Crappy DAT score ... HELP?!

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lquibeuf

lquibeuf

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I finally took my DAT for the first time and did not score well at all: TS 17 AA 17 PA 17:scared:

My cGPA is a 3.7, sGPA 3.5. I really was not looking forward to paying for another test, but I believe at this point I have no choice if I want a spot. Are there any cheap ways to increase my score? I am also full-time as a student and work two jobs, so the time is not always there to study. I am planning on applying in July of this year, so the latest I can re-take my DAT is around June so the scores will have time to reach the admissions board.

Thank youuuu.
 
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Might wanna consider applying a month or two later (July, August) just to get a nice score. It'd prob help ur odds more than applying early with a ****ty score.
 
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The cheap way is doing it right the first time, unfortunately. Even with a solid GPA, which you have, I think your score will absolutely hold you back. Full time student+two jobs+DAT doesn't sound like an equation for success. I would suggest finding a month or two in your life, if possible, to truly devote to this exam. It seems horrible at the time, and it is, but doing it right the next time means no 3rd try.
 
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If you could find a cheap way to get a great score on the DAT and while working and going to school you would be a very rich man (or woman).

It'd be helpful to know what you used the first time as jmh018 suggested....you can always find used materials online.
 
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I used Kaplan DAT 2008-2009 version, Kaplan DAT 2012 version (which I found to pretty much be the same thing), Barron's, Cliff's, every video possible on Youtube, and old text books. I've been looking into purchasing Chad's videos since I've heard great reviews about them
 
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lquibeuf said:
I used Kaplan DAT 2008-2009 version, Kaplan DAT 2012 version (which I found to pretty much be the same thing), Barron's, Cliff's, every video possible on Youtube, and old text books. I've been looking into purchasing Chad's videos since I've heard great reviews about them
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Chad's videos are the most valuable tool. DAT Destroyer is an option if you really want a good score, although kind of overkill. I wasn't crazy about Crack DAT PAT, but it's a lot of repetition and I don't know where else I would have found so many practice problems. Can't imagine not using it.


I recommend all three if you really want to bump up your score.

What's a more detailed breakdown of Bio/GC/OC?
 
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Bio 17 GC 16 (I absolutely cannot stand acids/bases, rate laws, gas laws .... ) OC 17. My RC was 19 and my QR was 18, so I'm okay with those. I just really need to bump up my sciences a lot
 
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Your mistake was not using Chad. Try again, and subscribe to his videos. Especially if you're on a budget, I wouldn't recommend the Destroyer. Crack the PAT was good for PAT practice but wasn't as hard as the version I had on my exam. Cliff's and Barron's are great, and I'd stick with those for bio. Math Destroyer was pretty good for QR.
 
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Do I focus only on the DAT videos by Chad, or will the ones under the "College" section be the same? I noticed the DAT ones had to be purchases whereas the others were free and appear to cover roughly the same stuff.
 
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lquibeuf said:
Bio 17 GC 16 (I absolutely cannot stand acids/bases, rate laws, gas laws .... ) OC 17. My RC was 19 and my QR was 18, so I'm okay with those. I just really need to bump up my sciences a lot
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Please buy Chad's videos then. It'll help your OC and GC a lot. And yes, buy the videos. I've heard he has free ones out there, but the DAT videos are going to explain what you need to know and how they ask questions and such.

You won't regret it, I promise.
 
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i need advice.. HONESTLY.. should I try retaking ?

my undegrad overall gpa was a 3.3, my BCP gpa was a 2.9. since, i have been a post-bacc with almost 3 solid years now of straight As, quite a few A+s, two A- and one B+. The program is in chemistry... and I've been doing research for a biochem professor for one year. Ive interned for Lanxess (green chemicaly company) but also shadowed/interned for 3 dentists and one ortho. As far as volunteering, I've worked with a traveling dental clinic for almost a year.

This is my breakdown from the test yesterday. HONESTLY (please) should I retake it? I realize my scores are okay in some areas, but keep in mind I am coming back from a ridiculously pathetic undergrad resume. My advisor actually pointed out that on paper it seems like an entirely different person than my last few years.

AA 20
TS 20
PAT 22
BIO 18
GC 22
OC 22
QR 17

I ran out of time on the QR, partly because I am not good at that type of math, but it also stressed me out some when my computer shut down three times during that section, once for 5 minutes.

I'd appreciate any advice at all. THANK YOU and best of luck to everyone!
 
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natatat said:
i need advice.. HONESTLY.. should I try retaking ?

my undegrad overall gpa was a 3.3, my BCP gpa was a 2.9. since, i have been a post-bacc with almost 3 solid years now of straight As, quite a few A+s, two A- and one B+. The program is in chemistry... and I've been doing research for a biochem professor for one year. Ive interned for Lanxess (green chemicaly company) but also shadowed/interned for 3 dentists and one ortho. As far as volunteering, I've worked with a traveling dental clinic for almost a year.

This is my breakdown from the test yesterday. HONESTLY (please) should I retake it? I realize my scores are okay in some areas, but keep in mind I am coming back from a ridiculously pathetic undergrad resume. My advisor actually pointed out that on paper it seems like an entirely different person than my last few years.

AA 20
TS 20
PAT 22
BIO 18
GC 22
OC 22
QR 17

I ran out of time on the QR, partly because I am not good at that type of math, but it also stressed me out some when my computer shut down three times during that section, once for 5 minutes.

I'd appreciate any advice at all. THANK YOU and best of luck to everyone!
Click to expand...

You're definitely going to need to retake. However, know that even if you do score higher on the retake, the odds are against you. What's your BCMP GPA?
 
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thank you!!!

so you think with such a low undergrad gpa nothing is going to make up for that? As in I have 3 years now of As... not saying that itll dent a 2.9 much but it may bring it up a little, or at least show an upward trend.. no?
 
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natatat said:
thank you!!!

so you think with such a low undergrad gpa nothing is going to make up for that? As in I have 3 years now of As... not saying that itll dent a 2.9 much but it may bring it up a little, or at least show an upward trend.. no?
Click to expand...

Is your BCP a 2.9 now, after the A's?

Either way, I think it's going to be an uphill battle. Your DAT scores are probably good enough to get you into 1 year masters programs in biomedical sciences, though, so that may be a viable option.
 
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