Should I apply ED or RD

Hi,
I’m an international student currently working on my applications. Barnard is my top choice and for that I wanna apply ED but my gpa is low (3.5 weighed, B), 1st SAT I took was terrible( I took it in 10th grade for practice A HUGE MISTAKE ) but I’m doing it again on oct 6th, I’m taking ACT in October and I’m pretty sure I can get a good score, I’ve done lots of volunteer work, I’m good at writing and honestly planning to pour my heart into my essay so I’m feeling good about it, took summer courses and online courses, joined many campaigns, planning to major in political science and have been exposed to the field a lot due to my parents’ work.

The reason I’m hesitant about applying ED is because of my gpa, I’m thinking if I apply RD I’ll have time to improve it and show that I am truly hard working, also not sure my ACT’s will be received in time, and might get SAT II so I’d like to submit that as well.
Barnard is really my top choice and dream school, chances are usually higher when you apply ED but I’m not sure it is in my case.
Also, do you think I should do SAT subject test on oct 6th instead of the regular so in this case I’ll be submitting ACT and subject test or should I stick to the regular SAT for ED.
Someone please help me. I really need some advice.

In your case, it probably would be better to apply RD, when you can show upward trajectory in your grades. ED can give a boost but it won’t make up for deficiencies in the application. For unhooked kids, ED mostly gives the boost to extremely qualified candidates. You are probably better off taking the SAT in October, and then subject tests in Nov or Dec and applying RD.