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A persistent question on SDN is advice on whether to retake or not to retake the DAT. Before a decision is reached, it might be helpful to look at the data that has recently been released by the ADA.
http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Education and Careers/Files/dat_users_manual.ashx
The data suggests that there is a considerable drop in the scores for the repeaters in all areas, except perhaps PA. Based on this evidence it should be clear that retaking the test is risky, at best. Unless there are solid reasons for repeating, the temptation to retake should be avoided. Good reasons would be: 1. you did not prepare adequately for the exam 2. you had a hangover the day of the exam. 3. Your mean DAT (AA) and PA scores are more than 1 point below the national mean or below the mean for the school(s) of your choice.
Unless your plan is to make some fundamental changes in the approach to the exam, such as, spending more time, and making substantial changes to the material used, the advice remains the same.
http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Education and Careers/Files/dat_users_manual.ashx
The data suggests that there is a considerable drop in the scores for the repeaters in all areas, except perhaps PA. Based on this evidence it should be clear that retaking the test is risky, at best. Unless there are solid reasons for repeating, the temptation to retake should be avoided. Good reasons would be: 1. you did not prepare adequately for the exam 2. you had a hangover the day of the exam. 3. Your mean DAT (AA) and PA scores are more than 1 point below the national mean or below the mean for the school(s) of your choice.
Unless your plan is to make some fundamental changes in the approach to the exam, such as, spending more time, and making substantial changes to the material used, the advice remains the same.
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