<p>I’m sorry tougis, but I disagree. A lot of colleges like having ED options so that they know exactly who really wants to go there. While the percentage of people being accepted from the ED pool is higher than that of the RD pool, the fact that you are applying RD will not hurt your chances. They only reason why that ED percentage is higher is because those ED students have already made a commitment.
oneswehail, I agree with your parents that you certainly have a shot of getting into MIT or an Ivy, but what good is an Ivy league education if you aren’t happy there? You may perform at less than your full potential because it is not the right place for you. If Northwestern is your end-all-be-all, you’ve visited, sat in on classes, talked with students who go there, and have decided that there is nowhere else you’d rather be, then push for it. Keep talking to your parents about it. Don’t scream, pout, cry, etc. just talk calmly like an adult and show them your point of view.</p>