DAT before application

[MTD52]

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I just registered to set up a date for the DAT. I'm planning on the first week in June so that I have enough time to study throughout the summer and retake it. HOPEFULLY, I won't need to, but just in case 🙂

Anyway, is it bad to take the DAT and have the scores sent before I actually finish the application, or does it not matter?

Also, what if I took my DAT and sent my app with the scores, then went on an interview even though I'm not satisfied with the score. Would it be worth taking it again after the interview was done to attempt a higher score?

Thanks a lot for the help

 

[Habslive]

If you made it to the interview stage despite DAT scores you don't like, then it's up to you to find out from the school whether they evaluate interviewees based on their entire applications, or just on the interview.

It's not a BAD thing to have the scores sent before your app is sent, they just might not know what to do with them since they won't yet have a file with which to match them. You would need to call or email (and get confirmation) to tell them that you intend to apply and for them to hang onto your scores for the 2009-10 app cycle.

 

[War Eagle]

It's not bad to send out your DAT scores before submitting your AADSAS, but I would do it the other way around. Your AADSAS application takes longer to get to the school than your DAT scores. Since schools won't do anything with your app until your file is complete, you want that application in asap. If you're taking the DAT in June, submit your AADSAS first. Last year I submitted my AADSAS on May 15th and took the DAT June 17th. My DAT scores got to most schools about a week after my AADSAS app.

 

[chund]

according to the multiple posts I've seen, it is best to send your ap in ASAP, like MAY 15th or whenever it opens. So just try to finish your app before hand and just have them sent when you take it in June. If you wanna retake, you will have time and the schools will see that, plus i think there is a section on the app where you can post future test dates, so they'll know you are planning on improving.

 

[MTD52]

Ok so I'll just try and get the app in as soon as I can. I was just worried about time to get my letters of recommendation, which I just remembered that I needed.

If I get that done and have an interview, would it be stupid to ask the interviewer his/her opinion on retaking it?

 

[War Eagle]

AADSAS will send out your app to schools without your lor's as long as everything else on your aadsas is complete. Once they receive your letters, they will forward them to the schools. That said, don't procrastinate your lors.

 

[chund]

I wouldn't ask directly, ask them if they see any weaknesses in your app that you could improve on. If they say DAT, then tell them you were planning on retaking.. Be confident tho, if you prepare, you will do fine.

Also, Get your rec writers prepared and tell them to look for an email.. AADSAS allows electronic copies, so you just put their title, name, and email in and the rest is taken care of by the person writing. If they have their rec already written they only have to answer a few questions and then paste the LOR and send it. It could easily be done in a day.

 

[MTD52]

AADSAS will send out your app to schools without your lor's as long as everything else on your aadsas is complete. Once they receive your letters, they will forward them to the schools. That said, don't procrastinate your lors.

Good to know. Thanks

I wouldn't ask directly, ask them if they see any weaknesses in your app that you could improve on. If they say DAT, then tell them you were planning on retaking.. Be confident tho, if you prepare, you will do fine.

Also, Get your rec writers prepared and tell them to look for an email.. AADSAS allows electronic copies, so you just put their title, name, and email in and the rest is taken care of by the person writing. If they have their rec already written they only have to answer a few questions and then paste the LOR and send it. It could easily be done in a day.

Electron LOR would probably be much easier. They email it directly to AADSAS? Is that what you meant by "tell them to look for an email"