I hear you. We think EA means “apply early…hear sometime in March!” I wish schools would own this rather than pretending that they do EA in any large numbers.
That said, I recommend not being caught up in the “top whatever” school mindset. Think about the likely admits and find what you really like about them, too. One of those could end up being the best choice—course offerings, financially, socially, etc. Rankings continue to matter but they really shouldn’t. You’re the consumer: you get to choose, even if it sometimes feels like you don’t. Good luck!