Dat 7/29

[dentalhopeful8]

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So This is the first time I have posted on student doctor, however I have come to this website daily from the time I started studying for my DAT. I always promised myself I would give back for all the help I got from reading everyones posts. Although today didn't go exactly how as I hoped it would, and I'm not happy with my scores, I will still post a breakdown:

So here it goes:

Perceptual Ability 16 (EW) 🙁
Quantitative Reasoning 14 (EW EW EW) 😱
Reading Comprehension 20
Biology 18
Gen Chem 19
Organic Chem 18
Total Science 18
Academic Average 18


Bio: Well, I always wondered what people meant when they say random, and I finally learned today. All the things I studied for and thought for sure would be on the exam weren't. The questions were unexpected, and I think thats what is meant by random. I used the Kaplan book that came from the class , Cliffs AP BIO which was really good, and destroyer.

Chem: This was the section I was the most worried about. My diagnostic score was awful and so I practiced, practiced, practiced. The DAT today wasn't as bad as any of my practice scores. Very straightforward calculations and easy concepts.

Organic Chem: I didn't have as much time as I would have liked on this section because I took really long with Bio, and I feel like I rushed because I wanted to go back to Bio and review the questions I marked. BUt very straightforward, not as bad as destroyer!!

PAT: I can't believe this. If I were to have gotten an 18 on this section, I would be happy with my scores. I used CDP and I literally got an 18 on every test. On Kaplan I got 19s but Kaplan was easier for sure. I don't know what happened today. But CDP is reallly good for practice.

Reading: My passages werent bad at all. I would briefly read over the whole passage and write down key words/ideas and then go to the questions. Most of my answers were directly in the text.

Math: I dont know. I ran out of time, and had to guess on alot. Word problems were long and the algebra problems weren't that easy either.

I thought the tests were easier that Kaplans tests for sure. I never used Topscore or Achiever. I also did the practice test ADA provided.

Overall I think the best study materials for me were destroyer, Kaplans big white book that came with my class, and Cliff's AP Biology.

I studied for 2 months, but was EXTREMELY nervous today. My mom drover me to the test center and I was literally in tears before my test started! Nerves really got the best of me today.

I really dont want to retake the exam. What do you guys think I should do? I have a 3.27 sci/ 3.53 nonsci/ and 3.37 total which is what AADSAS calculated. I've been dental assisting for 2 years and applied early June. I would appreciate any feedback!

And please feel free to ask any questions! 🙂

 

[drpoppapump]

with that kind of gpa..i think your chances are pretty good though the QR is pretty sore thumb.

 

[dentalmon]

was that the first time you take the test?.. i would really re-take it man.. ..

 

[dentalhopeful8]

Yeah it was my first time taking...so if I were to take it again in October should I still send out these scores to the schools I applied to?

 

[Tommy43087]

Sorry i would really have to suggest a retake, 18AAA may slide but 16PAT def will not! The MOST important thing on test day is to be calm and relaxed. You can know every single piece of information in all of Bio, Gchem and Ochem hell you can know EVERYTHING thats going to be on the test BUT if you do not keep calm you will get bad scores! Now i dont have the greatest scores, but keeping myself realy cool during the test helped me pull of some decent scores. So on your retake find a technique of calming yourself, realize that it is simply a test not a multiple choice program where you either live or die at the end, so dont get too worked up(being nervous is one thing, completely losing it is a whole other story)

Good Luck Studying, and rock the DAT the second time around!

 

[dentalhopeful8]

Well what I don't understand is how people get away with 17's in sciences or 16's in reading but a 16 PAT doesn't cut it..makes no sense to me 🙁

 

[Tommy43087]

Well what I don't understand is how people get away with 17's in sciences or 16's in reading but a 16 PAT doesn't cut it..makes no sense to me 🙁

Well the thing is PAT(at many school, almost all) is one of the most important sections, which may have to do with why it isnt calculated in the AA. Honestly its not like you have no chance in hell getting with a 16 but if you want to be competitive, a retake is needed. Also if you recieve a 16 or 17 in one section, like science or RC QR, that can get masked with higher scores in other section( because of AA and TS) but PAT is a score that stand out, and that because it a single score on its own!

 

[MrJeff]

Yeah the low PAT score is going to hurt you. The QR score is also low but it's not as important as the PAT score. I think you should take it again. Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[predental1187]

first of all, thanks so much for posting! i'm sure a lot of people are getting discouraged seeing so many high 20's and even 30's on here. you can most definitely get into dental school without these crazy high scores.

that being said, i would probably do a re-take if i were you, mostly due to your PAT and QR. but you have good scores to build on...i'm sure you can bring them up with a little more studying

 

[Orgolover]

you do topscore ? how'd you score on that ? or kaplan exams .. . .?

i smell retake also. 18 avg is ok if it was across the board, but i think the 14 is going to raise eyebrows.

 

[DrTootle]

was that the first time you take the test?.. i would really re-take it man.. ..

i don't mean to be harsh, but i would agree with this. especially since gpa is slightly below average for science.

Well what I don't understand is how people get away with 17's in sciences or 16's in reading but a 16 PAT doesn't cut it..makes no sense to me 🙁

well, i know this may not make sense, but in my opinion, a high PAT won't get you in the door, but a low PAT can shut the door in your face. PAT isn't the most important aspect, but not having the perceptual ability they expect can hurt you. I would definitely recommend a retake. Good Luck!!!

 

[Colorful Joe]

I am sorry, but I am going to have to jump on to the band wagon. You got 3 months to really do some heavy studying. You take them again do well, and you will for sure get in. Juts focus on the sections you struggled in, and fine tune the sections you did well on.