<p>168, 3.4, Asian-American college friend from Duke is hoping to apply to Northwestern. Two years teaching in urban schools (TFA-esque) with a Master's in Education from NU.</p>
<p>1.) She scored around her peak but might be able to squeeze a couple more points out of it if she gets lucky. Should she retake in Dec.?</p>
<p>2.) She's thinking about applying ED to Northwestern, which is her top choice for personal reasons. Will that affect her chances? The school insists that it doesn't -- but any actual stories (or data) would be great.</p>
<p>3.) Does the personal reason need to get a move-on and propose? Will that help?</p>
<p>Thanks, sunada. NU is a tricky case because they place such a premium on work experience, and because my friend is willing to apply ED and has NU Law-specific ties. Was hoping that somebody who'd gone through the process at NU might be able to help me out.</p>
<p>I know NW has a mandatory interview process for early decision (and optional for otherwise). If she interviews well, that would be to her advantage. I also know Northwestern weighs LSAT more than GPA (if I find the article I read it in I will give you the link) so the 3.4 shouldn't matter as much with a solid LSAT, especially if she can push it up a point or two. I know one of the reasons I am reconsidering applying to Northwestern is their HEAVY preference for applicants with real world experience, so the teaching should help a lot. I am not really sure if they will care about her personal reason, even if they were actually married. </p>
<p>That said, I am only going through the process right now, I have not gone through it. So I am only repeating what my research has shown. I think she probably has a good chance, and if she knows Northwestern is her first choice by a long shot, I don't think early decision is a bad option. It may limit any finagling she might be able to do when it comes to securing scholarships, but the line about it not helping is what they have to say. It is impossible for an early decision applicant and a normal applicant to have exactly the same chance.</p>