GWU ED2?

Repost:
Hi. Recently I got deferred from my ultimate dream school. I’m afraid that even after my letter of intent and mid-year report, I will not be accepted. Nevertheless, I would be honored to attend GWU, for it is my number 2 school.
Should I apply Regular Decision and risk it? Or should I play it safe and go to GWU through ED2? I still have hope that maybe I can get accepted to my recent deferral school and maybe I could get more money to a school closer to me in Ohio.
Either way… here are my stats:
Female/OH
Intended Major: Neuroscience/Cognitive Science
ACT: 30 comp (34 ENG, 29 SCI, 28 Math & reading, 31 writing & English combined)
GPA unweighted: 3.9
weighted: 3.45 – could possibly go up after the first-semester senior grades are released
11/565 students - top 2%
Took 7 AP courses and currently taking 3
Only two B’s throughout high school career: One currently during AP Chemistry and one first semester freshmen year.

Extracurriculars: Summer intern as a researcher in a nearby university and a LOR from my PI. Also, leadership roles in school clubs and activities.

My Common APP essay involved a personal story of mental health and the research I have conducted and will further conduct to solve said disease.
My GWU essay would be the “why GW”.

Should I risk it and do RD? Please let me know! I feel so heartbroken over my deferral and maybe I’m only doing ED2 because I’m upset??? Thank you for the help!

If you really think you may have a chance at your deferred school, don’t apply early decision. It’s just not worth it - imagine finding yourself in April with an acceptance to both schools but you are forced to come here.