<p>I’m no expert, but according to my GC, it is ALWAYS better to apply ED. If you we’re thinking about applying RD to let senior year bring your GPA and class rank up (I was considering that), don’t. Colleges still get to see your course load for senior year, so they know if you are still working hard. Also, you can always send colleges your first quarter grades to show them how you are doing. In addition to the obvious advantage of having a better chance of being accepted, applying ED also gives you better opportunities for scholarships. All of this information is courtesy of my GC; he made it sound like it is foolish to apply RD under pretty much any circumstance. Oh, almost forgot, I heard somewhere that you can increase your chances of acceptance at any given school by declaring an unpopular major (for example, instead of applying to Harvard Law School, apply to Harvard Education School). I asked my GC about this and he advised me not to do it (I forget why), but if your desperate, it just might be crazy enough to work.</p>
<p>Hope this helps and good luck with Columbia!</p>