Anyone!

International applicant from Pakistan.
7 A* and 6 A grades in GCSE. 3 A and 2 B in A levels. Applying after a gap year which was primarily a result of financial constraints. Planning to give ACT. Need full financial aid. Should I apply ED have a great backstory

Anyone?

You apply ED if Columbia is your #1 Choice and you are willing to accept the financial aid package they have to offer not matter what. If you are in need of FA, you will be unable to compare packages so this goes against the logic of applying ED.