Aren’t you a guidance counselor…?
You may want to refresh your understanding of REA and ED as both allow under certain conditions for some non binding Early Action applications. It would for many kids be a sub optimal strategy to apply ED or REA and then simply “wait” for the result.
OP I would suggest you use a portion of the wait time to prepare RD applications just in case. This will hopefully distract you and avoid you having to scramble if you don’t get an ED acceptance. You are correct that the waiting stinks and it will work out.
Find things that make you happy and talk to a trusted adult or friend if the pressure starts to get to you. Good luck!