<p>I don't know if its just the arrogance of East Coasters. Though I'm from the East Coast, I treated Northwestern with due respect as regards what I considered it statistically. However, my guidance counselor, who was very experienced, said it was basically a safety/ "You should get in." Northwestern IS difficult to get in to, and I happen to have stats outside the average for NU, but a 30% admit rate is a 30% admit rate- ultimately, it will be easier to get into NU, slightly, than most of its peers (though not all of them). To say NU is not a match for anyone is a bit ludicrous, simply because there are people who fall well outside and above the middle 50%, and ED is a major boost. </p>
<p>All that said, I will acknowledge there is a very heavy bias against NU and its mentally challenged cousin, U Chicago as Midwestern schools on this board.</p>
<p>I think it is true that the level of students here on cc make these chance threads a absolute guess.
There is very valuable info to be learned from some very smart students, parents, and the admission counselors are amazing.</p>
<p>As as a eastcoaster, i love the midwest schools snd have encouraged D to really look closer at these great education options. NU being one of them.</p>
<p>Agree with Notsomuch.</p>
<p>There are some ridiculous posts on the chances thread, and I would no means take them seriously. I posted my transfer stats out of curiosity and some guy posted all the schools I listed as reaches, and one of those schools have an articulation agreement with my school. (Meaning that with stats lower than mine, I would still be guaranteed admission) He then said that I was doomed and I should definately consider Boise state (which was really random, since I am in CA now).</p>
<p>As for the bias against NU, just know that the school is not as brand-name as other schools. When my mom told her friend about my acceptance, she asked whether it was in Washington or Oregon, and how it compares to UC Irvine.</p>