Correlations Between DAT and GPA?

[Maybe.a.dentist]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I understand that high GPAs are expected to correspond with high DAT scores and I would also think that most people who have very low DAT scores probably wouldn't have the best GPA either but is there any tabled data showing a general ratio of DAT score to GPA. Now, of course I'm not expecting perfect 1:1 linkage here but are there any generalized numbers out there? I'm mostly just curious to see if my DAT score corresponds well with my GPA and won't raise any eyebrows when I apply.

 

[nonociceptors]

I understand that high GPAs are expected to correspond with high DAT scores and I would also think that most people who have very low DAT scores probably wouldn't have the best GPA either but is there any tabled data showing a general ratio of DAT score to GPA. Now, of course I'm not expecting perfect 1:1 linkage here but are there any generalized numbers out there? I'm mostly just curious to see if my DAT score corresponds well with my GPA and won't raise any eyebrows when I apply.

Too many variables. Some schools are easier than others, some majors are easier than others, some people are lazy but still smart enough to buckle down and nail a standardized test, etc. Besides it doesn't matter at all if there's a big discrepancy between your DAT and GPA. That's a little ridiculous, isn't it? Someone gets a 3.0 and wants to make up for that by killing the DAT and they get a 25. Now what, are the adcoms supposed to go "ehh idk if I like that inconsistency. I'd prefer a low DAT to accompany that low GPA"

If you want to know what impression your combination gives, feel free to post your scores.

 

[schmoob]

They are two independent assessments that are not related. That's why the DAT exists in the first place, to level the playing field.

 

[Socolaphile]

I understand that high GPAs are expected to correspond with high DAT scores and I would also think that most people who have very low DAT scores probably wouldn't have the best GPA either but is there any tabled data showing a general ratio of DAT score to GPA. Now, of course I'm not expecting perfect 1:1 linkage here but are there any generalized numbers out there? I'm mostly just curious to see if my DAT score corresponds well with my GPA and won't raise any eyebrows when I apply.

Stalk @doc toothache's old posts for correlation between DAT and GPA base on each school.

 

[1passbbsSHAVE]

unless you have outlandishly low mark on either one, I don't think it does any harm.
For instance, 3.4 and 23AA seems better than having 3.4 and 18AA.
But if you have 2.5 and 27AA, that's a different story. DAT just can't make up for that GPA deficiency.

 

[schmoob]

unless you have outlandishly low mark on either one, I don't think it does any harm.
For instance, 3.4 and 23AA seems better than having 3.4 and 18AA.
But if you have 2.5 and 27AA, that's a different story. DAT just can't make up for that GPA deficiency.

I disagree. There could be any number of reasons why that GPA is so low. Family emergencies, working full time, lots of other obligations, a rough start to college are just some examples. A 27AA demonstrates that you have the cognitive ability to do well in dental school, as well as dedicate the time necessary for preparation.
Someone who can score that high on the DAT is capable of doing well in their coursework. As long as there is a legitimate reason explaining the disparity in scores, the applicant will still get a number of acceptances in my opinion.

 

[DentalLonghorn2014]

I disagree. There could be any number of reasons why that GPA is so low. Family emergencies, working full time, lots of other obligations, a rough start to college are just some examples. A 27AA demonstrates that you have the cognitive ability to do well in dental school, as well as dedicate the time necessary for preparation.
Someone who can score that high on the DAT is capable of doing well in their coursework. As long as there is a legitimate reason explaining the disparity in scores, the applicant will still get a number of acceptances in my opinion.

I've known of people with 2.7s and 2.8s getting in. A high postbac /Masters GPA was achieved though. They look at the overal app.

 

[NutritionIllinois]

I disagree. There could be any number of reasons why that GPA is so low. Family emergencies, working full time, lots of other obligations, a rough start to college are just some examples. A 27AA demonstrates that you have the cognitive ability to do well in dental school, as well as dedicate the time necessary for preparation.
Someone who can score that high on the DAT is capable of doing well in their coursework. As long as there is a legitimate reason explaining the disparity in scores, the applicant will still get a number of acceptances in my opinion.

Every application is unique. There may be a reason for a low GPA, but there could be reasons for a low DAT score as well. I would hope that admissions committees take a close look at all aspects of an application. But a lower GPA by dental school standards like a 3.0 with a very high DAT could be indicative of a very bright but very lazy student. A very high GPA with a very low DAT could indicate grade inflation or an easy school. To me, a high GPA at a known school would carry more weight than doing well on one test, but some schools seem to emphasize the DAT more. Each school has its own personality.

 

[schmoob]

I've known of people with 2.7s and 2.8s getting in. A high postbac /Masters GPA was achieved though. They look at the overal app.

Absolutely. I'm <3.0 but there are reasons for it. My DAT wasn't bad, and on par with other matriculated applicants. My low GPA was explained in my PS and my upward GPA trend corroborates. I also have other strong aspects of my app that other applicants don't have.
There are applicants applying after their sophomore year with high GPAs, but with only about 60 credits. I'm applying with a much lower GPA, but with ~200 credits. But when you look at my last 120+ credits, I'm on par or above the applicant like the rising junior in my example. But I got off to a very rocky start and dug myself into a very deep hole.
Every applicant and every school are different, as well as how they choose to look at the applications. My example was just one of many many scenarios. That is why a holistic review really is required.
Think about the other end of the spectrum: how about the applicant with a very high GPA, a high DAT, and absolutely nothing else extraordinary in their application as well as a terrible interview. This indicates that the applicant is an outstanding student, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they will be a great, or even a good dentist.
Back in the 80s dentistry was very unpopular and schools were shutting down due to lack of applicants. Competition was low and people were getting in very easily. They were not nearly as competitive as the applicants today. But that's not to say that there aren't some damn good dentists out there today that graduated during that time frame who were admitted with unremarkable scores. My own mentor said that he was a solid "B" student, and he would've never gotten into dental school today. But he is a remarkable dentist and incredibly successful.
Holistic review is key.

 

[DentalLonghorn2014]

Absolutely. I'm <3.0 but there are reasons for it. My DAT wasn't bad, and on par with other matriculated applicants. My low GPA was explained in my PS and my upward GPA trend corroborates. I also have other strong aspects of my app that other applicants don't have.
There are applicants applying after their sophomore year with high GPAs, but with only about 60 credits. I'm applying with a much lower GPA, but with ~200 credits. But when you look at my last 120+ credits, I'm on par or above the applicant like the rising junior in my example. But I got off to a very rocky start and dug myself into a very deep hole.
Every applicant and every school are different, as well as how they choose to look at the applications. My example was just one of many many scenarios. That is why a holistic review really is required.
Think about the other end of the spectrum: how about the applicant with a very high GPA, a high DAT, and absolutely nothing else extraordinary in their application as well as a terrible interview. This indicates that the applicant is an outstanding student, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they will be a great, or even a good dentist.
Back in the 80s dentistry was very unpopular and schools were shutting down due to lack of applicants. Competition was low and people were getting in very easily. They were not nearly as competitive as the applicants today. But that's not to say that there aren't some damn good dentists out there today that graduated during that time frame who were admitted with unremarkable scores. My own mentor said that he was a solid "B" student, and he would've never gotten into dental school today. But he is a remarkable dentist and incredibly successful.
Holistic review is key.

Exactly my friend. Schools look at EVERYTHING.
Even if it's your 3rd time reapplying, they look to see what you have improved. A holistic review like you said.

I said in a previous post that many dentists have claimed that the key to being a great dentist is simply... communication. Effective communication.

 

[doc toothache]

Think about the other end of the spectrum: how about the applicant with a very high GPA, a high DAT, and absolutely nothing else extraordinary in their application as well as a terrible interview. This indicates that the applicant is an outstanding student, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they will be a great, or even a good dentist.
Back in the 80s dentistry was very unpopular and schools were shutting down due to lack of applicants. Competition was low and people were getting in very easily. They were not nearly as competitive as the applicants today. But that's not to say that there aren't some damn good dentists out there today that graduated during that time frame who were admitted with unremarkable scores. My own mentor said that he was a solid "B" student, and he would've never gotten into dental school today. But he is a remarkable dentist and incredibly successful. Holistic review is key.

The schools that shut down were all private and, in spite of the misconception, the lack of "qualified" applicants quite probably was not a significant factor, although lack of applicants that were willing to dish out the rising tuition may have played a factor.

 

[schmoob]

The schools that shut down were all private and, in spite of the misconception, the lack of "qualified" applicants quite probably was not a significant factor, although lack of applicants that were willing to dish out the rising tuition may have played a factor.

At no point did I say schools were shutting down as a result of a lack of "QUALIFIED" applicants. What I said was that schools were shutting down due to a lack of applicants in general. Supply of dental education was high and the demand in the form of applicants was low, let alone applicants willing to pay lots of money for their education. As a result, the competition for admission was lower, and people were being admitted with lower scores than today.
All I'm saying is competition is obviously more fierce today, which is why on average, matriculated applicants have higher scores AND are willing to pay half a million dollars for their education versus 25-30 years ago.