Hello! I cannot decide whether to apply to NU or Penn ED this Nov. I have visited NU twice, and have not ever toured Penn, but could. I initially really loved Penn, then found NU and almost had my heart set. Now, I find that I could attend either but still lean towards NU because I have been there and don’t want to commit myself (potentially) to a school across the country which I have never visited. Anyway, if anyone could give some insight of their opinions that would be great. Quick stats: white male, ACT 32, 3.992 GPA, 7 AP courses and 1 college level course for Calc III, President of NHS, chair of community service group, various other ECs with leadership positons.
@markiemarbles98 Is there any way you can visit Penn before the ED deadline?
Both are excelent schools academically so there is no substantial difference there. In terms of location and social life Penn probably has the edge but that is also highly subjective depending on what kind of environment you like. Also for recruiting Pen most prob has the edge but you can break into anything you want from NU too. There are quite a few people at Penn who transferred from NU each year but I have never heard of people leaving Penn for NU.
Penn is a bit harder to get into than Northwestern, and it gives a good advantage to ED candidates (fills over 50% if the class ED). RD at Penn is a crapshoot. So that is another thing to consider.
At the end of the day you can’t go wrong with either school so do as much research about Penn as you can ( since you are unable to vibist) and go with your gut feeling after you have as much information as possible.
I would not ED to a school I haven’t visited. If you have no certain top choice you are confident about then apply RD to both.