Are Schools Fooling Me

[urDDS]

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okay, im retaking my last DAT test(3), after doing bad last year and last week, I know that mid october is too late and many people here said that too. So, last year the 6 schools i applied to 4 of them kept sending me letters to retake up too march 2008, two schools to name Case and UFM rejected me in october I think or so. I call the 12 schools I applied this year, about 10 of them including Case say its still okay since they dont reject early anymore, however schools such as UFM, PEN, still will reject early. So should I study my for my final hit and take the test in mid october(with 14 cridts) or just wait until next year?

thanks in advanced!

 

[TeamGuo]

take it early. If you wait till next year, your chances will be lower since most of the seats will probably be filled.

 

[doc3232]

I would wait till next year, study hard and then really rock the DAT.
That is just IMO though.

 

[Epictetus21]

I would wait till next year and submit as early as possible to be more competetive. Also, I would apply to more than 6 schools if you are borderline on grades or DAT scores. Good luck.

 

[Hysteria24]

If everything else in your application is outstanding, then you can give it a go for this cycle.

However if you are a borderline applicant, meaning you need the benefit of applying early combined with a decent/above average DAT score, then hold off and tremendously up your chances for next year.

Be advised that if you do take it again in October, this will be your last shot, and any a low score may negatively impact any future application cycles without the ability to improve that area.

 

[Resonance]

If everything else in your application is outstanding, then you can give it a go for this cycle.

However if you are a borderline applicant, meaning you need the benefit of applying early combined with a decent/above average DAT score, then hold off and tremendously up your chances for next year.

Be advised that if you do take it again in October, this will be your last shot, and any a low score may negatively impact any future application cycles without the ability to improve that area.

This is not totally correct, while the ADA has set a limit of three exams. Individuals have the ability to apply for special permission to take the test again. As stated by the ADA:

"Requests for additional testing must be submitted in writing to the Dept of Testing Ser. and must include evidence of current (w/in the previous 18 months) intent to apply to dental school. Acceptable forms of evidence may include: 1) a copy of a completed and submitted application to dental school, 2) a letter of rejection from a dental school, 3) a letter from a dental school admissions officer encouraging you to retest or reapply, or 4) a letter on school stationery from a college or university health profession advisor or instructor verifying that you are applying/reapplying to dental school."

To my knowledge this three exam limit was put in place to prevent individuals whom in the past had repeatedly taken the test for financial gain corrupting the integrity of the test construct.

As far as when to take the test should be based solely on when you feel you are fully prepared to take it and do well. Best of luck

Source: DAT user manual pg. 8 (http://www.ada.org/prof/ed/testing/dat/dat_users_manual.pdf)