Hey y'all! For those who have applied to Northwestern, did you apply Early Decision or Regular Decision? Is the acceptance rate significantly different between the two? I'm trying to decide which one would be the best option for me.
Hey there! The primary difference between ED and RD is that Early Decision is binding—if you're accepted, you are obligated to attend Northwestern.
The acceptance rate for Early Decision is generally higher than for Regular Decision. In the 2022-23 admissions cycle, Northwestern's ED acceptance rate was 20%, whereas the overall acceptance rate was 7%. Keep in mind that the overall acceptance rate includes ED rates.
Applying ED can have a positive impact on your chances of getting admitted since the University knows you're committed to attending if accepted. Additionally, the applicant pool during the ED round is usually smaller, so the competition may be slightly less fierce.
However, you should only choose Early Decision if Northwestern is your absolute top choice and you're willing to attend regardless of the financial aid package offered. Since you will be committed to Northwestern if accepted, ensure you have carefully considered its fit for you academically, socially, and financially before deciding to apply ED, as you won't be able to compare financial aid offers from other schools. If you're not fully set on Northwestern or need time to weigh financial aid options, it's best to apply Regular Decision.
Good luck with your decision, and I hope this helps!
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