<p>The ‘friend’ applied Early Action not Early Decision. Since EA is non-binding how is it unethical to keep applying to other schools?</p>
<p>I can think of a number of reasons to apply to these other schools - financial aid comparisons, perceived superiority of specific academic tracks at the various schools, weather, location etc.</p>
<p>Finally, the OP and his ‘friend’ are applying to the same schools. How is it that the ‘friend’ is a trophy hunting jerk but the OP isn’t?</p>