Which Round?

I have heard different theories on ways to approach this. What i recommend is rank the schools in order of your desire to attend. Find out if the schools have early rounds. If you are dedicated to that school, applying in the EA/ED round increases your chance of admission and you will know by December.

Other then that, I would push your top school to being the second or third school you apply to at the earliest regardless of round. Your essays will only get better as you go through the processes so putting those off will improve you chances of getting in.

While the key is to not submit until you are content with your app and essays regardless of round 1 and 2, there are advantages to making it in the first round if possible. I hope that helps