Some factors that would affect my decision tree:
- Is this school the clear #1 school in terms of academics and sport?
- What is the admissions rate of this school ED vs EA vs RD?
- What is the situation with the fallback schools, academics, sports, coach support, finances, availability of ED2?
If the school is the clear favorite and especially if getting in without ED/coach support is risky, I’d go with the “sure thing” (ED) in terms of admissions and sort out the affordability questions later. At the same time, be upfront with the other colleges that are recruiting your daughter. If she is a top recruit, they may be willing to save a spot for her ED2 or even RD.
I would only go EA if you are very very confident that she can get in without full coach support. I don’t think you gain much in doing this as coaches from alternative schools will not support her without their own ED commitment, other than not worrying about the hassles of withdrawing from an ED admissions because of affordability.