<p>I think my daughter is going to apply ED. She’s visiting campus this Fall to make certain it’s her 100% certain first choice. Our guidance counselor believes she’d get in applying either ED or RD, so a big factor is whether it is best to apply RD and potentially leverage other school’s financial awards. </p>
<p>Then again, I’m not sure how much difference ED vs. RD will make for financial aid, I suspect we won’t get much either way. I was told that Northwestern does not provide merit aid, only need-based aid - which is an issue for those footing the bill (us.) Also, Northwestern doesn’t have a pre-pay/loan plan which locks in the Freshman tuition rate for all four years (as does Washington University in St. Louis, which also offers generous merit scholarships - which we know because our eldest goes there.)</p>
<p>FYI, we were told by Northwestern administrators that the chances with ED are significantly better… as it is at all schools.</p>