploma.
  • Popular majors include Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering; General Biology/Biological Sciences; Mechanical Engineering; Computer Science; and Registered Nursing
  • 68 Minors offered
  • Course Catalog

AP Credit Policies:

  • Case Western gives credit for scores of 4 or 5 on most AP exams and scores of 6 or 7 on IB higher-level exams.
  • Comprehensive AP Credit Information

how to write case western supplemental essays

Honors Programs:

  • Honors in the Major and Departmental Awards are determined and granted by individual programs. Contact individual departments for more information
  • Dean’s Honors are determined each semester, based on GPA
  • Latin Commencement Honors are awarded at graduation based on cumulative GPA.
  • Academic Honor Societies

Research Availability:

  • 84% of undergraduates participate in research opportunities during their enrollment.

Study Abroad: 

  • Study Abroad Options

Business Options: 

  • Weatherhead School of Management applies innovation to their management with a focus on globalization. Their market based management approach keeps their students on the pulse of society and its business trends.
  • The Undergraduate Program offers six majors, seven minors, five concentrations, and five integrated Master’s programs.
  • Wolstein Society | Weatherhead Business choses seniors each year that are exceptional students to join their society. Those in the society participate in events throughout the year.

Pre-Med Options:

  • Pre-Professional Programs offer undergraduates the opportunity to students who know they want to pursue a doctorate in Medicine and or Dental as well as some other advanced degrees to start in a track that aligns with those goals. Additionally, t he PPSP grants undergraduate admission and conditional admission to Case Western Reserve’s School of Medicine or School of Dental Medicine.
  • Pre-Med certificate 
  • Pre-Health Advising

Pre-Law Options:

  • Pre-Professional Programs include pre-law.
  • Pre-Law Handbook
  • Pre-Law Advising Program
  • Case Honor Society

Computer Science Options: 

  • The Computer Science Major is offered through the school of Arts and Sciences, with many of the classes offered through the School of Engineering. There is also a BS in Data Science offered.
  • There is also a BSE in Computer Engineering offered through the School of Engineering.
  • There is a joint BS/MS in Computer Engineering and Data Science available.

Additional Specialty Programs: 

  • Combined degree programs that you can apply to after admission.
  • The 3-2 Dual Degree Program for Engineering Students allows students to take classes at one of the 50 liberal arts colleges for 3 years and then attend Case Western for two years earning an Engineering degree. 
  • Arts Scholarship Audition and Portfolio Requirements
  • Pre-Professional Programs

Programs for High Schoolers:

  • Pre-Scholars College Program is a Summer program open to advanced high school students from Ohio who want to experience college life.
  • Resources for High School Student Researchers

how to write case western supplemental essays

Student Life at Case Western

School Motto:   Light (Historical)

Mission and Values:

  • Mission : To improve people’s lives through preeminent research, education and creative endeavor.
  • Values: Academic excellence and impact, inclusiveness and diversity, integrity and transparency, and effective stewardship
  • Additional Information
  • Student Testimonials ( Niche , Unigo , Cappex )

Housing System:

5 smaller residential communities offer a unique experience at Case for First Year students. The primary goal is to provide a foundation for future success by supporting the transition from high school to college. Second year students move to a different set of dorms featuring suite-style housing in the South Residential Village. Upperclassmen may move off, or move back to North Residential Village for either suite or traditional dormitory housing.

Housing Statistics:

  • All unmarried students are required to live on campus for 2 years
  • 90% of undergraduates live in on-campus housing for the entirety of their stay

Campus & Surrounding Area :  

  • Located in a quaint neighborhood on University Circle, students can enjoy many parks, green space and places to stroll around, and there is plenty to do in the surrounding area including the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Cleveland Orchestra offers free concerts regularly.  
  • Safety Information ( Case Western, Collegefactual )

Transportation:

  • Energy and sustainability are important goals in how the university views transportation. 
  • Gohio Portal connects students with one another to carpool.
  • RTA is part of Cleveland’s extensive transportation system and students are given a year round bus pass. 
  • Extensive shuttle busses get students around campus. 
  • Carpooling , Biking , Wellness Incentives for Biking to Work, and HOPR Bikes Sharing .    
  • They even have commuting contests to motivate people to save energy.
  • Parking Information

Traditions:

  • Hudson Relays is an annual event which has run almost every year since 1910. It consists of teams divided by graduating class with team sizes ranging from 24 to 52.
  • It is a tradition that students that turn 21 receive a birthday greeting featuring the campus and a reminder to celebrate safely. They also recieve a gift certificate for two to the Michelson and Morley in the Tinkham Veale University Center.
  • Legacy Week was created to observe and showcase the history of Case Western.
  • Senior Week celebrations are an annual event.
  • Spring Student Activities Fair and Springfest happen each year where there are booths, events and music for students to enjoy and unite.
  • Thwing Study Over occurs each Fall and Spring during finals where students take a break, congregate and enjoy some chow.

Student-Run Organizations:  

  • Organization Database
  • Sample Organizations (200 clubs and over 600 groups: Archery Club , Cricket Club , Emerging Leaders Program )
  • DIII Athletics: UAA Conference (Good Men’s cross country and Women’s indoor track and field)
  • Intramural Sports
  • Club Sports  
  • Main Rival: Carnegie Mellon

Greek Life:

Nearly 50% of students participate in Greek Life . The program consists of 17 Fraternities and 10 Sororities and have been in existence for the last 175 years.

  • Not considered a “party school”, but the students do like to have fun and choose to balance their rigorous studies with socializing.
  • Cleveland has been named “America’s hottest city” and Case Western students enjoy many things such as Cleveland Museum of Natural History , concerts , and restaurants in and around Cleveland.

Financial Information

how to write case western supplemental essays

Yearly Cost of Attendance:

  • Total: $70,213
  • Tuition: $50,924
  • Room & Board: $15,614
  • Books & Supplies: $1,200
  • Other Expenses: $1900
  • Additional Financial Aid & Student Loan Information

Scholarships: 

85% of the students at Case Western receive grants which is 3% above the average given by other private educational institutions. Additionally, they meet 100% of demonstrated need for all admitted students. Finally, more that 80% of all students receive some form of financial aid.

All admitted freshman applicants are automatically considered for several scholarships, however they have several other scholarship competitions that can be applied for. Additional Aid Options include ROTC and Tuition Exchange programs.

  • Paul Tippet, founder of Craigslist is an alumnus.
  • The Adelbert Gymnasium was originally built for WWI as an armory.
  • Without alumnus Paul Buccheit, Gmail would not have been created as he was its developer.
  • 15 Nobel prizes have been awarded to graduates and faculty.
  • The atomic weight of oxygen was determined by Edward Morley in a Case Western laboratory.
  • Bill Belichick’s father played for Case Western’s football and basketball team. He also played in the NFL on the Lions. In honor of his father Bill Belichick funded Case Western’s weight room. 
  • Professor Charlie Korsmo was a pretty famous child actor and starred in movies such as Hook and What About Bob. 
  • Rich Sommer, actor on the popular TV series Mad Men, is an alumnus. 
  • The school’s first motto “Lux Et Veritas” (Light and Truth) was copied from Yale’s.

how to write case western supplemental essays

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how to write case western supplemental essays

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how to write case western supplemental essays

  • PreMed Communities
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  • MD Medical School-Specific Discussions Prior Years

2023-2024 Case Western Reserve

  • Thread starter chilly_md
  • Start date Mar 15, 2023
  • Tags case western research

Med School In Sight? Get in Or Your Money Back

Full Member

  • Mar 15, 2023

2023-2024 Case Western Reserve Secondary Essay Prompts: **If you already submitted your secondary before July 10, don't worry!** ​

Required short answer responses:​.

  • Greatest Challenge Essay: The admissions committee is interested in gaining more insight into you as a person. Please describe a significant personal challenge you have faced, one which you feel has helped to shape you as a person. Examples may include a moral or ethical dilemma, a situation of personal adversity, or a hurdle in your life that you worked hard to overcome. Please include how you got through the experience and what you learned about yourself as a result. (2,000 character limit) **Updated July 10, 2023**
  • Based on your current maturity and wisdom, reflect upon an experience from the past few years that you would handle differently today. (1,000 character limit)
  • Gap Year(s) if applicable: If you are taking time off between college graduation and medical school matriculation, please tell us why you made this decision and what you will be doing or have done during this gap time. (1,000 character limit)

Optional Responses: ​

  • Research/Scholarly Work: One of the four pillars of the Western Reserve2 Curriculum is Research and Scholarship. Although research is not a prerequisite requirement for the University Program, if you have participated in research or another scholarly project, please tell us about it. Describe your experience, including the question you pursued and how you approached it, your results and interpretation of the results, and most importantly, any thoughts about what this experience meant to you. Remember that research is broad-based and can include such projects as a senior capstone or a thesis and can include both medical and non-medically-related investigations. If you have not completed research/scholarly work, you will be able to indicate this in a radio button embedded within this response. (3,500 character limit)
  • Note that if you are applying to both the University Program and the CCLCM, the research response will default to the CCLCM required response.

CCLCM (5 yr. MD) Applicants (this is a separate program/different application than CWRU MD app) ​

Required responses: **you can use your same greatest challenge essay if you are applying to both programs** ​.

  • Greatest Challenge Essay: The admissions committee is interested in gaining more insight into you as a person. Please describe a significant personal challenge you have faced, one which you feel has helped to shape you as a person. Examples may include a moral or ethical dilemma, a situation of personal adversity, or a hurdle in your life that you worked hard to overcome. Please include how you got through the experience and what you learned about yourself as a result. ( 2,000 character limit )
  • Research Essay: Please tell us about ONE research project to which you made a significant contribution. In your essay, describe your role on the project, the hypothesis of your research and whether you contributed to hypothesis generation, why the methods were selected to answer that hypothesis, your results, and interpretation of your results with respect to future findings. In addition, please briefly share your motivation for pursuing this research project and reflect on how this experience affected your future career goals. ( 3,500 character limit )
  • Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Directed Learning: The most successful medical students at our school are generally those who are intrinsically motivated, self-directed learners. Think of a time when you had to pursue a goal without clear external direction. Describe your approach and any new knowledge, perspectives, or skills that you acquired. ( 1,000 character limit )
  • Career Essay: What does your ideal career entail fifteen years after medical school graduation? ( 1,000 character limit )
  • Gap Year(s) if applicable: If you are taking time off between college graduation and medical school matriculation, please tell us why you made this decision and what you will be doing or have done during this gap time. ( 1,000 character limit )

Optional Responses:​

  • Additional Information Response: Is there any further information that you wish to share with the Admissions Committee that may not be captured in the rest of your application? ( 2,000 character limit )

www.studentdoctor.net

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Interview Feedback

www.studentdoctor.net

madamemichaelscott

  • Jun 8, 2023

Case Western has this secondary question about research: " Research Response : One of the four pillars of the Western Reserve2 Curriculum is Research and Scholarship. Although research is not a prerequisite requirement for the University Program, if you have participated in research or another scholarly project, please tell us about it. Describe your experience, including the question you pursued and how you approached it, your results and interpretation of the results, and most importantly, any thoughts about what this experience meant to you. Remember that research is broad-based and can include such projects as a senior capstone or a thesis and can include both medical and non-medically-related investigations. If you have not completed research, please indicate that in the text box below. " I did research in multiple labs in undergrad and am in another lab in my gap year. My gap year role is the most impactful. Can I just talk about my gap year research role here or do I also have to talk a bit about my undergrad labs?  

Mr.Smile12

Admissions advisor

madamemichaelscott said: Case Western has this secondary question about research: " Research Response : One of the four pillars of the Western Reserve2 Curriculum is Research and Scholarship. Although research is not a prerequisite requirement for the University Program, if you have participated in research or another scholarly project, please tell us about it. Describe your experience, including the question you pursued and how you approached it, your results and interpretation of the results, and most importantly, any thoughts about what this experience meant to you. Remember that research is broad-based and can include such projects as a senior capstone or a thesis and can include both medical and non-medically-related investigations. If you have not completed research, please indicate that in the text box below. " I did research in multiple labs in undergrad and am in another lab in my gap year. My gap year role is the most impactful. Can I just talk about my gap year research role here or do I also have to talk a bit about my undergrad labs? Click to expand...

LizzyM

the evil queen of numbers

But if your gap year is just starting, you might be better served by starting out by stating, "I had experiences in [number] labs during undergrad and I am currently pursuing research [describe]. In each instance, I approached the experience as an opportunity to.... In my first assignment, I .... Moving to the ... lab, I explored.... My experience at [lab #3] culminated in a [presentation, grant proposal, poster, paper, whatever outcome you had]. Finally, I am using all I've learned in prior assignments to make a contribution to the ... lab at [location]. Here I am .... It looks like MadLibs but I think it works to show the breadth of experiences you've had in research which is clearly a topic of great importance to Case Western. I think you'd do a disservice to leave out the prior experiences.  

CWRU.Sman

  • Jun 13, 2023

Hello! We have revised our essay questions for the 23-24 application cycle. After conducting focus groups with some of our current first year med students, we decided to try short answer response prompts that are more targeted this year. If you'd like to get a jumpstart, you can find them here: Secondary Application Questions | MD University Program | Case Western Reserve University  

toastedbutter

toastedbutter

CWRU.Sman said: Hello! We have revised our essay questions for the 23-24 application cycle. After conducting focus groups with some of our current first year med students, we decided to try short answer response prompts that are more targeted this year. If you'd like to get a jumpstart, you can find them here: Secondary Application Questions | MD University Program | Case Western Reserve University Click to expand...

wysdoc

Plain-spoken Texan

toastedbutter said: Thanks! Do you know if/when the CCLCM prompts will also be posted? Click to expand...

For the gap year and additional info prompts, which are common to both programs, should we write two separate responses for each? Or will the CCLCM reviewers see our answers to those questions for our Case responses, and that'll be enough? Just wondering, since I plan to use the additional info prompt as a mini 'why I am interested in your program' and need to know if I should craft two separate ones, one for each program.  

toastedbutter said: For the gap year and additional info prompts, which are common to both programs, should we write two separate responses for each? Or will the CCLCM reviewers see our answers to those questions for our Case responses, and that'll be enough? Just wondering, since I plan to use the additional info prompt as a mini 'why I am interested in your program' and need to know if I should craft two separate ones, one for each program. Click to expand...
  • Jun 16, 2023
rainbowsunshine said: But what about the optional essays? What if I want one optional essay to cover something different for CCLCM vs Case? Click to expand...

Dr_Pediatrics

  • Jul 9, 2023

Does anybody know if the character limits include spaces? I haven't received the formal secondary yet.  

Dr_Pediatrics said: Does anybody know if the character limits include spaces? I haven't received the formal secondary yet. Click to expand...
  • Jul 10, 2023

In light of the recent Supreme Court decision, we have decided to change one of the essays in our secondary application and revert back to the "challenge" essay that we've used in the past. To those that have already drafted essays for the "self-directed learner," our sincere apologies. This hasn't been fun for us either. Secondary Application Questions | MD University Program | Case Western Reserve University  

PatentForamenOvale

CWRU.Sman said: In light of the recent Supreme Court decision, we have decided to change one of the essays in our secondary application and revert back to the "challenge" essay that we've used in the past. To those that have already drafted essays for the "self-directed learner," our sincere apologies. This hasn't been fun for us either. Secondary Application Questions | MD University Program | Case Western Reserve University Click to expand...
  • Jul 11, 2023
PatentForamenOvale said: Will it be the same as the “Greatest Challenge” essay for CCLCM? Like how the gap year and additional information is seen by both programs? Click to expand...
CWRU.Sman said: Yes! Click to expand...
  • Jul 12, 2023
madamemichaelscott said: Hi! When will secondaries for CW begin going out? Click to expand...

Hippo.Jr

  • Jul 14, 2023

+1 OOS Secondary Invite Received.  

Hippo.Jr said: +1 OOS Secondary Invite Received. Click to expand...
Debeney said: +1 Click to expand...
Labe said: +1 OOS Click to expand...

soundofsilence

They added back the self-directed learning prompt for CCLCM btw!  

soundofsilence said: They added back the self-directed learning prompt btw! Click to expand...

+1 OOS  

wigglyextrovert

  • Jul 15, 2023

"The most successful medical students at our school are generally those who are intrinsically motivated, self-directed learners. Think of a time when you had to pursue a goal without clear external direction. Describe your approach and any new knowledge, perspectives, or skills that you acquired." Is it okay if I write about teaching myself a sport or hobby? Or should this be more academic?  

Doja Stan said: Only for CCLCM Click to expand...

SultanateIV

SultanateIV

  • Jul 16, 2023

Can you use the same greatest challenge essay for both programs?  

adnwastaken

adnwastaken

SultanateIV said: Can you use the same greatest challenge essay for both programs? Click to expand...

YoungForever

  • Jul 17, 2023

I received emails that the application is complete but I have not submitted LORs yet. Is this normal?  

demetriusclair

2. Additional Information Response: Is there any further information that you wish to share with the Admissions Committee that may not be captured in the rest of your application? ( 2,000 character limit ) Click to expand...
demetriusclair said: If I need more space to talk about the challenge from question 1, can I use this space here? Click to expand...
Labe said: I did something like this for another school. I think it's probably fine as long as you make sure each essay works by itself standing alone. Click to expand...

For CWRU's research essay, how in depth are you guys going with the methodology of the independent studies you have conducted? They don't really ask for methodology so I'm wondering if I should talk about it. For reference, my research is in psychiatry and I don't think someone unfamiliar with my work would be able to understand it if I didn't elaborate on methodology. With 3500 characters, I feel like there's a lot of room to address what their question is asking  

longstoryshorty

longstoryshorty

demetriusclair said: For CWRU's research essay, how in depth are you guys going with the methodology of the independent studies you have conducted? They don't really ask for methodology so I'm wondering if I should talk about it. For reference, my research is in psychiatry and I don't think someone unfamiliar with my work would be able to understand it if I didn't elaborate on methodology. With 3500 characters, I feel like there's a lot of room to address what their question is asking Click to expand...
longstoryshorty said: I'm touching on my methodology for a few sentences because they give you so many characters, but kind of the bare minimum as technical details go. Mostly why we chose those methods/my role in performing them Click to expand...
demetriusclair said: Got it, thanks. I think I'm probably going to do a few sentences and just really dumb it down so its easier to read. Click to expand...

Mynameis1324

Labe said: Yeah I didn't go too technical, and instead focused on my role in data analysis, determining future directions, and experiment planning/design. Click to expand...

KatsuCurry

Hey all, MS3 in the 4-year University Program here. Now that the secondaries have gone out to most, I thought I'd stop by and say hi. I've been very happy with my decision to come here and firmly believe CWRU has one of the best communities + lifestyle of any medical school in the country. Happy to answer any questions about case med and my experience here or over pm. Also, I remember how stressful and grueling the application cycle is, so be sure to always put your mental and physical health first during this marathon!  

chilly_md said: Based on your current maturity and wisdom, reflect upon an experience from the past few years that you would handle differently today. (1,000 character limit) Click to expand...

zzzhaozhuye

zzzhaozhuye

  • Jul 18, 2023
demetriusclair said: Man this question is so hard to answer without outing myself lol Click to expand...
zzzhaozhuye said: literally been staring at this Click to expand...

sdfwr312

Got a complete email, but my LORs are not in lol.  

  • Jul 19, 2023
sdfwr312 said: Got a complete email, but my LORs are not in lol. Click to expand...
CWRU.Sman said: I'm sorry this happened. It looks like you were one of 12 applicants that received this errant message. Our developer has resolved the issue. If you want me to confirm your status, please email me: [email protected] . Click to expand...
  • Jul 20, 2023
toastedbutter said: Wish other schools also had real people from their committees hanging out on these forums, I almost wrote about how much this impacted my perception of Case on the additional info session lol. Click to expand...
CWRU.Sman said: Go ahead! Click to expand...
  • Jul 22, 2023

for the self-directed learning question would it be appropriate to write about an experience from high school? or is that too long ago and a more recent example would be stronger?  

fieryzaza said: for the self-directed learning question would it be appropriate to write about an experience from high school? or is that too long ago and a more recent example would be stronger? Click to expand...
Hippo.Jr said: that's no longer a prompt on the secondary. Look at post #13. Click to expand...
fatface01 said: it is if you're applying to the cclcm Click to expand...

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Supplement Essay

<p>For Case’s supplement, one essay mentions that only Pre-Professional Scholar applicants are required to submit it. However, Essay 2 does not mention PPS applicants. Do all applicants need to submit Essay 2?</p>

<p>yah i think so</p>

<p>I do not think that either of the essays are required. Read the instructions carefully.</p>

<p>On the Common Application supplement it says: </p>

<p>“Section III: Additional Programs. Are you applying for Pre-Professional Programs? If yes, please check the program for which you are applying, and complete the two required essays on the following pages.”</p>

<p>i got in EA, only wrote common app essay</p>

<p>yahhhh it wasn’t required but i did it lol</p>

<p>ahh alright thank you all for replying</p>

<p>i remember there was a reason i didn’t write that essay…</p>

<p>Son thought he needed to submit it but found out at regional interview it was not needed. He submitted it prior to interview and was admitted. I would say that it can’t hurt, but could help, from his experience.</p>

Undergraduate Admission

CWRU students taking an exam in a classroom

We’ve outlined our application process that will take you from start to finish in a few short steps.

Select your student type* to get started, or jump right in and start your application via the Common Application or Coalition with Scoir .

Students who applied to Case Western Reserve in the previous twelve months can submit a reapplication form and do not need to submit an application fee.

*International students should follow the same application procedures as U.S. students and also provide English translations, if applicable, for academic records and recommendations along with English language exam scores, submitted to Case Western Reserve via the testing agency. 

Review our test-optional policy

Common Application

Coalition with Scoir

Determine Your Eligibility

You should apply as a first-year student if you have not taken college courses after receiving your high school or secondary school diploma. If you've participated in post-secondary education or college courses while in high school, you still are considered a first-year student.

Majors and Minors

Areas of Study

Pre-Professional Programs

Begin Your Application

You can apply online via the Common Application or Coalition with Scoir .

Once you begin your application, add Case Western Reserve to your list of colleges.

Early Action (non-binding): Nov. 1 Early Decision I (binding): Nov. 1 Pre-Professional Scholars Program: Dec. 1 Early Decision II (binding): Jan. 15 Regular Decision: Jan. 15 Spring Semester: Nov. 15*

*Applications received after the Nov. 15 deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.

Students who applied to Case Western Reserve in the previous twelve months can submit a reapplication form and do not need to submit an application or application fee.

Reapplication form

Provide Supporting Materials

To complete your application to Case Western Reserve, submit the following materials via the Common App or Coalition with Scoir by the appropriate deadline:

Additional Materials if Applicable

  • Official high school transcript 
  • School Report
  • Counselor recommendation
  • Two teacher recommendations
  •  If the application fee will place a financial hardship on your family, choose from the list of indicators on the Common Application or Coalition Application to qualify for a fee waiver. If you received notice you were granted a fee waiver, please indicate as such on the CWRU Member Page section of the application.
  • Arts Supplement, completed via your applicant status portal
  • English translations, if applicable, for academic records and recommendations
  • English language exam score submitted to Case Western Reserve via the testing agency or students can submit self-reported scores by completing the form on their applicant portal. Enrolling students will confirm their testing with official score reports.
  • Duolingo English Test:  115
  • International English Language Testing System: 7
  • PTE Academic: 61
  • TOEFL iBT: 90 (including Home Edition and Paper Edition tests)
  • Attend a school where the language of instruction is English for two years by the time of graduation
  • Score 630 or higher on the SAT Evidence-based Reading and Writing section
  • Score 26 or higher on the ACT English
  • Early Decision Agreement form
  • If no transcript is available, provide a detailed syllabus of topics studies and books used
  • Provide at least two letters of recommendation from outside instructors or employers (in place of teacher and counselor recommendations)
  • Two additional essays, completed via the Common Application or Coalition Application
  • Interview: Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to complete an interview before the finalist stage. Applicants selected as finalists are invited to CWRU for a required on-campus interview in late March. Interviews are conducted with admission officers and faculty at the appropriate CWRU professional school.
  • Learn more about the Pre-Professional Scholars Program.

Complete Financial Aid Documents

If you plan to apply for need-based financial aid, please indicate this on the Common App or Coalition with Scoir.   If you indicate that you wish to be considered for financial aid, your application won’t be considered complete until the necessary financial aid documents are submitted.   If you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you must submit both the FAFSA and CSS Profile .

If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States but wish to be considered for financial aid, you must complete the CSS Profile .

CSS Profile: 1105 FAFSA: 003137

Submit Optional Materials

To complement your application, you are welcome—but not required—to share additional information. See our application requirements and enhancements page to consider information that may possibly strengthen your application and help us get to know you better. 

Check Your Applicant Portal

Within two weeks of applying to Case Western Reserve, you’ll receive an email inviting you to track your application status. You’ll find out how to create a login to your applicant portal, where you can see your checklist of application materials and, eventually, review your admission decision and any financial aid package that the university may offer you. 

Details regarding the arts supplement will be shared with music majors and those who indicate an intent to complete the supplement. 

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

If you have graduated from high school (or equivalent) and enrolled in college courses, regardless of whether credit was earned, you are considered a transfer student. Our admission office may, at its discretion, consider a student who meets the criteria for a transfer applicant as a first-year applicant.

What you need to know about transferring

Transfer Guides

You can apply online via the Common Application or the Coalition Application .

Fall Semester Early Plan: March 15 Fall Semester Regular Plan: July 1 Spring Semester: Nov. 15*

*Applications received after the Nov. 15 deadline will be considered on a space-available basis. 

To complete your application to Case Western Reserve, submit the following materials via the Common Application or Coalition Application by the appropriate deadline:

Additional Materials

  • Official high school transcript. This is waived for students who will have graduated from high school two years prior to their entry term at CWRU and will have earned an associates degree prior to their entry term at CWRU or completed 45 credit hours by the time of application to CWRU and will have graduated from high school two years prior to their entry term at CWRU.
  • Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
  • A recommendation from a college instructor
  • Transfer College Report, indicating you are in good standing and eligible to return to the college you most recently attended. Students can submit an Affirmation of Good Standing by completing the form on their applicant portal. Enrolling students will confirm their standing with the official College Report. If you were dismissed from another college or university, you must be eligible to return to that institution in order to be considered for admission to Case Western Reserve.
  • Arts Supplement, completed via your applicant status portal.
  • English language exam score submitted to Case Western Reserve via the testing agency.
  • Duolingo English Test:  115 International English Language Testing System: 7 PTE Academic: 61 TOEFL iBT: 90 (including Home Edition and Paper Edition tests)
  • Score 600 or higher on the old SAT Critical Reading
  • Score 33 or higher on the new SAT Reading Test

If you plan to apply for need-based financial aid, please indicate this on the Common or Coalition Application.

If you indicate that you wish to be considered for financial aid, your application won’t be considered complete until the necessary financial aid documents are submitted.

If you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you must submit both the FAFSA and CSS Profile .

Starting on April 1 with application completion to Case Western Reserve, you’ll receive an email inviting you to track your application status. You’ll find out how to create a login to your applicant portal, where you can see your checklist of application materials and, eventually, review your admission decision and any financial aid package that the university may offer you.

Case Western Reserve University's 3/2 Engineering partnerships allow you to begin your studies at one of more than 50 liberal arts colleges for three years and then pursue an engineering degree at Case Western Reserve for two years. You will enter CWRU as a third-year engineering student.    As a 3/2 Engineering student, you’ll graduate with a baccalaureate degree from your first college, along with a bachelor of engineering degree from Case Western Reserve.

Applications are to be submitted during your third year.    You should meet the following requirements to be eligible to complete your program at Case Western Reserve:

  • Have finished mathematics, science, humanities and social science courses comparable to those offered at CWRU
  • Have maintained a minimum 3.00 overall grade point average and a minimum 3.00 in mathematics and science at your liberal arts college
  • Have completed 90 semester hours, or 135 quarter hours, at the initial college

Be competitive for admission as a transfer student to Case Western Reserve

See the list of participating liberal arts institutions .

You can apply online via the Common Application or the Coalition with Scoir .

Fall Semester Early Plan: March 15 Fall Semester 3/2 Engineering: March 15 Fall Semester Regular Plan: July 1 Spring Semester: Nov. 15

To complete your application to Case Western Reserve, submit the following materials via the Common Application or the Coalition with Scoir by the appropriate deadline:

  • Official high school transcript

CWRU is test-optional. For students who choose to submit SAT or ACT scores, there are three ways you can submit them. You can report your scores on the Common or Coalition by Scoir, have your official score reports sent from the testing agency or self-report your scores on your applicant portal, which you will be given access to within two weeks of submitting your application. Enrolling students will confirm their testing with official score reports.

Our score recipient codes are:

  •  If the application fee will place a financial hardship on your family, choose from the list of indicators on the Common Application or Coalition with Scoir to qualify for a fee waiver. If you received notice you were granted a fee waiver, please indicate as such on the CWRU Member Page section of the application.
  • Transfer College Report from the Common App or Coalition with Scoir, indicating you are in good standing and eligible to return to the college you most recently attended. If you were dismissed from another college or university, you must be eligible to return to that institution in order to be considered for admission to Case Western Reserve.

Fall Semester Early Plan: March 15 Fall Semester 3/2 Engineering: March 15 Fall Semester Regular Plan: July 1 Spring Semester: Nov. 15 Regular Decision: Jan. 15

If you plan to apply for need-based financial aid, please indicate this on the application. 

CSS Profile: 1105 FAFSA: 003137

Within two weeks of applying to Case Western Reserve, you’ll receive an email inviting you to track your application status. You’ll find out how to create a login to your applicant portal, where you can see your checklist of application materials and, eventually, review your admission decision and any financial aid package that the university may offer you.

Details regarding the arts supplement will be shared with those who indicate an intent to complete the supplement.

Call or email us for general questions and information

Monday – Thursday| 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Eastern Friday | 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Eastern

216.368.4450 [email protected]

Our Mailing Address

Most application documents can be submitted electronically, but if needed, you can mail to our off-campus processing department. (Don’t worry—your materials will make it to Cleveland!)

Case Western Reserve University  Undergraduate Admission Application Receiving  P.O. Box 575  Chesterton, IN 46304

For deliveries requiring a street address:

Case Western Reserve University  c/o DataBank  1040 Wabash Ave.  Chesterton, IN 46304  

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Does Case Western have supplemental essays? I can’t find any

Online it says that Case Western has an optional question, but I searched through the common app questions and I don’t see anything

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A Guide to Crafting a Great Supplemental Essay

You’ve narrowed down your college list. You’re about to put the final touches on your application. But wait – you forgot the supplemental essay! You might be surprised to find that many schools ask for an extra, school-specific essay. It can feel like a lot to complete at once, but don’t panic, because we’ve got you covered! Check out these admission-approved tips and tricks for crafting a great supplemental essay.

  • Start early and create multiple drafts.  Hello, my fellow procrastinators, I’m talking to you! Putting off assignments until the last minute won’t work at a place like Richmond. One of the biggest mistakes that students make is not giving themselves enough time to write and edit their essays, which leads to them turning in a first draft. Starting early will give you plenty of time to write and make changes, without rushing to meet the application deadline. Most times it takes practice to perfect an essay. If the writing isn’t coming easily, scrap it and try a new angle! You might be pleasantly surprised at where it ends up.
  • Create an outline.  It can be difficult to stay on topic when there is so much you want to share in only 650 words (the word count maximum for the Richmond Question). But, for a clear and concise essay, you should pick a prompt and stick to it. This is where outlines come in handy! An outline will guide the direction of your writing. It doesn’t need to be too detailed—just jot down a couple of key points that you want to be sure to discuss. As you’re writing, check back occasionally to make sure you are staying on track. If you decide that you want to change direction, just adjust your outline and keep writing! Half the battle is just getting words on paper to start.
  • Invest equal time and effort into supplemental and application essays. Let’s talk Richmond for a moment. In addition to the application essay, the University of Richmond requires an additional Richmond Question. If you didn’t know before, now you do! (Take a look at our three new essay prompts here ). We recommend setting aside adequate time to complete both essays. There’s nothing more disappointing than a polished piece of writing in the application essay followed by a shallow submission for the Richmond Question that feels blown off. Keep in mind that this is one of the best opportunities for your admission counselor to get to know you—so be authentic and genuine and let your personality shine! It can help to think of every space in your application as a new opportunity to share a different angle of who you are. What haven’t we learned yet? Asking this question can be a great guide.
  • Show your essays to people you trust.  Don’t be afraid to allow others to read your writing. Have your parents, teachers, coaches, and even your friends take a look at your drafts. It can seem daunting to show your essay to others (especially if you decide to share a more personal story), but the extra effort you put in will pay off. When you show your essay to other people, they can catch mistakes (like spelling, punctuation, or grammar) that you might have overlooked. They can also help to ensure that what you’ve written is clear and concise. Just be sure to only take advice that feels right to you. At the end of the day, this is still your essay. A helpful guiding question you can ask your readers is simply, “Does this sound like me?”
  • Trust your gut.  The number one question that students ask admission counselors is “what essay prompt should I choose?” And to that, we say trust your gut instinct. Which prompt stood out to you the most after reading the options? Which prompt will allow you to showcase your most authentic self? Only you can decide which prompt is right for you—for a well-crafted essay that stands out, it needs to feel personal. The more excited you are about responding to a prompt, the more excited we’ll be to read what you have to say! It’s not the topic that matters. It’s how you write, and what you reveal about yourself. We promise you that enthusiasm will shine through.

IMAGES

  1. Case Western Reserve University Supplemental Essays

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  2. Western Ivey Supplementary Application Examples & Essay Prep

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  3. Case Western Reserve University Supplemental Essays

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  4. How to Write a Supplemental Essay: Best Writing Tips

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  5. HOW TO WRITE AMAZING SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAYS: A six-part course on writing

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  6. How to Write a Supplemental Essay

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VIDEO

  1. READING THE ESSAY THAT GOT ME ACCEPTED TO NORTHWESTERN

  2. HOW I GOT INTO UIUC

  3. March 2024 AS Economics Paper 2 case study solved 9708

  4. Don't write your supplemental essay just yet, and here's why

  5. The Secrets to Writing and Editing Compelling Supplemental and "Why Us" Essays

  6. Case Study report घटना अध्ययन प्रतिवेदन लेखन, TPD training or project work

COMMENTS

  1. How to Write the Case Western Essays 2023-2024

    This essay should be between 250 and 500 words in length. Pre-Professional Scholars Applicants, Prompt 1. In the college application process, you are constantly prompted for a list of your achievements, awards, and accomplishments. While this information is useful to us, we are interested in hearing more about you.

  2. Case Western Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

    Writing the Case Western University supplemental essays for 2023-2024 is an opportunity to showcase your unique personality, experiences, and aspirations to the admissions committee. The key is to select a prompt from the Common App or Coalition with Scoir that resonates most with your story. When writing your essay, focus on authenticity and ...

  3. 2 Great Case Western Reserve Essay Examples

    Essay Example 1 - Personal Statement. Essay Example 2 - Pre-Professional Scholars Program. Where to Get Your Case Western Essays Edited. Case Western Reserve is a highly-selective college in Ohio. With small class sizes and an abundance of eager applicants, it's important that your application stands out with strong essays.

  4. Case Western Reserve University Supplemental Essays

    Case Western Essay Guide Quick Facts:. The Case Western acceptance rate is 30.0% — U.S. News ranks Case Western Reserve University as a highly selective school. The Pre-Professional Scholars Program, or Case Western PPSP, acceptance rate is 1% ().If you are planning to apply to Case Western PPSP (Pre-Professional Scholars Program), you will need to write two essays.

  5. Applying to Case Western: Tips on their Supplementals?

    I'm glad you're reaching out for advice on Case Western's supplemental essays. For these essays, specificity is your best friend. Rather than giving broad statements about why you like the school or generic descriptions of your achievements, dig deep into the details. Show how your interests align with specific programs or opportunities at Case Western.

  6. Application Requirements & Enhancements

    Scholarship Audition and Portfolio Requirements. Acting. Prepare two contrasting monologues, one Shakespeare and one contemporary, not to exceed a total time of four minutes. You may also prepare 16 bars of any song, but this is not required. If possible, please present a headshot and resume at the audition. Directing.

  7. Case Western Reserve University's 2023-24 Essay Prompts

    Pre-Professional Scholars Prompt 1. In the college application process, you are constantly prompted for a list of your achievements, awards, and accomplishments. While this information is useful to us, we are interested in hearing more about you. Describe an event, achievement, or experience of which you are particularly proud but that will not ...

  8. Tips for Writing Case Western Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

    Introduction. Case Western Reserve University is renowned for its exceptional academic programs, particularly in the fields of scientific research, engineering, and the medical professions. As such, gaining admission to this prestigious institution can be highly competitive. One crucial aspect of the application process is the supplemental essays, which provide an opportunity for prospective ...

  9. How to Get into Case Western: Admission Requirements and Tips

    How Do You Write a Case Western Supplemental Essay? Writing a compelling supplemental essay for Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) can significantly enhance your application. This essay provides an opportunity to showcase your personality, aspirations, and fit with the university. To craft an effective essay, follow these steps: 1.

  10. Supplemental Essay Guide 2024-25

    Yale University 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide. What do the 2024-25 supplemental essay prompts really mean, and how should you approach them? CEA's experts are here to break them all down.

  11. Conquering the Case Western Reserve University Supplemental Essays

    Conquering the Case Western Reserve University Supplemental Essays. When applying to Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), a highly ranked and innovative research institution, there's more to consider than just the common application. As part of the process, applicants need to respond to a set of supplemental essays specific to CWRU.

  12. Are the Case Western supplemental essays different each year?

    The Case Western Reserve supplemental essay prompts can vary somewhat from year to year, but there is often consistency in the overall themes they cover. For instance, they frequently ask students to discuss their interest in a specific major or program at Case Western, their reasons for applying to the university, and their involvement in extracurricular activities.

  13. How To Stand Out on Case Western Secondaries (CWRU & CCLCM)

    Tips to Answer Case Western Secondaries. Case Western Secondaries Pre-Writing Guidance: Because the Case Western secondary changed a lot in the previous cycle, we recommend students to NOT pre-write their Case Western secondaries this year. Read our Cracking Med Secondary Essay Workbook and Examples to help you with all your secondary essays!. Case Western Secondary Application Tip #1: Answer ...

  14. Case Western Reserve University Supplemental Essay Prompts Writing

    1. Brainstorm and outline your plan. Break down the prompts into individual questions and try to write down some points you are considering for the essay. Write down all thoughts, feelings, ideas, and moments in detail; the more initial thoughts you have, the more material you will have for your essay. 2.

  15. Secondary Application Questions

    We would like to provide our applicants with the essay prompts for this year's CWRU secondary application. Throughout the week of July 15th, secondary application invitations will be emailed to CWRU applicants with a verified AMCAS application and an MCAT score of greater than or equal to 495 . Applicants are able to select which of our MD ...

  16. We look forward to reading your application

    What you write in your college essay is completely up to you—it should be about conveying who you are to the admission staff. No matter the topic, personalize it. Add a part of you into the piece, and make it genuine. Great essays are memorable to our admission committee and go a long way to making you stand out. Always remember, spelling counts!

  17. Case Western Reserve University Guide

    Case Western Reserve University Essay Prompts: Common App Personal Statement (650 words) Case Western Essay Writing Tips; Special Notes: ... This is harder to show, as there are no supplemental essays to show off in. Your main essay should not necessarily be targeted at Case, but should demonstrate your values. ...

  18. 2023-2024 Case Western Reserve

    2023-2024 Case Western Reserve Secondary Essay Prompts: **If you already submitted your secondary before July 10, don't worry!** Required Short Answer Responses: Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Directed Learning: The most successful medical students at our school are generally those who are intrinsically motivated, self-directed learners.Think of a time when you had to pursue a goal without ...

  19. Supplement Essay

    For Case's supplement, one essay mentions that only Pre-Professional Scholar applicants are required to submit it. However, Essay 2 does not mention PPS applicants. ... Case Western Reserve University. Merseyside_Reds December 16, 2006, 9:24pm 1 <p>For Case's supplement, one essay mentions that only Pre-Professional Scholar applicants are ...

  20. Learn How to Write Great Supplemental College Essays

    Supplemental essays are additional pieces of writing required by many highly-selective universities, and they can be just as revealing and important as your personal statement. Read on for how-to guides with essay examples & analysis on tackling these essays for some of the most popular colleges and universities. American University.

  21. Apply

    Undergraduate Admission Application Receiving. P.O. Box 575. Chesterton, IN 46304. For deliveries requiring a street address: Case Western Reserve University. c/o DataBank. 1040 Wabash Ave. Chesterton, IN 46304. Get step-by-step directions on how to apply to Case Western Reserve University, a leading research institution in Cleveland, Ohio.

  22. Case Western Reserve University Supplement : r/ApplyingToCollege

    Case Western Reserve University Supplement. Hey! So I'm applying to Case Western in the Early Action round and on the Common app, there are no supplements for this school. However, when I google "CWRU Essay prompt" I get a result from a website called College Vine. It gives out a prompt for a 750 words essay.

  23. Does Case Western have supplemental essays? I can't find any

    It sounds like your post is related to essays — please check the A2C Wiki Page on Essays for a list of resources related to essay topics, tips & tricks, and editing advice. tl;dr: A2C Essay Wiki. I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

  24. A Guide to Crafting a Great Supplemental Essay

    As you're writing, check back occasionally to make sure you are staying on track. If you decide that you want to change direction, just adjust your outline and keep writing! Half the battle is just getting words on paper to start. Invest equal time and effort into supplemental and application essays. Let's talk Richmond for a moment.