Click here to go to the NEW College Discussion Forum

I'm definitely going to apply to Northwestern, and it is either my first, second, or third choice school. So clearly, I shouldn't be applying ED. But the problem is that I feel like I have a decent possibility of being accepted ED, while I have no shot whatsoever RD.

I live way too far away to visit, but I have been before. I'm worried that I might not like the atmosphere, and that is why I'm hesitant to apply ED. I love the location, the acedemics, the size, the weather, and most everything else, except for the fact that I heard the atmosphere is like high school.

Any advice? Z-cat?

By Zcat18 (Zcat18) on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 08:08 pm: Edit

Well, I don't know about the atmosphere being like high school. My experience certainly hasn't felt that way. Sure, there are some people who self-segregate into cliques, but my feeling is that this is the exception, not the rule. I hated high school, but I've really loved my experience at NU. That's just me, though. It would probably be beneficial for you to speak with one or two other NU students to get a feel for what the atmosphere is really like (the admission office can get you in touch with people for that purpose).

As far as ED vs. RD, there is nobody who is admitted ED who has absolutely no shot whatsoever RD. Publicly, NU claims that there is no difference between ED and RD admits. From what I can gather, if you have the numbers to be admitted ED, you are also academically qualified to be admitted RD. The biggest difference between ED and RD admits is the fact that ED admits can get away with having less leadership experience and less impressive ECs than those who tend to get in RD.

If you think there's even a possibility that you will be unhappy at NU, then don't apply ED. Give yourself as many choices as possible. Certainly apply to NU and give it your best shot, but know that, the more choices you give yourself, the more likely you are to find somewhere that fits you, even if you don't get into Northwestern.

As far as visiting, simply make it known that you have visited in the past, and your level of interest won't be questioned.

Let me know if you have any other questions or concerns, and best of luck as you make this decision!

By Glamourbaby19 (Glamourbaby19) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 12:44 am: Edit

I agree with Zcat. If you are not ABSOLUTELY sure that NU is your far-and-away number 1 choice, do not apply ED. Getting out of that binding contract is a total bitch, if it is even possible at all. If you think you have a shot ED, then you probably have about the same liklihood of getting in RD. And, if money is at all an issue, do no apply ED. Anywhere. Hope that helps! Good luck!