The smart play is ED 2 to Tufts. DS 19 was in a similar situation last year (deferred by a different Ivy - not Harvard). He decided to apply RD to Tufts instead of ED 2. He ultimately was rejected RD by the Ivy but luckily got into Tufts, but looking back, he probably should have applied ED 2. One thing about Tufts, it’s need aware, but that only comes into play in the RD round, after the aid budget has been exhausted. If you do apply RD to Tufts, being full pay can give you an edge.