USC or reapply

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howaminow

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Just wondering would people still go to USC or reapply and hope to get into a cheaper school?

The tuition and fees are scaring the heck out of me
 
I can't apply because of a health issue that requires me to take medication. I talked to the military branches and all said because of it I would not qualify.
 
NHSC scholarship? They don't discriminate against medicine takers.
 
Will apply for it, but I know it is pretty rare to get.

Financially speaking though, if I was not able to get a scholarship, what would you do or advise?
 
Has anyone been in the same situation and just reapplied?
 
NHSC and HPSP are pretty competitive many people on this forum won't even end up getting it who applied...
 
Where are you going to school?
 
I'm going to University at Buffalo -
 
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I would have went wherever I got in even without the $$$ - dental is your dream and it came true and I saw how hard you worked take it and run with it!
 
I get it being my dream, but being in good economic standing is important too, every dream has its price. While CWRU is expensive, it is still I believe 50k+ cheaper then USC probably even more when including living expenses since Cleveland I would imagine it quite cheaper then Los Angeles
 
I understand your dilemma - just try to remember the struggle of this past cycle...do you really want to go through it again? It will only get more competitive.
 
My application also wasn't complete until Mid-November this year.
 
howaminow said:
My application also wasn't complete until Mid-November this year.
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I see...ok well I wish you the best of luck. Have you already reapplied? Have you asked your parents for help on paying school?
 
I submitted with the remaining money I had then I heard back on my acceptance., honestly my parent's aren't an option. They don't think of the money and only look at the prestige of having their son become a dentist. They are blinded by that to even recognize the financial cost
 
periopocket said:
Dude go to USC and don't look back
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Agree 100%. Think about the longevity of your career. You will pay it off in time. There's 2 types of currencies in this world. Time or money. Decide which one is more valuable. Personally, I say time. The money will be there later, but if you don't take the opportunity, it may not be there later...
 
Obviously the financial aspect is a big deal but if you feel confident that you will receive an acceptance if you reapply then go for it but consider your options. You can also work for a Veteran Affairs hospital or some Federal agency that provides student loan repayment programs to help ease the financial burden of dental school.

But I'm assuming you applied to USC as a safety school?! and you were accepted. It's your life and only you can make the final decision but I personally would attend to avoid the headache of another application cycle.
 
What if, Gof forbid, you don't get in if you reapply? There is always that possibility. Seems too risky for me, now that you got into dental school.
 
howaminow said:
Just wondering would people still go to USC or reapply and hope to get into a cheaper school?

The tuition and fees are scaring the heck out of me
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What are your stats? You applied really late. I wouldn't go to USC if you're taking loans for the whole thing, it's too much of an economic burden.
 
Given all that effort, it took you 3 cycles to barely make it in. The digital x-ray sensor used at my dentist's office is about 12K. If you can only foresee yourself getting into another private d-school with a lower tuition, then you might as well attend this school.

If dentistry is your passion or a profession you could see yourself doing from 9 to 5 each day, then I would go in a heartbeat.

You might want to double check with the state dental licensing board regarding your health issue.
 
I agree with Koalafied. If it took you three years to get in, I would go in a heartbeat. Next year is not guaranteed either. You will get out and you will pay off your loans slowly
 
The same reason I'm not applying to USC,NYU and ASDOH = Money..
 
gn4 said:
I agree with Koalafied. If it took you three years to get in, I would go in a heartbeat. Next year is not guaranteed either. You will get out and you will pay off your loans slowly
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Exactly!!!!! One should not trow away the fishes that you caught in the buck in hope of catching a better fish that hasn't caught yet.

I'll go with USC!
 
I'm in a similar situation as I only got into NYU. I decided to go, but I had my reasons. My GPA was a 3.5 when I applied, but I made a few C's senior year that weren't on my application so my reapplying GPA would be around a 3.3 with the science a little lower. I'm scared about the loans but just thankful I have a seat. Parents are helping out a little, but I'll still be 300k in debt.
 
You should add a poll to this thread and I would vote: go to USC! Trojans! Hot girls! Great location! Win/win
 
My understanding of things is that if you are attending any school that isn't your state public school then you will be paying tons in tuition either way, are the differences really that significant? I've looked at a fair share of tuition figures and it didn't seem to me to be so.
 
It took you 3 cycles to get an acceptance and now you're thinking of turning that down to apply a 4th time in the hopes that you'll get into a slightly cheaper school?!?

I wouldn't do it.

Don't be dumb. Nothing is guaranteed in this life, and you might not get any acceptances next cycle.

Plus, I'm pretty sure you have to disclose where you got in/why you didn't go on your AADSAS.

Why did you apply to a school you wouldn't want to attend?
 
Just to clear some things up, this upcoming cycle would have been my 3rd cycle, the USC acceptance happened in my 2nd cycle.

1st Cycle I had a 3.22 GPA I believe before my summer grades with like a 17 DAT.
This cycle I took the DAT twice messed up in July and then took in Halloween at received a 20/20/20 with the two lowest scores being 19 of QR and GC. Also 2 22's in RC and OC. Raised GPA up to 3.4 and now 3.42 (only took once class and just worked full time this past year while volunteer.

I originally attended to apply for the scholarship through the Navy, but was accepted to USC too late and then also found up I am medically unclear because of some health issues that recently came up. If i had the scholarship I would have no issue with attending USC. Plus to be honest, not a big fan of PBL since I think I would struggle in that type of environment since I learn better in a more structured environment.

While both USC and say NYU are expensive I believe the difference in tuition is about 40k, which after interest for 4 years while in school can be a big difference (not quite sure though how much of a difference living expenses are though between the two cities). Originally my parents offered to take care of rent and other living expenses, but got engaged they don't approve of it and have cut me off financially.

I already had submitted my application also before I was accepted and it was already mailed out, so no way for me to edit that I was previously accepted.

Trust me I am thinking about not getting accepted again as well if I did turn it down, which is why I am struggling with this decision.
 
Congratulations on you and your fiancé! Enjoy your life and pursue your dream. The sooner you start the sooner you will have a minimum 120k+ salary starting. The difference between a cheaper school and more Expensive on average is about 150k in most coasts of the country. You will make up just bust your but and make other great financial decisions earlier. You know my Vote! I wish you all the best!
 
howaminow said:
Just to clear some things up, this upcoming cycle would have been my 3rd cycle, the USC acceptance happened in my 2nd cycle.

1st Cycle I had a 3.22 GPA I believe before my summer grades with like a 17 DAT.
This cycle I took the DAT twice messed up in July and then took in Halloween at received a 20/20/20 with the two lowest scores being 19 of QR and GC. Also 2 22's in RC and OC. Raised GPA up to 3.4 and now 3.42 (only took once class and just worked full time this past year while volunteer.

I originally attended to apply for the scholarship through the Navy, but was accepted to USC too late and then also found up I am medically unclear because of some health issues that recently came up. If i had the scholarship I would have no issue with attending USC. Plus to be honest, not a big fan of PBL since I think I would struggle in that type of environment since I learn better in a more structured environment.

While both USC and say NYU are expensive I believe the difference in tuition is about 40k, which after interest for 4 years while in school can be a big difference (not quite sure though how much of a difference living expenses are though between the two cities). Originally my parents offered to take care of rent and other living expenses, but got engaged they don't approve of it and have cut me off financially.

I already had submitted my application also before I was accepted and it was already mailed out, so no way for me to edit that I was previously accepted.

Trust me I am thinking about not getting accepted again as well if I did turn it down, which is why I am struggling with this decision.
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I think the regret and time lost from potentially not getting accept in the third cycle will be a LOT worse than the debt load from USC. If I was in your shoes, there would be no question. Accept USC's offer and live life! Even with a sizable debt load, you will live on and it will eventually dissipate 👍
 
Ionz said:
I think the regret and time lost from potentially not getting accept in the third cycle will be a LOT worse than the debt load from USC. If I was in your shoes, there would be no question. Accept USC's offer and live life! Even with a sizable debt load, you will live on and it will eventually dissipate 👍
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Tough call. Dentistry isn't my absolute die hard passion like it is for some people on this forum. I think it is a great career and will make me very happy. That said, I am attending my state school and will graduate with 150K in debt.

All that matters is that you are comfortable with the debt. There are people on this forum that would go even if it cost them 1 million at 15%.
 
mmmsteakdinners said:
Tough call. Dentistry isn't my absolute die hard passion like it is for some people on this forum. I think it is a great career and will make me very happy. That said, I am attending my state school and will graduate with 150K in debt.

All that matters is that you are comfortable with the debt. There are people on this forum that would go even if it cost them 1 million at 15%.
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To each their own definitely. Oh God, 1 million at 15%.................lol
 
Considering you're effectively taking a years income + whatever interest you make off your investments and flushing them down the toilet, I don't think you're going to be saving yourself too much money in the long by *maybe* getting accepted to a cheaper school. In fact, I'd say you would probably end up losing a very pretty penny after all the compounding is done and you decide to retire.
 
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Yeah, I read that too where most dentists said it was not worth the cost they charge
 
You'd be a fool not to accept USC dent. One of the strongest alumni programs in the world and almost guarantee of job after graduating and specialization
 
You're also applying to medical school which is cheaper then dental.

Also, there is no such thing as a guaranteed job in any profession.
 
OP,

What about PSLF? You could teach or something 30 hours per week, and then another 20-30 you could practice? Also, if you specialized in something like Pedo, I believe the 2-year residency counts toward public service at mos institutions. That would be a good deal.
 
Only you can decide what something is worth.

Please see attached for my repayment calculation of USC's fixed-costs (tuition + fees only).

The crux of the spreadsheet:

5-year repayment schedule
Monthly Repayment = $7,236
Yearly Repayment = $86,836
Total Interest = $71,557
Total Repayment = $434,178

10-year repayment schedule
Monthly Repayment = $4,272
Yearly Repayment = $51,263
Total Interest = $150,006
Total Repayment = $512,627

20-year repayment schedule
Monthly Repayment = $2,884
Yearly Repayment = $34,603
Total Interest = $329,448
Total Repayment = $692,069

The monthly repayment amount is critical to obtaining a loan for opening your own practice. "The preferred maximum DTI [debt-to-income ratio] varies from lender to lender, but it's often around 36%". http://learn.bankofamerica.com/articles/managing-credit/keeping-your-debt-load-manageable.html
 

Attachments

howaminow said:
Just to clear some things up, this upcoming cycle would have been my 3rd cycle, the USC acceptance happened in my 2nd cycle. I apologize for that.

1st Cycle I had a 3.22 GPA I believe before my summer grades with like a 17 DAT.
This cycle I took the DAT twice messed up in July and then took in Halloween at received a 20/20/20 with the two lowest scores being 19 of QR and GC. Also 2 22's in RC and OC. Raised GPA up to 3.4 and now 3.42 (only took once class and just worked full time this past year while volunteer.

I originally attended to apply for the scholarship through the Navy, but was accepted to USC too late and then also found up I am medically unclear because of some health issues that recently came up. If i had the scholarship I would have no issue with attending USC. Plus to be honest, not a big fan of PBL since I think I would struggle in that type of environment since I learn better in a more structured environment.

While both USC and say NYU are expensive I believe the difference in tuition is about 40k, which after interest for 4 years while in school can be a big difference (not quite sure though how much of a difference living expenses are though between the two cities). Originally my parents offered to take care of rent and other living expenses, but got engaged they don't approve of it and have cut me off financially.

I already had submitted my application also before I was accepted and it was already mailed out, so no way for me to edit that I was previously accepted.

Trust me I am thinking about not getting accepted again as well if I did turn it down, which is why I am struggling with this decision.
Click to expand...

Like I said earlier, if this is the career in which you can see yourself working in, then I'd go.

Here's some food for thoughts (http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=956065)
Personally, I think you should consult with a few dentists and maybe a financial adviser on matters like this. I'm sure most of us are biased in our own answers here since we all want to get in as well.
 
I almost didn't go to USC because of the cost. It would have been the worst decision of my life. I've had a great time here, learned a lot and all my friends who graduated are living comfortably at a minimum. My other friends are living very well. Many are on IBR and if you're eligible for PAYE that's even better. As mentioned earlier there is also PSLF, so options exist. Buy football tickets.
 
cmcner said:
I almost didn't go to USC because of the cost. It would have been the worst decision of my life. I've had a great time here, learned a lot and all my friends who graduated are living comfortably at a minimum. My other friends are living very well. Many are on IBR and if you're eligible for PAYE that's even better. As mentioned earlier there is also PSLF, so options exist. Buy football tickets.
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Your other friends who are living well, were they USC dental grads?
 
Yes, all of them graduated in the last 3 years.
 
Hey man, Dental School is Dental School. You're not guaranteed to get in on the next cycle. You might as well go, enjoy LA, and be thankful for the opportunity! 😀
 
I go to USC. Although it is not the ideal place for everyone I recommend you just attend here. A lot of the large private schools are fairly similar in overall price. If you look at that spreadsheet that is floating around here you can see that many aren't that far off. Also, you pay a premium to live in LA. Whether that is worth it or not is up for debate.

I can second that a lot of the recent graduates i know are heavily burdened with debt but still living normal lives, working, getting married, buying houses and such.

Good luck with your decision.
 
this all comes down to one of the not-spoken-often-enough SDN motifs: don't apply to a school you wouldn't want to attend.

you applied to dental schools, USC included, for two cycles. why? i'll go on a limb and say it's because you want to become a dentist. well SURPRISE! usc will make you one.

sure it may not be the cheapest, or easiest, or most supportive path through dental school, but it's dental school.

i'm almost literally scratching my head as to how this is a problem for you. did you apply to usc ignorant not only to their cost of attendance but also their style of curriculum? or did you disregard the latter and bank on handling the former by winning one of those (increasingly competitive) military scholarships?

i get how one can perceive the gravity of this situation. i mean, i know it's a big deal...but it's also not. it's four years. it'll be over and behind you before you know it. go to the damn school and become a dentist.
 
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