ED vs. RD Northwestern

Hi everyone! I am going to be a senior this upcoming school year, and I’m looking to apply ED to Northwestern to improve my chances of admission. However, my UW GPA is a little low (3.8); should I apply RD instead so I can boost my GPA a tiny bit, or will my current GPA suffice for ED? Also, if it matters, my weighted GPA is 4.41, which I believe is decent for Northwestern’s standards, but correct me if I’m wrong. Thanks!

“If Northwestern is your top choice, you are strongly encouraged to consider applying Early Decision. We use the same review criteria for both early and regular decision. Applicants in both cycles are very competitive. Last year we enrolled 45% of our incoming freshman class from early decision.” Honestly, it’s up to you. Keep in mind that while the pool is more competitive, they admit almost half of their class through ED. If you have all of your essays, recs, etc. completed, why not go for it.

If it is your #1 choice without a doubt, apply ED. I got in RD with a 3.7.

A 3.8 is fine ED. If anything I’d expected GPA standards to be harsher RD because with a bigger applicant pool for that round they can afford to be more picky probably canceling out any boost in GPA you could gain first semester senior year. The acceptance rate overall is way higher ED than RD by a lot so if NU is truly your top choice ED is the way to go.