Apply now with old DAT and update later??

[EPJP]

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Hi, guys

I am a re-applicant (I applied for 2015-2016 cycle, got 3 interviews out of 11 schools and 2 waiting lists, but couldn't get in). My application has not been updated or got better because I was working full-time until March 2017. Now I am planning to retake DAT on late August. My question is... should I submit the application right now with old DAT without future DAT taking date??(Because I know schools will wait for my second DAT score if I put future DAT date on my application) or..submit application asap with future DAT taking date and update the DAT score later?? Since I was not accepted to dental schools with 20aa, 3.24 oGPA and 3.49 sGPA in 2015 (I submitted my application on July 20th for 2015 cycle).... I was wondering applying little bit early like June 30 would be better chance without better DAT score.... If schools count more on apply little bit early with 20AA DAT than apply on August with better DAT score which is not guaranteed. Can you guys give me some feedback about my situation???? thanks!

<old DAT score>
OC 21
GC 23
BIO 22
RC 16
QR 18
PAT 22
TS 22
AA 20

• 3.24 oGPA with a 3.49 sGPA,
  
• 2000+ dental assistant hours and 2,000 hours of work experience.
• Four LOR's, three from science professors, one from general dentist.

 

[deleted827844]

I would not retake bro. That score is pretty good honestly. Apply early.


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[EPJP]

I would not retake bro. That score is pretty good honestly. Apply early.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

I was thinking to apply my application without future DAT taking date.... and then take DAT on late August and let schools know about it might be a good idea?? or schools won't consider my new DAT score because I did not indicate "future DAT taking date" on my app??

 

[Craig_Sherwood234]

a 17 on that RC would have really, really looked good overall. It's amazing how a mere point can seem to make all the difference in your case.

 

[deleted827844]

I was thinking to apply my application without future DAT taking date.... and then take DAT on late August and let schools know about it might be a good idea?? or schools won't consider my new DAT score because I did not indicate "future DAT taking date" on my app??

I don't know man. I don't think schools would even look at your app if you have a planned DAT score on there. So you are looking at app completion date to be in September, which is fairly late. Also, you are risking the chance of doing worse on the DAT unless you know for sure you would do better. But if you plan to retake, i would suggest be honest with the schools and let them know you plan to retake it.

 

[Ali_mr64]

Hi, guys

I am a re-applicant (I applied for 2015-2016 cycle, got 3 interviews out of 11 schools and 2 waiting lists, but couldn't get in). My application has not been updated or got better because I was working full-time until March 2017. Now I am planning to retake DAT on late August. My question is... should I submit the application right now with old DAT without future DAT taking date??(Because I know schools will wait for my second DAT score if I put future DAT date on my application) or..submit application asap with future DAT taking date and update the DAT score later?? Since I was not accepted to dental schools with 20aa, 3.24 oGPA and 3.49 sGPA in 2015 (I submitted my application on July 20th for 2015 cycle).... I was wondering applying little bit early like June 30 would be better chance without better DAT score.... If schools count more on apply little bit early with 20AA DAT than apply on August with better DAT score which is not guaranteed. Can you guys give me some feedback about my situation???? thanks!

<old DAT score>
OC 21
GC 23
BIO 22
RC 16
QR 18
PAT 22
TS 22
AA 20

• 3.24 oGPA with a 3.49 sGPA,
  
• 2000+ dental assistant hours and 2,000 hours of work experience.
• Four LOR's, three from science professors, one from general dentist.

 

[Ali_mr64]

Hi, guys

I am a re-applicant (I applied for 2015-2016 cycle, got 3 interviews out of 11 schools and 2 waiting lists, but couldn't get in). My application has not been updated or got better because I was working full-time until March 2017. Now I am planning to retake DAT on late August. My question is... should I submit the application right now with old DAT without future DAT taking date??(Because I know schools will wait for my second DAT score if I put future DAT date on my application) or..submit application asap with future DAT taking date and update the DAT score later?? Since I was not accepted to dental schools with 20aa, 3.24 oGPA and 3.49 sGPA in 2015 (I submitted my application on July 20th for 2015 cycle).... I was wondering applying little bit early like June 30 would be better chance without better DAT score.... If schools count more on apply little bit early with 20AA DAT than apply on August with better DAT score which is not guaranteed. Can you guys give me some feedback about my situation???? thanks!

<old DAT score>
OC 21
GC 23
BIO 22
RC 16
QR 18
PAT 22
TS 22
AA 20

• 3.24 oGPA with a 3.49 sGPA,
  
• 2000+ dental assistant hours and 2,000 hours of work experience.
• Four LOR's, three from science professors, one from general dentist.

Can you say which schools u applied and which one gave an interview, and waiting list? Your application looks good.

 

[EPJP]

Can you say which schools u applied and which one gave an interview, and waiting list? Your application looks good.

I got interviews from DCG, Touro, UDM and waitlisted from Touro and UDM.

 

[Ali_mr64]

Can you say which schools u applied and which one gave an interview, and waiting list? Your application looks good.

How about other 8 school? I'd like to know which schools u applied and didn't get interview by 20 DAT?

 

[deleted735879]

Do not retake unless you are 100% sure you can get the same score or better. If you retake and get a lower score you are SOL. 22TS is amazing! Check to make sure none of the schools you are applying to have a subsection cutoff of anything below 17, if not, I think you're in great shape!

Just my two cents

 

[deleted811127]

Your DAT score is already impressive even with that one weak spot. I'd say do some research and see if your schools take either your highest DAT score, or most recent DAT score (they get all your scores regardless, but some look at one before the other). I usually only recommend retaking it if you have put in ALL the time to prepare. Since it has been a while since you took some of the classes that are covered on the DAT, it may be a bit more difficult to improve your score. I'd say not to retake it unless you feel entirely confident that you can do the same or better in each subsection.

 

[FeralisExtremum]

How late did you apply the first time around?

 

[Ali_mr64]

How late did you apply the first time around?

Wrote July 20th.

 

[deleted765468]

Hi, guys

I am a re-applicant (I applied for 2015-2016 cycle, got 3 interviews out of 11 schools and 2 waiting lists, but couldn't get in). My application has not been updated or got better because I was working full-time until March 2017. Now I am planning to retake DAT on late August. My question is... should I submit the application right now with old DAT without future DAT taking date??(Because I know schools will wait for my second DAT score if I put future DAT date on my application) or..submit application asap with future DAT taking date and update the DAT score later?? Since I was not accepted to dental schools with 20aa, 3.24 oGPA and 3.49 sGPA in 2015 (I submitted my application on July 20th for 2015 cycle).... I was wondering applying little bit early like June 30 would be better chance without better DAT score.... If schools count more on apply little bit early with 20AA DAT than apply on August with better DAT score which is not guaranteed. Can you guys give me some feedback about my situation???? thanks!

<old DAT score>
OC 21
GC 23
BIO 22
RC 16
QR 18
PAT 22
TS 22
AA 20

• 3.24 oGPA with a 3.49 sGPA,
  
• 2000+ dental assistant hours and 2,000 hours of work experience.
• Four LOR's, three from science professors, one from general dentist.

As far as application timeline, June or July don't really make a huge difference for dental schools. Some schools told me they don't interview until Oct and all applications submitted between Jun and Sep have the same priority.

Your overall DAT 20AA/22PAT is average acceptance for most schools these days, so your scores don't really give you an advantage. Same as your GPA. But the 16 might be a hold-back factor for your application. Some schools have a cut off at 18 if I remember correctly.

You have a lot of dental experience. Unfortunately they don't get as much weight as you would like it to. I had over 5 years of dental assistance, probably 7000+ hours, didn't give me as much advantage as I believed.

I would say try your best to get a more balance DAT score. But I do agree with miispr that getting a lower score would put you in a worse position, so tread careful. Try to polish your personal statement and interview skills with professional advisers, and stay connected with the admission office. If you do decide to retake DAT, you can submit your application first to get the GPA verification going, and indicate your DAT test date. Schools won't process your application until they get your new DAT. But as long as you get it done in Sep or earlier, you are still in a good spot.

I have similar profile as yours. My DAT is also 20AA/22PAT but more balance (lowest is 18, highest 22). I got a few interviews, but always waitlisted. It took me 3 cycles and a master program to get 1 acceptance. I hope you have better luck this cycle.