Upward trend GPA early decision

Fwiw, my kid was in a similar position (had a dicey Soph year, but similar numbers 3.55UW/3.68W end of Jr. Had all A/A- end of first semester Sr. year with 3 APs.) and applied ED. It was helpful that their school puts out 1st semester grades before ED deadline. But I also know some GCs or teachers writing recs can speak to an upward trend in grades in rec letters. You can also note it in your common app, I think.

But I don’t totally understand the question. If you are a 2020 grad, it’s too late for ED anything. If you are a 21 grad, how do you know your Sr. grades? Or are you on an unusual semester system?

Regardless, my anecdotal experience at this point makes me think that grade differentiation, while helpful, is not likely to be material if the rest of your application makes a strong case for why you are a good candidate for NEU’s relatively unique system. A very strong ACT/SAT seems to balance off “just ok” GPAs, if you have shown a lot of self-motivation in your education and life. Schools can (and sometimes do) ask for grades if they want confirmation of a student’s rising GPA.

My guess (and it’s just a guess) is that if NEU is really your 1st choice, it’s better to apply ED1 and let them know your grades are improving, but I really don’t know the answer.