<p>Well… Applying RD is always bit less helpful than applying ED. When you apply ED the school knows that this is your first choice and it gives you “bonus points” since they know if they accept you, you will be coming to their school. Rather than a candidate who applies RD, whom they are unsure if they will attend. Typically, the RD pool has a lower acceptance rate and is also more competitive. </p>
<p>As to backing out of ED, it depends on why you back out. Let’s say for instances the school you applied to ED is not affordable, in which case you can back out and there are no associated penalties. If however you backed out simply because you did not want to go, the college may be able to sue you for all or part of the tuition you would have been expected to pay.</p>