DAT complete. Should I re-take?

[CraZiaN]

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Hello SDN community,
I took my DAT on April 2, 2013 and I studied for one month while taking Physiology with lab and Microbiology with lab at a community college. My overall GPA is around 3.2 and my sGPA is 3.3. Should I re-take my DAT to make myself more competitive?

PAT: 19 (67.8%)
Quantitative Reasoning: 19 (91.2%)
Reading Comprehension: 20 (64.3%)
Biology: 20 (88.0%)
General Chemistry: 20 (79.8%)
Organic Chemistry: 21 (85.7%)
Total Science: 20 (85.2%)
Academic Average: 20 (87.6%)

I feel very disappointed in myself and I feel that I should re-take it. I was not ready for the perceptual ability test because I only spent 30 minutes practicing cube counting right before the exam. I ended up spending way too much time on difficult key-hole and hole punching questions and I left very little time for remaining questions. I ended up making 5 second guesses on the last 5 questions. I am aware that PAT is an important aspect of dental applications and I don't feel anywhere confident with scores like these. Any criticism/comment/advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[nikond600]

.

 

[Imazergling]

despite what people say about your gpa, and as much as you need to raise your gpa, in my opinion, I don't think you should let others influence your decision and thought process/mentality when it comes to applying to dental school. The average GPA is indeed 3.5-3.6, hovering in that range. But there are people who get 4.0's and people who get 3.0's, and hence the average of 3.5.

Just apply away and see what happens. dig it?

 

[EpicDentist]

Hello SDN community,
I took my DAT on April 2, 2013 and I studied for one month while taking Physiology with lab and Microbiology with lab at a community college. My overall GPA is around 3.2 and my sGPA is 3.3. Should I re-take my DAT to make myself more competitive?

PAT: 19 (67.8%)
Quantitative Reasoning: 19 (91.2%)
Reading Comprehension: 20 (64.3%)
Biology: 20 (88.0%)
General Chemistry: 20 (79.8%)
Organic Chemistry: 21 (85.7%)
Total Science: 20 (85.2%)
Academic Average: 20 (87.6%)

I feel very disappointed in myself and I feel that I should re-take it. I was not ready for the perceptual ability test because I only spent 30 minutes practicing cube counting right before the exam. I ended up spending way too much time on difficult key-hole and hole punching questions and I left very little time for remaining questions. I ended up making 5 second guesses on the last 5 questions. I am aware that PAT is an important aspect of dental applications and I don't feel anywhere confident with scores like these. Any criticism/comment/advice would be greatly appreciated!

Do not retake. You scored a 20 -- that's above average. It's also clear that you have a good foundation in the sciences based on your scores. I have a friend who got 19s across the board and had your GPA -- he'll be attending dental school in the fall.

People keep forgetting that it's not all about your DAT score. Yes, you want to do well on the DAT -- but you DID do well! Now put that behind you and start making your personal statement amazing so admissions committees don't get bored when they read it. Congratulations on your scores!

 

[AFlo1770]

Those scores are awesome! I wouldn't even consider retaking!!!

 

[two thirty]

Your GPA is a little on the low end. DAT score is solid though. Personally, I wouldn't retake, but if you KNOW you can do better and it would help you sleep at night, I'd probably redo it. Just be weary that your scores are good though and it's highly possible to do worse. But if you have free time where you can 100% study for the DAT and you know you didn't score up to your potential, it may be worth it to retake.

 

[CraZiaN]

Hey SDN community,
Thank you for all your honest criticism and advice! I was expecting too much from myself and I am beginning to feel confident again. I have decided that I will not be retaking the DAT and I will be spending my time preparing for dental applications. I will be seeking out a new internship position and more community service opportunities.
By the way, there is an awesome community service opportunity coming up in May 18-19! Dentists from all around will be providing free dental services in San Jose. I hope that you can make it! Here's some more info about it: http://www.cdafoundation.org/give/volunteer/cda-cares-free-dental-clinics

 

[two thirty]

Hey SDN community,
Thank you for all your honest criticism and advice! I was expecting too much from myself and I am beginning to feel confident again. I have decided that I will not be retaking the DAT and I will be spending my time preparing for dental applications. I will be seeking out a new internship position and more community service opportunities.
By the way, there is an awesome community service opportunity coming up in May 18-19! Dentists from all around will be providing free dental services in San Jose. I hope that you can make it! Here's some more info about it: http://www.cdafoundation.org/give/volunteer/cda-cares-free-dental-clinics

I think that's a smart call.

It's a little intimidating posting here where it seems like everyone(well, who posts breakdowns) gets 22+. Just know that's in the vast minority of total applicants.