<p>You can apply ED columbia but if accepted, you’re obligated to withdraw all other EA apps. However, Stanford has SCEA, meaning you are prohibited from making other EA or ED apps. </p>
<p>But you must know: SCEA or ED is no small matter. ONLY choose these options if you really feel that the target school is your first choice.</p>
<p>Your Stanford app will stand alone – the fact that there’s another strong applicant in your HS won’t directly affect you. No “quotas” exist per school. You’ll be accepted or rejected based on your own merit and based on comparison with a large pool of apps – not just the uber-kid from your school.</p>
<p>As for backing out on ED, do a search. This is a constantly asked question. Basically, your HS will hate you for it and may not participate in submitting further app materials and you risk having all admissions offers withdrawn from you.</p>