Hi everyone!
I’m planning on applying to Northwestern University early decision this fall. I was wondering if I’m allowed to apply to other schools early action (NOT single-choice early action, just regular early action) at the same time, and then obviously reject/withdraw my EA applications if I’m accepted at Northwestern. I’ve looked all over NU’s website and haven’t found a clear/direct answer, so any input would be appreciated! Thanks! 
Yes, you can. Of course, if you are accepted, you simply withdraw all other applications.
It depends on the EA schools. You wouldn’t find the information on ED schools because their policy is if admitted then you need to enroll other than for financial reason. You need to check out each EA school’s policy. This is Georgetown’s policy:
In this case, if you were to apply EA to Georgetown then you wouldn’t be able to apply ED to NU.
That’s not entirely correct. EA to public universities are always allowed. However, for private universities, only MIT and Caltech offer fully unrestricted EA (technically, UChicago and CWRU also offer a version of unrestricted EA along with their ED, but their EA programs aren’t genuine). Notre Dame and Georgetown offer a restricted version of EA that’s incompatible with ED. A few ED schools also place restrictions on simultaneous EA applications, but Northwestern isn’t among them.
@1NJParent Why do you say UChicago EA is not “genuine”? My D applied EA last year and just finished up a great first year there.
^These two EA programs are primarily designed to attract applicants who wouldn’t have applied otherwise, and to dramatically increase the number of total applications. Their acceptance rates are minuscule compared to their concurrently-offered ED programs. Most of those accepted under the programs are either hooked or have some other attributes that the two schools desire but couldn’t get otherwise. Congratulations to your D. It’s a great school academically, notwithstanding its less-than-genuine EA program.
@1NJParent any idea if CWRU yield protects?
@curiousme2 Yes, it does. Make sure you demonstrate plenty of interest. Good luck!
Basically, you need to check if the EA college does not want you to apply ED anywhere else if you apply EA there. That should be on its web site.
@1NJParent Curious how UChicago’s EA program entices someone who wouldn’t have applied otherwise? My D is a white upper-middle-class public school girl from the Midwest with no hooks at all, just great stats, good ECs and some well-written essays, who demonstrated interest because she was really interested.
OP, as others have said, definitely read each school’s website carefully. There are some restrictions that some schools place on EA that other schools don’t. They aren’t all the same. Good luck with NW ED!!
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@1JNParent’s posts as stated are simply wrong. Had UChicago offered 100% unrestricted EA this time 'round, their admit rate would have been a whopping 7%. That’s what happens when your early apps jump to 15k. Math. UChicago’s EA is exactly as presented: for those who would like to compare admissions and FA packages.
OP, you will only be able to apply to one school ED, and that action will preclude some SCEA/REA applications to other privates. As advised above, read the website of each school carefully so that you understand your options. An ED application means if admitted early and the FA package works out (see below), you withdraw all outstanding apps. and decline to apply anywhere else. ED typically has a commitment date within a few weeks of notification. It’s a great way to signal your enthusiasm for a school and to get this college application stuff wrapped up quickly.
If you are deferred and are considering an ED2 app. somewhere else, then the same rules tend to apply - one ED app and you withdraw all RD applications if admitted (including any deferrals from early-round). As you are typically in the RD round elsewhere at that point, other schools tend not to place restrictions on whether you can apply to them as well.
Your best course of action is exactly what NU says: if you’ve done your research and would be thrilled to land there next fall, then ED may be for you; if concerned about costs, check the NPC (link provided on their admissions page) to better understand your financial commitment. Keep in mind that some schools are “nicer” than others about allowing an easy out of the binding commitment due to finances. My gut - based on prior posts on the NU page and the fact that they helpfully include that NPC right there with the ED explanation - tells me they expect you to be well informed about your financial obligations should you be accepted ED (ie barring a significant and unexpected change in your finances, it won’t be so easy to get out of the ED agreement if you don’t like the net COA). So make sure that you and your parents use that NPC calculator, input the correct numbers, and print out a copy of the results. You might also call or e-mail it to NU’s FA office and ask them their thoughts on how your eventual package might differ from what NPC is showing. That way everyone’s on the same page and informed to the best of their abilities before signing the binding ED agreement.
Good luck!