<p>Recently i've heard that NU's ED pool is weaker than it's RD pool. But I thought it was always stronger? Can anyone confirm or deny this claim?</p>
<p>I don’t know whether there’s a clear and consistent answer to that question. I think the comparison, at NU or any highly competitive school, is that strong applicants that are accepted ED might or might not be admitted if they had applied RD simply because the adcom can only accept so many applicants, so that the guaranteed 1 for 1 yield on ED increases a strong applicant’s chances. If an applicant isn’t considered to be strong enough academically, s/he won’t get in either ED or RD.</p>
<p>ED is an advantage because 1) your files are the first ones to be read so you won’t be the ten thousandth applicant admissions officers have seen who’s good at X, Y, or Z (the applicants tend to look the same after a while), 2) the reading load is lighter than in RD which means they get to look more closely at you to find your redeeming qualities, and finally, 3) if you’re borderline, they are more likely to take a risk on you because they can guarantee that you will attend if admitted (thus improving its yield).</p>
<p>It’s true that ED applicants are more prepared on average because they’ve done their homework to even apply ED. They’ve finished their testing, essays, and recs by October/November. Their grades are strong so they feel they can present a strong application without their senior year 1st semester performance. In large part, this explains why the ED rate is 33% as opposed to 14.7% overall. </p>
<p>If you look at any individual’s chances, it’s to their advantage to apply ED for the reasons above. However, if you’re not competitive, you won’t get in ED or RD.</p>