2nd time applying, should I retake DAT? Or just focus on Shadowing?

[wmhockey]

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So I'm currently wait listed at Roseman University, but I'm gearing up for the next application cycle. I have applied to a one-year biomedical sciences masters program in case I don't get in.

Last cycle I applied to 12 schools, but my mail out date wasn't until 10/10/14 and my overall GPA did not exceed a 3.0 until after the academic update. My last 71 credits Post-Bacc GPA ~3.8 taking prerequisites and other upper division biomedical science courses.

I only interviewed at 2 schools, CU (In-state) and Roseman, with dwindling hope of an interview at Case Western Reserve.

The feedback I received from CU was that I did not need to retake my DAT but I am questioning that advice. Their suggestion was to bump up the shadowing hours and consider a graduate program.

AA 20 TS 22 RC 23 PAT 21..... QR 13 --> Thought I was selecting answers until I "finished" the section, only to realize I hadn't clicked on the answers and in the last 3 minutes rushed through trying to remember the answers I calculated and didn't finish the section... all of my individual scores were 21+ except QR. I do know that I can do much better on the DAT, I had limited time to prepare.

BCP 3.35 Science 3.21 Non-science 2.9 Overall 3.08

I do have 10 years of experience as a medical assistant, three of those years as back-office manager. Solid letters and EC.

But only 50 hours dental shadowing.

So, after that ramble.... retake DAT? or get loads of shadowing in between now and June? Or a little bit of column A and a little bit of column B?

 

[I want to go to there]

You are lacking in both and you got the time to do both, so do both.

 

[BabyShades]

1. Retake the DAT, QR of 13 is pretty low. Schools might think you did not take that section seriously. I am also retaking the DAT with a 17 PAT. My scores are similar, but I know I can do better.

2. Definitely need more shadowing hours. I know you are probably a career changer, but it does look a little off that you have been a medical assistant for 10 years and have been shadowing for 50 hours. I would suggest to bump up the shadowing hours up to 100 at least. If they ever question you about the medical assistant job, just simply respond to them that it is beneficial because you learned how to communicate to patients effectively.

3. Always practice before your interview. You received 2 interviews, they like something about you. This is your opportunity to figure what they like about you and emphasize it. Maybe it is that you are a non traditional applicant, so emphasize why you want to do dentistry (more importantly, why did you change from medical assistant to possibly a dentist?) I am not saying that you did not ace your interviews, it is just that dentistry is becoming very competitive. I believe there are so many qualified applicants like you and I, but there are not enough seats.

4. This cycle is not over buddy. At this moment, you can definitely write a letter of intent and update your accomplishments. Your 3.8 GPA before applying again is outstanding. Also, get an updated letter of recommendation from a dentist to prove to the school that you have been shadowing. Yes, some people are going to disagree with me on this. I think that it helps slightly because they know you will be applying again. If they see you have more shadowing hours and your grades are getting much better, then they are more incline to favor you more than the others on waitlist.

5. If you have to reapply again, then I would apply to more schools. Yes, it will cost you probably 3 grands with interviews to apply for 15 years. But, it is better than waiting a cycle and going through the emotional stress.

Good luck!!!!

 

[GoingToSchoolForever]

Retake the DAT. Your scores are great but many schools have cutoffs for each section. Your QR section can be holding you off from receiving interviews at certain schools. Some schools require you score a minimum of 15 or 16 in each section.

Your GPA seems okay for the DAT scores you have. So I wouldn't worry about shadowing. Shadowing and extracurriculars really play a small role in applications. The biggest component is your GPA and DAT. If you decide to go into a biomedical master's program, you'll definitely be increasing your chances.

 

[wmhockey]

Thank you all for your replies! Yeah definitely gonna get my shadowing over 100 hours, preferably over 150 hrs... just finished getting 8 more hours at an endo office today.

I knew I needed to start studying for the DAT again, but I just needed a little push from my fellow SDNers!!....... cause lets face it, who wants to take the DAT a second time?! Not this guy!

 

[Coloradoboulder]

I would suggest more shadowing to get it a little above the 100 mark. Your DAT looks great but the QR is a bit low. Other then that just apply early and to more schools and I think you will be golden. Since this cycle isn't over yet I hope the best of luck to you!

 

[wmhockey]

Thank you Coloradoboulder! I'm from Fort Collins by the way, gotta love Colorado!

 

[Coloradoboulder]

Thank you Coloradoboulder! I'm from Fort Collins by the way, gotta love Colorado!

🙂

 

[pilotdentist]

I think it's a matter of how much you want to control your destiny.

A 22 AA is solid on the DAT. You need to do your research via SDN and calling admissions offices to find out which schools do and do not value the QR section, and expand your application list with schools that do not weigh QR highly.

50 hrs shadowing is low. I had just over 100 and was told by 2 schools on interviews that I should do more, which surprised me a bit.

I think most schools look at the big picture of how your application makes you look and 1 low DAT section shouldn't completely knock you out of the running unless they specifically state cutoff scores.

I think you could get in without retaking, but it also depends on how confident you are in the rest of your application and your interview skills. Good luck!

 

[GoingToSchoolForever]

Thank you all for your replies! Yeah definitely gonna get my shadowing over 100 hours, preferably over 150 hrs... just finished getting 8 more hours at an endo office today.

I knew I needed to start studying for the DAT again, but I just needed a little push from my fellow SDNers!!....... cause lets face it, who wants to take the DAT a second time?! Not this guy!

Lol no worries. I took it 3x! You'll definitely do better each and every time unless you go in cold turkey. Best wishes for you