If you can you should try to visit Northwestern before decisions are made. You seem like a great candidate but I think they probably get a lot of great candidates. I visited Northwestern and I definitely think it would have helped my being accepted and receiving funding because they can put a face to a name, especially if you interview well. When I spoke with them it sounded like they had very little funding to give out, I don't recall them saying anything about 100% funding but she may have. The campus is amazing (as is Evanston) and the resources they have available for students seem to be great. Everyone I met with was really friendly and helpful and they showed a lot of interest in having me at their school. Unfortunately, I decided against applying due to the lack of funding and the high living expenses of living in Evanston/Chicago, but I wish you luck!
