4th time DAT?

[awaitsimpatient]

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I had been addicted to SDN I have to confess, Oh god..I had search different past threads of people applying with similar scores ( maybe 1 person got accepted in like 2007 when average score was 17), I had search those thread related to people taking DAT 4th times-->some switched status to podiatry or they just stopped posting. ( either they gave up or took it a fourth time and didn't get into DS). Wow, I had stalked on most of the people's past post here, and sometimes i just want to cry! ( I am not jealous, I wish I was more competitive but that's not who I am) I am proud of what I got but I know is NOT enough. I increased scores every time I took the exams, not much but was an improvement. I have at least 8 months until next cycle opens up, and NOW I am considering retaking for 4th time. I might have to quit my jobs to study maybe 3 months? I am so frustrated right now viewing people with better scores than me getting rejections and giving up. I am not sure how the process is to appeal to take again and how school will take it? as a joke? I am thinking on the rest of this year practice math, math, math and then do the other sections for like two-three months-->retake if i feel ready in may? I am trying to stay positive but I can't. Will accept any advice even if it hurts my heart, Thanks 😳🙁

 

[Menthol]

you can give a shot if you are determined to pursue in the field of dentistry..
but undoubtedly.. the 4th attempt will be your last chance..
and i believe you need to score reallllllllllly high..

 

[azimmer]

Hmm I only retook my DAT once but the reasoning behind my retake was that I was not happy with my score. You see the first time I took my DAT I got a 15 PAT so I retook it and dramatically improved. Before my retake I, too, would be miserably stalking stats on SDN and literally couldn't find anyone that got in with a 15 PAT. So I retook it and now I am happy with my scores. I'd say what the hell, take it a 4th time so you can say you literally did everything possible to get into dental school. If dental school really is your calling, you'll find some way to make it happen. However, if you feel like you had already given it your all with your first 3 attempts I would advise you to just go with the flow and apply wisely to schools this cycle. You have to imagine that most of the people posting their stats on here are going to have really good stats. There are people that get in with low stats. SDN is not nearly representative of the entire pool of dental applicants.
Best of luck to you!

 

[carlfusco]

I don't know all of the details of your situation only having read a few of your posts here and there. Having taken the DAT three times already and quitting your job as a DH more than once, though, I would think there comes a point when you have to accept that the likelihood of acceptance doesn't justify the amount of effort you've put into this dream.

 

[Gracie2011]

I wouldn't suggest quitting your job, but if you feel you need to retake maybe find someone to tutor you in your weak areas. If you plan to take it in May you should have plenty of time to prepare yourself. I would also suggest since you have the time to buy one of the more difficult testing systems such as Achiever. If you can get good scores on it you will have a good idea of what you will get on the DAT. Don't give up on your dream of becoming a dentist! .

 

[awaitsimpatient]

Thanks you for your replies, i will go get some answes tomorrow to my #1 school and see what my chances are if i retake. I need to get in no matter what, getting fired from my jobs are not an issue since i am always able to get other jobs right away, lucky me! now I just got some extra cash and no need to work to survive, so I am planning to take off from work to study again if my #1 school says i should retake 🙂 thanks