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Case Western Medical School Acceptance Rate

Case Western Medical School Acceptance Rate

We strongly recommend that respond to “anything else?” prompts when applying for medical school. When looking back over your application, try to get a clear idea of what is missing. What strengths do you have that you haven’t quite communicated? Which experiences need to be elaborated on or discussed in a different light?

How to Get Into Case Western Medical School: The Definitive Guide (2023)

The Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) School of Medicine is the top medical school in Ohio, a regional biomedical research hub, and home to a diverse population of passionate students and knowledgeable faculty. The school offers an incredible amount of compelling dual degree programs, as well as 2 distinct MD programs.

So, what does it take to get into Case Western Medical School? We’ve organized all the key information you need to confidently apply, including admissions details and information on how to acquire medical school application consultations. Consider bookmarking this page for easy access during your application process.

Be an Informed Applicant

Only 8 out of every 100 applicants get accepted to Case Western’s School of Medicine. To stand out, we recommend taking the time to familiarize yourself with the school’s numerous medical programs, values, admissions requirements, and pedagogical focus.

This article details what is expected of you to be considered a competitive applicant. While metrics such as GPA and MCAT scores represent your academic abilities, medical school admissions committees work to understand who you are as a person, and what makes you uniquely fit for a career in medicine.

With some preparatory research, you’ll better understand what the CWRU School of Medicine looks for in a candidate, giving you a greater ability to focus your interview and secondary application responses.

This article covers:

  • Case Western Medical School Rankings and Appeal (Why CWRU Medical School?)
  • Medical Programs at CWRU School of Medicine
  • Academic Requirements (GPA, MCAT Scores, Required Coursework)
  • Case Western School of Medicine Acceptance Rate, Class Profile, and More
  • CWRU School of Medicine Tuition and Cost of Attendance
  • AMCAS Primary Application and Case Western Medical School Secondary Application
  • Case Western Secondary Application: Essay Prompts, Sample Answers, and Advice
  • Medical School Admissions Consulting
  • Voluntary Healthcare Internships Abroad

Personalized Help

Applying to medical schools is a challenging and complex process, with many moving parts. It requires exceptional organization and writing skills, steadfast focus, and extensive research. Our medical school admissions consulting gives you comprehensive guidance and expert support, personalized to fit your unique skill set and ambitions.

Why Case Western Medical School?

Located in Cleveland, Ohio near the shores of Lake Erie, Case Western’s campus is home to regional leadership in medicine, research, engineering, bioethics, and more. Case Western Reserve University Medical School is the #1 medical school and largest biomedical research institution in Ohio. The university features high marks in national medical school rankings as well.

The CWRU School of Medicine offers an incredible amount of programs for medical students, including 7 dual degree options, 2 MD programs (and an MD/PhD program), and 6 MD-level Pathway programs that feature instruction in a range of medical themes from holistic medicine to urban healthcare. Candidates look forward to the ample opportunities for mentor-led or self-directed research, specialized instruction, and hands-on clinical experience at top-ranked Cleveland hospitals.

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Rankings 2022

Case Western Reserve University ranks #42 in National Universities and #50 in Best Value Schools. The School of Medicine ranks:

  • #25 in Best Medical School: Research
  • #74 in Best Medical School: Primary Care
  • #91 in Most Diverse Medical Schools
  • #106 in Most Graduates Practicing in Medically Underserved Areas
  • #150 in Most Graduates Practicing in Primary Care Fields

MD Programs at Case Western Medical School

Here is a complete list of the MD programs currently offered at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine:

  • Doctor of Medicine (traditional MD program)
  • MD with Special Qualification in Biomedical Research
  • MD/PhD in Biomedical Research
  • MD/MA in Bioethics
  • MD/MPH (Master of Public Health)
  • MD/MS in Applied Anatomy
  • MD/MS in Biomedical Engineering
  • MD/MS in Biomedical Investigation
  • MD/MBA in Business
  • MD/MA in Anthropology

4-Year MD Program

Case Western revamped its 4-year MD curriculum in 2006 to better explore public health and the social/behavioral contexts of illness, as well as train students in the fundamentals of doctoring, clinical medicine, and the biology of disease.

Years 1 and 2 are graded on a pass/fail basis. Individual assessments are used in years 3 and 4. The learning style throughout the program is evenly split between small group learning sessions and lecture-style courses. Patient-based learning is encountered early in the curriculum and employed frequently.

Year 1 and 2: The Foundations of Medicine and Health

The social and behavioral contexts of disease and the foundations of health and medicine are the primary focus during the first 2 years of the MD program. Longitudinal themes include Bioethics, Pharmacology, Health Systems Science, and Professionalism.

Each block is followed by an assessment week.

Block 2: The Human Blueprint – Endocrinology, Reproduction, Development, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology

Block 3: Food to Fuel – Gastrointestinal, Nutrition, Energy, Metabolism, Biochemistry

Block 4: Homeostasis – Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, Renal, Cell Regulation, Pharmacology, Cell Physiology

Block 5: Host Defense and Host Response – Immunology, Microbiology, Blood, Skin, Immune System

Block 6: Cognition, Sensation, and Movement – Neurology, Mind, Musculoskeletal System, Cellular System, Neurophysiology

Block 7: Structure – A longitudinal block taught throughout years 1 and 2 and covers Anatomy, Histopathology, and Radiology

Block 8: Foundations of Clinical Medicine – Integrated throughout years 1 and 2 and includes Physical Diagnosis, Patient-Based Experiences, Seminars, Medical Communication, IPE, and Procedures

Year 3: Clinical Rotations and MD Thesis Research Project

Clinical rotations begin in year 3 and encompass 40 weeks of clinical care and integrated science learning objectives. Individual performance is assessed and graded as Honors, Commendable, Satisfactory, or Unsatisfactory.

Students have the option to complete their rotations through Traditional Clinical Care Rotations or the Cleveland Clinic Longitudinal Clerkships.

Traditional Clinical Care Rotations include:

  • 4 Core Clinical Rotations at UH Cleveland Medical Center, MetroHealth Medical Center, or the VA.
  • Acting internships and electives are available with other institutions throughout Cleveland.
  • 16-week MD Thesis Research Block
  • Core clinical rotations in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Geriatrics; OB/GYN and Pediatrics; Neurology and Psychiatry; Surgery and Emergency Medicine.

Cleveland Clinic Longitudinal Clerkships include:

  • Team-Based Care Clerkships and a Longitudinal Ambulatory Block at Cleveland Clinic
  • Acting internships and electives are available with other institutions throughout Cleveland.
  • MD thesis research can be undertaken in 4-week blocks and may continue into the 4th year.
  • Team-Based Care Clerkships in Neurology and Psychiatry; Internal Medicine and Surgery; Pediatrics and OB/GYN.
  • Longitudinal Ambulatory Block in Internal Medicine, Palliative Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Women’s Health, and Geriatrics.

The MD Thesis Research Project requires 4 months of faculty-mentored research. Students are free to explore their research interests in any area of biomedical or health sciences. Projects are due in December of the 4th year.

Year 4: Advanced Clinical and Scientific Studies

The final year of Case Western’s MD program includes:

  • Clinical, International, and/or Research Electives
  • Preparing for and completing residency applications and interviews. Capstone: Transitioning to Residency is a voluntary 2-week course designed to help students make a successful transition from medical school to residency.
  • 4-Week Acting Internships: Students must complete 1 acting internship in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, or Inpatient Family Medicine, and 1 acting internship in a specialty hospital.

Pathways Programs for MD Students

The Pathways Programs offer MD students the opportunity to explore education and experiences beyond the core MD curriculum.

The Pathway Programs include:

  • Advocacy and Public Health Pathway – Instructs students on disciplines such as biostatistics, bioethics, health systems science, and health disparities; provides interprofessional experiences with community organizations; explores the ways physicians can use their skills and knowledge to advocate for social, economic, and political change.
  • Andrew B. Kaufman World Medicine Pathway – Provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue further training and careers that address global health issues; consists of seminars, simulations, and mentor-led experiences in biomedical research, clinical care, capacity building, or global health policy; offers international electives with funding support.
  • Humanities Pathway – Investigates fundamental questions of what it means to be a human in the healthcare profession; explores the history of medicine, the arts, and social medicine; studies the relationships between patients, doctors, healthcare systems, and culture.
  • Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Wellness and Preventive Care Pathway – Teaches students the fundamentals of holistic wellness; explores nutrition, exercise, culinary, and lifestyle medicine; includes speakers, practical applications in healthy cooking, relaxation techniques, and more.
  • Dr. Edward J. and Nancy M. Mueller Health Innovation and Entrepreneurship Pathway – Focuses on solving healthcare issues through a hands-on understanding of need; includes mentorship and instruction from School of Medicine leadership; challenges students to assess and develop effective, informed solutions to critical healthcare issues.
  • Urban Health Pathway – Develops students’ approach to doctoring in urban communities; explores health policy, health advocacy, and caring for medically vulnerable populations; students participate in leadership development, community engagement, and focused clinical rotations; engage with community experts, patients, and mentors to better understand urban health concerns.

5-Year MD with Special Qualification in Biomedical Research (CCLCM)

The CWRU School of Medicine offers an MD with Special Qualification in Biomedical Research through the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine. This MD program offers students a distinct focus in medical research and the scientific method, while also providing core MD clinical experiences and doctoring skills. The program favors self-directed students with deep research experience and a passion for clinical investigation.

PhD/MD and Dual Degrees

The Case Western Reserve School of Medicine offers an MD/PhD program (MSTP) and numerous dual degree programs (7 in total). Candidates apply to each program separately.

MD/PhD in Biomedical Research (MSTP)

Students with exceptional academics and rich research experience are invited to apply to Case Western Reserve’s Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). This combined MD/PhD program takes 7-8 years to complete and trains physician-scientists to become leaders in specialized biomedical research.

MD/MA in Bioethics

Case Western Reserve boasts one of the nation’s top Bioethics Departments and offers MD students a Master’s in Bioethics degree program that can be completed in the usual 4-year MD timeline. This program gives special emphasis to the interdisciplinary nature of the field of bioethics. Students can expect to study contemporary and historic moral issues in healthcare policy-making, as well as diverse fields of inquiry such as law, philosophy, ethics, and theology.

MD/MPH (Master of Public Health)

Case Western’s MD/MPH program qualifies physicians to analyze, diagnose, and prevent public health problems at the local, state, national, and international levels. Students participate in hands-on work with nationally recognized healthcare systems and faculty-guided research. This program offers 5 concentrations: health promotion and disease prevention, population health research, health policy and management, global health, and health informatics.

MD/MS in Applied Anatomy

This program provides advanced training in the anatomical sciences. Students complete the anatomical sciences core curriculum during the first 2 years of medical school, an advanced surgical anatomy course in the 4th year, and conduct anatomy-oriented independent research project.

MD/MS in Biomedical Engineering

Case Western’s MD/MS program prepares physicians with the skills necessary to develop and deploy biomedical technology, as well as conduct technology-based translational research. The program includes graduate-level engineering courses, research, and specialized training.

MD/MS in Biomedical Investigation

The dual degree in Medicine and Biomedical Investigation trains physicians to conduct research in specific fields of interest in order to advance medical science. The core curriculum includes intensive research, seminars, scientific integrity training, and 3-6 graduate courses in the student’s chosen track. However, each track has specific course requirements. The available tracks are Biochemistry, Clinical Research (CRSP), Epidemiology, Nutrition, Pathology, Pharmacology, and Physiology & Biotechnology.

MD/MBA in Business

Case Western’s MD/MBA program offers students expanded career options upon completing medical school, such as healthcare consulting, hospital administration, family practice management, and more. This program equips physicians with the management skills necessary to take leadership roles in today’s complex healthcare system.

The Doctor of Medicine and Masters in Business Administration dual degree takes 5 years to complete.

MD/MA in Anthropology

The dual degree program in Medicine and Anthropology at Case Western trains students to conduct bio-cultural research and analyze cultural factors concerning access to healthcare around the world. Physician-anthropologists study and interpret the relationships between medicine, ecology, population, psychology, culture, disease epidemiology, and more.

Academic Requirements

In this section, we provide an overview of the basic admissions requirements published by the CWRU School of Medicine Admissions Committee.

Minimum GPA and MCAT Requirements

CWRU School of Medicine reviews academic performance in the context of the candidate’s entire application. There is no minimum GPA or MCAT score required to apply.

The average GPA of the school’s entering class was 3.78. The average MCAT score was 518. MCAT scores must be no more than 4 years old.

Case Western Medical School Letters of Recommendation

The university requires 3-5 letters of recommendation, 2 of which must be from science advisors or professors.

A Pre-Medical Committee evaluation letter that contains multiple letters may be submitted instead of the 3-5 letters of recommendation. If your school’s Pre-Medical Committee uses a single letter for its evaluation letter, you must submit 2 additional letters: 1 from a research advisor or science advisor/professor and 1 from someone of your choosing.

The 5-year MD program at CCLCM and the MSTP require an additional letter of recommendation from a research advisor to be considered for enrollment. We suggest providing a recommendation letter for medical school from a research advisor when applying to any of Case Western’s medical programs.

Any recommendation letter for medical school should be written by someone who knows you well and has worked with/instructed you in a professional and/or academic environment.

Required Coursework

Candidates must complete a baccalaureate degree from an accredited US or Canadian college or university to enroll in CWRU School of Medicine. Students with degrees from institutions outside of the US and Canada must complete 1 year of advanced science coursework at an accredited US university.

The Admissions Committee favors applicants with a record of broad and deep studies, from sciences to humanities. Successful non-science majors usually have at least 40 credit hours of science coursework and science majors typically have at least 55.

Here is the minimum coursework required by admissions, according to the University’s Admissions Requirements webpage:

  • General chemistry: 2 semesters/3 quarters with 2 semesters of lab. AP/IB credit accepted.
  • Organic chemistry: 1 semester with 1 semester of lab. AP/IB not accepted.
  • Biochemistry (must include metabolism): 1 semester course, lab not required. One quarter of biochemistry is acceptable to meet the biochemistry requirement, however, a second quarter is recommended in preparation for the MCAT and to have a solid foundation for our curriculum.
  • Writing/college English: 1 semester. This can also be fulfilled with other expository writing courses in the humanities. Science courses with extensive writing components can also fulfill this requirement. AP/IB credit not accepted.
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Additionally, the Admissions Committee recommends coursework or research experience in the following areas:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Physics
  • Genetics
  • Biostatistics

Finally, while research is not required to be considered for acceptance in the 4-year MD program, favorable applicants will at least demonstrate an interest in participating in research. However, for the 5-year MD program with CCLCM, more than 1 summer of research experience is required for consideration.

Case Western Medical School Admissions Statistics: Acceptance Rate, Class Profile, and More

Admissions statistics provide candidates with a better idea of what constitutes a competitive applicant and how selective the school is. Here’s an overview of CWRU School of Medicine’s key admissions statistics.

  • The acceptance rate at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine is 8.41%.
  • Out of 8,830 applicants, 1,303 were invited to interview, and 216 matriculated to Case Western Medical School. Here’s the breakdown by program:
  • University Program (4-year MD): 7,359 applicants, 922 interviews, and 170 matriculants.
  • CCLCM (5-year MD): 2,099 applicants, 257 interviews, and 32 matriculants.
  • MSTP: 456 applicants, 124 interviews, and 14 matriculants.

Here are some more statistics for the entering class of 2021:

  • The average cumulative GPA was 3.78, with a range of 2.50 to 4.0.
  • The average MCAT score was 518, with a range of 504 to 526
  • The average age was 24, and ages ranged from 21 to 34.
  • 22 LGBTQ students, 18 first-generation college students, and 61 non-traditional students (students over the age of 24)
  • 16% in-state, 84% out-of-state
  • Out of the 216 enrolled, 29 had graduate degrees, 37 had double majors, and 163 had honors recognitions.

Tuition and Cost of Attendance at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

The following information breaks down the estimated total cost of attending Case Western Medical School. These figures were provided by the university in 2022 and apply to the traditional MD program.

Tuition: $68,788 per year

Technology fee: $1,015 per year

Student Health Insurance: $3,192 per year

Books and Supplies: $1,200, $1,500, $500, and $500 for years 1-4 respectively.

Other estimated costs for things such as food, transportation, utilities, and housing vary from year to year. The total estimated cost of attendance is $102,919 (year 1), $101,658 (year 2), $104,085 (year 3), and $102,582 (year 4).

AMCAS Primary Application and Case Western Medical School Secondary Application

The AMCAS is your primary medical school application, which is sent to all the schools you apply to. Upon receiving your AMCAS, CWRU School of Medicine will invite you to complete its secondary application.

Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) School of Medicine

Case Western School of Medicine Secondary Application: Essay Prompts, Sample Answers, and Advice

The written components of your secondary application are often the only chances you have to communicate a well-rounded picture of your skillset, experience, and ambitions. While your AMCAS application demonstrates many of your qualifications, the secondary essay responses express who you are as a person and why you’re uniquely positioned to excel in medicine.

Your responses should show a passion for service, exceptional doctoring principles, a dedication to lifelong education, and resilience in the face of adversity. They should also demonstrate your specific interests in CWRU School of Medicine’s programs, facilities, and faculty.

Take your time writing your secondary application essays. Try not to repeat information contained in your AMCAS application, but certainly use the space to elaborate on details you feel are important to express your strength as a candidate.

Here are the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine secondary essay prompts from the latest application cycle. We’ve included sample responses, as well as advice for how to provide rich and effective answers.

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.

Please limit your response to 1 page (about 3,500 characters), and leave a blank line between paragraphs.

Relating experiences with adversity can communicate a lot about your values, how you handle stress, and what sort of person you are. Perhaps most importantly, it also demonstrates your capacity for learning from tough situations.

Your response should ideally relate to medicine and the skills necessary to become an exceptional doctor. With that said, everyone’s life is different, and what is most important here is to communicate an honest account of a meaningful experience with adversity.

When answering any essay prompt, especially one that asks for a story, take care to narratively structure your response so that it’s easy to follow.

Here’s a sample response:

During my sophomore year in college, I had the opportunity to participate in a research internship with a highly-recognized faculty member. I was to be paired with a graduate student who had been working on the project for years, tasked with organizing data in preparation for analysis.

A week before I was to begin, my brother, who was a fellow pre-med student, told me an unsettling story about the graduate student. It involved extremely inappropriate behavior during an afterschool study session.

I am a highly-principled person, and at this time I had talked to others who had been in similar situations or dealt with people who had done similar things. I had a habit of being quite forceful with my advice and morals in these matters. Now, I was confronted with dealing with the situation myself.

Although I was afraid of complicating an exciting opportunity — or worse, having to go through official inquiries and put myself and possibly others in the spotlight — I ultimately spoke to the lead researcher about my concerns. To be honest, I was so surprised by how accommodating and understanding the faculty was that I was moved to tears.

Without going into detail, I can say that I was able to participate in the research opportunity in a comfortable environment with people I trusted — and it ended up being one of the most educational experiences of my pre-med years.

I learned a lot from this experience. For one, I realized that, while my principles were in the right place, I had a habit of moralizing and lecturing, rather than focusing on supporting people in difficult dilemmas. It showed me how emotionally and professionally complicated ethical dilemmas can be, and that people in those situations require human comfort and support, not just ethical analyses.

In another sense, this experience solidified a good standard for how leadership should handle interpersonal and ethical dilemmas. The relief, comfort, and confidence I felt after speaking to faculty about my situation has become a guidepost for me when judging the leadership of myself and others.

Finally, this experience gave me insight into how easily professional and academic aspirations can be foiled by interpersonal ethical dilemmas, if not for robust systems of accountability and socially-fluent faculty. This is partly why I plan to attend the Advocacy and Public Health Pathway at CWRU School of Medicine — to learn how to use my position as a physician to advocate for others.

Essay #2 (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.

Please limit your response to 1 page (about 3,500 characters), and leave a blank line between paragraphs.

For this essay response, explain how COVID-19 disrupted your academic and career path. Focusing on how you were able to mitigate these setbacks will demonstrate resilience and resourcefulness. Of course, COVID-19 affected everyone in different ways. Be honest and, although you are free to include personal setbacks, try to focus on experiences related to school and healthcare.

Although this question is optional, you should take advantage of opportunities to share your personal history, academic achievements, and professional goals.

Essay #3 (Optional)

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

Here, simply answer the prompt by listing any relevant coursework. Details about the coursework (such as COVID-19 related challenges) should be answered in prompt #2.

Essay #4 (Optional)

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. Please limit your response to no more than 1000 characters, and leave a blank line between paragraphs.

It is very common for students to take a gap year before attending medical school. This time is often spent applying for medical school, attending enriching internships (such as IMA’s pre-med healthcare internships abroad), working, and/or traveling.

Use this space to detail:

  • Roles and responsibilities you will have in programs you plan to attend
  • What skills you intend to learn and why they are important for medical school/becoming a physician
  • How your plans strengthen your overall career/academic path
  • Specific goals and ambitions and how your plans directly relate to them

Essay #5 (4-Year MD Applicants, Optional)

(Note that if you are applying to both the University Program (4-year MD) and the CCLCM (5-year MD), the research response will default to the CCLCM required response.)

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.

Please limit your response to 1 page (about 3,500 characters), and leave a blank line between paragraphs.

Accounts of your research experience should communicate curiosity, attention to detail, and fluency with the scientific method and research processes.

Here are some things to keep in mind when describing your research experience:

  • It’s best to quickly establish an overview of the purpose of your research before getting into the details.
  • Clearly define your assigned role in the research project.
  • Explain how you approached the question your research aimed to answer, and why.
  • Talk about how the results were interpreted and your thoughts on the results.
  • Discuss how your work could prompt future research, or how future research could clarify the results.
  • Explain how the experience impacted you intellectually.

Essay #6 (4-Year MD Applicants, Optional)

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? Please limit your response to 3,500 characters.

We strongly recommend that respond to “anything else?” prompts when applying for medical school. When looking back over your application, try to get a clear idea of what is missing. What strengths do you have that you haven’t quite communicated? Which experiences need to be elaborated on or discussed in a different light?

This is also a fine space to demonstrate your skillset from other areas of work or service. Qualities such as leadership, collaboration, compassion, and other important doctoring skills aren’t wholly gained through healthcare-related experiences. Make sure to explain how these experiences relate to medicine, your ambitions, and/or your dedication to service.

Finally, if you have pre-written responses from other applications that will add to your application for Case Western, you can use them as a foundation for this response. Make sure to keep in mind CWRU’s specific medical school programs and double-check to make sure you aren’t repeating information you’ve already covered elsewhere.

CCLCM (5-Year MD) Essay Prompts

Our ultimate medical school guides focus on the 4-year MD programs offered at medical schools. However, the CCLCM program at Case Western appeals to many students wishing to focus on developing research skills without attending an 8-year MD/PhD program. For this reason, we’ve included the CCLCM essay prompts here.

While we don’t go into detail about how to respond to these essays, much of the tips from the prompts above are easy to apply to the CCLCM application questions.

1. 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, 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.

Please limit your response to 1 page (about 3,500 characters) and leave a blank line between paragraphs.

2. We all have targeted areas for improvement (TAFIs) in our personal and professional lives. Please share a current TAFI you have identified that does not include the acquisition of medical/scientific knowledge. How did you recognize this TAFI, and what steps are you taking to address? How will you measure your progress and know when you have reached your goal?

Please limit your response to 1000 characters and leave a blank line between paragraphs.

3. Please tell us about a time when you prioritized the needs of others before your own, as well as a time when you put your own needs first. For each, please explain your decision-making process and the outcome.

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Please limit your response to 2000 characters and leave a blank line between paragraphs.

4. How do you envision your career ten years after medical school graduation?

Please limit your response to 1000 characters and leave a blank line between paragraphs.

Admissions Consulting: A Powerful Asset for Medical School Applicants

Our site is full of valuable resources for medical students and applicants. Still, we always find that the most effective way to optimize the application process is to provide personalized guidance.

At International Medical Aid, we leverage the expertise of veterans in the field of medicine and education to help students just like you put their best foot forward. We help with everything from in-depth application reviews to conducting mock medical school interviews. Whether it’s detailed feedback or help developing an overall strategy, we’re here for you.

Interested in a complimentary 30-minute consultation session? Find out more here.

Voluntary Healthcare Internships Abroad

Your experience in healthcare is one of the most important aspects of your candidacy. In fact, instructive and hands-on health-related activity is all but required for nearly every medical school.

IMA’s unique and enriching voluntary healthcare internships abroad provide students with compelling stories, deep healthcare experience, and a global perspective on doctoring and medicine. Our interns go on to attend top medical universities and carry with them experiences that continue to shape their philosophy of doctoring and understanding of compassion, service, and leadership.

Good Luck!

We truly wish you the best of luck on your journey to becoming a physician, and we hope this guide serves you well. And so you know, we have many other ultimate medical school guides for you to dive into:

  • University of North Carolina Medical School
  • University of Florida Medical School
  • Emory University School of Medicine
  • Boston University School of Medicine
  • California University of Science and Medicine
  • UC San Diego Medical School
  • California Northstate University College of Medicine
  • Touro University of California
  • CHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • UC Davis School of Medicine
  • Harvard Medical School
  • UC Riverside School of Medicine
  • USC Keck School of Medicine
  • UT Southwestern Medical School
  • Long School of Medicine at UT Health San Antonio
  • University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine
  • UT Austin’s Dell Medical School
  • UTMB School of Medicine
  • McGovern Medical School at UT Health
  • Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
  • McGovern Medical School at UT Health
  • The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine
  • UNT Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • University of Houston College of Medicine
  • Texas A&M College of Medicine
  • Johns Hopkins Medical School
  • Baylor College of Medicine
  • George Washington University School of Medicine
  • Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
  • St. George’s University School of Medicine
  • Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (in Pennsylvania)
  • Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
  • Wake Forest University School of Medicine
  • Western University of Health Sciences (in California)
  • Drexel University College of Medicine
  • Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University Chicago
  • Georgetown University School of Medicine
  • Yale School of Medicine
  • Perelman School of Medicine
  • UCLA Medical School
  • NYU Medical School
  • Washington University School of Medicine
  • Brown Medical School

About IMA

International Medical Aid provides global internship opportunities for students and clinicians who are looking to broaden their horizons and experience healthcare on an international level. These program participants have the unique opportunity to shadow healthcare providers as they treat individuals who live in remote and underserved areas and who don’t have easy access to medical attention. International Medical Aid also provides medical school admissions consulting to individuals applying to medical school and PA school programs. We review primary and secondary applications, offer guidance for personal statements and essays, and conduct mock interviews to prepare you for the admissions committees that will interview you before accepting you into their programs. IMA is here to provide the tools you need to help further your career and expand your opportunities in healthcare.

How to Succeed as a Case Western Premed

Everything you need to know about the premed path at Case Western Reserve University, including Case premed requirements and the best premed extracurriculars

Case Western Medical School Acceptance Rate

Part 1: Introduction

Part 2: Case Western premed requirements

Part 3: Case Western premed extracurriculars

Part 4: Getting into medical school from Case Western

Part 1: Introduction

Located within walking distance to Lake Erie and bordered by a lush nature preserve, Case Western Reserve University is one of Cleveland’s most beautiful places.

Priding themselves on innovation and producing inventive students, Case Western has a lot to offer students interested in a hands-on learning experience. For those looking to begin their premed journey at Case, opportunities abound for clinical work and research projects, both of which will be required for med school. Plus, its proximity to some of the best medical research institutions in the U.S. means even more chances to excel ahead of medical school applications.

This small school may not be one of the most prestigious colleges you could attend, but the world-class facilities and the extra attention you’ll get is well worth the trade-off. Case has an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 62% of courses have fewer than 20 students in them.

At Case Western, you’ll be able to form relationships with professors, medical professionals, and people in leadership roles on a level that simply isn’t possible at bigger schools. Everything at Case Western is designed to help you be your best self and as a premed student, that means acing courses, the MCAT, and extracurriculars. By staying focused and taking advantage of the programs available at Case Western, you can graduate as an impressive med school candidate with an acceptance letter in hand!

Part 2: Case Western premed requirements

Planning your premed journey is absolutely essential, and as such you’ll need to know exactly which courses to take during each semester.

Case Western’s premed advising site offers valuable information for students, which we’ve gathered in the tables below. In order to apply to med school, you’ll need to complete a number of math, science, and humanities courses in addition to the requirements for your chosen major. It’s a lot to balance, but you don’t need to go it alone. Let’s begin by taking a look at the basic requirements for medical school. You’ll need to research the specific requirements for your top med school choices—since different schools may have slightly different requirements—however, these guidelines should cover most U.S. allopathic (MD) medical schools and ensure that you’re well prepared for the MCAT.

This course list isn’t very long, but the content of each promises a challenge. You’ll want to have completed most of these courses before you take the MCAT, which will mean multiple, rigorous courses every semester.

Along with med school prerequisites, you’ll also need to fulfill the requirements for your major. Your choice of major matters much less than how you perform through its requirements. Choose a major that you are honestly excited about. The best major for medical school is the one that inspires you to share knowledge and grow as a student and as a professional. It’s almost impossible to fake passion in an application, so having a major that you’re happy to talk about will put you ahead of many high-achieving applicants.

Sample Case Western premed two-year course plan

Case Western has developed a number of sample course plans based on different types of majors. Let’s take a look at their sample for biological and chemical sciences majors.

We adjusted this schedule a bit compared to the one produced by Case Western so that you can have the option of taking the MCAT as your junior year begins rather than afterwards, which is how Case Western has their sample set up.

Taking the MCAT is a huge step and deserves a large chunk of your time. If you’re going to be taking a gap year, waiting until after junior year is certainly a good option. Otherwise, you’ll want to be prepared to take the test in the fall of your junior year so that you can begin planning your medical school applications.

As you can see, being a science major does lead to a lot of overlap on the requirements side of things, but it also causes extremely heavy loads each semester. We don’t suggest taking more than two science classes during your first semester, but after that you’ll need to complete three science courses almost every semester in order to become a competitive med school applicant.

If you have an aptitude for the sciences and truly enjoy learning about them, a science major is perfect for you. However, if you’re only pursuing a science major because you think it will look good on an application, you may find yourself struggling with this kind of schedule.

At the end of the day, there are two things that matter more than anything when it comes to your premed major: completing all med school prerequisites and keeping your GPA up. The latter may be difficult to do if you’ve chosen a major because you think it’ll look good to med school admissions committees.

How to maintain a high GPA as a Case Western premed

In recent years, medical schools have begun using holistic admission processes, but this hasn’t reduced the importance of a strong GPA. A low GPA (below 3.5, generally speaking) remains one of the most common reasons students fail to be accepted to medical school, to the point that many students give up without even trying if they have a low GPA, often opting to take a gap year or gain additional degrees.

It’s important to remember that transitioning from high school to college presents its own set of challenges, regardless of whether you’re premed. Getting adjusted to a whole new world of self-sufficiency and demanding coursework is a journey all on its own. But again, it’s all about balance.

There are many strategies and resources available to you as a Case Western premed. Here are a few of the most important ones:

  • Be organized Use planners or scheduling apps to stay on top of your course, extracurriculars, and other activities. Especially important during your first year, being able to visualize your schedule will prevent you from over-burdening yourself or having to choose between events at the last minute.
  • Plan ample study time While you may have been able to study quickly and easily in high school, the same will probably not be true for your premed years. Give yourself dedicated study blocks throughout the week and, if you really do not need to study, use the time to apply to clinical experiences (like shadowing a doctor) or to study for the MCAT (which you can never do too much).
  • Utilize Case Western’s resources The Case Western premed advising office wants to support their students as much as possible, so you should take advantage of what they offer. From basic tutoring to help with the med school application process, the staff, students, and alumni at Case Western are invested in your future too.
  • Ask for help when you need it One thing that makes Case Western so special is its small average class size. Don’t take this for granted and make sure to ask questions before you find yourself struggling to maintain your grade. Most professors have open office hours and can take questions before or after class on occasion.
  • Consider taking a gap year Taking a gap year has become more popular than ever before, making it more than acceptable to medical schools. In fact, a gap year well spent can be a great boon on your application. By taking the MCAT and/or doing the bulk of your clinical experiences during a gap year, you can spread out difficult courses more, making it easier to manage your grades overall.

What’s the best premed major at Case Western?

As we discussed earlier, there isn’t a “best” major for premeds. You should aim for a premed major that allows you to complete your premed coursework while still studying something you’re interested in.

You won’t gain any advantages on your med school application through your major alone. Students often think that the science majors (biology, chemistry, or biochemistry) are the best simply because they cover information needed for studying the MCAT. However, your med school prerequisites will cover what you need to know, regardless of your major.

Your major basically doesn’t matter to anyone but you. Are you interested in the subject? Can you keep your GPA high throughout the program? Can you complete your med school requirements while pursuing this major? Are you comfortable talking and writing about the subject to adcoms?

If you’re still unsure about which major to pursue, research other elements of the major. For example, computer science was the most popular major at Case as of 2021, meaning that you’d have plenty of peers to study with and ask for help from with this major.

When should you take the MCAT?

The simple answer to this question is that the best time to take the MCAT is once you’ve mastered your prerequisite courses and feel ready to tackle the test. What does that really entail though? Preparing for the MCAT is not simply studying for another tough exam. You’ll need to plan around your courses and your med school application timeline.

If you’re jumping right into medical school after undergrad instead of taking a gap year, the fall of your junior year is the optimal time to take the MCAT. By this time, you’ll have been able to take all the necessary prerequisite courses and will have ample time to study over the summer. Taking the MCAT in the fall of your junior year also leaves enough time before med school applications are due that you can retake the exam if you don’t score in your target range.

There are a number of study resources and tutoring options available to help you prepare for the MCAT, but nothing can replace a solid foundation in the subject matter. That’s why it’s critical that you take the MCAT after you’ve studied the following subjects:

  • Biology
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Physics

We also strongly encourage you to complete introductory courses in biochemistry, psychology, and sociology in order to maximize your chances of a high score. However, if you can’t fit these subjects into your schedule, simply studying them should provide you with enough information on these subjects.

Maddie Otto
Maddie Otto

Maddie is a second-year medical student at the University of Notre Dame in Sydney and one of Level Medicine’s workshop project managers. Prior to studying medicine, she worked and studied as a musician in Melbourne. She has a background in community arts, which combined her love for both the arts and disability support. She is an advocate for intersectional gender equity, and is passionate about accessibility and inclusive practice within the healthcare system.

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