I was waitlisted by my state school, but got accepted to an OOS private school. I applied to one of the cheapest private schools, but even then its tuition is still 100k a year (and increasing 5% ea year).
let's just say the principle at the private school would be around 450K while the in state school would be 150k. 300k is the difference between paying off a loan within 2-3 years vs 10+ years.
Should I defer my acceptance and re-apply?
I should have applied to HPSP program but I didn't think I wouldn't get into my state school since my stats are quite higher then their avg matriculates.
Also if my DAT is almost 2 years old, would it still be valid for the 20-21 cycle if I submitted my app before the date I took the DAT?
[I didn't bother reading any of the other comments, just by the way.]
I've written about my experience in a similar situation in the past. I don't know how to link that SDN post here, but maybe if you search my name it will come up.
I had to choose between attending NYU (and being in around $600,000 of debt) and reapplying to my state school. I chose to reapply, after making a reapplication plan with my state school. The plan involved increasing my work and volunteer experiences, taking additional science coursework to increase my low science GPA, and adding to my experience in the dental field. The reapplication plan
did not guarantee my acceptance, but it was guaranteed to better my chances. Ultimately, I got into my state school and will be attending this year. However, I did not get into any of the other (backup) schools that I applied to the second time around (which I only would have attended if I had received the HPSP scholarship, which ultimately I didn't). I didn't even get any interviews to the other dental schools I applied to, likely because they viewed my reapplication after rejecting an acceptance as a red flag. You have to be prepared to face a similar response from programs if you reapply.
My overall GPA was around 3.50, science GPA around 3.05 at the time of reapplication.
My DAT was 23 AA, 24 TS. (I did not have to retake my DAT for my reapplication).
I would say that if you feel the program that you'll be attending is going to be unaffordably expensive-- once interest in considered and whatnot-- contact your state school to see if you can make a reapplication plan. If they are willing to work with you, and you are willing to gamble a bit, then go for it: reapply. A lot of other may say that it would be foolish to do this and risk your future in the dental profession. But ultimately, you need to go with your gut. It worked for me will save me around $200,000; it may (or may not) work for you.
Best of luck in your decision