DAT done 2/19/11

[macker13]

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I took the DAT for the first time yesterday. I was initially very happy with my scores but am questioning them after reading some other scores posted on here. I'm currently juggling 16 credits and a part time job so preparing for the test was stressful but I thought I had a good handle on the information going in. Basically, I'm asking for some advice on whether or not I should take it again.

PAT 19
QR 16 😡
RC 21
BIO 20
GC 21
OC 21

TS 21
AA 20

For some reason the PAT on the real thing seemed much harder than topscore, barrons, and kaplan's tests... I'd been scoring in the 24-26 range on all of those and was really disappointed with my real score. I didn't study the QR as much as the other sections because I scored in the high 20's on 2 practice tests and have tutored math for the last couple of years. That was obviously a mistake🙁. What really killed me there was the time limit.. I spent too much time on a couple questions and paid for it later on.

My G.P.A. is a 3.85 with a science G.P.A. of 3.9 and I'm a junior Biology major. I've spent all last summer and every school break since then in 2 different general dentist offices and feel like I've had a lot of experience in the field for an undergraduate...So retake to be more competitive, or go with what I've worked for already?

 

[321931]

Your scores are definitely competitive. A low score in QR is the least important section on the DAT. On top of that your GPA/SGPA is really good.

I think you are extremely competitive in general; however, your 20/21 and that 16 might put you at a disadvantage if you are looking at more competitive schools.

If you want to go to UPenn, Columbia, UC's, Harvard, UoP etc etc, I would say retake. If you just want to go to your local state college or less competitive private colleges, then you are most likely fine.

Like I said, your GPA/SGPA is amazing. If you had a 22+ with no section lower than 18, I would think you would have an incredibly high chance to get into/get an interview with the above schools listed. But then again, what schools are you gunning for? That's the question you have the ask yourself in order to justify a retake.

 

[Kahr]

Yeah, I agree with Rainee (big congrats on UoP btw, I really hope to get in there next cycle myself), except even if you didn't retake, I'd still apply to the more competitive schools.

👍Nice job by the way👍, I'm always impressed when people manage the DAT while juggling so much, I've been studying for months without doing anything else and feel stressed, quite pathetic really! 🙂

 

[snikkaz]

You should be happy with your score. With those stats you'll surely be a dentist. Is retaking in an attempt to be considered for more competetive schools worth it? What if u fluke the RC next attempt and hit a 17 or something? How much can you pull up QR? Sciences can surely be improved but i wouldnt bank on RC improving much. Your science scores and overall scores are great. I wouldn't retake personally.

 

[rmm30]

will you be posting breakdown?

 

[azar87]

Those are solid scores I know QR can be upsetting for everyone but you have great stats just get your app in early and I'm sure you will get good results post a breakdown here and let everyone know how you did so well on your exam and what resources you used.......congrats again