7/6/11 My first round of DAT is DONE. Should I retake?

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After many weeks of freaking out, I was pushed by my mother to take the exam today 😛
Took it @ Prometric Center at Fair Lawn NJ. It was pretty nice. I dont understand few horror stories about that place. Anywho~
Here are my results.

PAT 24 , 98.1%
QR 21, 96.4% (freakin ran out of TIME!)
RC 19, 52.2% (meh.. english is my second language, and I dont read outside of class. 😛 )
Bio 21, 92.3%
GC 23, 95.4%
OC 23, 94.4%
TS 22, 95.6%
AA 21, 93.4%

Addition to this my GPA's are
GPA: 3.46
science GPA : 3.47

I'm okay with the score. I would like it more higher since I'm applying to Columbia, Temple, UMDNJ, and others.
Also, since my GPAs are not phenomenal, higher score on DAT would definitely help. (I think I would do better since I only did one practice test on ADA.org. If I decide to retake, I'm gonna go through alot more practice test. )

BUT!
I'm apply this cycle. 2012.
I have postponing the application til today. AADSAS already received my transcript. I just need to work on the personal statement and letter of rec.s to be submitted.
I'm hoping it would be submitted by end of next week (7/15) or so.

I have question for those who are much wiser than I in application process.

If I retake October 4, the earlist day I can retake DAT, and if the interviews are October and on, how should I notify the schools of the new score?

Thanks in advance
 
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You seriously have no need to retake it. If you do, you can fax the schools your new preliminary score(before being finalized by ada) from the testing center.
 
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Those are pretty damn solid scores... Soooooo..... why would you retake?
 
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I think you should if you're aiming for the better schools, but there's a decent chance you get an acceptance this cycle if you apply to a lot of schools I think.

You might as well take it again, it can't hurt unless your scores drop dramatically.
 
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you might do worse on the 2nd DAT and then seem like a fool for retaking. I say apply to schools and if you get rejected or waitlisted because of the DAT scores then I say go for the retake.
 
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soosoolhastam said:
You seriously have no need to retake it. If you do, you can fax the schools your new preliminary score(before being finalized by ada) from the testing center.
Click to expand...

That sounds reasonable. 🙂

Thanks for the advice! 😉

For now I shall focus getting my app done!
 
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These are are nice scores. You'd definitely be in the running for interviews this cycle. Your GPA is on par with the average accepted applicant, while your DAT is above average.

There is no need for retake, unless you really really really want to get into Columbia (they jizz all over 22+ DATs).

If you take it October 4, it takes them 3-4 weeks for AADSAS to receive it (they are still using a 56k modem apparently), and another few weeks for them to mail it to the schools. You're probably looking at a January interview if the schools still have space.
 
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acha0687 said:
That sounds reasonable. 🙂

Thanks for the advice! 😉

For now I shall focus getting my app done!
Click to expand...

be careful with retaking unless it absolutely necessary, again if you retake and do worse you'll look bad!
 
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FROGGBUSTER said:
I think you should if you're aiming for the better schools, but there's a decent chance you get an acceptance this cycle if you apply to a lot of schools I think.

You might as well take it again, it can't hurt unless your scores drop dramatically.
Click to expand...

I understand what you are saying.
My reach is Columbia and I heard a rumor that unless one of scores is not 25 or higher, they don't offer acceptance or interview....
and I do want to go there. [sigh... curse my greed]

*also I don't consider my GPA to be competitive to other higher ranking schools. That's why I'm not even applying to the higher schools.
 
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wired202808 said:
be careful with retaking unless it absolutely necessary, again if you retake and do worse you'll look bad!
Click to expand...


Definitely! You are right. I will take caution on the second take. Since I somewhat know the materials now, so I would focus on more on test taking practice/strategy.

God! maybe I can get 20 on RC then. LOL probably not...
 
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AlbinoPolarBear said:
These are are nice scores. You'd definitely be in the running for interviews this cycle. Your GPA is on par with the average accepted applicant, while your DAT is above average.

There is no need for retake, unless you really really really want to get into Columbia (they jizz all over 22+ DATs).

If you take it October 4, it takes them 3-4 weeks for AADSAS to receive it (they are still using a 56k modem apparently), and another few weeks for them to mail it to the schools. You're probably looking at a January interview if the schools still have space.
Click to expand...

What happens if I just don't tell them that I am planning to retake it, but retake it and get better score? Can I just call/email them of the new score? No?

Is this bad move?

And yes I really do want to go to Columbia... my greed is killing me...
 
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acha0687 said:
i understand what you are saying.
My reach is columbia and i heard a rumor that unless one of scores is not 25 or higher, they don't offer acceptance or interview....
and i do want to go there. [sigh... Curse my greed]

*also i don't consider my gpa to be competitive to other higher ranking schools. That's why i'm not even applying to the higher schools.
Click to expand...

bull$hit...I know a lot of people I interviewed with didn't have 25 AAs, and a bunch got accepted. Columbia's matriculant average AA is 22, so you're fine. I'd focus on rocking a potential interview rather than risking a retake and lower scores...unless you were absolutely destroying practice tests and feel like you had a terrible day (which it doesn't sound like) and could guarantee 24+.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=810649
 
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acha0687 said:
What happens if I just don't tell them that I am planning to retake it, but retake it and get better score? Can I just call/email them of the new score? No?

Is this bad move?

And yes I really do want to go to Columbia... my greed is killing me...
Click to expand...

Best advice that I can give you is to call Columbia and ask.
 
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rockclock said:
bull$hit...I know a lot of people I interviewed with didn't have 25 AAs, and a bunch got accepted. Columbia's matriculant average AA is 22, so you're fine. I'd focus on rocking a potential interview rather than risking a retake and lower scores...unless you were absolutely destroying practice tests and feel like you had a terrible day (which it doesn't sound like) and could guarantee 24+.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=810649
Click to expand...

If that's correct, I'll just need to work on the my app ASAP!
Crossing my fingers :xf: , and I'm gonna start going to church. LOL :laugh:
Maybe God will help me, if I become devout christian again. :laugh:
 
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acha0687 said:
If that's correct, I'll just need to work on the my app ASAP!
Crossing my fingers :xf: , and I'm gonna start going to church. LOL :laugh:
Maybe God will help me, if I become devout christian again. :laugh:
Click to expand...

albino just confirmed it from the Columbia website and that link I posted goes to doctoothache's post where he typed up official ADEA data...so yeah, I think it's correct. GET YOUR APP IN ASAP!
 
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rockclock said:
that link I posted goes to doctoothache's post where he typed up official ADEA data...so yeah, I think it's correct. GET YOUR APP IN ASAP!
Click to expand...

I just saw the spread sheet. Impressive. And yes I'm on the average for all stats.
Thank you for the help, Everyone!
 
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Do dental schools look at AA or percentile AA more? I took DAT 6/14 and got 21 AA also but 97.2 percentile

And how is AA percentile calculated if anyone knows.
 
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I'm sure they do look at the percentile.
Afterall we take different versions of the exams. 🙂
Good job on your AA! I'm jealous!
 
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acha0687 said:
I'm sure they do look at the percentile.
Afterall we take different versions of the exams. 🙂
Good job on your AA! I'm jealous!
Click to expand...

They look at your standard scores.
Schools don't get your percentiles.

It says so on the printout of your scoresheet.
 
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shdwpally said:
Do dental schools look at AA or percentile AA more? I took DAT 6/14 and got 21 AA also but 97.2 percentile

And how is AA percentile calculated if anyone knows.
Click to expand...

acha0687 said:
I'm sure they do look at the percentile.
Afterall we take different versions of the exams. 🙂
Good job on your AA! I'm jealous!
Click to expand...

:laugh: umm, they don't even see let alone care about your percentile...you both got the exact same 21 AA. percentiles vary from test to test throughout the cycle but they get standardized at the end of the cycle, if you look at previous dat score distribution tables from past years.
 
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acha0687 said:
If that is the case, how do they gauge the scores?
Click to expand...

uhh...based on the score itself. A 21AA is equal to any other 21AA, less than any 22AA and more than any 20AA, etc.

i don't know if this is exactly how the numbers are crunched but you can think of it as shdwpally has an easier test version than you, and did better than 97.2% of people who take that version. you had the harder version and did better than 93.4% of people who take your version. when you standardize between those two versions, you both performed equally, hence the equal 21 AA's
 
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AlbinoPolarBear said:
Sounds complicated. I got lost after "uhh".

I wonder if they hire specialists specifically to decipher the scores.
Click to expand...

we should def pitch that idea to schools, go in on it 50/50...they need professionally trained people on this, it's too important for anything less.
 
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thyagar3 said:
Congrats on the great scores! Just wondering on how you prepared for it?
Click to expand...

I didn't do much studying until last three weeks of it.
I got back from oversea to visit my grandmum after many many years.
So not much long term studying going on there.

BIO = I studied Barrons AP and Kap blue book. Although I wouldn't recommend barrons to anyone after weeks of pain. After review materials, I went onto working on the DAT Destroyers. I went through it 2X carefully. But apparently not careful enough. 🙂

GC = I again focused Kap blue book and went onto Destroyer. Practice Practice Practice!🙂

OC = This I had bit of trouble getting. Definitely understand Destroyer! as well as Kap blue. I also looked at my old txtbk.🙂

QR = I didn't do anything but Destroyer for DAT and MATH. especially Math! It has numerous quesetions that will prepare you with similar types of question. only I had more time😡... anywho

PAT = I actually didn't study much for it since I did pretty good on practice exam in teh beginning of the study period. If I had focused it more, I probably had done better. If I had to give an Advice, PRACTICE PRACTICE on CRACK DAT PAT!😱

RC = I'm quite surprised at the score at same time not very enthusiastic about it. Since english is my second language, and I dont read often at all, I decided to understand the search-n-destroy method and exercise it. I honestly didn't do much of practice on it even less than PAT. :scared: So.... yeah... good luck on that....🙄

That's about it.😉

I know it is not very good advice, but it is true. Better than lying and bulls***ing you with stuff I haven't done, right?😀

Since I haven't done much of studying, that is why I believe if I put more time in practice testing, I can do better on the second retake.

Anywho GOOD LUCK! I hope you'll do better than I, with more effort put in. 😛
 
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ugh, it really annoys me when people put their minimal effort into this and do better than those who put in months of hard work. And then they come on here to complain. Perhaps if you really had your heart set on Columbia you would have higher than average Gpa...based on those scores it seems you are capable and may be one of those who doesn't put all their efforts into studying...its late and I'm bitter from studying all day as I often get so sorry for being harsh but you said yourself you could have studied more ...anyway congrats on good scores regardless.
 
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This thread really makes me feel great about myself...NOT. I guess some people are just better test takers than others. Those scores are bomb!! You're cray cray if you think you need to retake. You did GREAT!

I understand if your dream school is Columbia but do you have other strong points on your application to help you out?

And in the end don't you want to be a dentist? Or do you just want to go to Columbia....? I'm sure you will have many offers with those scores.
 
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BerrF12 said:
This thread really makes me feel great about myself...NOT. I guess some people are just better test takers than others. Those scores are bomb!! You're cray cray if you think you need to retake. You did GREAT!

I understand if your dream school is Columbia but do you have other strong points on your application to help you out?

And in the end don't you want to be a dentist? Or do you just want to go to Columbia....? I'm sure you will have many offers with those scores.
Click to expand...

don't compare yourself to others like that guys, it'll tear you apart throughout dental school and beyond. not everyone puts in the same work to get the same results, that's true in tests, in pre-clinic/clinic, and life in general. it's all about doing what you have to do to get the results you want...put the blinders on everything else.
 
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rockclock said:
don't compare yourself to others like that guys, it'll tear you apart throughout dental school and beyond. not everyone puts in the same work to get the same results, that's true in tests, in pre-clinic/clinic, and life in general. it's all about doing what you have to do to get the results you want...put the blinders on everything else.
Click to expand...

👍👍
 
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acha0687 said:
After many weeks of freaking out, I was pushed by my mother to take the exam today 😛
Took it @ Prometric Center at Fair Lawn NJ. It was pretty nice. I dont understand few horror stories about that place. Anywho~
Here are my results.

PAT 24 , 98.1%
QR 21, 96.4% (freakin ran out of TIME!)
RC 19, 52.2% (meh.. english is my second language, and I dont read outside of class. 😛 )
Bio 21, 92.3%
GC 23, 95.4%
OC 23, 94.4%
TS 22, 95.6%
AA 21, 93.4%

Addition to this my GPA's are
GPA: 3.46
science GPA : 3.47

I'm okay with the score. I would like it more higher since I'm applying to Columbia, Temple, UMDNJ, and others.
Also, since my GPAs are not phenomenal, higher score on DAT would definitely help. (I think I would do better since I only did one practice test on ADA.org. If I decide to retake, I'm gonna go through alot more practice test. )

BUT!
I'm apply this cycle. 2012.
I have postponing the application til today. AADSAS already received my transcript. I just need to work on the personal statement and letter of rec.s to be submitted.
I'm hoping it would be submitted by end of next week (7/15) or so.

I have question for those who are much wiser than I in application process.

If I retake October 4, the earlist day I can retake DAT, and if the interviews are October and on, how should I notify the schools of the new score?

Thanks in advance
Click to expand...



those scores are AWFUL. RETAKE
 
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BerrF12 said:
This thread really makes me feel great about myself...NOT. I guess some people are just better test takers than others. Those scores are bomb!! You're cray cray if you think you need to retake. You did GREAT!

I understand if your dream school is Columbia but do you have other strong points on your application to help you out?

And in the end don't you want to be a dentist? Or do you just want to go to Columbia....? I'm sure you will have many offers with those scores.
Click to expand...

I hear you there... Its discouraging to see people come on here and say "woe is me" for getting 20+. I am HOPING for a 21AA but I'm not going to be pissed if I dont get it lol.

Even then, there have been so many of these "should I retake" posts you think all the smart kids would learn by now that a 21+ is super solid.

I vote these threads get locked from now on because all they do is demoralize the majority of this forum's patrons lol.

A message to future posters: PLEASE search, and see how competitive your DAT score is. there is a lot of info out there that can show you what the min, max, and average schools are for each school (ADEA guide anyone??)

To the OP: you did well... very well. Please be happy 👍
 
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Man~
I didn't expect such hate from that posting.
I did post to ask anyone who has better concept on school average scores and stuffs.. and also acceptance.
(Thank you albinopolarbear and rockclock for the tips!)

Maybe I shouldnt have said anything about my preparation....
anywho...

I'll still think about above topics on my own and probably with my family member (I can't afford all these by myself.. I still need help despite me working full time now)

Because I am aware of my lacking GPA, I was concerned and wanted to reach out to others who can maybe shed some light to my fears.
And I'm sure most of people who do post these have similar mind.

Anyway, I apologize if I offended anyone with the postings above. That was not my intention what so ever.
 
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You scored better than 90%+ of the population who take the DAT.
According to your pre-dents, you have a 4.0 post-bacc (HUGE upward)
And your overall and science GPAs are very good.

What exactly is it about your application you think isn't competitive and hence, making you contemplate the retake????

Statistically speaking, you might not even land another 21AA, and worse of all, since English is a 2nd language for you, you could get un-lucky this time and land an awful reading score (bet you'll be kicking yourself in the head)

IMO, it would be foolish to retake.
 
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acha0687 said:
Man~
I didn't expect such hate from that posting.
I did post to ask anyone who has better concept on school average scores and stuffs.. and also acceptance.

Maybe I shouldnt have said anything about my preparation....
anywho...

I'll still think about above topics on my own and probably with my family member (I can't afford all these by myself.. I still need help despite me working full time now)

Because I am aware of my lacking GPA, I was concerned and wanted to reach out to others who can maybe shed some light to my fears.
And I'm sure most of people who do post these have similar mind.

Anyway, I apologize if I offended anyone with the postings above. That was not my intention what so ever.
Click to expand...
You posted to ask about retaking a 21AA/22 TS O_O. You set yourself up for "hate". If you want average rates, look them up on predents or ADA book like others have said. Or even just do a search of the forums. People here make me shake my head sometimes x_x.
 
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acha0687 said:
Man~
I didn't expect such hate from that posting.
I did post to ask anyone who has better concept on school average scores and stuffs.. and also acceptance.
(Thank you albinopolarbear and rockclock for the tips!)

Maybe I shouldnt have said anything about my preparation....
anywho...

I'll still think about above topics on my own and probably with my family member (I can't afford all these by myself.. I still need help despite me working full time now)

Because I am aware of my lacking GPA, I was concerned and wanted to reach out to others who can maybe shed some light to my fears.
And I'm sure most of people who do post these have similar mind.

Anyway, I apologize if I offended anyone with the postings above. That was not my intention what so ever.
Click to expand...

There is no hate intended in this thread 🙂 Just some people being sarcastic and others who are complaining that all of those who do well dont really look appreciative of it (me included). If you cant read into the sarcasm, that might be because of English being your second language...

To be honest though, you really should try and search the forums before you ask about your scores. Like everyone has said, you have very solid scores, and a 4.0 post bac. You went to a very good university, and will get lots of interviews. It almost seems as though, even if you got a 22,23, or even a 24AA with one score at 19 you would still have posted the same thing and asked "should I retake"... You are obviously a smart cookie, but it seems some sort of insecurity is getting the best of you! Please be happy in your solid performance; you have done much better than the vast majority of applicants. You have even done better than the majority of those who will be accepted as well. Best of luck!
 
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