Northwestern Admits Most Early Decision Applicants Ever

Colleges and Universities A-Z Northwestern University
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<p>EVANSTON, Ill. --- Northwestern University has extended invitations to more than 1,000 students who applied under its Early Decision Program (ED) -- the largest number of students in the University’s history accepted early.</p>

<p>“While our ED applicant pools over the years have been strong, this year’s pool is exceptionally so,” said Michael Mills, associate provost for University enrollment. “It’s exciting to us that students with so much talent and potential chose to commit to Northwestern.”</p>

<p>Ninety-one percent of this year's class ranked in the top 10 percent of their high school class; more than one-third of the group had SAT scores of 1,500 or above.</p>

<p>The number of international students increased by 20 percent to 85, also the highest number for this group in Northwestern’s history. </p>

<p>Northwestern received 2,793 common applications for the Class of 2019 under its Early Decision Program -- the second highest number of ED applications in the University's history -- down slightly from last year’s record of 2,863 applicants. </p>

<p>Early decision applicants commit to enroll at the university to which they apply if they receive an offer of admission. Students admitted through Northwestern’s Early Decision Program this year will represent 49 percent of next fall’s class, which is expected to total 2,025 students.</p>

<p>Regular decision applications are due Jan. 1.</p>

<p>“The sheer number of classes and the flexibility of the curriculum across Northwestern’s three campuses offer students unparalleled classroom opportunities for defining and developing their ambitions,” added Christopher Watson, dean of admissions at Northwestern. “And Northwestern is leading the pack in the ways its curriculum is integrated with learning opportunities outside the classroom.” </p>

<p>The University’s offerings cross numerous disciplines, continents and 12 schools and programs on campuses in Evanston, Chicago and Qatar.</p>

<p>More than 60 percent of Northwestern students graduate with a double major or a major and a minor, or a major plus a certificate or various other combinations of studies -- sometimes in completely different fields.</p>

<p>“Northwestern attracts students who are both creative and analytical and provides a left-brain, right-brain type of education that provides plenty of opportunities for them to explore multiple interests,” Watson said.</p>

<p>Everything that Northwestern offers is driven by key strategic initiatives to discover creative solutions that will improve lives; to integrate student learning with experiences beyond the classroom; to be a diverse and truly inclusive community; and to engage with the world to heighten the University’s global impact.
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<p>Looks like RD will get tougher now.</p>

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<p>This is going to bring RD acceptance rates well into 2-3%</p>

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<p>I think the rates are actually 6% since they expect 50% to matriculate</p>

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<p>Really hate to see this…unfortunate for those students for whom finances are an issue. My son has the stats to most likely have been admitted ED. However, in our family, it wouldn’t be prudent for our son to commit to a school without looking at the complete financial picture for the colleges he is interested in. </p>

<p>It worries me when schools jump to such a high ED rate.</p>

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<p>Once can always withdraw from ED, should the financial needs are not met.</p>

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<p>Thanks Northwestern Dad. I realize that you can withdraw your ED application if needs aren’t met. Sounds simple but it really isn’t. In our situation (and I know many like ours) where money is an issue, we really need to compare offers. Let me give you an example: Say, by doing Northwestern’s net price calculator we determine that Northwestern is “do-able” using the amount the net price calculator comes up with. If DS applies to, and is accepted at NU at this rate we are tied into the acceptance. </p>

<p>However, we have 2 other children coming up in the ranks that will also be going to college in the next 5-6 years. If DS is an accomplished student, it just isn’t prudent to commit these $$ without him being able to compare offers from other schools. </p>

<p>I know this is a never-ending debate with people–and am okay with ED having a place in the admissions process. I just hate to see the numbers jump this high, because I truly feel that it is a disadvantage to those really need to compare before they make a decision. </p>

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<p>@bjdkin you make very valid points. I agree it is a real dilemma. The very best to your son.</p>

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<p>@bjdkin I too am in the same boat. My son is very qualified and loves Northwestern but we did not allow him to apply to any ED school because it is binding and we feel we need to compare financial packages. I wish many of these desired, highly selective schools such as NU capped their ED admissions as a lower percentage of the incoming class. </p>

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<p>Based on my experiences with my two sons, I don’t think there are big differences in financial packages among top schools except HYPS. It appears to me that Northwestern’s financial package is comparable to those of some Ivies. On the other hand, Northwestern is a bit low side compared to other schools such as Emory and JHU, which have exceptionally good packages. At least for my sons. My two cents. Good luck!</p>

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<p>Oh no. :frowning: </p>

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<p>Thanks, @NorthwesternDad for your good wishes. @LKK9699, I guess we are in the same situation!</p>

<p>It will all work out, and, I don’t begrudge anyone admission to the school. Just wish, like @LKK9699 stated that it was capped somewhere around the 30% mark.</p>

<p>@153fish–thanks for the input. Yes, we have done countless hours of research and it does seem that many of the top schools appear that they will give around the same aid. Here is our perspective: 1)DS is also considering honors programs from schools that are not necessarily on the same “tier” as NU. At many of these he is in line for fairly significant scholarships. He needs to compare the pros/cons of those choices vs. a school like NU–it just won’t be responsible for him (us) not to do this.As much as we can research beforehand, you really can’t compare until you have the actual information in hand 2) what might seem “comparable” to some people (maybe within 5k per year is comparable) might seem like a big jump to others.</p>

<p>I am only guessing, but I think that the folks that struggle with this the most are those families that are somewhere in the middle. Not wealthy enough for this to be a non-issue, and not low enough on the scale to almost assuredly have the majority of need met.</p>

<p>Again, congrats to all those that were admitted ED–we’ll see what happens in the RD round!</p>

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<p>Yes, 49% has been filled but 51% of the class is still up for grabs! Good luck to all RD applicants! </p>