hamzag there has been advice posted here besides just applying ED 
Do the below at a high level:
- scholarship essays (This means revise the hell out of your essays until they are amazing.)
- visit (try to talk to a professor. Perhaps if you have a good convo they will email admissions. It’s a long shot but if it works its good)
- interview (make sure to prep. Also only do it if you sincerely think you can do well. Interviews can certainly harm you.)
- local session (Dress sharp and have something intelligent to say to the adcom. Be memorable and follow up.)
There is also the usual:
Earn A’s first semester senior year and write a rockin Common App essay
Do the above and you’ll maximize your chances. Good luck!