Columbia Business School - Early Decision?

Hello WSO! I am a user that has been posting here since 2010, but I wanted to create a new account for anonymity purposes, especially as I navigate the business school application process.

For the past week, I have been wrestling with the idea of applying to CBS early decision and cannot come to a consistent conclusion. I could use some perspective from those that have gone through this process previously. First, a few bullet points about me:

1. Schools: I am applying Kellogg, Sloan, and CBS in R1. Just based on school personalities and stereotypes, CBS is the odd one out. I am an extroverted person and I'm attracted to the tight-knit community-oriented cultures of Kellogg and Sloan.

2. Background. Asian male. 3.7 GPA from a top 50 undergraduate school. Finance major. 760 GMAT. Two years at a no-name consulting firm, although most of our work was more audit than consulting, and then the past three years I've been a Math Teacher through Teach For America.

3. Post-MBA Goal: Consulting, specifically at Bain. I have been set on this goal for a few years now, so I don't imagine myself changing my mind when I begin school. I don't feel that any of my target schools offer any clear advantages or disadvantages in regards to consulting recruiting. Perhaps CBS might even have a slight edge since so many students pursue sell-side IB and IM roles that I am severely underqualified for. Ultimately, my goal of attending business school is to break into consulting. Therefore, choosing between Kellogg, Sloan, or CBS is purely based on fit.

4. The Dilemma: While I am more attracted to Kellogg and Sloan, my targets school each provide an equal opportunity to break into consulting. From anecdotal experience, I feel that getting into CBS is relatively easier if you apply Early Decision than it is Regular Decision. Considering each of my schools are a stretch, I think I'd be silly to not at least give myself the best opportunity possible. That being said, if I somehow manage to get into Kellogg and CBS, then I am contractually committed to CBS. I've heard of people reneging on their ED commitment, but losing $6K is no joke...

So, I am curious to hear your thoughts. Should I apply CBS ED to give myself the best chance of getting into one of my target programs? I suppose there are worst things in life than going to business school in NYC for two years... Or am I competitive enough to apply RD and play the field? Also, if it's worth noting, I don't think I would be able to finalize my applications before mid-September, which is fairly late to be applying ED anyways...

Thanks for your guidance!