Should I reapply?

Brace yourself for a long read lmao

I know people have posted similar situations on here but I’d like to get some specific opinions on mine if you guys don’t mind! So basically I got waitlisted at my in-state school (my top school) and I also got into a private school across the country—tale as old as time, i know lol. Unfortunately though, some personal circumstances have changed and I’ve had a family health situation that has made it much more important to be able to be close enough to home to visit often (likely every or every other weekend whereas with going to the private school i’d only be able to visit maybe every 6 months if that).

I know it’s commonly said that if you get in somewhere you should go there and that turning down an acceptance is bad, but I’ve also seen lots people say that they’ve succeeded in doing so. Considering I was at least waitlisted this year and the dean told me I interviewed well and had a strong app I feel I may have a decent shot at getting in next year with some additional clinical experience and a new PS. And given that my stats are alright (3.7 gpa and 25 AA with 300+ shadowing and ~150 volunteer hrs) I feel I may also have a good shot of getting into surrounding state schools that I didn’t apply to this year that would be a closer drive to home.

I know I would be losing a year which I have considered, but my state school would also be considerably cheaper (about 250k less in loans) so I’m not really concerned about the aspect of “losing a year of salary”. I’m more so concerned about the aspect of people saying that schools don’t like to see that you’ve turned down acceptances in the past. I’ve heard both sides, that either only the school that you turned down will care or that all schools will care. I’m curious which perspective is more accurate and if they would even be bothered given my reasoning for wanting to reapply.

Ultimately I’m just hoping I’ll get off the waitlist and won’t have to make this decision at all tbh,but I did want to get some advice from other people because i’ve gotten mixed answers across the board from most people i know irl.

I’d like to hear any opinions! just please be respectful and kind as I’ve seen a certain user be consistently very rude and abrasive in this subreddit lol