<p>Last year’s yield was about 39% (I think 38.7% to be exact). Based on that yield (which takes into account both ED and RD matriculants), Northwestern will accept around 5,200 (including 800 ED admits) this year for an overall acceptance rate of 16%. 5,200-800=4,400 RD acceptances. 4400/29,500 RD apps=15% RD acceptance rate. </p>
<p>The acceptance rate is dropping ever year. In the coming years, the yield is expected to go up given NU’s increasing popularity and the fact that a greater percentage of the class will likely be accepted through ED. As the article states, two years ago, 28% of the class was made up of students admitted via ED. It was 33% last year. This year, it’s 40%. </p>
<p>The Dean of Admission has been sending a strong message that Admissions looks very fondly at the ED commitment. International students in particular have taken notice. It will become harder than ever to stand out in the RD pool even with excellent credentials, when those credentials might be a near-guarantee in the ED round. If you want Northwestern and you have the standard 32+ ACT, top 10%, some leadership but no “ooomph” factor, your chances are greater if you apply ED.</p>