AADSAS/DAT Question

[tbrillia]

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Hi, this is my first time post and I could use some guidance from whomever may have an opinion.

First, the background to my question. I took the DAT two weeks ago and received the following score:

Academic Average: 21
Perceptual Ability: 16
Quantitative Reasoning: 17
Reading Comprehension: 20
Biology: 20
General Chemistry: 25
Organic Chemistry: 21
Total Science: 21

GPA: Approximately 3.4
Science GPA: Approximately 3.4

I am a New York resident and would love to go to either Stony Brook or Buffalo, or UConn. I am going to apply to the rest of the New York schools, as well as Michigan, Ohio State, San Francisco, and other schools that seem to have the right mix of good clinical education/decent cost/I have a chance in hell in getting into.

My first question is 1) Should I definitely retake the DAT? I am happy with my academic scores, but I know the perceptual score is not too good. My school advisor recommended that I wait (since I have to wait 90 days anyway) and see what interviews I get in the meantime and what feedback I get about my scores at the interview. Then, I can take the DAT again if it is needed. Does that seem like a reasonable idea? I was scoring much higher in my Kaplan practice tests (19-21?s), so I assume I was properly prepared and either just got a tough test or had a bad day. But I feel like that section is such a crap shoot that it is possible I could end up not even improving on it if I took it again. Additionally, do you think it would look bad if I DID go up in PAT, but down in the academic (a distinct possibility)?

My second question is 2)If I take the ?wait and see? approach to taking the DAT again, what should I say on my AADSAS application regarding ?future DAT plans? and how do you think a school would perceive it if I did not fill this section out (because I am unsure if I am taking it). Would they think ?His PAT scores suck and he?s not planning on taking it again? No interview for you!? Or conversely, if I DO fill out a future date, would they think ?Well, we can wait and see how he does in three months and then evaluate him when he does.? Obviously, neither of these responses are what I want.

Lastly, 3)Does anyone know how much importance my top choice schools (Buffalo, Stony Brook, UConn) place on the PAT, and what my chances would be to getting in with my current stats? I know this question has no good concrete answer, but anyone with experience applying to these schools would be appreciated.

I really appreciate any help/info that anyone has to offer. I am filling out the AADSAS now and trying to finish it, but these questions bother me some. Thanks a lot!

 

[UBTom]

Speaking as a SUNY Buffalo dental alum, your stats are definitely good enough for Buffalo. The only things that will make or break you would be the quality of your application essay and your interview.

If I was in your shoes, I wouldn't bother retaking the DAT's, nor would I bother applying to any of the other non-NY public schools.

Don't sweat it! 😉

And no, there is no such thing as an "elite" dental school the below poster is alluding to. As long as you are a competent dentist, a patient doesn't care if you graduated from Harvard or Howard. 😛

 

[onetoothleft]

I think you have a pretty good shot with the scores that you have. The only school that has a PAT average that far out of reach would be Columbia (20). Stony Brook has like a 18.5 average. Plus your grades and other scores make up for it. Retake the DAT if you want, but I really don't think you need to. You would only need to improve your scores if you are plannign to go to an elite school like Harvard, UPenn, UCSF, UCLA, Uwash, UOP, etc. I even think Columbia might accept you if your interviews go well.

PAT scores ended up being lower for a lot of us on this site. Maybe it is something about the DAT computer resolution or something, but I scored like 5 points lower that my practices too. And plus I think most people have a lower PAT school vs. AA score.

 

[Remmurts]

Speaking as a SUNY Buffalo dental alum, your stats are definitely good enough for Buffalo. The only things that will make or break you would be the quality of your application essay and your interview.

If I was in your shoes, I wouldn't bother retaking the DAT's, nor would I bother applying to any of the other non-NY public schools.

Don't sweat it! 😉

And no, there is no such thing as an "elite" dental school the below poster is alluding to. As long as you are a competent dentist, a patient doesn't care if you graduated from Harvard or Howard. 😛

Good advice Tom! I agree (save those application fees!)

 

[tbrillia]

Thanks for the advice! I guess I won't put any future DAT plans on the application. Just for claritys sake, are you saying I shouldn't bother applying to the out of state schools because I don't have a chance, or because you think I will get into one of the state schools? Thanks again.

 

[UBTom]

Since you are an NYS resident, you already got an advantage over applicants from the other 49 states when applying to the two SUNY schools-- You will get first priority.

Couple that with a pretty good GPA and DAT (which you have), I don't see how you won't get into either Buffalo or Stony unless you screw up majorly on your interviews or app essay.

Good luck!

 

[MrBenny]

To the OP, if you are interested in UPenn, don't fret. look in the Barron's guide. their average PAT score is 17. lower than you would expect, huh?