Bad, Fine, Good, Amazing

[MrBoneless]

People are always posting threads asking about DAT GPA combos. I'm interested in hearing what you all think. What do you all think is a bad, fine, good, amazing combination for DAT/GPA?

For the purposes of the thread, assume GPA is not community college, and DAT has no under 17 sections.

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[1070752]

Doesn't even matter what we think, since we barely understand their selection process. Obviously a high GPA/DAT has an excellent chance, but I've seen that combination not get interviews (because of factors such as EC's, personal statements,etc).

Bottom line is, look at the schools average GPA/DAT and see where you stand in that range or +-0.1.

 

[MrBoneless]

I think people like to know qualitatively what their scores are. It may be especially helpful for those who are new and don't know where the big lists of school stats are.

 

[htdt]

Well, IMO, a 3.5 for oGPA, sGPA and bcpGPA together with DAT scores of 20-21 across all subjects are seen as "good" here on SDN. Of course, it depends largely on schools.

 

[Scumbag_Steve]

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[JLT223]

I second that a high gpa is more important.

 

[Alpha Centauri]

I second that a high gpa is more important.

So to get this straight, in you opinion as I know you aren't part of an AADCOM, assuming identical applications

20 AA/20TS sGPA of 3.1 oGPA of 3.2

vs

19 AA/19 TS sGPA of 3.7 oGPA of 3.8

The one with the 19 AA/TS would be at a slightly higher advantage?

 

[1070752]

So to get this straight, in you opinion as I know you aren't part of an AADCOM, assuming identical applications

20 AA/20TS sGPA of 3.1 oGPA of 3.2

vs

19 AA/19 TS sGPA of 3.7 oGPA of 3.8

The one with the 19 AA/TS would be at a slightly higher advantage?

Not slightly, but much more at an advantage (IMO).

 

[Advance]

So to get this straight, in you opinion as I know you aren't part of an AADCOM, assuming identical applications

20 AA/20TS sGPA of 3.1 oGPA of 3.2

vs

19 AA/19 TS sGPA of 3.7 oGPA of 3.8

The one with the 19 AA/TS would be at a slightly higher advantage?

From what I've seen on SDN after a certain score threshold a higher DAT doesn't effect your chances at acceptance by much. i.e. a 23AA vs 25AA is virtually the same. However, an 18AA vs 20AA is a big difference.

 

[schmoob]

So to get this straight, in you opinion as I know you aren't part of an AADCOM, assuming identical applications

20 AA/20TS sGPA of 3.1 oGPA of 3.2

vs

19 AA/19 TS sGPA of 3.7 oGPA of 3.8

The one with the 19 AA/TS would be at a slightly higher advantage?

Yes.
But again, there is the rest of the application to consider. Both of those applicants would definitely get a good hard look from the ADCOMS, so the scores alone will not get them accepted. That's why the application is so long and detailed.

 

[zhngbrg]

Is it really not that advantageous to have an extremely high DAT? My GPA is decent but not amazing, but my ECs are very average if not below average so I was kind of hoping my DAT would help my app stand out...

 

[florida561]

Is it really not that advantageous to have an extremely high DAT? My GPA is decent but not amazing, but my ECs are very average if not below average so I was kind of hoping my DAT would help my app stand out...

I'm in a similar situation, and I believe high dat will help your application stand out. However, from asking past applicants, it seems that anything 23+ proves a high competency on the materials tested on the DAT so the effect of a higher score diminishes from there on.
Personally I'd prefer a 4.0 25AA over a 3.75 28AA

 

[Scumbag_Steve]

.

 

[htdt]

3.41 aadsas gpa with 25 AA and got accepted to some "good" dental schools. DAT > GPA

@Scumbag_Steve: 3.41 is your oGPA or sGPA? I always knew that you have super awesome stats, just not sure what it is until today! 😀

 

[Scumbag_Steve]

.

 

[htdt]

It was my AADSAS oGPA. AADSAS sGPA was 3.25

Yes, and I agree with you that DAT > GPA. One can easily get a 4.0 at many schools and struggle to do well at other challenging schools, but the DAT is for sure standardized and its purpose is to level the playing field.

 

[Scumbag_Steve]

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