Hello. I am applying to Northwestern class of 2020. My top schools are University of Wisconsin Madison and Northwestern University. I really like UWM and NU a lot but I like the atmosphere a little more at UWM. However, the academics are superior at NU. I have a 4.55 weighted GPA on a 4 point scale. I am exactly in the top 15% of my class. I have scored a 35 on my ACT.
I do not know if I should apply to NU with Early Decision in order to increase my chances of getting in.
Do you think that I will need to use ED to get in?
What percent chance do you think I have to get into NU with regular decision vs. ED?
Any thoughts on this is much appreciated.
Your chances are definitely better in ED. Your stats are good enough for RD but there are no guarantees. You need a good application. As I told my student, if you like NU better, go early. You will have no trouble getting into Wisconsin with those stats.
Keep in mind, if you apply ED and you get in you are COMMITTED to attending NU.
From the NU Admissions page: “As with all traditional Early Decision plans, you agree to withdraw all applications at other colleges and enroll at Northwestern if admitted.”
With your stats, your chance of ED admission to NU is good. Are you willing to say “no” to Wisconsin at this time? If not, wait until RD. Your chances for NU are going to be a lot lower (but not impossible), but you will have kept your options open.
Are you sure that NU is affordable for your parents after fin aid? Have you run the NPC yet?
What are your goals and potential majors?
ED will give you a big bump towards acceptance (someone with good stats but no hook has a much better chance in ED than RD) but it is binding, so if accepted, you have to go.
I would say RD.
My friend, class of 2019 has slightly lowers stats that you and got accepted through RD. You don’t wanna apply early to a school that you have second thoughts about, especially Early Decision, since it is binding, and plus UW-Madison is a great option too
Wisconsin is a fine school.
NU is a great school.
I would try for NU ED.