You should only ED if the school is the one you want to attend. For international students (and lower-income Americans applying to 100% need schools) this would be altered to: if it increases your odds and you like the school enough that won't won't regret not going anywhere else, go ahead.
However, be aware that internationals applying ED are often deferred if they need aid, since the amount of money available ought to be spent on the most interesting applicants only.
That's the problem..I do not know if it will increase my chances. I just heard of the school recently when a counselor from a different school told me I should apply there. I am not particularly psyched about the school but I would be glad if I got accepted since they offer aid. I just don't want to miss out on all the other schools I applied to because of a bad decision..I guess what I am asking is,how much of a difference will there be on my chances between ED and RD at Colgate?
I'm in pretty much the same sitch as you. Adcoms probably know better than to take your GPA at face value.
Look for ways to qualify your GPA and "prove" that it means more than it does from an American standard. Take SAT subject tests/AP tests, try to obtain your specific class rank, percentiles in national examinations. Basically provide a complete background on which they can properly judge your GPA, especially if they are not familiar with your school.
See my example if it will help soothe your mind:
My GPA is 3.38, but I still received the Dean's Scholarship from Fordham, which they state is for the "top 10%" of admitted applicants, in a school where the the average admitted applicant has a 3.7 GPA.
Clearly, in this case they took the GPA in context, disregarding the fact that it is numerically "low." Other colleges will probably do the same with your GPA.
Replies to: Advice for an African Student with a low GPA and a high SAT
However, be aware that internationals applying ED are often deferred if they need aid, since the amount of money available ought to be spent on the most interesting applicants only.
Look for ways to qualify your GPA and "prove" that it means more than it does from an American standard. Take SAT subject tests/AP tests, try to obtain your specific class rank, percentiles in national examinations. Basically provide a complete background on which they can properly judge your GPA, especially if they are not familiar with your school.
See my example if it will help soothe your mind:
My GPA is 3.38, but I still received the Dean's Scholarship from Fordham, which they state is for the "top 10%" of admitted applicants, in a school where the the average admitted applicant has a 3.7 GPA.
Clearly, in this case they took the GPA in context, disregarding the fact that it is numerically "low." Other colleges will probably do the same with your GPA.