Apply to Harvard, Columbia, etc. w/o knowing your DAT?

[sddat]

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I've been thinking about this a lot and you guys always set me straight. I am applying to schools before I take the DAT (submitting my app w/o scores and taking it in July). So...I really want to apply to top notch schools (Harvard, Penn, Columbia..) I almost have a 4.0 and until I see that DAT, who knows if I am even worthy of dental school at all?! I think that if I apply to all of the schools without knowing my DAT, my state school (UF) might think that I am really cocky even though I had little chance of the top notch schools (in the case that I get below avg. DAT or below avg. for IVs). I really have no clue how I will do on the DAT, so should I just cut out those IV schools right away? Does your state school look at your choice of other schools and determine what kind of motive you have based on your choices?

 

[a1pha]

I submitted my aadsas before I took my DAT and would definitely recommend adding those schools if you're interested in them. Just apply to a broad range of schools so you aren't taking a huge chance. The only drawback to this is you'll probably have to apply to more schools so it will cost you a bit. Schools don't know where else you apply. Even if they ask and you tell them, they won't fault you for ambitious school selection.

 

[sddat]

I thought they could tell..I guess that's a misconception I've gained through SDN. I swear I've seen that before.

 

[skiphotsauce]

I thought they could tell..I guess that's a misconception I've gained through SDN. I swear I've seen that before.

Is this true? I've never heard this but would like to know if schools can see where else you apply

 

[a1pha]

The only time schools can see anything regarding your contact with other schools is the day you need to have withdrawn from all but one school that you have deposits at. I think it's like may 1st or something but I'm not positive. That day they see where you have deposits and will likely rescind your acceptance from what I've heard, although I doubt people are dumb enough to do this very often.

I was asked at 2 interviews where I applied and had interviewed but I don't feel like I was being judged. As long as I could explain my justification for applying 15 places, they seemed happy enough.

 

[y0ssarian]

Columbia, at least, will pick you out if you have a high DAT, even if you apply late, so it might be worth sending out the application after you know your scores (it might save you money too). You do have to ask yourself whether you'll actually go to the school if you get accepted though; state schools have pretty cheap tuition.

 

[2school4cool]

one of my premed friend's did this except 1. s/he was taking the mcat the 2nd time and 2. s/he had no idea what her score was b/c it took longer to score her test. anyways she got into an ivy league/awesomely spectacular schools...

so the point is, s/he applied pretty early (early july) despite not knowing their score, and i think that worked to their advantage. the worst thing that can happen is your dat isn't as high as you expected (highly doubtful considering your gpa 🙂) but at least you will be prepared for the best in the event that it is great. i know a couple people who waiting until like november to apply or add on and despite them having great stats/research/volunteer/scholarships etc. got rejected everywhere that cycle/not into those late schools just b/c they missed the boat.