Hi guys-
I have a quick question they may or may not be very relevant. I looked online on my school’s website at all of the kids who have applied to NU from my school over the past 2 years. Combined, everyone is 0/28. We are not a bad school whatsoever, and for some context we went 18/50 in the same span at Cornell. 3 kids this year were rejected with 2350+. Also, none of them applied ED. Do you think that when I apply ED (I’d be the first person in the history of my school) then they would be more inclined to accept me because I know their ED acceptance is much higher, and they haven’t taken many kids from my school, or do they just not even care about that? Thanks
It’s very unlikely that this would have any bearing whatsoever on your application. Applying ED will give you a slight leg up, but the previous success or lack thereof of students from your high school won’t impact your application positively or negatively. Good luck!
Like the jb2019 said, applying ED will help you, but your school’s record for acceptances is irrelevant. As an example, my school is a medium sized public school with about 500 kids in my graduating class. No one from the school had gotten into NU before, although we had a handful go to ivy league/UCLA/UChicago/etc, but this year, myself and 4 other students were accepted.
I was the first person in my schools history to get into NU. So I would say that those numbers mean nothing.
Don’t look to much into it. The only factors that affect your admittance are your own. At my school admittance to NU has been a downward trend each year, but this year close to twice as many people are attending than those that even got in last year.
Actually, Northwestern is one of those colleges where applying ED can make a substantial difference. I believe their admissions statistics reflect this; you should review those. Northwestern’s website states:
“Applicants who choose Early Decision send a strong, positive message to Northwestern. Given their high level of interest and overall academic and personal strength, Early Decision applicants enjoy a higher rate of admission.”
Yes. That is true. However, some students need significant aid. If accepted ED, then you are required to attend. That leaves no room discussion on financial aid.
Unfortunately, I am not in the position to make that type of commitment. Unlike others. :-S
Good point @CyclonesGrad. ED is not recommended unless you know you can afford it, or if you are so needy by anyone’s definition that NU will meet your full need. If you are in the “middle”, NU will define need according to a formula you may or may not agree with, and you will want to compare offers by applying RD.