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First-Year Applicants

Start Your Application to Case Western Reserve University as a First-Year Student

If you’re getting ready to begin college for the first time—even if you’ve already earned some credits in high school—this is where you start.

Find out what to submit, when to apply and how to present your strongest application to Case Western Reserve University as a first-year applicant. 

What We Look For

Case Western Reserve takes a holistic approach to admission, considering your academic background, interests and life experiences. There’s no minimum GPA or test score—what matters most is how you’ve challenged yourself and prepared for success. Strong applicants show intellectual curiosity, initiative and a clear sense of how they’ll contribute to the campus community.

Areas of Study
Deadlines and Requirements
Cost and Aid

First-Year Applicant Steps

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Provide supporting materials

    Submit your materials via the Common App or Coalition with Scoir by the appropriate deadline.

    • Official high school transcript
    • School Report
    • Counselor recommendation
    • Two teacher recommendations
    • $75 application fee (fee waivers available)
    • SAT or ACT scores
      • Case Western Reserve is test optional.
      • If you choose to submit your SAT or ACT scores, use codes: SAT 1105 · ACT 3244

    Additional materials if applicable

    • Music major applicants: Arts Supplement, completed via your applicant status portal
    • International students: Find out more about applying as an international student.
    • Early Decision students: The Early Decision Agreement must be signed by you, your counselor, and a parent/guardian. Complete the Early Decision Agreement form.
      • Please note: Students applying Early Decision to CWRU through the Coalition Application with SCOIR should complete the Early Decision Agreement online through their SCOIR portal.
    • Homeschooled students: If no transcript is available, provide a detailed syllabus of topics studied and books used, plus at least two letters of recommendation from outside instructors or employers
    • Pre-Professional Scholars applicants: Two additional essays via your application platform, plus a required interview in late March if selected as a finalist. Learn about the Pre-Professional Scholars Program.

  4. Complete your financial aid documents

    If you plan to apply for need-based financial aid, indicate this on the Common App or Coalition with Scoir. Your application won't be considered complete until the necessary financial aid documents are submitted.

    • U.S. citizens & permanent residents: FAFSA + CSS Profile
    • Non-U.S. residents seeking aid: CSS Profile only
    • CSS Profile code: 1105 · FAFSA code: 003137
    Find more information about cost and aid.

  5. 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. It will include instructions for creating a login to your applicant portal, where you can see your checklist of application materials and, eventually, view your admission decision letter and any financial aid offer that the university makes available.

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

Application Deadlines

Stay on track with important dates, required materials and application plans. Clear expectations make it easier to move forward with confidence.

Apply Today

View all deadlines and requirements. 

Decision OptionDate
Early ActionNovember 1
Early Decision INovember 1
Pre-Professional Scholars ProgramDecember 1
Early Decision IIJanuary 15
Regular DecisionJanuary 15
Spring EntryNovember 15
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Cleveland Scholars Program

The Cleveland Scholars Program is available to eligible Cleveland-area high school graduates who are admitted as first-year students. The four-year scholarship covers the full cost of attendance and provides a paid, mentored research or internship experience.

Learn About the Cleveland Scholars Program
Four students pose together for a photo with their backpacks slung over their shoulders.

QuestBridge Scholars Network

The QuestBridge Scholars Network (QSN) is composed of QuestBridge National College Match Finalists and their peers currently enrolled in an undergraduate program at any of our QuestBridge college partners through the Match, Regular Decision, or other admissions processes. 

Learn More About QuestBridge
Posse Scholars pose together with signs reading 'Posse' ahead of graduation.

Posse Scholars Program

The Posse Scholars Program is a national leadership scholarship run by The Posse Foundation that partners with Case Western Reserve to enroll selected students. Scholars receive a full-tuition award and join a small cohort, along with pre-college training, mentorship and ongoing support throughout their college experience.

Find More Information About the Posse Scholars Program

Contact Us

You have questions, and we have answers. Reach out to our team to get clear guidance and the information you need to move forward.

Get in Touch