attenuation

As an unhooked ORM from a competitive geographical region/public school, I am having a very hard time deciding whether or not to apply SCEA to stanford. It has been my first choice since early on in middle school, but after perusing these threads, I am under the impression that unless you are an internationally renown chemist/pianist/businessman/diplomat with multiple USAMO/IMO/USAChO medals, you stand little chance during the SCEA round of stanford admissions and are better off applying RD. What's more, stanford straight-out rejects many of its SCEA applicants and defers only a small percentage, unlike other schools in the same tier.

Stats-wise, I don't think I have much of a weakness. My academics are not flawless, but they are to that point where I know that if I was rejected from any school it wouldn't have been because my academics were not strong enough (straight As with hardest courseload of 16 APs by graduation, 2300+ SAT, 760 or higher on all subject tests). I have five meaningful leadership positions in activities that I've devoted myself to throughout my entire HS career; I also have regional, state, and national awards in those activities. I will send in a supplementary materials portfolio. I am a decent writer (national writing awards, publications, etc.), have a good deal of respect from my peers and teachers, and have made a considerable and effective effort to give back to my community in nearly all the activities I've participated in. I'm modest, witty, considerate, and dedicated, though I am quiet at times. Most importantly, I know that I'm not one of those robotic kids who study all day and do everything to pad their resumes.
Other notes: I don't need to wait for senior year to raise my grades; I don't need to wait to take more tests/get more scores.

However, I have not done ANYTHING earth-shattering. I am afraid that in the eyes of the Stanford admissions committee, I will be just another hardworking ORM ("oh, look, another New Jersey or Maryland applicant... pft... they're all the same...") who falls short of qualifying for admissions; one who pales in comparison to the science-fair and entrepreneuring superstars found in the SCEA applicant pool.

Stanford is my absolute first choice; I've researched it to death and while I understand that it's not the end of the world if I ultimately get rejected, I still want to maximize my chances when I apply, and timing (SCEA v RD) might be an issue. I would really appreciate any advice you have that might help me decide: SHOULD I APPLY EARLY OR NOT?

Thanks so much!