Scathing Summary of Northeastern Admissions

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What it is is a school that grossly lies and manipulates stats to create an aura of exclusivity.

+1 This is the problem with Northeastern. My rising senior DS is looking at the school and likes a lot about it (the Boston location, mostly). But I've searched far and wide, and there is essentially NO information published by the school about their admissions statistics for the off-Boston start options. For example, what is the ED acceptance rate if you list N.U.in as your #1 preferred start option? Northeastern actively CONCEALS that data. All of their admissions numbers are bogus because they only represent the Boston start students.

May I suggest Boston University? It is right down the street. What did your DS think of it?

Yes, will be applying to both BU and NEU, unless we get into one ED first (not sure of the order yet).

Northeastern ED is transparent with respect to Boston. It publishes the number of applicants ED and the number of acceptances. No college will give out granular detail regarding the admission statistics of those admitted ED. Some like UChicago don't even publish the ED acceptance rate.

Since Northeastern will see that you have applied ED to Boston and if rejected, there is a very good probability of being offered the NU.in or Oakland program. They don't reveal this information but anecdotally it appears to be offered to quite a few.

ED: Boston campus:
5,404 applied
1,910 accepted
2,736 total freshman in Boston

The problem for the student applicant today is that ED applications have exploded.
2021-2022 ED applications: 1,979
2022-2023 ED applications: 2,707
2023-2024 ED applications: 3,672
2024-2025 ED applications: 3,466
2025-2026 ED applications: 5,404

[Anonymous]

Northeastern's ED applicant pool is the largest in the country outside of the Ivy and Boston University (BU gets 6,907 and only admits 2,165 ED applicants!!!)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What it is is a school that grossly lies and manipulates stats to create an aura of exclusivity.

+1 This is the problem with Northeastern. My rising senior DS is looking at the school and likes a lot about it (the Boston location, mostly). But I've searched far and wide, and there is essentially NO information published by the school about their admissions statistics for the off-Boston start options. For example, what is the ED acceptance rate if you list N.U.in as your #1 preferred start option? Northeastern actively CONCEALS that data. All of their admissions numbers are bogus because they only represent the Boston start students.

May I suggest Boston University? It is right down the street. What did your DS think of it?

Yes, will be applying to both BU and NEU, unless we get into one ED first (not sure of the order yet).

Northeastern ED is transparent with respect to Boston. It publishes the number of applicants ED and the number of acceptances. No college will give out granular detail regarding the admission statistics of those admitted ED. Some like UChicago don't even publish the ED acceptance rate.

Since Northeastern will see that you have applied ED to Boston and if rejected, there is a very good probability of being offered the NU.in or Oakland program. They don't reveal this information but anecdotally it appears to be offered to quite a few.

ED: Boston campus:
5,404 applied
1,910 accepted
2,736 total freshman in Boston

The problem for the student applicant today is that ED applications have exploded.
2021-2022 ED applications: 1,979
2022-2023 ED applications: 2,707
2023-2024 ED applications: 3,672
2024-2025 ED applications: 3,466
2025-2026 ED applications: 5,404

This is why it would be great to know the actual admissions statistics for those applying ED and selecting one of the non-Boston start options like N.U.in or London Scholars. But Northeastern keeps a tight lid on those acceptance rates. Without that information it makes it hard to use your ED shot on that option so you're left with selecting Boston start and the accompanying lower odds of acceptance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Weird take — writer is upset that they LIE because they only give the main campus numbers and so many more are accepted to other programs, but goes on to say no one wants those other programs when they apply. Well, if applicants only want the main campus, then that 5% or whatever stat isn’t a lie, is it?

+1 agree

UMD acceptance rates are for college park not eastern shore or Baltimore or DC or China or wherever else they have a satellite campus

Different circumstance. Eastern Shore and UMBC are part of the state system, but they are separate degree granting institutions with their own stats.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What it is is a school that grossly lies and manipulates stats to create an aura of exclusivity.

+1 This is the problem with Northeastern. My rising senior DS is looking at the school and likes a lot about it (the Boston location, mostly). But I've searched far and wide, and there is essentially NO information published by the school about their admissions statistics for the off-Boston start options. For example, what is the ED acceptance rate if you list N.U.in as your #1 preferred start option? Northeastern actively CONCEALS that data. All of their admissions numbers are bogus because they only represent the Boston start students.

May I suggest Boston University? It is right down the street. What did your DS think of it?

Yes, will be applying to both BU and NEU, unless we get into one ED first (not sure of the order yet).

Northeastern ED is transparent with respect to Boston. It publishes the number of applicants ED and the number of acceptances. No college will give out granular detail regarding the admission statistics of those admitted ED. Some like UChicago don't even publish the ED acceptance rate.

Since Northeastern will see that you have applied ED to Boston and if rejected, there is a very good probability of being offered the NU.in or Oakland program. They don't reveal this information but anecdotally it appears to be offered to quite a few.

ED: Boston campus:
5,404 applied
1,910 accepted
2,736 total freshman in Boston

The problem for the student applicant today is that ED applications have exploded.
2021-2022 ED applications: 1,979
2022-2023 ED applications: 2,707
2023-2024 ED applications: 3,672
2024-2025 ED applications: 3,466
2025-2026 ED applications: 5,404

This is why it would be great to know the actual admissions statistics for those applying ED and selecting one of the non-Boston start options like N.U.in or London Scholars. But Northeastern keeps a tight lid on those acceptance rates. Without that information it makes it hard to use your ED shot on that option so you're left with selecting Boston start and the accompanying lower odds of acceptance.

No one divulges their alternative start programs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What it is is a school that grossly lies and manipulates stats to create an aura of exclusivity.

+1 This is the problem with Northeastern. My rising senior DS is looking at the school and likes a lot about it (the Boston location, mostly). But I've searched far and wide, and there is essentially NO information published by the school about their admissions statistics for the off-Boston start options. For example, what is the ED acceptance rate if you list N.U.in as your #1 preferred start option? Northeastern actively CONCEALS that data. All of their admissions numbers are bogus because they only represent the Boston start students.

May I suggest Boston University? It is right down the street. What did your DS think of it?

Yes, will be applying to both BU and NEU, unless we get into one ED first (not sure of the order yet).

My DS toured both, and much preferred BU, as they are very different. BU is a more traditional university, arts and sciences, that sort of thing, NEU has the Coop program, wth a more STEM, nerdier vibe. Perhaps, your DS already knows this, but, if not, definitely worth touring the schools. We did BU in the morning and NEU in the afternoon, which enabled us to immediatelh compare them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What it is is a school that grossly lies and manipulates stats to create an aura of exclusivity.

+1 This is the problem with Northeastern. My rising senior DS is looking at the school and likes a lot about it (the Boston location, mostly). But I've searched far and wide, and there is essentially NO information published by the school about their admissions statistics for the off-Boston start options. For example, what is the ED acceptance rate if you list N.U.in as your #1 preferred start option? Northeastern actively CONCEALS that data. All of their admissions numbers are bogus because they only represent the Boston start students.

May I suggest Boston University? It is right down the street. What did your DS think of it?

Yes, will be applying to both BU and NEU, unless we get into one ED first (not sure of the order yet).

Northeastern ED is transparent with respect to Boston. It publishes the number of applicants ED and the number of acceptances. No college will give out granular detail regarding the admission statistics of those admitted ED. Some like UChicago don't even publish the ED acceptance rate.

Since Northeastern will see that you have applied ED to Boston and if rejected, there is a very good probability of being offered the NU.in or Oakland program. They don't reveal this information but anecdotally it appears to be offered to quite a few.

ED: Boston campus:
5,404 applied
1,910 accepted
2,736 total freshman in Boston

The problem for the student applicant today is that ED applications have exploded.
2021-2022 ED applications: 1,979
2022-2023 ED applications: 2,707
2023-2024 ED applications: 3,672
2024-2025 ED applications: 3,466
2025-2026 ED applications: 5,404

This is why it would be great to know the actual admissions statistics for those applying ED and selecting one of the non-Boston start options like N.U.in or London Scholars. But Northeastern keeps a tight lid on those acceptance rates. Without that information it makes it hard to use your ED shot on that option so you're left with selecting Boston start and the accompanying lower odds of acceptance.

No one divulges their alternative start programs.

But almost no one else but NEU allows you to ED directly to the “alternative” start program. For example, if you ED to Tulane, you might get offered Spring admission with a fall option in Europe. But the ED admission is not binding because you didn’t get fall start on main campus. And you can’t ED directly for Spring admission, that’s not an option. NEU is different. You specify in the application your first choice campus, e.g. Boston main, N.U.in overseas, or London Scholars, and if you get that ED, it’s binding. So the Tulane (and most other) alternate start programs are not binding if offered ED, whereas NEU’s can be if you selected it. Yet, they’re not divulging any admission stats for these options.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What it is is a school that grossly lies and manipulates stats to create an aura of exclusivity.

+1 This is the problem with Northeastern. My rising senior DS is looking at the school and likes a lot about it (the Boston location, mostly). But I've searched far and wide, and there is essentially NO information published by the school about their admissions statistics for the off-Boston start options. For example, what is the ED acceptance rate if you list N.U.in as your #1 preferred start option? Northeastern actively CONCEALS that data. All of their admissions numbers are bogus because they only represent the Boston start students.

May I suggest Boston University? It is right down the street. What did your DS think of it?

Yes, will be applying to both BU and NEU, unless we get into one ED first (not sure of the order yet).

Northeastern ED is transparent with respect to Boston. It publishes the number of applicants ED and the number of acceptances. No college will give out granular detail regarding the admission statistics of those admitted ED. Some like UChicago don't even publish the ED acceptance rate.

Since Northeastern will see that you have applied ED to Boston and if rejected, there is a very good probability of being offered the NU.in or Oakland program. They don't reveal this information but anecdotally it appears to be offered to quite a few.

ED: Boston campus:
5,404 applied
1,910 accepted
2,736 total freshman in Boston

The problem for the student applicant today is that ED applications have exploded.
2021-2022 ED applications: 1,979
2022-2023 ED applications: 2,707
2023-2024 ED applications: 3,672
2024-2025 ED applications: 3,466
2025-2026 ED applications: 5,404

This is why it would be great to know the actual admissions statistics for those applying ED and selecting one of the non-Boston start options like N.U.in or London Scholars. But Northeastern keeps a tight lid on those acceptance rates. Without that information it makes it hard to use your ED shot on that option so you're left with selecting Boston start and the accompanying lower odds of acceptance.

No one divulges their alternative start programs.

But almost no one else but NEU allows you to ED directly to the “alternative” start program. For example, if you ED to Tulane, you might get offered Spring admission with a fall option in Europe. But the ED admission is not binding because you didn’t get fall start on main campus. And you can’t ED directly for Spring admission, that’s not an option. NEU is different. You specify in the application your first choice campus, e.g. Boston main, N.U.in overseas, or London Scholars, and if you get that ED, it’s binding. So the Tulane (and most other) alternate start programs are not binding if offered ED, whereas NEU’s can be if you selected it. Yet, they’re not divulging any admission stats for these options.

Sounds like you have a wrong information. ED is binding only for Boston. If you applied ED, and offered an alternate start program, then it's not binding. You have choices.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What it is is a school that grossly lies and manipulates stats to create an aura of exclusivity.

+1 This is the problem with Northeastern. My rising senior DS is looking at the school and likes a lot about it (the Boston location, mostly). But I've searched far and wide, and there is essentially NO information published by the school about their admissions statistics for the off-Boston start options. For example, what is the ED acceptance rate if you list N.U.in as your #1 preferred start option? Northeastern actively CONCEALS that data. All of their admissions numbers are bogus because they only represent the Boston start students.

May I suggest Boston University? It is right down the street. What did your DS think of it?

Yes, will be applying to both BU and NEU, unless we get into one ED first (not sure of the order yet).

Northeastern ED is transparent with respect to Boston. It publishes the number of applicants ED and the number of acceptances. No college will give out granular detail regarding the admission statistics of those admitted ED. Some like UChicago don't even publish the ED acceptance rate.

Since Northeastern will see that you have applied ED to Boston and if rejected, there is a very good probability of being offered the NU.in or Oakland program. They don't reveal this information but anecdotally it appears to be offered to quite a few.

ED: Boston campus:
5,404 applied
1,910 accepted
2,736 total freshman in Boston

The problem for the student applicant today is that ED applications have exploded.
2021-2022 ED applications: 1,979
2022-2023 ED applications: 2,707
2023-2024 ED applications: 3,672
2024-2025 ED applications: 3,466
2025-2026 ED applications: 5,404

This is why it would be great to know the actual admissions statistics for those applying ED and selecting one of the non-Boston start options like N.U.in or London Scholars. But Northeastern keeps a tight lid on those acceptance rates. Without that information it makes it hard to use your ED shot on that option so you're left with selecting Boston start and the accompanying lower odds of acceptance.

No one divulges their alternative start programs.

But almost no one else but NEU allows you to ED directly to the “alternative” start program. For example, if you ED to Tulane, you might get offered Spring admission with a fall option in Europe. But the ED admission is not binding because you didn’t get fall start on main campus. And you can’t ED directly for Spring admission, that’s not an option. NEU is different. You specify in the application your first choice campus, e.g. Boston main, N.U.in overseas, or London Scholars, and if you get that ED, it’s binding. So the Tulane (and most other) alternate start programs are not binding if offered ED, whereas NEU’s can be if you selected it. Yet, they’re not divulging any admission stats for these options.

Sounds like you have a wrong information. ED is binding only for Boston. If you applied ED, and offered an alternate start program, then it's not binding. You have choices.

You’re wrong. “Early Decision (ED) applicants will be bound to their top preference if admitted into that program.” https://admissions.northeastern.edu/application-information/admissions-deadlines-decisions/

So if you select N.U.in or Oakland or London Scholars as your preferred program on your ED application and get in, you’re bound.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What it is is a school that grossly lies and manipulates stats to create an aura of exclusivity.

+1 This is the problem with Northeastern. My rising senior DS is looking at the school and likes a lot about it (the Boston location, mostly). But I've searched far and wide, and there is essentially NO information published by the school about their admissions statistics for the off-Boston start options. For example, what is the ED acceptance rate if you list N.U.in as your #1 preferred start option? Northeastern actively CONCEALS that data. All of their admissions numbers are bogus because they only represent the Boston start students.

May I suggest Boston University? It is right down the street. What did your DS think of it?

Yes, will be applying to both BU and NEU, unless we get into one ED first (not sure of the order yet).

Northeastern ED is transparent with respect to Boston. It publishes the number of applicants ED and the number of acceptances. No college will give out granular detail regarding the admission statistics of those admitted ED. Some like UChicago don't even publish the ED acceptance rate.

Since Northeastern will see that you have applied ED to Boston and if rejected, there is a very good probability of being offered the NU.in or Oakland program. They don't reveal this information but anecdotally it appears to be offered to quite a few.

ED: Boston campus:
5,404 applied
1,910 accepted
2,736 total freshman in Boston

The problem for the student applicant today is that ED applications have exploded.
2021-2022 ED applications: 1,979
2022-2023 ED applications: 2,707
2023-2024 ED applications: 3,672
2024-2025 ED applications: 3,466
2025-2026 ED applications: 5,404

This is why it would be great to know the actual admissions statistics for those applying ED and selecting one of the non-Boston start options like N.U.in or London Scholars. But Northeastern keeps a tight lid on those acceptance rates. Without that information it makes it hard to use your ED shot on that option so you're left with selecting Boston start and the accompanying lower odds of acceptance.

No one divulges their alternative start programs.

But almost no one else but NEU allows you to ED directly to the “alternative” start program. For example, if you ED to Tulane, you might get offered Spring admission with a fall option in Europe. But the ED admission is not binding because you didn’t get fall start on main campus. And you can’t ED directly for Spring admission, that’s not an option. NEU is different. You specify in the application your first choice campus, e.g. Boston main, N.U.in overseas, or London Scholars, and if you get that ED, it’s binding. So the Tulane (and most other) alternate start programs are not binding if offered ED, whereas NEU’s can be if you selected it. Yet, they’re not divulging any admission stats for these options.

Sounds like you have a wrong information. ED is binding only for Boston. If you applied ED, and offered an alternate start program, then it's not binding. You have choices.

You’re wrong. “Early Decision (ED) applicants will be bound to their top preference if admitted into that program.” https://admissions.northeastern.edu/application-information/admissions-deadlines-decisions/

So if you select N.U.in or Oakland or London Scholars as your preferred program on your ED application and get in, you’re bound.

What's the issue with that? If you want to ED to NU.in and get in you got what you want?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What it is is a school that grossly lies and manipulates stats to create an aura of exclusivity.

+1 This is the problem with Northeastern. My rising senior DS is looking at the school and likes a lot about it (the Boston location, mostly). But I've searched far and wide, and there is essentially NO information published by the school about their admissions statistics for the off-Boston start options. For example, what is the ED acceptance rate if you list N.U.in as your #1 preferred start option? Northeastern actively CONCEALS that data. All of their admissions numbers are bogus because they only represent the Boston start students.

May I suggest Boston University? It is right down the street. What did your DS think of it?

Yes, will be applying to both BU and NEU, unless we get into one ED first (not sure of the order yet).

Northeastern ED is transparent with respect to Boston. It publishes the number of applicants ED and the number of acceptances. No college will give out granular detail regarding the admission statistics of those admitted ED. Some like UChicago don't even publish the ED acceptance rate.

Since Northeastern will see that you have applied ED to Boston and if rejected, there is a very good probability of being offered the NU.in or Oakland program. They don't reveal this information but anecdotally it appears to be offered to quite a few.

ED: Boston campus:
5,404 applied
1,910 accepted
2,736 total freshman in Boston

The problem for the student applicant today is that ED applications have exploded.
2021-2022 ED applications: 1,979
2022-2023 ED applications: 2,707
2023-2024 ED applications: 3,672
2024-2025 ED applications: 3,466
2025-2026 ED applications: 5,404

This is why it would be great to know the actual admissions statistics for those applying ED and selecting one of the non-Boston start options like N.U.in or London Scholars. But Northeastern keeps a tight lid on those acceptance rates. Without that information it makes it hard to use your ED shot on that option so you're left with selecting Boston start and the accompanying lower odds of acceptance.

No one divulges their alternative start programs.

But almost no one else but NEU allows you to ED directly to the “alternative” start program. For example, if you ED to Tulane, you might get offered Spring admission with a fall option in Europe. But the ED admission is not binding because you didn’t get fall start on main campus. And you can’t ED directly for Spring admission, that’s not an option. NEU is different. You specify in the application your first choice campus, e.g. Boston main, N.U.in overseas, or London Scholars, and if you get that ED, it’s binding. So the Tulane (and most other) alternate start programs are not binding if offered ED, whereas NEU’s can be if you selected it. Yet, they’re not divulging any admission stats for these options.

Sounds like you have a wrong information. ED is binding only for Boston. If you applied ED, and offered an alternate start program, then it's not binding. You have choices.

You’re wrong. “Early Decision (ED) applicants will be bound to their top preference if admitted into that program.” https://admissions.northeastern.edu/application-information/admissions-deadlines-decisions/

So if you select N.U.in or Oakland or London Scholars as your preferred program on your ED application and get in, you’re bound.

What's the issue with that? If you want to ED to NU.in and get in you got what you want?

Some people are so desperate to trash Northeastern.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What it is is a school that grossly lies and manipulates stats to create an aura of exclusivity.

+1 This is the problem with Northeastern. My rising senior DS is looking at the school and likes a lot about it (the Boston location, mostly). But I've searched far and wide, and there is essentially NO information published by the school about their admissions statistics for the off-Boston start options. For example, what is the ED acceptance rate if you list N.U.in as your #1 preferred start option? Northeastern actively CONCEALS that data. All of their admissions numbers are bogus because they only represent the Boston start students.

May I suggest Boston University? It is right down the street. What did your DS think of it?

Yes, will be applying to both BU and NEU, unless we get into one ED first (not sure of the order yet).

Northeastern ED is transparent with respect to Boston. It publishes the number of applicants ED and the number of acceptances. No college will give out granular detail regarding the admission statistics of those admitted ED. Some like UChicago don't even publish the ED acceptance rate.

Since Northeastern will see that you have applied ED to Boston and if rejected, there is a very good probability of being offered the NU.in or Oakland program. They don't reveal this information but anecdotally it appears to be offered to quite a few.

ED: Boston campus:
5,404 applied
1,910 accepted
2,736 total freshman in Boston

The problem for the student applicant today is that ED applications have exploded.
2021-2022 ED applications: 1,979
2022-2023 ED applications: 2,707
2023-2024 ED applications: 3,672
2024-2025 ED applications: 3,466
2025-2026 ED applications: 5,404

This is why it would be great to know the actual admissions statistics for those applying ED and selecting one of the non-Boston start options like N.U.in or London Scholars. But Northeastern keeps a tight lid on those acceptance rates. Without that information it makes it hard to use your ED shot on that option so you're left with selecting Boston start and the accompanying lower odds of acceptance.

No one divulges their alternative start programs.

But almost no one else but NEU allows you to ED directly to the “alternative” start program. For example, if you ED to Tulane, you might get offered Spring admission with a fall option in Europe. But the ED admission is not binding because you didn’t get fall start on main campus. And you can’t ED directly for Spring admission, that’s not an option. NEU is different. You specify in the application your first choice campus, e.g. Boston main, N.U.in overseas, or London Scholars, and if you get that ED, it’s binding. So the Tulane (and most other) alternate start programs are not binding if offered ED, whereas NEU’s can be if you selected it. Yet, they’re not divulging any admission stats for these options.

Sounds like you have a wrong information. ED is binding only for Boston. If you applied ED, and offered an alternate start program, then it's not binding. You have choices.

You’re wrong. “Early Decision (ED) applicants will be bound to their top preference if admitted into that program.” https://admissions.northeastern.edu/application-information/admissions-deadlines-decisions/

So if you select N.U.in or Oakland or London Scholars as your preferred program on your ED application and get in, you’re bound.

What's the issue with that? If you want to ED to NU.in and get in you got what you want?

The issue is they only report ED acceptance rates for Boston start, not for N.U.in or any of the other programs. So you're ED'ing with no idea of your chance of success.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What it is is a school that grossly lies and manipulates stats to create an aura of exclusivity.

+1 This is the problem with Northeastern. My rising senior DS is looking at the school and likes a lot about it (the Boston location, mostly). But I've searched far and wide, and there is essentially NO information published by the school about their admissions statistics for the off-Boston start options. For example, what is the ED acceptance rate if you list N.U.in as your #1 preferred start option? Northeastern actively CONCEALS that data. All of their admissions numbers are bogus because they only represent the Boston start students.

May I suggest Boston University? It is right down the street. What did your DS think of it?

Yes, will be applying to both BU and NEU, unless we get into one ED first (not sure of the order yet).

Northeastern ED is transparent with respect to Boston. It publishes the number of applicants ED and the number of acceptances. No college will give out granular detail regarding the admission statistics of those admitted ED. Some like UChicago don't even publish the ED acceptance rate.

Since Northeastern will see that you have applied ED to Boston and if rejected, there is a very good probability of being offered the NU.in or Oakland program. They don't reveal this information but anecdotally it appears to be offered to quite a few.

ED: Boston campus:
5,404 applied
1,910 accepted
2,736 total freshman in Boston

The problem for the student applicant today is that ED applications have exploded.
2021-2022 ED applications: 1,979
2022-2023 ED applications: 2,707
2023-2024 ED applications: 3,672
2024-2025 ED applications: 3,466
2025-2026 ED applications: 5,404

This is why it would be great to know the actual admissions statistics for those applying ED and selecting one of the non-Boston start options like N.U.in or London Scholars. But Northeastern keeps a tight lid on those acceptance rates. Without that information it makes it hard to use your ED shot on that option so you're left with selecting Boston start and the accompanying lower odds of acceptance.

No one divulges their alternative start programs.

But almost no one else but NEU allows you to ED directly to the “alternative” start program. For example, if you ED to Tulane, you might get offered Spring admission with a fall option in Europe. But the ED admission is not binding because you didn’t get fall start on main campus. And you can’t ED directly for Spring admission, that’s not an option. NEU is different. You specify in the application your first choice campus, e.g. Boston main, N.U.in overseas, or London Scholars, and if you get that ED, it’s binding. So the Tulane (and most other) alternate start programs are not binding if offered ED, whereas NEU’s can be if you selected it. Yet, they’re not divulging any admission stats for these options.

Sounds like you have a wrong information. ED is binding only for Boston. If you applied ED, and offered an alternate start program, then it's not binding. You have choices.

You’re wrong. “Early Decision (ED) applicants will be bound to their top preference if admitted into that program.” https://admissions.northeastern.edu/application-information/admissions-deadlines-decisions/

So if you select N.U.in or Oakland or London Scholars as your preferred program on your ED application and get in, you’re bound.

What's the issue with that? If you want to ED to NU.in and get in you got what you want?

The issue is they only report ED acceptance rates for Boston start, not for N.U.in or any of the other programs. So you're ED'ing with no idea of your chance of success.

Except that you get a very good idea. The ED acceptance rates to other programs will be higher than Boston.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What it is is a school that grossly lies and manipulates stats to create an aura of exclusivity.

+1 This is the problem with Northeastern. My rising senior DS is looking at the school and likes a lot about it (the Boston location, mostly). But I've searched far and wide, and there is essentially NO information published by the school about their admissions statistics for the off-Boston start options. For example, what is the ED acceptance rate if you list N.U.in as your #1 preferred start option? Northeastern actively CONCEALS that data. All of their admissions numbers are bogus because they only represent the Boston start students.

May I suggest Boston University? It is right down the street. What did your DS think of it?

Yes, will be applying to both BU and NEU, unless we get into one ED first (not sure of the order yet).

Northeastern ED is transparent with respect to Boston. It publishes the number of applicants ED and the number of acceptances. No college will give out granular detail regarding the admission statistics of those admitted ED. Some like UChicago don't even publish the ED acceptance rate.

Since Northeastern will see that you have applied ED to Boston and if rejected, there is a very good probability of being offered the NU.in or Oakland program. They don't reveal this information but anecdotally it appears to be offered to quite a few.

ED: Boston campus:
5,404 applied
1,910 accepted
2,736 total freshman in Boston

The problem for the student applicant today is that ED applications have exploded.
2021-2022 ED applications: 1,979
2022-2023 ED applications: 2,707
2023-2024 ED applications: 3,672
2024-2025 ED applications: 3,466
2025-2026 ED applications: 5,404

This is why it would be great to know the actual admissions statistics for those applying ED and selecting one of the non-Boston start options like N.U.in or London Scholars. But Northeastern keeps a tight lid on those acceptance rates. Without that information it makes it hard to use your ED shot on that option so you're left with selecting Boston start and the accompanying lower odds of acceptance.

No one divulges their alternative start programs.

But almost no one else but NEU allows you to ED directly to the “alternative” start program. For example, if you ED to Tulane, you might get offered Spring admission with a fall option in Europe. But the ED admission is not binding because you didn’t get fall start on main campus. And you can’t ED directly for Spring admission, that’s not an option. NEU is different. You specify in the application your first choice campus, e.g. Boston main, N.U.in overseas, or London Scholars, and if you get that ED, it’s binding. So the Tulane (and most other) alternate start programs are not binding if offered ED, whereas NEU’s can be if you selected it. Yet, they’re not divulging any admission stats for these options.

Sounds like you have a wrong information. ED is binding only for Boston. If you applied ED, and offered an alternate start program, then it's not binding. You have choices.

You’re wrong. “Early Decision (ED) applicants will be bound to their top preference if admitted into that program.” https://admissions.northeastern.edu/application-information/admissions-deadlines-decisions/

So if you select N.U.in or Oakland or London Scholars as your preferred program on your ED application and get in, you’re bound.

What's the issue with that? If you want to ED to NU.in and get in you got what you want?

The issue is they only report ED acceptance rates for Boston start, not for N.U.in or any of the other programs. So you're ED'ing with no idea of your chance of success.

No one really knows their “chance” at any school. There are so many factors, including the qualifications of other kids applying.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What it is is a school that grossly lies and manipulates stats to create an aura of exclusivity.

+1 This is the problem with Northeastern. My rising senior DS is looking at the school and likes a lot about it (the Boston location, mostly). But I've searched far and wide, and there is essentially NO information published by the school about their admissions statistics for the off-Boston start options. For example, what is the ED acceptance rate if you list N.U.in as your #1 preferred start option? Northeastern actively CONCEALS that data. All of their admissions numbers are bogus because they only represent the Boston start students.

May I suggest Boston University? It is right down the street. What did your DS think of it?

Yes, will be applying to both BU and NEU, unless we get into one ED first (not sure of the order yet).

Northeastern ED is transparent with respect to Boston. It publishes the number of applicants ED and the number of acceptances. No college will give out granular detail regarding the admission statistics of those admitted ED. Some like UChicago don't even publish the ED acceptance rate.

Since Northeastern will see that you have applied ED to Boston and if rejected, there is a very good probability of being offered the NU.in or Oakland program. They don't reveal this information but anecdotally it appears to be offered to quite a few.

ED: Boston campus:
5,404 applied
1,910 accepted
2,736 total freshman in Boston

The problem for the student applicant today is that ED applications have exploded.
2021-2022 ED applications: 1,979
2022-2023 ED applications: 2,707
2023-2024 ED applications: 3,672
2024-2025 ED applications: 3,466
2025-2026 ED applications: 5,404

This is why it would be great to know the actual admissions statistics for those applying ED and selecting one of the non-Boston start options like N.U.in or London Scholars. But Northeastern keeps a tight lid on those acceptance rates. Without that information it makes it hard to use your ED shot on that option so you're left with selecting Boston start and the accompanying lower odds of acceptance.

No one divulges their alternative start programs.

But almost no one else but NEU allows you to ED directly to the “alternative” start program. For example, if you ED to Tulane, you might get offered Spring admission with a fall option in Europe. But the ED admission is not binding because you didn’t get fall start on main campus. And you can’t ED directly for Spring admission, that’s not an option. NEU is different. You specify in the application your first choice campus, e.g. Boston main, N.U.in overseas, or London Scholars, and if you get that ED, it’s binding. So the Tulane (and most other) alternate start programs are not binding if offered ED, whereas NEU’s can be if you selected it. Yet, they’re not divulging any admission stats for these options.

Sounds like you have a wrong information. ED is binding only for Boston. If you applied ED, and offered an alternate start program, then it's not binding. You have choices.

You’re wrong. “Early Decision (ED) applicants will be bound to their top preference if admitted into that program.” https://admissions.northeastern.edu/application-information/admissions-deadlines-decisions/

So if you select N.U.in or Oakland or London Scholars as your preferred program on your ED application and get in, you’re bound.

What's the issue with that? If you want to ED to NU.in and get in you got what you want?

The issue is they only report ED acceptance rates for Boston start, not for N.U.in or any of the other programs. So you're ED'ing with no idea of your chance of success.

Except that you get a very good idea. The ED acceptance rates to other programs will be higher than Boston.

Not necessarily.