<p>I definitely want to go to COlumbia next year so I am applying ED. However, I fear that if i cam rejected I will have missed some other EA opportunities. I am interested in applying to some EA non restrictive schools while I apply to Columbia ED as a backup to get some of them out of the way. Is this allowed on Columbia's terms? I am a bit afraid to ask them directly. I don't want them to think Columbia is not my first priority.</p>
<p>you can apply to as many EA schools as you like as long as (1) they're not SCEA, and (2) you only apply to at most 1 ED school (and SCEA counts).</p>
<p>basically, if you apply ED somewhere and they take you, you "have" to go. (I put it in quotes because it's really negotiable, but that's the intent) If you get rejected or deferred, but an EA school takes you, then you can choose to go there.</p>
<p>Always check the current rules when you apply. I believe Columbia permits EA apps. As Denzera says, you will not be permited to apply SCEA, however regular EA and rolling schools are all possibilities.</p>