DAT disaster

  • Thread starter Thread starter Enamel
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Enamel

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I just retaken the DAT. I did worse than the last one. I woke up with a huge headache but it was too late for reschedule so I went ahead and took it. What should I do now? What would you do in my situation? I am so depress now. I don't think any school will accept me with my new DAT scores.
 
Were your first scores okay? Do you know if the schools will consider your highest score, no matter if it was the 1st or 2nd trial?
I think you should call the schools you have applied to and honestly explain what happened. We all have our bad days. I guess if your GPA is high and your previous DAT is not too low, you should be okay.
Hope you feel better!
 
Tell us your stats. What's your GPA and DAT score (both times) so we can better help you.
Don't worry, SDN is anonymous
 
Enamel,

I just looked at your stats, and you should not have re-written the dat. Your 1st scores were fine (from what you listed). Have you sent your scores out yet? If yes, try and stop them from being sent, however, I dont know if thats possible.
 
Maria, I hope you are right. My last DAT scores were 18,18,19 now are 15,16,17. I feel like crying now!!! Is there anyway I can retake this test without having to wait for 3 months after? My GPAs 3.22 and 3.19
 
I hate to sound incredulous, but what on earth led you to believe that an 18/18/19 wouldn't be good enough for dental school? It's more than enough for most schools.
 
Enamel, after 3 months would be February (or March because it takes few weeks to process DAT scores in dental school), most schools would have most, if not all, of their seats filled. So I think taking DAT for the 3rd time is not a practical option. I would advice you to apply to more less competitive, like NYU, Boston, and etc.

Also, you should try to email the director of admissions to the schools you're applying to and explain to them the situation. I have a feeling that most of them will understand.

All the best, friend
 
Originally posted by aphistis
I hate to sound incredulous, but what on earth led you to believe that an 18/18/19 wouldn't be good enough for dental school? It's more than enough for most schools.
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My guess is SDN played a part in this.

Enamel, all hope is not lost. I do know that some schools look at your best scores, and some schools only look at the most recent. Find out which of your schools will look at both.

Good Luck
 
I think you have to wait for 3 months in order to retake the test. However, I believe that you still have a chance if you contact the schools you have applied to, explain what happened, and ask them if they would consider your 1st set of scores while reviewing your application. Just tell them that you were not feeling well, and be honest about your concerns.
If your GPA is high and if you applied to the "right" schools, I think you still have a chance.
Were you advised by the schools to retake the DAT, or did you want to do it yourself?
I really hope things work out for you. I cannot imagine how hard it was for you to have the motivation to retake the DAT, and then getting worse scores...🙁
Good luck!
 
The reason why I retaken the test is that I wanted to impress the adcoms but the results turned out opposite. Does anyone have ADA direct number? I wish I could stop the scores from sending out. II think it's imposible but 'll just want to try.
 
I do not think there is a way to prevent your scores from showing on your file. However, I think it will be best that you contact the schools so they will know what happened before they got your new scores.
 
Well, all I can say is that sucks. Good luck!
 
Originally posted by Dentaldream
My guess is SDN played a part in this.
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Yep, damnit.

Enamel, I would contact the schools and speak with as many deans about the situation as you can. Do it in a nice way, and be understanding of their positions. Don't get discouraged by anyone on here, you can make this work...
 
I swear people lie about their scores.

Seems like 99% of SDN'ers score in the top 5% in every section. Hell I'm normal and proud of it

18aa 20pat

I only studied a week but oh well. I'm sure if I studied a month maybe it would have bumped up a point or two.

I do not think people should retake the DAT if they have 18's across and a good GPA. If you have below a 3.0, then 18's just won't cut it
 
Originally posted by Brocnizer2007
I swear people lie about their scores.

Seems like 99% of SDN'ers score in the top 5% in every section. Hell I'm normal and proud of it

18aa 20pat

I only studied a week but oh well. I'm sure if I studied a month maybe it would have bumped up a point or two.

I do not think people should retake the DAT if they have 18's across and a good GPA. If you have below a 3.0, then 18's just won't cut it
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That's hardly normal, buddy 😉 Particularly the PAT.
 
You can try contacting the ADA and ask if they can stop the processing of the scores to your chosen schools. I remember, you had to request the scores be sent to the schools.

However, this is akin to hiding the dirt under the carpet...it's not really ethical.
 
Enamel,

I think that the first set of scores was just fine. I believe that someone else said that it is more than enough for several schools and I agree whole-heartedly. Good luck and I really don't think that you need to re-test a 3rd time. But the decision is all yours.....


Blessed1 🙂
 
Originally posted by blessed1
Enamel,

Good luck and I really don't think that you need to re-test a 3rd time. But the decision is all yours.....


Blessed1 🙂
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Enamel's 1st scores are good, but the issue here is if his/her schools look at both or only the most recent scores. If they only look at the most recent, then a 3rd dat is a must. If not, then no harm done. Its just a matter of calling them up, and asking what their policy is on dat scores.
 
99% of schools will look at the most recent scores, since those scores supposedly are the best indicator of your current performance.

Retaking the DAT is certainly not something to be taken lightly. Sure, your first scores might stink, but who knows what will happen the second time around.
 
Originally posted by ItsGavinC
99% of schools will look at the most recent scores, since those scores supposedly are the best indicator of your current performance.
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Enamel, dont get discouraged by that post, I think that is an overestimate(but then again im just guessing so who knows).

Point im trying to make, like others have said, your first scores were perfectly fine. So please call the schools ask their policy and explain that you were not feeling well when you took it the second time.

I dont even know you but I would hate for you to take it a third tme if you dont have to.
 
oh boy! my heart goes out to you. common sense would dictate that you didn't all of a sudden "go stupid" and that "something" happened with that second test.

i SO agree with the others who say to contact the schools immediately... e mail, phone and letter, i know that sounds like overkill, but schools right now are very busy and getting through is difficult, to say the least....keep trying, and bugging them daily, if necessary....your original scores were good and should garner plenty of interviews. please let us know what happens....don't give up!!!
 
Thanks everyone for your feedbacks and encouragements. I have contacted some schools and they told me that they will not just look at the newest DAT scores. That's good news. BTW, DentalDream, I don't blame SDN for this problem one bit, I learn so much since I found this site. Also, I still think retaking the DAT was a right decision... only if I didn't get sick and too anxious the night before, I would have made much better scores. I hope to see some light after this storm.🙂
 
Originally posted by Enamel
Thanks everyone for your feedbacks and encouragements. I have contacted some schools and they told me that they will not just look at the newest DAT scores. That's good news. BTW, DentalDream, I don't blame SDN for this problem one bit, I learn so much since I found this site. Also, I still think retaking the DAT was a right decision... only if I didn't get sick and too anxious the night before, I would make much better scores. I hope to see some light after this storm.🙂
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Great news! I guess that "statistic" given earlier that 99% of dental schools only look at your most recent scores was a little skewed.

It boggles my mind how some people pull numbers out of their ass on this forum. If you ask me, it happens about 99% of the time!:laugh: 🙄
 
Originally posted by Enamel
Also, I still think retaking the DAT was a right decision...
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Well it depends. Some people use the DAT to get into dental school. And some use it to boost their ego and try to score through the roof. Personally, if my scores were good enough to get in, but not spectacular, then I wouldn't have wrote it a 2nd time. But thats just me.
 
Originally posted by Dentaldream

It boggles my mind how some people pull numbers out of their ass on this forum. If you ask me, it happens about 99% of the time!:laugh: 🙄
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I've noticed this too. I have been reading this forum for a while now, but this is my 1st post. Please, lets make this a place for support rather than fear.
 
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Dentaldream

It boggles my mind how some people pull numbers out of their ass on this forum. If you ask me, it happens about 99% of the time!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Originally posted by Ecks
I've noticed this too. I have been reading this forum for a while now, but this is my 1st post. Please, lets make this a place for support rather than fear.
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Ecks,
I find this post ironic considering your almost fairytale stats on the stats thread.
 
How do you know his stats are fairytale stats shawn? Do you personally know him? Please, lets keep the ridiculous speculations to ourselves when we have no clue if he/she is telling the truth or not.
 
By the way, I think common sense tells us that schools will nearly always look at the most recent score. Why wouldn't they?

I mean, if they discount a score, then why wouldn't they discount DAT scores completely? What's the difference between somebody retaking it and having a bad day vs. somebody who takes it for the first time and is having a bad day?
 
Originally posted by JonesJR
How do you know his stats are fairytale stats shawn? Do you personally know him? Please, lets keep the ridiculous speculations to ourselves when we have no clue if he/she is telling the truth or not.
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hold on!! shawn is talking about the stats that eck posted on the stats page recently. he has some awesome scores. especially 28 on pat. this is the best ive ever seen.
 
Everyone settle down. Even you gavinc, I love your posts, but the cynicism has been a little staunch lately. Lets get back to helping Enamel. Have you talked to any more schools?
 

Attachments

Believe my scores or not. I really dont care. I worked hard for those scores and am proud of them.

At the same time, my initial post was just to say lets make this place, a place for support and not feed the stress that comes with applying to dental school.

I hope everyone here does well in the application process.

Peace out.

BTW I'm a she, not a he!
 
I was not suggesting you were being untruthful, I said your stats are almost fairytale, meaning they are almost perfect.

and i found it ironic because everyone compares their own stats with the ones posted on SDN, which in turn leads to fear when you see a 4.0 and 28 DAT.
 
Originally posted by ShawnOne
I was not suggesting you were being untruthful, I said your stats are almost fairytale, meaning they are almost perfect.

and i found it ironic because everyone compares their own stats with the ones posted on SDN, which in turn leads to fear when you see a 4.0 and 28 DAT.
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What?? So because someone does well on the dat, they cant post their opinions on non sensical statistics? Makes no sense to me.
 
What the heck are you talking about??

I just said it was ironic to me, thats all.
 
Originally posted by Zurich5
Everyone settle down. Even you gavinc, I love your posts, but the cynicism has been a little staunch lately.
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Probably because the process is over, I'm adjusted to this portion of dental school, and I'm recognizing now more than ever that life isn't all roses.

For what it's worth, the TRUTH about the application process shouldn't be misconstrued as cynicism.
 
Originally posted by ShawnOne
What the heck are you talking about??

I just said it was ironic to me, thats all.
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gotcha
 
Originally posted by ItsGavinC
Probably because the process is over, I'm adjusted to this portion of dental school, and I'm recognizing now more than ever that life isn't all roses.

For what it's worth, the TRUTH about the application process shouldn't be misconstrued as cynicism.
Click to expand...

Truth, huh, fair enough, I was referring the podiatry boards though -- I just hope everyone can keep it optimistic around here without putting anyone down. No hard feelings I hope.
 
Originally posted by ItsGavinC
So, since everybody has their panties in a wad regarding the 99% number, I'd sure enjoy everybody posting those schools that DON'T look at the most recent DAT score.
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Gavin, I may have misinterpreted your original post about the 99% thing because I thought you meant that schools will only look at your most recent scores. Not sure if thats what you meant or not. However, I simply dont think that is true, which can be proven by this "I have contacted some schools and they told me that they will not just look at the newest DAT scores. "

I just didnt want Enamel thinking that he/she is screwed and wanted to make sure that he/she was completely informed before making a huge decision (taking the DAT a third time).

And ya, obviously all schools, perhaps 99.9% will at the very least look at the most recent DAT score if it is sent to them.
 
Originally posted by Zurich5
Truth, huh, fair enough, I was referring the podiatry boards though -- I just hope everyone can keep it optimistic around here without putting anyone down. No hard feelings I hope.
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No problems on my end. I NEVER have hard feelings towards anyone here. 😀
 
Originally posted by ShawnOne
I was not suggesting you were being untruthful, I said your stats are almost fairytale, meaning they are almost perfect.

and i found it ironic because everyone compares their own stats with the ones posted on SDN, which in turn leads to fear when you see a 4.0 and 28 DAT.
Click to expand...

I dont agree. Stats dont enstill fear in people here. Its people who say a 17AA is not good enough to get in.

Please dont blame people for causing fear because of stats that they worked hard for. Blame the people who are going around telling others that anything below a 20 is application suicide.
 
Originally posted by Ecks
Stats dont enstill fear in people here. Its people who say a 17AA is not good enough to get in....Blame the people who are going around telling others that anything below a 20 is application suicide.
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Amen.
 
Originally posted by ItsGavinC
Fine, then I'll say it once again:

If you have NO public school to apply to and have average/below-average grades, then anything less than a 20 IS application suicide.
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I didnt want to single anyone out, but this is a perfect example of what I was talking about.

Gavin, have you ever heard of that dental school in that city on the east coast....whats that city's name??? New something...oh ya, New York! NYU is very forgiving for lower stats. That is NOT application suicide.
 
Originally posted by Ecks
Stats dont enstill fear in people here.
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I disagree

BTW, I wasnt blaming you for anything. I personally applaud your stats. However, if I had 17AA, seeing your scores would probably make me a little anxious/nervous/fearful, warrented or not.
 
Originally posted by ItsGavinC
Fine, then I'll say it once again:

If you have NO public school to apply to and have average/below-average grades, then anything less than a 20 IS application suicide.
Click to expand...

Are you joking? Your telling me a person with 19's accross the board and an average gpa is killing his application with those 19's??

That is simply not true.

A person that has a BAD gpa, not just below average, but BAD, does in fact need a 20 or up to balance it out. However, a slightly below average gpa will do just fine with 18's and 19' and an average gpa most certainly will.

Now, if I end up getting rejection letters from all the shcools I applied to then im sure my opinion will change real quick. However from browsing this forum for a couple years now I just dont know how you can say that.
 
Originally posted by ShawnOne
I disagree

BTW, I wasnt blaming you for anything. I personally applaud your stats. However, if I had 17AA, seeing your scores would probably make me a little anxious/nervous/fearful, warrented or not.
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Well I cant help that. Personally, I think its people like this Gavin fellow who are causing the most anxiety.

I understand that your not blaming me, but people who dont post their stats get ridiculed here to the ends of the earth, so I decided to post them. If I knew you would have gotten queasy looking at them, I wouldn't have posted them.

Regardless, I wish you good luck with your application. And lets help each other!
 
Ecks,

Congrats on your awesome scores and welcome to SDN.
 
Originally posted by Ecks
I didnt want to single anyone out, but this is a perfect example of what I was talking about.

Gavin, have you ever heard of that dental school in that city on the east coast....whats that city's name??? New something...oh ya, New York! NYU is very forgiving for lower stats. That is NOT application suicide.
Click to expand...

:laugh:
 
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