Can't still decide.

[shyboy]

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So I have been pondering over retaking the DAT for the fourth time (yes, 4th). Although I'm leaning towards taking it again, just wanted to hear what other people would say to this.

My DAT score is 20TS/21AA/26PAT.
Grad (a SMP) GPA: 4.0 (35 credits of all biology classes)
undergrad 2.8sci/3.0overall,
both of them combined 3.14 sci/3.23over

This is my third year (in a row) I'm applying for dental school.
I'm also an international student so I'm mainly applying to those expensive private schools.

I'm not so sure whether my 4.0 graduate GPA would help me get in this time (I would think that it would depend on schools) becuase my cumulative (undergrad + grad) GPA is still below average.

I've already submitted my app with my current stat.

Any inputs/opinions would be greatly appreciated.


Cheers

 

[MrBeans]

So I have been pondering over retaking the DAT for the fourth time (yes, 4th). Although I'm leaning towards taking it again, just wanted to hear what other people would say to this.

My DAT score is 20TS/21AA/26PAT.
Grad (a SMP) GPA: 4.0 (35 credits of all biology classes)
undergrad 2.8sci/3.0overall,
both of them combined 3.14 sci/3.23over

This is my third year (in a row) I'm applying for dental school.
I'm also an international student so I'm mainly applying to those expensive private schools.

I'm not so sure whether my 4.0 graduate GPA would help me get in this time (I would think that it would depend on schools) becuase my cumulative (undergrad + grad) GPA is still below average.

I've already submitted my app with my current stat.

Any inputs/opinions would be greatly appreciated.


Cheers

Congrats on the improvement! You've demonstrated that you can handle steady graduate level sciences.

I think that you should be able to land some interviews and acceptances this time around.

It seems to me that international students generally have a tougher time getting into schools though unless they have 4.0s and 25+. However, you show determination and significant improvement. I think you should have a reasonable shot this time around.

 

[takedailyfiber]

I thought you couldn't take the DAT more than 3 times?

It's not your DAT score keeping you out, so I wouldn't retake it. It could be the GPA, but you're in a grad program and working on that now. I'd look at the rest of your app first (PS, ECs, etc.)

 

[MrBeans]

I thought you couldn't take the DAT more than 3 times?

It's not your DAT score keeping you out, so I wouldn't retake it. It could be the GPA, but you're in a grad program and working on that now. I'd look at the rest of your app first (PS, ECs, etc.)

You can take the DAT more than 3 times, but you need special permission after the 3rd time.

I agree, the OPs DAT scores are good, and attention has to be given to the whole picture.

Also, I might add that from my understanding the graduate and undergraduate GPAs are not combined/averaged. So the admissions can compare both of them side by side. Obviously the 4.0 should have some sort of positive impact in your favor. 👍

 

[iluvdentistry]

I thought you couldn't take the DAT more than 3 times?

You can if you petition to retake.

 

[aelian]

So I have been pondering over retaking the DAT for the fourth time (yes, 4th). Although I'm leaning towards taking it again, just wanted to hear what other people would say to this.

My DAT score is 20TS/21AA/26PAT.
Grad (a SMP) GPA: 4.0 (35 credits of all biology classes)
undergrad 2.8sci/3.0overall,
both of them combined 3.14 sci/3.23over

This is my third year (in a row) I'm applying for dental school.
I'm also an international student so I'm mainly applying to those expensive private schools.

I'm not so sure whether my 4.0 graduate GPA would help me get in this time (I would think that it would depend on schools) becuase my cumulative (undergrad + grad) GPA is still below average.

I've already submitted my app with my current stat.

Any inputs/opinions would be greatly appreciated.


Cheers

Yeah, not to be an ass, but even though your scores are really good, you are going to need a 23+. For one, graduate school grades are inflated meaning it is easier to get an A and expected by the admissions department. From what I understand, rarely does anyone get less than a B or C for a graduate course. Another, after you have taken all those upper levels, you are expected to be able to get much higher than a 20. If you look at the average DAT score for dental schools of accepted students, they are creeping up to 20. With your lower undergrad stats, you need to continue taking more classes but it is easier in my opinion to get a high DAT. Just settle down and nail it. Petition to take it again. But you know, I hope the schools are merciful and weigh your latest performance heavily as opposed to your bad start.

 

[dennisDDS]

Retake it for what? your PAT score is astounding and you have an AA of 21. you should be very proud of yourself. Due to the fact that you are an international student it is what is preventing you from being accepted. It is widely known that international students are put at a higher level, gpa stats wise. Instead of retaking the DAT the 4th time and risk getting lower scores I would talk to the admission advisor of the school you really want to get into on how you are committed and want to do anything you can to get in their school.

You will see that this holds more value then what people think.

Good luck.

 

[shyboy]

Retake it for what? your PAT score is astounding and you have an AA of 21. you should be very proud of yourself. Due to the fact that you are an international student it is what is preventing you from being accepted. It is widely known that international students are put at a higher level, gpa stats wise. Instead of retaking the DAT the 4th time and risk getting lower scores I would talk to the admission advisor of the school you really want to get into on how you are committed and want to do anything you can to get in their school.

You will see that this holds more value then what people think.

Good luck.

When you call them, would you ask whoever answers the phone to transfer me to the dean of admission or try to make an appointment?

I have decided to take it again for I'm still not really confident whether I can make it this time. I will shoot for 23AA.

 

[darkwalk]

I can't imagine taking it 4 times... But, good luck!

 

[Vicviper]

The more you take it, the less credibility your score has, I would highly suggest not taking it another time. How many schools have you applied to when you apply? If you haven't gotten into a school, you should call them, try to get in contact with one of their admissions counselors, and ask them what you can do to improve.

I think taking the DAT again without first checking with the schools could be a real mistake. You're already in the top 90% of the DAT, what happens if you somehow do worse?

 

[sfoksn]

The more you take it, the less credibility your score has, I would highly suggest not taking it another time. How many schools have you applied to when you apply? If you haven't gotten into a school, you should call them, try to get in contact with one of their admissions counselors, and ask them what you can do to improve.

I think taking the DAT again without first checking with the schools could be a real mistake. You're already in the top 90% of the DAT, what happens if you somehow do worse?

Pretty hard not to get into "top 90%" 😛 Just kidding.

 

[Vicviper]

Pretty hard not to get into "top 90%" 😛 Just kidding.

Haha, and I thought I was with the grammar police! "You're above the 90th percentile..." Happy now? ;p

 

[shyboy]

The more you take it, the less credibility your score has, I would highly suggest not taking it another time. How many schools have you applied to when you apply? If you haven't gotten into a school, you should call them, try to get in contact with one of their admissions counselors, and ask them what you can do to improve.

I think taking the DAT again without first checking with the schools could be a real mistake. You're already in the top 90% of the DAT, what happens if you somehow do worse?

My app is actaully being sent today.
I have applied to 15 schools.

Do I specifially ask for the dean of admission (or the assistant dean)? and ask him/her whether I should retake it?

 

[flyingforever]

My app is actaully being sent today.
I have applied to 15 schools.

Do I specifially ask for the dean of admission (or the assistant dean)? and ask him/her whether I should retake it?

I think you are in good hands this time. Don't retake the exam.

 

[shyboy]

I think you are in good hands this time. Don't retake the exam.

Oh yeah another thing I forgot to mention is that my dream shot is Columbia and I know for sure that my DATs wouldn't do...

 

[flyingforever]

Oh yeah another thing I forgot to mention is that my dream shot is Columbia and I know for sure that my DATs wouldn't do...

You never know, don't stop dreaming if you don't get into Columbia. Best wishes.