<p>I'm not quite in the 5% in my class.(6.3%)
my gpa would go up by 0.05
How much difference would it have made if I applied RD instead of ED, assuming i did get into 5 percentile?
ED - ultimate commitment
RD - better number (slightly)</p>
<p>Good question, free bumps</p>
<p>if it makes a big difference, most schools allow you to withdraw your ED app by December 1st and will put it in the RD pool for you. however, after December 1st, you are locked in.</p>
<p>If you apply ED and don't make it, you'll be deferred to the RD round and they'll re-consider your application. So, why not apply ED with the numbers you have now? Then if you don't make it ED, you can update your application with a higher GPA for the RD round.</p>
<p>(Although, if you don't make it ED, that 1.3% boost probably won't make a big difference RD...)</p>
<p>I feel the same way... I applied EA to my top choice but my grades aren't as strong 1st quarter as I had planned... nor are my SAT's as good as I'd hoped. I'm worried that I won't even get deferred.... Grr.</p>
<p>the thing is Northwestern doesn't defer its applicants</p>
<p>yikes... that does ratchet up the tension. it sounds like you're still a strong candidate, though. good luck!</p>
<p>I highly, highly, highly doubt it will make the slightest bit of difference.</p>
<p>You will be judged on your past 3 years of coursework; a tiny change at the end will make no appreciable difference and will probably not be given consideration.</p>