I was hoping someone could enlighten me on the ED process, specifically at Northwestern.
If I apply ED to Northwestern, does this mean I cannot apply early action to any other schools? Or can I apply early action to other schools, but if NW accepts me then I must go there?
Research has given me mixed results. Some websites say applying ED means no EA anywhere, while others have it said it doesn’t matter/varies. Northwestern says nothing on their website about not being able to apply EA anywhere else; they just say that if accepted I must withdraw all other applications.
Northwestern ED isn’t single-choice or restrictive, so you may apply EA elsewhere. Northwestern ED is binding, though, so if you’re admitted, you must attend. Hope this helps, and good luck, @Matthew234 !
There is no such thing as Restrictive Early Decision ASFAIK-- because implicit in applying ED is the binding nature of it. Why would a school ask you to promise the same thing twice?
If I’m mistaken, please enlighten me. I’ve never heard of an additional restriction from a school offering ED
^^ Penn almost switched to a restrictive ED policy but recanted when students pushed back heavily.
As far as I know, you can apply EA (as long as it’s not a Restrictive EA like Stanford or Harvard) to anywhere as well as your ED school.
Right! Penn’s decision to restrict ED applicants came quietly this summer and people launched into it (deservedly, IMHO). They recently pulled back and have gone back to “normal” ED in response to the pushback. Good catch @yonceonhismouth .
"Why Early Decision?
If you are certain that Northwestern is where you want to enroll, we encourage you to apply under our Early Decision plan. Applicants who choose Early Decision send a strong, positive message to Northwestern. Given their high level of interest and overall academic and personal strength, Early Decision applicants experience a higher rate of admission.
As with all traditional Early Decision plans, you agree to withdraw all applications at other colleges and enroll at Northwestern if admitted. "