Am I taking DAT too early?

[dentalmagic]

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Hi guys,

I was wondering if I am taking the DAT too early? I was planning on taking it this May and will be applying for the 2017 cycle. Would my DAT scores be expired by then? I was reading that scores are valid for either 2 or 3 years. If I don't get accepted for the 2017 cycle, would I be screwed and have to take it again?

Thanks!

 

[superluminal]

It you take the DAT this may and apply the exam will only be a year old. In the case of you having to reapply, then the test will be 2 years old. I don't believe that should pose too much of an issue as most schools require it to be taken no more than 3 years prior to your application. But just to be sure get in contact with your prospective schools.
And please don't take it until you're ready to ace it. For the cost and effort, you really should try to take it once.

 

[dentalmagic]

It you take the DAT this may and apply the exam will only be a year old. In the case of you having to reapply, then the test will be 2 years old. I don't believe that should pose too much of an issue as most schools require it to be taken no more than 3 years prior to your application. But just to be sure get in contact with your prospective schools.
And please don't take it until you're ready to ace it. For the cost and effort, you really should try to take it once.

Thank you, but just to confirm, if I'm applying June 2017 and take it May 2015, isn't that two years old?

 

[superluminal]

Yes. I'm sorry I misread your post. I thought you said u were applying in 2016. Yes your DAT would be 2 years old in 2017. Just be careful about taking it so soon for fear of its validity expiring.

 

[swindoll]

Why May and not August? I would (and did) take entire summer to prepare for it!

 

[dentalmagic]

Why May and not August? I would (and did) take entire summer to prepare for it!

I'm starting a post-bac program in September and have a lot of time right now to study for it. After taking the exam in May, I can work full time and save up so that I don't have to work during the postbac.

 

[dentalmagic]

@swindoll , did you ever do a DAT breakdown?

 

[doc toothache]

From the 2014 Guide, which has not been completed.

 

[SXCoronado]

.

 

[rhp22]

Take it the August right before you junior year if you can

 

[swindoll]

@swindoll , did you ever do a DAT breakdown?

No, I didn't 🙁 I took my text on Saturday, and then two day later, on Monday, Fall semester had started. So I basically had no time with all the shopping/packing, and class registration I had to do. 👎