deferring acceptance situation

[Smileisland]

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thanks for the advice.

 

[philchungski]

A little over 3 weeks ago my younger brother died in a tragic accident. I was planning on attending NYU, while still waiting to hear from UIC and SIU (my state schools) where I am waitlisted. Shortly after the accident I emailed NYU and was offered a deferral of my acceptance over the phone. The other day I received a call from UIC which offered me a deferred acceptance for 2008. My options are:
1. go to nyu
2. take a year off and go to uic (close to home)
3. take a year off and go to nyu

#2 seems to make the most sense right now for many reasons, but of course there are positives and negatives to each. My question is, has anyone been in a similar situation, and what would your advice be? Also, any dental students that have experienced a loss, please offer me some input.

Thanks.

im very sorry to hear about your brother and i offer my deepest condolences to you and your family... i know how it feels to lose someone... and if theres anything i can do to help, please feel free to talk to me.

as with your situation... i think it's all up to you and how you feel... if you feel ready to take on dental school... just start it and get it over with... on the other hand, after a life changing event like yours... i would assume you would want some time to yourself and with your family... starting next year wouldnt hurt you too much...

please keep me posted on what you decide to do...

 

[tooth decay]

A little over 3 weeks ago my younger brother died in a tragic accident. I was planning on attending NYU, while still waiting to hear from UIC and SIU (my state schools) where I am waitlisted. Shortly after the accident I emailed NYU and was offered a deferral of my acceptance over the phone. The other day I received a call from UIC which offered me a deferred acceptance for 2008. My options are:
1. go to nyu
2. take a year off and go to uic (close to home)
3. take a year off and go to nyu

#2 seems to make the most sense right now for many reasons, but of course there are positives and negatives to each. My question is, has anyone been in a similar situation, and what would your advice be? Also, any dental students that have experienced a loss, please offer me some input.

Thanks.

My condolences to you and your family. Your present state of mind should help you dictate what your next move is. Most important at this stage is to appropriately grieve over your tremendous loss. Get counseling if necessary. Only when you get through this tragedy should you think about moving on. If you need more time, take the year off and come back. With that said, if being with friends and family will be important, it would seem to me that going to UIC would be your move. NYU should be very understanding with whatever you decide especially for wanting to stay closer to home.

God Bless you and may He give you comfort during your trying time.

 

[dentwannabe]

sorry to hear the news, but keep your head up, i'm sure your brother would've wanted it that way.

regarding your situation, #2 IS THE THING TO DO, hands down (unless money is NOT an issue).

1 year here or there is nothing in the long run. But $300,000 is a lot of money especially after interest. Be wise and choose the cheaper option. Occupy yourself in a job or something in the meantime. But if money is not an option then just start at NYU asap.

My two cents.

 

[Chrono1984]

It really depends on you as a person. Everyone deals with tragedy differently. I would personally go now because I use distractions (such as school) to mentally remove myself from horrible life events.

This obviously only works for certain people. I think you honestly can't go wrong with option 2 either. A year off may really help your own disposition and give you more time to heal. You may also want to stay closer to home simply to be with your family. One also cannot avoid the monetary gains you will have by staying in state.

Regardless of your decision, I wish you the best of luck and offer my condolences for both you and your family.

 

[sules]

UIC is ridiculous... can't even begin to describe the silliness at this school.

 

[Smileisland]

UIC is ridiculous... can't even begin to describe the silliness at this school.

ummm....explain please..

 

[sules]

just really stressful.. i'd probably take some time off to rebalance before going in.

 

[sules]

one of our classmate's dad died earlier in the year. she missed a few days, but stuck with it. got some counseling and she's doing fine. pretty amazing. the school was very supportive of her taking time off. so... i think if you let them know, they've got options to help you through definitely. talk to the professors, what not, explain your situation. they're pretty understanding. best of luck.

 

[pmantz]

My Dad died two weaks before my sophomore year, on one hand I can totally respect you for wanting to take some time to sort some things out. On the other hand, I feel you should suck it up and do what your brother would want; take care of business and do well. You really don't want to put off going to school, death takes a lot out of you. Will you even feel better about it next year? What good would putting a year off do? If losing your brother is anything like losing my father, you will learn that you never will get over it. It gets better and the best thing to do is to keep up with your goals and your life. You will by no means be disrespecting your brother's memory by working towards your dreams in the fall. I know when I lost my father I was totally devastated and did not want to do anything, and for about six months all I did was go to class and come home. You need something to keep your mind off of things and a rigorous schedule of 20+ credits will do just that.

My opinion is that you will not regret starting this fall, you probably will regret starting next fall.

 

[TopDocChick]

My brother died less than three months ago - also tragically. I chose to keep going. I took about a month off before I could do anything. After that I started studying for the MCAT which I am taking this friday (on the 3 month anniversary of his death). I cry at times, but i found it easier to keep pushing myself ahead then to allow myself to drown in tears. the month I took off of everything was essential. I think if you defer a year you will mourn for a year and it will not be beneficial as it could lead to severe depression. Anyway, whatever you choose will be what is best for you. Only you know how you are feeling. My condolences.