<p>i know some people who aren't applying to NU just because the app is such a *****. i didn't mind it--the questions are borderline retarded sometimes, but i like writing and i'm glad they put emphasis on the essays, since if there's only one thing i can do, it's write essays.</p>
<p>but i agree, using the common app and making it EA would have made me feel 100x better.</p>
<p>I agree that common app would be easier, but having their own app really fits in well with NU's goals...if they were EA and common app, they would have even more of the "Northwestern is a backup after HYPMS" contingency to sift through. Yes, it does take some serious effort and consideration to apply to NU, especially early...but that's kinda the point. They don't want a cut-and-paste application...they want a real look at who you are and what you can contribute to the school.</p>