I'm Having a hard time deciding on ED

Applying to College
1

<p>As of right now, my two top choices are UNC and Northwestern. I know they really aren't very similar at all, but they are my top choices nonetheless. I am having a hard time deciding whether or not to apply ED to Northwestern. I know I would be happy at either school, but I've been a Tarheel all my life and am having a hard time coming to terms with committing completely to another school. For some intangible reason, imagining myself at another school feels a little bit off, but at the same time I can list many more concrete reasons for wanting to go to NU. I feel like I am falling prey to what many applicants fall prey to: applying ED simply because it increases their chances, not because it is truly their absolute top choice. What do y'all think I should do?</p>

2

<p>if ur 100% sure, then dont do it. personally, i’d choose Northwestern over UNC due to jobs and higher starting salary, have you thought of that as a factor?</p>

3

<p>I always thought my kids would apply ED to get that slight edge, but neither of them did. If you don’t have a clear choice, it’s just not worth it. We found that many of our opinions changed during senior year of high school. Give yourself until May 1st.</p>

4

<p>It’s true that ED gives you an edge, but if you were accepted to both, where would you go?</p>

<p>It sounds like you’re hesitating because you’ve spent a lot of time already at one place, or $$$ because you went to visit there. It’s the guilt factor. Put aside the ‘commitment’ for now and just think which gave you best vibes. Also, read your post again. You’re really saying one is preferred. Do you see that?</p>

5

<p>Is financial aid important? You could probably attend UNC (if you’re in-state) if you got in. Could you afford NWern if their aid package was disappointing?</p>

6

<p>After reading CC, I’m not so sure ED offers much of an edge at most schools. By the time you factor out the legacies and the athletes and the “develpment” admits, how much edge is left? I guess it’s different at different schools, but I’m left trying to read between the lines.</p>