DAT Done 1/22! Opinions please?

[Predental2012]

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So I just took my DAT today and got the following scores:

PAT 22 (93.4)
QR 27 (99.7)
RC 26 (98.5)
BIO 24 (98.9)
GCHEM 23 (95.4)
OCHEM 23 (94.4)
TS 23 (97.8)
AA 25 (99.9)

I have about a 3.8 gpa and I'm really happy with these scores. But any second opinions would be great. I would like to try to save some money on applications so I'd like to apply to as few schools as possible, but I'm not sure if I'm "safe" enough to be able to do this...

 

[Predental2012]

Oh, and just as a second thought. I took the Kaplan course which I found very helpful in terms of just learning some of the test-taking strategies which really relieved some stress during the exam. I actually used their higher score guarantee because after taking it in the summer, I didn't feel quite ready to take the exam because I had been taking physics over the summer. I lightened my class load this quarter to be able to focus on the DATs. I also used DAT Destroyer which I found helpful because it's always good to practice questions. The QR was easier than the destroyer practice problems. And in the last week before the test, I actually made a last minute purchase of DAT Achiever and took 2 tests a day. XP My scores on those practice tests was significantly lower, so these scores actually surprised me quite a bit. =) Study hard and you can do it!

 

[Jackson-Ave-Dental]

Come on dude!

You have to give a much longer break down than that!

 

[Kahr]

Come on dude!

You have to give a much longer break down than that!

No kidding, these scores a f***ing amazing. You gotta give us a little more here, especially with the show off factor 🙂 By the way, aside from the better/more thorough breakdown of studying for the thing, you could tell us perhaps where you plan to apply. I think you're golden for getting in though (hope your top choice isn't UoP, don't need your hulking competition!)

 

[HeartOfLeonidas]

atleastten

 

[amalgamgrillz]

You would have been accepted 2 years ago with those scores...not anymore. You need a minimum of 26 on each section and at least a 3.95. Retake your DAT and do a post-bacc and you should be fine.

 

[Predental2012]

Thanks! So I definitely plan on applying to California schools, and then after that I'm not sure. Cost is becoming one of the main factors I think....

Anywayz, I know you guys asked for a breakdown so I've posted it in a new thread. Hope it helps!!

But does anybody know which out of state schools might be good to apply to?? I've been doing some searches online, and I really want to minimize the number of out of states I apply to. (out of state = not California) Thanks!

 

[Kahr]

First off, you need to read somethingpositiv's thread here: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=635046

I don't know what factors you're concerned about other than cost, so it would be difficult to make specific recommendations. I would avoid private schools, and if geographic location matters, I'd stick to the west coast. You'll see in the above link known issues about OOS friendly and unfriendly schools and such, so that's something I'm sure you're interested in. Depending on how badly you want to start dental school, I would definitely not rely only on regional proximity and cost savings, and throw out applications to some safety schools.

 

[Predental2012]

Thanks Kahr! That thread is extremely helpful and I really want to start dental school. =) It's kind of been my major goal since high school and I absolutely love dentistry!