I think in the end, you’re in a good spot - regardless of any agreements/disagreements with posterrs.
You have two acceptances (IU, PSU) you think you can work with.
But back to your original question about NYU and ED2 - deferred by Wharton but you seem to think NYU is on par or close enough.
You are hesitant about grade deflation - but to me this is a non issue because if they are placing so well - everyone is experiencing this so it is relative.
You don’t seem to love Chicago.
So to me your choices are:
- ED2 NYU or
- Apply NYU RD
If Wharton was so far ahead in your mind and you wanted to keep that shot, then you couldn’t ED.
At least from what I’m reading, it’s not that far ahead - so to me, I think you should ED.
Whether everyone in their comments is 100% correct doesn’t matter. What matter is, you have two that you could live with but you want to amp it up if you can. And you feel/believe NYU is at that higher level, on par or almost with Wharton.
So I think you’re in a great spot - because your worst case is Kelley or Smeal - but you feel like your best odds for the prestige you believe it delivers is Stern ED2.
So why wouldn’t you? Your only downside was what you read about grade deflation - but if you’re truly the creme of the crop, you’ll outperform your classmates, etc.
While I don’t necessarily agree with all your thoughts, as I noted - I think you have a solid strategy, a great grasp of it, and your downside is extremely limited to something you like (IU, PSU). In other words, I think you did (assuming affordability) a great job on your search and list assembly.
Good luck.