Northwestern: A Pipe Dream?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Northwestern University
1

<p>Northwestern seems like it would be an amazing fit for me, if I could get in (SAT: 2240, ACT:34, lots of ECs, etc...I'm not sure what that means for my chances at NU). However, I'm afraid to apply ED because I fear that their financial aid package won't cut it. Could I ever afford an education at NU/could I get in? Help!</p>

2

<p>If you need aid then you might want to apply RD to compare financial aid packages from different schools! If you apply ED, there is a financial clause that might break the binding nature of ED BUT if you need a substantial amount of aid, maybe RD is the way to go!</p>

<p>Just my two cents!</p>

3

<p>Thanks, that kinda confirms my thoughts! Any idea what my chances of getting in on RD would be? I’d be applying to the School of Communication, if that makes any difference. Trying to figure out if I should get my hopes up at all!</p>

4

<p>I think you have a great shot KEEPING in mind the few stats you have posted!</p>

<p>I think you will get in NU via RD too so I suggest you keep your hopes high! :)</p>

5

<p>If you’re worried about an aid package, but still want to apply ED, you may want to look into the Questbridge National College Match Program.</p>

6

<p>My friend and I have the same financial situation. I applied ED and she applied RD. There was not much of a difference in the financial package. And, you can still appeal. They cut down 2K because I appeal. So they do try to help you out financially ED or RD</p>

7

<p>If you think Northwestern is your top choice, then go for ED. I applied ED despite coming from a middle-lower class family. I got in and was given more than TERRIBLE financial aid, appealed, and was given some more (although not quite enough). There is one circumstance that releases you from the Early Decision contract, which is your financial situation. I almost had to let NU go because of this. If you simply cannot afford attending the school upon ED acceptance, they will release you from the contract and allow you to attend a cheaper school.</p>

8

<p>I’m just going to say this, I love the term “pipe dream” because that basically describes my whole college application process. Every college I think about is a pipedream</p>

9

<p>“If you simply cannot afford attending the school upon ED acceptance, they will release you from the contract and allow you to attend a cheaper school.”</p>

<p>Correct. Here is the rule for Common App schools (Northwestern requires it):

</p>

<p><a href=“https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/docs/downloadforms/ED_Agreement.pdf[/url]”>https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/docs/downloadforms/ED_Agreement.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

10

<p>“not be offered an award that makes attendance possible”</p>

<p>I wonder what is meant by ‘possible’ in this context? Feasible, desirable, prudential, reasonable are different than possible. Possible casts, of course, a much greater net than those other words. Anything is possible to live with if it is amortized over a long enough period, for example.</p>

11

<p>No matter what it means, it’s the family that decides if attendance is possible.</p>

12

<p>So the ED agreement can be nixed by the family if the family thinks it would not work financially. It’s that simple?</p>

13

<p>Imagine the alternative, that a school somehow compelled attendance, and the student is later expelled when the bill can’t be paid. Why would a school want such awful publicity?</p>