Should I deny my acceptance

[Tarheeltarheel]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

So I wanted to ask everyone here what they think of my situation.

I am from North Carolina, and I received an acceptance to Louisville the other day. While I understand I shouldn't have applied if I didn't want to to go to the school, I am having second thoughts on going to Louisville. I put down the deposit, but I'm waiting to hear back from ECU. ECU was my number one choice by far, I love their mission and the cost of attendance is insanely cheap. Also, NC has the fels scholarship that takes $14k off your tuition for any school if you commit to repay the state by practicing in North Carolina. The cost of attendance is immense at Louisville, it would be north of $320k just for tuition. I love my current job in healthcare and my girlfriend is at med school at UNC, so staying in state is extremely appealing to me. My question I'm having a hard time answering is; should I deny my acceptance and bank on either UNC or ECU next year, considering I interviewed at both this year, or should I just go to Louisville and tread water in my swimming pool of debt?
A few side notes
I understand a lot of people think schools can see when you have denied an acceptance, but I'm pretty sure that's hogwash. Also, of course ECU and UNC would not be a definite acceptance but I have boosted my application this past year a I would be slightly more appealing next cycle.
Thanks in advance for any thoughts!

 

[BluntForceTrauma]

So I wanted to ask everyone here what they think of my situation.

I am from North Carolina, and I received an acceptance to Louisville the other day. While I understand I shouldn't have applied if I didn't want to to go to the school, I am having second thoughts on going to Louisville. I put down the deposit, but I'm waiting to hear back from ECU. ECU was my number one choice by far, I love their mission and the cost of attendance is insanely cheap. Also, NC has the fels scholarship that takes $14k off your tuition for any school if you commit to repay the state by practicing in North Carolina. The cost of attendance is immense at Louisville, it would be north of $320k just for tuition. I love my current job in healthcare and my girlfriend is at med school at UNC, so staying in state is extremely appealing to me. My question I'm having a hard time answering is; should I deny my acceptance and bank on either UNC or ECU next year, considering I interviewed at both this year, or should I just go to Louisville and tread water in my swimming pool of debt?
A few side notes
I understand a lot of people think schools can see when you have denied an acceptance, but I'm pretty sure that's hogwash. Also, of course ECU and UNC would not be a definite acceptance but I have boosted my application this past year a I would be slightly more appealing next cycle.
Thanks in advance for any thoughts!

*gets popcorn*

 

[Let me out!]

I understand a lot of people think schools can see when you have denied an acceptance, but I'm pretty sure that's hogwash

Lol, what? If you say so.

 

[Hunterdan]

I would put down the deposit at Louisville and wait it out for a few months. If you still haven’t gotten in at ECU in like April or May then you can make this decision at that point rather than having no choice other then reapplying at that point. If you deny your only acceptance this early on you might regret it come May when you are reapplying.

 

[AEZDent]

If you don't get into ECU I would still accept Louisville. Obviously debt is something to be taken seriously but I don't think it's as big of a deal as everyone makes it out to be here. IF it was then Dentistry wouldn't be a top 5 job every year. There's also no guarantees that you'll get in next year.

 

[Tarheeltarheel]

Lol, what? If you say so.

I've never read of anyone being affected by denying an acceptance. Plenty have done it and reapplied to dental schools the next year and no one has ever had it brought up to them during the next interview cycle. It's a risk, absolutely, but I have never read of anyone being directly affected by the decision.

 

[Tarheeltarheel]

If you don't get into ECU I would still accept Louisville. Obviously debt is something to be taken seriously but I don't think it's as big of a deal as everyone makes it out to be here. IF it was then Dentistry wouldn't be a top 5 job every year. There's also no guarantees that you'll get in next year.

It's tough for me to fathom that much debt. At current interest rates, even if I was aggressive and set up a ten year payment plan, that comes out to around $130k extra in interest. That's more than a new dentist's after tax salary. I like where your head's at, but the numbers just don't seem to be there for me.

 

[GoDental101]

I've never read of anyone being affected by denying an acceptance. Plenty have done it and reapplied to dental schools the next year and no one has ever had it brought up to them during the next interview cycle. It's a risk, absolutely, but I have never read of anyone being directly affected by the decision.

Then deny your acceptance. There are plenty of people on Louisville's wait-list that would love to take your place. If you are sure it won't negatively affect you then just go ahead with that decision.

 

[Tarheeltarheel]

Then deny your acceptance. There are plenty of people on Louisville's wait-list that would love to take your place. If you are sure it won't negatively affect you then just go ahead with that decision.

I guess I was aggressive with calling the situation hogwash, but it just seems like something that is thrown around sdn without a lot of proof, the idea that denying an acceptance affects you the following cycle (aside from obviously burning the bridge you had with that particular school). There will always be someone else to take my spot if I turn down my offer, but I won't hurry to let it up until I'm sure of my decision.

 

[deleted942432]

Deny it and worst case you can bum off your doctor girlfriend lol.

 

[Tarheeltarheel]

Deny it and worst case you can bum off your doctor girlfriend lol.

It would be a few years until I would be able to do that haha. I really enjoy my current job which is part of the problem.

 

[AEZDent]

It's tough for me to fathom that much debt. At current interest rates, even if I was aggressive and set up a ten year payment plan, that comes out to around $130k extra in interest. That's more than a new dentist's after tax salary. I like where your head's at, but the numbers just don't seem to be there for me.

It's up to you! I wouldn't want to risk it. I guess either way as long as you get in next round it probably wouldn't be too much of a difference in the grand scheme of things...

 

[deleted942432]

But seriously, if you're just finishing up undergrad, i probably would take the gap year if i was in your shoe. Take a break from school and travel and enjoy life a little. Why rush into 400k debt at Louisville if you are having doubt. Take a gamble and apply next year, you can save a boatload on loans. Plus, dont want to be too far from the gf, someone might slide in her dm and replace you haha

 

[princeafrica]

I understand a lot of people think schools can see when you have denied an acceptance, but I'm pretty sure that's hogwash.

At least I know CO will ask you about your previous acceptance but I guess that's no concern for you since you only care about 2 schools. You will have to list every single school you applied to this year. I am sure they aren't just asking this for fun.

Your acceptance shows up on AADSAS. Plus you would be denying an acceptance after a deposit. AADSAS states that March 1st schools can see where you put deposits. So UNC or ECU could login on AADSAS on March 1st and see that you put a deposit down elsewhere.

It's your choice tbh if you really think it won't affect you. There are OOS students on Louisville waitlist that thought this debt stuff out and would love your spot.


Side note. Some people even say that dental schools won't know if you applied to, for example, medical school. Well CAS literally runs all these application sites. Someone on here mentioned that when they decided to apply to medical school after having applied to dental school in the past and the application service said that he already had another app and it linked him to his previous dental school app..

 

[zToothinator]

I don't think you should decline your acceptance. At least follow @Hunterdan said and wait a bit to see what shakes out from UNC and ECU since I'm sure both still have open seats.

What have you improved between when you applied and now that you feel makes you a more competitive applicant?

From a financial standpoint, yes it'll cost more at Louisville, but...

• You're also giving up a year working, which is at least worth your average salary throughout your entire career (and will cover the interest difference between in-state vs Louisville).
• Interest rates have also been on the rise, which will be a minor difference between taking 4 years of loans starting now vs next year at a slightly higher rate.
• School tuition increases each year
• Once your girlfriend graduates from med school, she'll likely be working a lot as a resident, which would allow you to work at multiple offices for more hours if you desired since she wouldn't be home. So you'll have an extra year to work more while she's a resident if you started this year vs next.
• There's no guarantee you'll get accepted into UNC or ECU next year. Are you only going to apply to those 2 schools next cycle? If you don't get in, then that's 2 years of missed wages. If you apply to other schools again and also don't get into UNC and ECU, you're back to this situation again, assuming you get in elsewhere.

 

[princeafrica]

I don't think you should decline your acceptance. At least follow @Hunterdan said and wait a bit to see what shakes out from UNC and ECU since I'm sure both still have open seats.

What have you improved between when you applied and now that you feel makes you a more competitive applicant?

From a financial standpoint, yes it'll cost more at Louisville, but...

• You're also giving up a year working, which is at least worth your average salary throughout your entire career (and will cover the interest difference between in-state vs Louisville).
• Interest rates have also been on the rise, which will be a minor difference between taking 4 years of loans starting now vs next year at a slightly higher rate.
• School tuition increases each year
• Once your girlfriend graduates from med school, she'll likely be working a lot as a resident, which would allow you to work at multiple offices for more hours if you desired since she wouldn't be home. So you'll have an extra year to work more while she's a resident if you started this year vs next.
• There's no guarantee you'll get accepted into UNC or ECU next year. Are you only going to apply to those 2 schools next cycle? If you don't get in, then that's 2 years of missed wages. If you apply to other schools again and also don't get into UNC and ECU, you're back to this situation again, assuming you get in elsewhere.

I thought UNC already selected their full class by December 3rd and mentioned that as well. I was also told they have a very specific waitlist?

OP are you waitlisted at UNC?

 

[Tarheeltarheel]

I don't think you should decline your acceptance. At least follow @Hunterdan said and wait a bit to see what shakes out from UNC and ECU since I'm sure both still have open seats.

What have you improved between when you applied and now that you feel makes you a more competitive applicant?

From a financial standpoint, yes it'll cost more at Louisville, but...

• You're also giving up a year working, which is at least worth your average salary throughout your entire career (and will cover the interest difference between in-state vs Louisville).
• Interest rates have also been on the rise, which will be a minor difference between taking 4 years of loans starting now vs next year at a slightly higher rate.
• School tuition increases each year
• Once your girlfriend graduates from med school, she'll likely be working a lot as a resident, which would allow you to work at multiple offices for more hours if you desired since she wouldn't be home. So you'll have an extra year to work more while she's a resident if you started this year vs next.
• There's no guarantee you'll get accepted into UNC or ECU next year. Are you only going to apply to those 2 schools next cycle? If you don't get in, then that's 2 years of missed wages. If you apply to other schools again and also don't get into UNC and ECU, you're back to this situation again, assuming you get in elsewhere.

ECU is almost $200k cheaper than Louisville and that's not even taking into account the difference in interest cost.
I also make about half a dentist salary now working in healthcare. I also work at a clinic for about 8 hours a week. So I may be an exception to part of the "missed income" argument. I'm still conflicted

 

[artist2022]

but it just seems like something that is thrown around sdn without a lot of proof, the idea that denying an acceptance affects you the following cycle (aside from obviously burning the bridge you had with that particular school).

It does affect you though. They will question your commitment to dentistry. You were given an acceptance to a dental school to be able to become a dentist by 2023, and instead of jumping on the opportunity, you declined it and tried to apply again to get into a cheaper school. Louisville won't care that you didn't want to attend, but the other schools you apply to this coming cycle WILL care about the fact that you had an acceptance and a chance to become a dentist but you turned it down. I think schools "talk" to each other via the info they get from AADSAS more than people think.

This is what a fellow moderator said. Granted, it's about medical school admission, but the thought process is pretty similar:

Becoming “blacklisted” is a real possibility. I had a friend of mine apply to a small number of med schools. She received 1 acceptance, but later determined that she should have applied more broadly to enter a “better” medical school in her mind. She declined. While her stats were quite reasonable, she subsequently received all rejections for the next 4 years. After 4 years of applications, her determination paid off. She discussed this with admissions. They agreed that once a med school acceptance is declined then they question your desire to complete 4 difficult years. US MD schools do not want anyone to drop out. Any whiff of hesitancy, and they will look elsewhere. She very much regrets declining the initial offer.

In your case, the "better" school would be the "cheaper" one.

Based on your responses in this thread, you seem dead sure on being able to get into ECU/UNC next cycle with improvements on your app and you don't seem keen at all on attending Louisville so I think you have your mind made up already. Good luck on whatever you decide to do.

 

[zToothinator]

I thought UNC already selected their full class by December 3rd and mentioned that as well. I was also told they have a very specific waitlist?

OP are you waitlisted at UNC?

They made offers to fill the class but people have declined the seats. There are also other recent posts on SDN about students comparing UNC vs X so not everything is set yet. But if OP hasn’t been told he/she is waitlisted at UNC, then an acceptance is probably unlikely for UNC.

 

[macsak]

I don't think you should decline your acceptance. At least follow
[LIST]
[*]You're also giving up a year working, which is at least worth your average salary throughout your entire career (and will cover the interest difference between in-state vs Louisville).
[/LIST]

it's not one year of average salary, it's one year of PEAK salary, because your career will be one year longer

 

[princeafrica]

They made offers to fill the class but people have declined the seats. There are also other recent posts on SDN about students comparing UNC vs X so not everything is set yet. But if OP hasn’t been told he/she is waitlisted at UNC, then an acceptance is probably unlikely for UNC.

Yeah that’s what I meant, they pretty much will only pick from the waitlist.

Yeah OP I would take above advices and just wait before you make this decision

 

[Throwaway105]

My girlfriend had a 3.8 and 25. She did this 3 years ago because the only schools she got into were halfway across the state and wanted to stay closer to me and family. Shes applying for her 4th time.

Schools do know. Why wouldn't they?

 

[deleted942432]

My girlfriend had a 3.8 and 25. She did this 3 years ago because the only schools she got into were halfway across the state and wanted to stay closer to me and family. Shes applying for her 4th time.

Schools do know. Why wouldn't they?

That hard to believe. Did she get any interviews after her first cycle, or was it all rejection without interview? Plus with those stats, if she couldn't get into her instate school, then they must of really hated her. I highly doubt they are all rejecting her just because she turned down an acceptance before.

 

[zToothinator]

That hard to believe. Did she get any interviews after her first cycle, or was it all rejection without interview? Plus with those stats, if she couldn't get into her instate school, then they must of really hated her.

the poster said halfway across the state so there could be multiple in-state options but she didn’t get in to the option she hoped for.

 

[deleted942432]

the poster said halfway across the state so there could be multiple in-state options but she didn’t get in to the option she hoped for.

Unless she only applied to one school for the past three cycles, i'm calling BS on this.

 

[Cthuluhoop]

If you don't get into ECU I would still accept Louisville. Obviously debt is something to be taken seriously but I don't think it's as big of a deal as everyone makes it out to be here. IF it was then Dentistry wouldn't be a top 5 job every year. There's also no guarantees that you'll get in next year.

There's a very interesting ADA article you should read that looks at the incredible tuition hikes since around 2008. This astronomical student debt is new to the profession. The student debt on top of decreased reimbursements from insurance companies to dentists and an overall decrease in salary of around 5% a year since the last recession makes for a very interesting future.

Tuition has increased astronomically only in the past decade, by I believe the figure was 150% at public dental schools. You cannot compare students who graduated before 2008 at most schools to students who graduated in more recent years. The debt, with no help, is not similar. USA News looks at years in school and salary. 4 years of dental school then making six figures looks amazing, because they do not take in student debt. Going $450k+ into debt at 8% or higher interest rates for a job that starts at $90-$120k and spending $50k+ a year for 10 years doesn't look as peachy does it.

If you ask me, I wouldn't spend that much on dental school personally. But also know, this is your shot, you either accept it, accept the debt, accept living like a pauper for 10 years and make a plan, or turn down your acceptance and change careers. There is no in-between.

 

[Faefly]

Don't rely too much on relationships, they rarely last.

Put your future and happiness first. ( ironic in this case Happiness vs future are too different paths)

I say put a deposit down on that school and keep on contacting your state schools and sending updates and LOI.

 

[Let me out!]

That hard to believe. Did she get any interviews after her first cycle, or was it all rejection without interview? Plus with those stats, if she couldn't get into her instate school, then they must of really hated her. I highly doubt they are all rejecting her just because she turned down an acceptance before.

You don't have to believe it. That's your choice.

Don't call it BS, because it certainly happens all the time. I worked as an adviser in the health field for quite some time and know some people in similar situations in my area alone. Many of these people are compelled to switch to another field after one or two years of failed application cycles after rejecting an offer. I've seen near perfect GPA with average to high DAT in this situation all the time.

Dental school application is competitive as it is. They want applicants who are committed to their programs. Rejecting an offer and not attending anywhere is a true "F you" in their faces. You've wasted their resources and time to consider you as their student. Schools have no reason to give a second chance or believe that you will actually accept an offer.

 

[deleted942432]

You don't have to believe it. That's your choice.

Don't call it BS, because it certainly happens all the time. I worked as an adviser in the health field for quite some time and know some people in similar situations in my area alone. Many of these people are compelled to switch to another field after one or two years of failed application cycles after rejecting an offer. I've seen near perfect GPA with average to high DAT in this situation all the time.

Dental school application is competitive as it is. They want applicants who are committed to their programs. Rejecting an offer and not attending anywhere is a true "F you" in their faces. You've wasted their resources and time to consider you as their student. Schools have no reason to give a second chance or believe that you will actually accept an offer.

I don't know about you, but all of my interviews that I attended, they all mentioned it was a two way street. You are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. They have the option to reject you and vice versa. This is a big financial commitment in one life, and you shouldn't feel obligated to attend some school that you don't see yourself happy in. Like you, I also know people personally in real life who turned down offers and reapply again and was accepted with no issue.

If you google, you can find cases where applicants declined their only offer and was accepted the next cycle to other schools. They might blacklist you from that school you rejected, but it definitely not a death sentence from all dental schools.

 

[Tarheeltarheel]

I don't know about you, but all of my interviews that I attended, they all mentioned it was a two way street. You are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. They have the option to reject you and vice versa. This is a big financial decision in one life, and you shouldn't feel obligated to attend some school that you don't see yourself happy in. Like you, I also know people personally in real life who turned down offers and reapply again and was accepted with no issue.

This is how I feel at the moment. My girlfriend is the love of my life, and we both know we're getting married once she is out of med school, so it's not going to be a matter of staying to keep her, it'll be staying to be with her. I believe in the next couple of days I will deny my Louisville acceptance and work my butt off to prove to ECU and UNC that I'm a good fit for their programs. I appreciate everyone taking time to reply, I just don't think I was sold on Louisville. It is just too much money to have to work through in my early 30's. Sure I'd probably catch up later in my career, but I see myself caring less and less about money into old age.

 

[deleted942432]

This is how I feel at the moment. My girlfriend is the love of my life, and we both know we're getting married once she is out of med school, so it's not going to be a matter of staying to keep her, it'll be staying to be with her. I believe in the next couple of days I will deny my Louisville acceptance and work my butt off to prove to ECU and UNC that I'm a good fit for their programs. I appreciate everyone taking time to reply, I just don't think I was sold on Louisville. It is just too much money to have to work through in my early 30's. Sure I'd probably catch up later in my career, but I see myself caring less and less about money into old age.

Good luck. I hope you get into at least one of those two schools next year.

 

[doktorinprogres]

This is how I feel at the moment. My girlfriend is the love of my life, and we both know we're getting married once she is out of med school, so it's not going to be a matter of staying to keep her, it'll be staying to be with her.

Please keep in mind that there isn't a guarantee that your girlfriend will match somewhere convenient to your dental school. If she's already in medical school that means she'll start residency while you're in school. Charlotte (if she matched carolinas healthcare) to ECU will take you the same travel time as SDF to RDU. You didn't mention your ages but there's something to be said about being young and finished with education and making big bucks.

 

[Mcat__cat!!!]

This is how I feel at the moment. My girlfriend is the love of my life, and we both know we're getting married once she is out of med school, so it's not going to be a matter of staying to keep her, it'll be staying to be with her. I believe in the next couple of days I will deny my Louisville acceptance and work my butt off to prove to ECU and UNC that I'm a good fit for their programs. I appreciate everyone taking time to reply, I just don't think I was sold on Louisville. It is just too much money to have to work through in my early 30's. Sure I'd probably catch up later in my career, but I see myself caring less and less about money into old age.

I’m a reapplicant and live in NC. So last year I interviewed at both UNC and ECU. I was waitlisted at both but ultimately rejected. I applied again this year with better DAT, shadowing, ect. But this cycle, I didn’t even recieved an interview from these two school.
Just my two-cents.

 

[princeafrica]

Maybe it's jealousy?

Forsure

 

[GoDental101]

This website seems to have a mob mentality when it comes to tearing down people conflicted with an acceptance. Maybe it's jealousy? You earned that acceptance and if you don't feel like the cost is justified then let someone else live with the debt and move on. Best of luck to you!

Sounds like someone’s on the waitlist at Louisville 😉

 

[severage]

If I were you OP, I would deny my acceptance to Louisville and spend that extra year studying for the DAT and volunteering, to ensure acceptance at ECU and UNC next year. I'm like you, that amount of debt absolutely terrifies me, and truthfully I probably wouldn't even go into this field if I had to take on nearly half a million in debt.

 

[AppalachianDentalBoy]

I’d go to Louisville. Chances are your girlfriend matches at a hospital far away from you anyway so if you will be apart for a year+ anyway.

 

[Tarheeltarheel]

I’d go to Louisville. Chances are your girlfriend matches at a hospital far away from you anyway so if you will be apart for a year+ anyway.

I get where you're coming from, but going to Louisville doesn't financially check the boxes for me. A $150k less and I'd reconsider.

 

[Save the Molar Bears]

Okay I am gonna stop you all right here. You take that spot, bb. Some of us still out here waiting for a miracle 🙁

 

[Faefly]

I get where you're coming from, but going to Louisville doesn't financially check the boxes for me. A $150k less and I'd reconsider.

So, it is all about the money in the end.

Ok, then by all means just decline the offer. I am sure there are other students right now who are sad and waiting for your spot. Other students who know what they want and they go for it.

Are we really trying to save you when there are other deserving students who are desperately waiting for that spot and willing to leave everything behind!

Congratulations on getting married to a successful doctor, by the way, I hope that works out for you.

 

[GoDental101]

So, it is all about the money in the end.

Ok, then by all means just decline the offer. I am sure there are other students right now who are sad and waiting for your spot. Other students who know what they want and they go for it.

Are we really trying to save you when there are other deserving students who are desperately waiting for that spot and willing to leave everything behind!

Congratulations on getting married to a successful doctor, by the way, I hope that works out for you.

I agree with this post 100%.

 

[Tarheeltarheel]

Thanks everyone for your time!! I called Louisville yesterday to deny my acceptance. I felt pretty good about it. I really enjoy what I do at my current job so worse case scenario if I don't get into ECU or UNC next year I don't think I'd be too upset when I really think about it. I am happy to pass on that acceptance to the next person.

 

[severage]

Thanks everyone for your time!! I called Louisville yesterday to deny my acceptance. I felt pretty good about it. I really enjoy what I do at my current job so worse case scenario if I don't get into ECU or UNC next year I don't think I'd be too upset when I really think about it. I am happy to pass on that acceptance to the next person.

I think you made the right decision, personally. I think a lot of people don't realize how crippling 400k in loans truly would be, even on a dentist's salary. Work hard, volunteer more, study 4+ hours a day for at least 3 months for the DAT, and practice interview questions over and over again and I'm sure you'll get accepted to ECU or UNC next year.

 

[BluntForceTrauma]

I'm sure you'll get accepted to ECU or UNC next year.

Care to give odds on this?

 

[princeafrica]

Care to give odds on this?

Foreal! These two schools have a mythical method of selection