Best time to take DAT

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stang21

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New to the boards, I just wondered when the best time to take the DAT is. I am planning on enrolling Fall '09 (I know I may already be behind). Should I factor in possibly retaking it?
 
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Obviously the earlier the better. One thing to consider is this. Remember that you must wait at least 90 days to retake the DAT. Therefore if you take it in September and bomb it, you'll now have to wait till Dec and by that time they are extending offers. Earlier the better, but don't take it before you are ready like golfer said, I rescheduled mine and pushed it back 3 weeks last year because I didn't feel quite ready. If I don't get in this cycle, I am planning on taking it again in May/June.
 
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there is no best time. When you are absolutely prepared then take it. You would rather want to go through excelling DAT and wait extra year if late than rushing into it , get low scores and take it 2nd time cause you didn't get in.
 
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stang21 said:
New to the boards, I just wondered when the best time to take the DAT is. I am planning on enrolling Fall '09 (I know I may already be behind). Should I factor in possibly retaking it?
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Just take it when you are prepared and get a good score. You don't want to be unprepared and waste your time to retake it. I took mine in June and applied early.
Good luck.
 
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stang21 said:
New to the boards, I just wondered when the best time to take the DAT is. I am planning on enrolling Fall '09 (I know I may already be behind). Should I factor in possibly retaking it?
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I'd take it ASAP. You may bomb it the first time, and by taking it now you can retake before you get too behind in the application cycle. If you take in May/june and bomb, you cant retake until the fall which could really hurt you.

Then again, if you dont feel confident now, then Id wait until you are.
 
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I'd strongly suggest getting it done before June 1st; applicants who have their app sent out in the first mailing have, imho, a HUGE advantage over later applicants.
 
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I second the late may/early june comment. I took mine May 29th, and sent my AADSAS in the same day. I was towards the first round of interviews for most of my schools, which I think definitely helped. That way, if you bomb it, and want to retake it, you can take it in August/sept. My advice too is that you take 5-6 weeks to study just for the DAT.
 
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I was thinking late May/June too because I am currently in organic so I would like to finish my courses and have a few weeks to just study for the test as well. Thanks for the responses.
 
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i would advise getting several different materials, particularly practice tests, and studying at least an hr everyday, then take it at the end of spring break, if you're fairly comfortable. if your class load is too rigorous, wait to take it a couple weeks after finals. whatever you do, begin studying now, if you haven't already. i began studying in january ('07) for a couple hrs/day and took it mid-march. i allowed myself about 2 weeks of cramming right before the test too.

edit: good idea waiting till organic is done. also, remember you don't have to wait until the DAT is over to fill out your AADSAS app.
 
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stang21 said:
New to the boards, I just wondered when the best time to take the DAT is. I am planning on enrolling Fall '09 (I know I may already be behind). Should I factor in possibly retaking it?
Click to expand...

I would take it sometime during the day. And no, do not factor in the possibility of a retake, you obviously know the answer to any and all questions that are asked of you and have no problem making decisions in your best interest on your own.
 
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lfhansen said:
I would take it sometime during the day. And no, do not factor in the possibility of a retake, you obviously know the answer to any and all questions that are asked of you and have no problem making decisions in your best interest on your own.
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Depends on you. if you are a morning person then definitely chose to take it during the day otherwise go for the night one.😉
 
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lfhansen said:
I would take it sometime during the day. And no, do not factor in the possibility of a retake, you obviously know the answer to any and all questions that are asked of you and have no problem making decisions in your best interest on your own.
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i'm picking up on your sarcasm...
 
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