ED is an excellent option for those families who can manage it. The problem is most people need to compare financial aid and merit offers. The best you can do is find one or more acceptable colleges with EA or rolling admissions. There is nothing as freeing as having an acceptance in hand. After that, you are free to be very selective in whom you target. Unfortunately, not everyone can find a college that meets there needs, is within reach and has EA and/or rolling admissions.