Applying in June, Best Time to Take DAT?

[RamsFan1991]

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Just as the title states, I am planning on applying to Dental Schools the first week of June when applications open. However, I'm starting my DAT studying and I am in sort of a predicament in terms of when to take the DAT. Things I must consider:

1. April 4th - Three difficult exams on the same day (Biochem, Senior capstone lab, and Bacteriology)
2. April 26-30th - Attending EB2014 Conference in San Diego to present my summer research.
3. May 1-9th - Three Final exams to take at my date of choosing due to conflict with EB2014 (already discussed with professors)
4. May 10th - Graduation

Would it be best for me to take the DAT say... Saturday, April 19th, thus allowing me 2 solid weeks of bootcamp DAT after my three April 4th exams, and thus enough time before the EB2014 conference?

Or, could I possibly take the DAT after graduation around the middle of May, send in my Dental School application the first week of June and my DAT scores 1-2 weeks late? Is that even possible? If so, is that really bad to do?

I just want to make sure I have enough time to do as well as I possibly can on the DAT, but also make sure I don't screw myself over for my application if sending DAT scores late is a bad thing. Sorry for my lack of understanding or research into the process, still learning. Thank you guys for reading.

 

[paymaant]

There's no reason to submit your application the first week of June because the first batch of applications aren't sent out until the last Friday of June. So, you might as well wait to take your DAT after you graduate.

 

[RamsFan1991]

Could you elaborate more on the first batch of applications being sent out the last Friday of June? Forgive my ignorance, does that mean I could prepare my application as long as I need to in June as long as I submit it before that last Friday? Thanks!

 

[Ari Rezaei]

You can apply before taking the DAT, and I strongly recommend that. You want your application to be approved and complete as soon as possible. It's important to apply early, but that doesn't mean you have to have it complete the second week of June. In my case, I completed everything and submitted by DAT scores by the end of July/beginning of August. I have friends in my class that applied as late as November (although I don't recommend that).

Once you complete your application and it gets submitted, some schools will allow you to fax your unofficial DAT score report so they can make a quicker decision.

You definitely have a lot on your plate between presenting research and graduating, so I'd try to figure out how much time you could spend beforehand studying. You'll likely have to take a few days of a break to study for your other finals and the research bit, so I'd factor that in. In the worst (or possibly best) case scenario, you could start studying a few days after graduation for 8-10 weeks and still take the DAT at the end of July, so there isn't any reason to be pressed for time. It's better to take the DAT a little later and be sure you do well than to complete it early with poorer results.

 

[Glimmer1991]

Honestly, if your application is strong, you're fine as long as you have everything in before August. The above posters are definitely correct that the first batch doesn't get sent out until the end of June and that you can apply even without your DAT scores being submitted. Just have else ready (LoRs, PS, your AADSAS app, etc) ready by the first batch, and you'll be fine. I wouldn't rush the DAT. Even if you take it at the middle or end of June, you should be in good shape. Having a high score far outweighs getting your application in a few weeks earlier.

Also, just to get a general overview of the application timeline and process, I highly recommend checking the AADSAS FAQs link in my signature.

 

[predentalgirl]

What Glimmer said.
Don't RUSH the DAT. That is key. I remember I wanted to take it in April and then May only to have my scores in by June.
But after realizing what was on the line, I pushed my DAT to July. And I am happy that I did that, it paid off!

And you can submit everything BEFORE taking the DAT. Don't let that exam score keep you from sending your app in. If your app is complete just send it in!

 

[selldrugs22]

What Glimmer said.
Don't RUSH the DAT. That is key. I remember I wanted to take it in April and then May only to have my scores in by June.
But after realizing what was on the line, I pushed my DAT to July. And I am happy that I did that, it paid off!

And you can submit everything BEFORE taking the DAT. Don't let that exam score keep you from sending your app in. If your app is complete just send it in!

Now is there any downside to getting your app sent in early without DAT scores if your gpa is mediocre (3.0 science) since I am banking on a strong DAT performance. In other words, will schools reject or make any sort of decision before they even receive DAT scores if I have a subpar gpa? Thanks

 

[DentalGirl5]

Hey guys, can you elaborate more on the whole last Friday of June thing? Are you saying that those of us who are taking the DAT in May (maybe late May) can still submit the application before that last Friday and still make it in the first batch just like the very first people to apply in the beginning of June? If we submit the application anytime during June, we're still in good shape to be in the first batch, roughly speaking? Thanks guys 🙂

 

[DentalGirl5]

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