ED vs. RD

Does it put me at a huge disadvantage if I apply RD to northwestern vs. ED because there’s no way I can because of finances. I have ok extracurriculars (started my own club and am vice president of two others), a 4.536 weighted and 4.0 unweighted GPA, a 33 on the ACT and I think I have a pretty good essay. I’m applying for mechanical engineering

Your chance of getting in RD is just about one-fourth your chance of getting in ED. So yes, I’d say RD puts you at a huge disadvantage compared to ED.

@hchip00 I agree. For the past 4-5 years, NU has filled almost 1/2 of the incoming class through ED admissions. For RD, you are now competing against a much larger applicant pool. Either way, you still have to present yourself as a strong, well-rounded candidate for admission who can importantly demonstrate “fit” for Northwestern.