Chance me? Desperate.

[predentpa]

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Hi everyone,

So I have been lurking on here but finally created an account.

I took the DAT on 6/25 -do you think i need to retake? Do I have any chance of getting in this cycle? or should i just wait to retake it and apply next cycle?

Bio:19
GC:20
OC:20
TS:20
RC:16
QR:16
PAT:15
AA:18

I am Pennsylvania Resident. I have a 3.5 overall GPA and a 3.2 Science GPA. Plenty of extra curricular and shadowing experience.

Do I have a chance at any schools?

 

[mrdocta]

Retake. Get the RC, QR, and PAT around the scores of your sciences. 15 and 16's are a bit low.

 

[fitnessdent]

If you still want to apply this cycle, I'd submit my application first then schedule for a retake and make sure you list the new DAT date on your application before submitting it so the schools know that they'll be expecting a new DAT score.

 

[Typical Average Student]

Yeah.... 3 sections below 17 is kind of ehh.... I would definitely retake, the earliest you can retake is in late September/early October which isn't TOOO bad, but it'll save you from having to do the cycle all over again. But if you don't want to rush your application, next cycle wouldn't be too bad either, you'll be more prepared and have more hours of shadowing and volunteering work.

 

[gage1124]

Hey predentpa,

Apply. Win, lose, or draw, at least you made an effort to get in this year. You'd be surprised, but that looks better than not applying at all. Dental schools (at least mine) like to see persistence and effort. Look at it this way, say you scored a 20 on every section next year and averaged a 20.... Well, if this is your second time applying and you've improved your scores and stuck with it, it shows dedication and how well you handle pressure. I would be willing to bet money that they would call you for an interview over a first time applicant with the same credentials.

That being said, your DAT scores are not bad, but probably need to be improved. I know 18 is kind of the cutoff score. Your AA and TS should be around 20+ to be competitive, with no score lower than 18. You're almost there, pal! There's a lot of promise in your scores. I mean TS 20? That's great for first round. Just work on those other areas.

I would definitely apply now, to maybe 4 or 5 schools. If you feel strong enough to take it again this summer, do that. Email your new and improved scores to the admissions committee immediately and you still may get an interview depending on those scores. At the very least, it will show you want this and have stuck with it for next years cycle.

I wouldn't throw this advice at you if I hadn't gotten it myself from several dentists, and deans of admission themselves.

Best of luck,
Gage (D1)

 

[Lock_Jaw]

You can submit it, but I would recommend studying your weak areas pretty hard and retake before Dec. 1st, earlier if possible, still have all summer.