DAT and application?

[sm1nty]

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I need some advice on when I should take the DAT.
I'll be done with all my prereqs Spring 2007, the last class being Orgo II.
I know that you can schedulle the DAT on anyday. How early do you need to register for the DAT to reserve a date, and would it be too late to take the DAT if I wait till after the Orgo II final? So that would be May 20 or something like that. Also, I heard that some testing centers have really crappy computer monitors with really crappy resolution, which makes the PAT difficult because you can't see...have you experienced this?
I'm planning to write my personal statement this summer, then edit as I go along... so my application will be about complete once I take the DAT. I am aiming to mail out applications sometime in June. (That's early enough, right?)

Also regarding LORs...
What's a good mix of people to get LORs from?
I'll definitely get one from the dentist I work with;
I'll definitely get one from a Science instructor from my Post-Bacc program;

Where should I get my third one from?
I graduated from college 6 years ago, and didn't take science, so didn't seem relevant. Or does it seem sketchy if I didn't get a LOR from my college? (I have nothing to hide, it just doesn't seem relevant.)


Thank you- Any advice will be very appreciated!
😕

 

[galangvu]

ok... yes the computers at the testing centers are REALLY crappy and it even worse when you've been looking at a computer screen for 1+ hrs and then you go on to the PAT section. if you can, rest your eyes before you start to PAT section b/c your eyes are exhausted by the time you get that far. With the curvature of the screen, its almost a guarantee that you'll get the distorted images near the far left and far right of the screen. you're just gonna have to deal with it.

As for registering for the exam, whenever you feel comfortable taking the exam, you should take it. The earlier the better b/c if you didnt do so well, you'll have time to retake it before its too late. B/c you have to wait 90 days before you can retake it. When you're registering for the DATs, they tell you that you can take it any time between the day you register and 1 year from that date; and you'll only have to let them know 48 hours in advance. THATS A LIE!!!!! you can call 48 hours in advance of the day YOU want to take it, but if they dont have a test date open, you have to wait for the next best day, which could be 2 weeks later.

For letters of recommendations, they usually want 1 dentist or non science prof., 2 bio profs, and maybe a chemistry prof. Since you're taking Orgo II, ask your prof from that class. And if they try to turn you down, tell them your situation and let them know that you're very desparate.

hope that helps!!!! good luck!