Case Western Reserve University

Date: Feb 14 2011
Major: Neuroscience/Cognitive Science (This Major's Salary over time)
I love Case. Been here almost a year, and am secure in that it was the right choice for me. I am a Computer Science and Cognitive Science double major finishing up my first year.

The EECS (Electrical Engineering and Computer Science) department at Case is friendly, helpful, and - most importantly - provides a good education with plenty of opportunities to get involved beyond your classes. I can't recommend the program enough. The students here are smart, but not snobby, and there are great facilities and a number of clubs within the department (Hacker Society, Lego Robotics Club, and more).

Case's Cognitive Science department is relatively young and small in comparison. However, I've loved all my CogSci classes so far. The professors are all involved in cutting-edge research, especially in gesture, social cognition, and cognitive linguistics. But be warned, they do not like suck-ups and will get annoyed if you bother them with nonsense. However, if you're respectful and honest they will treat you well. The department also has a student group, lounge, and hosts a number of colloquiums throughout the year, with guest speakers from other cognitive science and neuroscience departments around the country.

As far as social life goes, how much you like it really depends on what you're looking for. There are certainly people who go clubbing, drinking, and partying in frats every weekend. But a lot of Case social life revolves around clubs, common rooms (at least for freshmen), and your own group of friends. People are really friendly, and there is enough going on every weekend to ensure you don't have to leave campus at all if you don't want to ($1 movies on the quad, Spot Night concerts, various clubs, and frat parties). I haven't spent much time in downtown Cleveland - there are a few 18+ clubs and bars open late, as well as fancy restaurants, but I'd rather save my money. Cleveland also has a small but thriving rave scene, much more my forte.

Case is extremely lax in most residence hall policies. Most infractions (including drugs/alcohol) are dealt with by getting written up, which means essentially nothing. Too many write ups will get you a stern talking-to, followed by kicking you out of the housing system if you continue to act a fool (I've never heard of this happening, but that's the rule). Things freshmen have been written up for this year: alcohol, marijuana, ecstasy, throwing pumpkins off the roof, climbing onto the roof in general, defacing people's doors, refusing to shut up after quiet hours (which vary by dorm).