Applying ED is the “ultimate form of demonstrated interest” (a quote taken from Vanderbilt’s site re: admission and the waiting list). ED = 45% admission rate in 2019; regular decision was 9.5%.
Suggestion: personalize the Vanderbilt specific essay(s) with … what exactly interests you about the university, the specific college (out of the 4) you are applying to, Nashville, etc. If you’ve visited, tell them what you liked best. If you haven’t visited yet, what places/experiences are you most excited about.