Another ED applicant here.
Essay #1 is straight-forward why MBA/why Columbia question, but essay #2 is very difficult, I think. First, it is 500 words and second, I gotta tell a good story that covers not only "me" but also "my personal interests" since the topic specifically has "AND" between those two.
What hazay said makes sense. It I can send it in by July, the decision, good or bad, will come before other school's deadline - I can either save money or pressure myself with more motivation

Kinda waiting for admission consultant websites to kinda "analyze" the topic and give guidances on how to attack.
However, I'm not sure eliminating the official review starting date will increase applicant pool for ED though.
Good to see this thread. I will be in this thread A LOT since CBS is my 1st choice