DAT Done 5/26

[ECUpirate19]

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I took the DAT today and here are my scores:

PAT: 15 (20.3%)

QR:18 (86.6%)

RC:19 (67.7%)

GC: 17 (53.4%)

OC:17 (51.8%)

TS: 18
AA:18

I have a 3.63 overall GPA and about the same science GPA and I am applying to UNC,ECU,VCU, Maryland and louisville. I feel as if my scores are alright, but I was wondering if I should retake it. I have generally in the past meaning the SAT tested about average but have done above average work in the classes. Any thoughts on what to do would be appreciated.

 

[MrBeans]

Your GPA and sGPA are great, but your DAT scores are just mediocre.

While 18/18 (AA/TS) is about average, Instead of being a neutral factor on your application, I think it would do you harm; 15 PAT is certainly too low. 🙁

Many schools have cut offs on sections set at 16-17, and since PAT is so vital, I don't think the admissions will overlook your low score.

I would re-take; that is my opinion.

 

[dentalgirl80]

I took the DAT today and here are my scores:

PAT: 15 (20.3%)

QR:18 (86.6%)

RC:19 (67.7%)

GC: 17 (53.4%)

OC:17 (51.8%)

TS: 18
AA:18

I have a 3.63 overall GPA and about the same science GPA and I am applying to UNC,ECU,VCU, Maryland and louisville. I feel as if my scores are alright, but I was wondering if I should retake it. I have generally in the past meaning the SAT tested about average but have done above average work in the classes. Any thoughts on what to do would be appreciated.

Definitely RETAKE! Your PAT is way too low, as well as your sciences. You need to shoot for an AA and TS average of at least 20, PAT you may be able to get away with an 18 or 19 depending on where you apply. Your goal should be at least 20's in each section.

Keep in mind that there are thousands of students with your GPA, so a higher DAT score will keep you competitive. Also, the percentiles don't matter since it's only a comparison between you and others who took that version of the DAT. Don't use this to gauge yourself to others. Good luck!

 

[anschutz1913]

definitely retake...low pat, low sciences, avg. elsewhere...u can do it.

 

[sfoksn]

Ten bucks on improved score second time!

 

[sfrice80]

Absolutely Re-Take. No Questions.

Also, you might want to transplant this to the DAT Forum.

 

[sfrice80]

By the way, where is your Bio score?

 

[Simiam]

I would retake.

 

[cmcner]

I took the DAT today and here are my scores:

PAT: 15 (20.3%)

QR:18 (86.6%)

RC:19 (67.7%)

GC: 17 (53.4%)

OC:17 (51.8%)

TS: 18
AA:18

I have a 3.63 overall GPA and about the same science GPA and I am applying to UNC,ECU,VCU, Maryland and louisville. I feel as if my scores are alright, but I was wondering if I should retake it. I have generally in the past meaning the SAT tested about average but have done above average work in the classes. Any thoughts on what to do would be appreciated.

Put your application in now with those scores, keep studying for the DAT until the end of Aug when your 90 days are up if you don't get any interviews by then retake it. Don't stop studying for now, you have no idea how quickly you'll lose it. Also don't register for the DAT yet, if a bunch of schools interview you it might not be worth your $500 some odd dollars, lastly buy Crack PAT and DAT Destroyer for your future studying. Some schools will actually tell you they like your application but you have to retake your DAT, you want to be ready for that call, and you don't want to be a late applicant. Also I'm assuming your Bio was OK since you were over 17 on TS.

Also apply to more schools or else you increase your risk of sitting out a year.

 

[FutureDent020]

I took the DAT today and here are my scores:

PAT: 15 (20.3%)

QR:18 (86.6%)

RC:19 (67.7%)

GC: 17 (53.4%)

OC:17 (51.8%)

TS: 18
AA:18

I have a 3.63 overall GPA and about the same science GPA and I am applying to UNC,ECU,VCU, Maryland and louisville. I feel as if my scores are alright, but I was wondering if I should retake it. I have generally in the past meaning the SAT tested about average but have done above average work in the classes. Any thoughts on what to do would be appreciated.

My interviewer at Louisville said the Organic Chemistry and the PAT were good indicators of their students' success. Both those sections are low, so that may hurt you there. As for UNC and ECU, I don't know. Being in-state is vital for you there. And they will be looking for students who are willing to serve out east (coastal region) or west (mountain region). Piedmont is pretty saturated. I can't go a block in Charlotte without seeing a dental office. So if you are a student who desires to serve in these areas and harps on it in your secondaries and essays then you may stand a chance. The PAT is definitely a red flag though.
I did meet an applicant at my UNC interview who had a 16 DAT. So they're looking at the big picture.

 

[AskJeeves]

I took the DAT today and here are my scores:

PAT: 15 (20.3%)

QR:18 (86.6%)

RC:19 (67.7%)

GC: 17 (53.4%)

OC:17 (51.8%)

TS: 18
AA:18

I have a 3.63 overall GPA and about the same science GPA and I am applying to UNC,ECU,VCU, Maryland and louisville. I feel as if my scores are alright, but I was wondering if I should retake it. I have generally in the past meaning the SAT tested about average but have done above average work in the classes. Any thoughts on what to do would be appreciated.

Definitely apply to Temple, Howard and Meharry to ensure that you get in somewhere.

 

[sfrice80]

Definitely apply to Temple, Howard and Meharry to ensure that you get in somewhere.

If he/she is not a minority, I wouldn't waste my money on Howard and Meharry.

 

[AskJeeves]

If he/she is not a minority, I wouldn't waste my money on Howard and Meharry.

I'm not sure if I agree. I think having really high scores works in your favor regardless of your background. For some reason, those with exceptionally high scores are not likely to apply to or attend these schools.

 

[ECUpirate19]

Yea that is pretty much what I thought. The only thing that really sucks is I used all the stuff everyone said to use to study like destroyer and CDP and all that and still didnt get the scores I wanted. I just never seem to do stellar on standardized tests, which doesnt help I supppose since if I got in somewhere I have to take the boards and pass them as well.

 

[michi]

Yea that is pretty much what I thought. The only thing that really sucks is I used all the stuff everyone said to use to study like destroyer and CDP and all that and still didnt get the scores I wanted. I just never seem to do stellar on standardized tests, which doesnt help I supppose since if I got in somewhere I have to take the boards and pass them as well.

How long/to what extent had you been studying? What was your routine? Also, don't give up hope. Someone who had a 17 on DATs and had high GPA O/S got in and is in Upenn. Times are more competitive tho.

Good luck. How do admissions people look upon retakes of DATs, anyway? It seems like everyone is in favor of a retake... but if this was med school, I feel like everyone would be like you only take the exam ONCE and hope that's good enough, taking it twice looks bad...

thoughts?

 

[yappy]

While his DAT scores are not out-of-this-world isnt 18-19 the average accepted? If so what is the average accepted GPA? I believe I read it was lower than his 3.6.

 

[sfrice80]

While his DAT scores are not out-of-this-world isnt 18-19 the average accepted? If so what is the average accepted GPA? I believe I read it was lower than his 3.6.

Not when you're sporting two 17 science subsections and a 15 on the PAT. I'm not saying it's impossible but you are really decreasing your overall chances by not re-taking. Alot more expensive to reapply next year then to retake your DAT this year.

 

[sfrice80]

I'm not sure if I agree. I think having really high scores works in your favor regardless of your background. For some reason, those with exceptionally high scores are not likely to apply to or attend these schools.

I'm guessing you don't know that Meharry and Howard substantially favor Under Represented Minorities. They accept very few if any Caucasian students, so if you are white your chances are abysmal.

 

[sfoksn]

I really really despise the whole minority preference thing..

I mean.. we don't give Asian basketball players "extra bonus" if they want to join the NBA. No way, sir.

Why does America always give favor to the other minorities in academics? Who cares if we lack diversity in the academics.. Whoever is more intelligent with more ambition should be able to lead. Right?

You may be thinking, "maybe it's because the under represented minorities have less opportunity to become successful," but if you think about my analogy with an Asian kid dreaming to become an NBA, do you honestly think his parents would support his dream?

No, they will crush his dream, and NOT provide any opportunities to do so. He would have to go through hardships like other minorities may have to go through for academics.

So unfair, sorry for the rant.

 

[DazzlingSmile87]

I really really despise the whole minority preference thing..

I mean.. we don't give Asian basketball players "extra bonus" if they want to join the NBA. No way, sir.

Why does America always give favor to the other minorities in academics? Who cares if we lack diversity in the academics.. Whoever is more intelligent with more ambition should be able to lead. Right?

You may be thinking, "maybe it's because the under represented minorities have less opportunity to become successful," but if you think about my analogy with an Asian kid dreaming to become an NBA, do you honestly think his parents would support his dream?

No, they will crush his dream, and NOT provide any opportunities to do so. He would have to go through hardships like other minorities may have to go through for academics.

So unfair, sorry for the rant.

I completely agree with you, we can discuss this in person LOL
But let's not talk about it here, too many URMs are sensitive about this topic and it's not worth the energy haha

 

[sfoksn]

Yes, you are right 🙂

Sorry for deviating from the main topic, OP!

 

[ECUpirate19]

I have one question. If I retake does that mean that schools wont look at my application until after I have retaken the DAT in august or the first week in september?

 

[gorrillaunit18]

I really really despise the whole minority preference thing..

I mean.. we don't give Asian basketball players "extra bonus" if they want to join the NBA. No way, sir.

Why does America always give favor to the other minorities in academics? Who cares if we lack diversity in the academics.. Whoever is more intelligent with more ambition should be able to lead. Right?

You may be thinking, "maybe it's because the under represented minorities have less opportunity to become successful," but if you think about my analogy with an Asian kid dreaming to become an NBA, do you honestly think his parents would support his dream?

No, they will crush his dream, and NOT provide any opportunities to do so. He would have to go through hardships like other minorities may have to go through for academics.

So unfair, sorry for the rant.

I COMPLETELY AGREE!!! Asians are not considered a minority all of the sudden b/c they do so well academically...not fair at all.

 

[yappy]

I see where your coming from with AA/URM preference but your analogy is weak. The NBA requires a set of "genetic gifts" coupled with ALOT of hard work. The reason URM are sought after isnt because they're genetically lacking intelligence (as your analogy might suggest) it's because they, in many cases, are not given the same educational opportunities. Even still, I agree. Grad school is too late to start leveling the playing field.

 

[cmcner]

I have one question. If I retake does that mean that schools wont look at my application until after I have retaken the DAT in august or the first week in september?

Not if you don't tell them you're going to retake. You don't have to tell them until you register a retake date, and I was able to get a date within one week of my registration for the test, check out how booked the testing centers are in your area. You may change your mind and decide not to retake so until you're locked in it's not lying, just wait to registrar. You can't even register yet those 90 days will force you to wait anyway, if you don't want them to look at your app yet you can tell them that you're going to retake and most schools won't look at you yet.

 

[cmcner]

I see where your coming from with AA/URM preference but your analogy is weak. The NBA requires a set of "genetic gifts" coupled with ALOT of hard work. The reason URM are sought after isnt because they're genetically lacking intelligence (as your analogy might suggest) it's because they, in many cases, are not given the same educational opportunities. Even still, I agree. Grad school is too late to start leveling the playing field.

When ORM (Over Represented Majorities) start voluntarily practicing dentistry in places like the Bronx and Compton maybe this argument will be more valid. The schools that heavily favor URM are usually trying to get care to the places that ORM are afraid of or unwilling to go and thats why they often focus on community service in admissions. I would actually bet that if an ORM had shown true dedication to any of these areas and had a desire to practice in one of these areas they would have an easy time getting into a UMR school.
Signed a member of the ORM

 

[sfoksn]

I see where your coming from with AA/URM preference but your analogy is weak. The NBA requires a set of "genetic gifts" coupled with ALOT of hard work. The reason URM are sought after isnt because they're genetically lacking intelligence (as your analogy might suggest) it's because they, in many cases, are not given the same educational opportunities. Even still, I agree. Grad school is too late to start leveling the playing field.

I think it's out of everyone's speculation to definitely say intelligence is not genetically related. I feel that it really is genetic gift as well, coupled with a lot of hard work like you say.

I already expressed myself in terms of the opportunities. Yes, URM's may not have same educational opportunity, I already acknowledged that, but same thing, a child from Asian family will not likely have parents who support him of becoming an NBA star, nor have parents who may play balls with them when they are young. So there you go, lack of opportunities there as well. Development of these motor functions while you are young is crucial in athletics as you already know probably.

I think it's wrong to assume that URM's always have little opportunities. Not all non-URM's are well off. And not all URM's are poor. Why give unfair advantages to well off URM's and disadvantages to not well off others?

Do you think Vietnamese nail salons, Korean laundromats, Chinese shops owners are rich? No. They aren't well off, but they are working harder and trying harder to increase their business than just giving up and work at low wage retail store which requires no thinking or opportunities, and crying later that they can't afford college for their kids. Come on. Why didn't you try harder to become successful?

It's just all comes from laziness. Really. Lack of English proficiency is present in Asian Americans also. But they work hard to get over that.

You can't just give disadvantage to ORMs because they have been successful after putting in so much effort, when the URMs may be where they are because they aren't putting in as much effort.

America babies their students more than any other country with scholarships and financial aid. If you have will, there's a way. Everyone out of dental school will have a huge debt, if they are URM or not.

Okay, sorry, last post. I'm done, sorry I will not post again on the thread!

 

[ECUpirate19]

Is there any benefit to letting them to review my app with these scores and then sign up for a retake so they can see these scores and then see what my retake scores look like or is it more harmful to do it that way?

 

[cmcner]

You can't just give disadvantage to ORMs because they have been successful after putting in so much effort, when the URMs may be where they are because they aren't putting in as much effort.

Now this argument is centered around the thinking that dental schools care about having the best dental students which is not true. Dental schools are concerned with accomplishing their missions what ever they may be. Some missions are to have the best stats, some to serve underrepresented areas, some are to create the best researchers/clinicians, some you could argue do it to make money. Really dental schools couldn't care less about you as an applicant, it's all about them. You think the policy should be if you work hard you should get to go to their school and do what ever you want. Their policy is we don't care how you got here as long as you are most likely to move our mission forward and you have indicated to us that you can graduate and pass the boards, and if anyone doesn't like that too bad. Well guess what their policy wins because they have all the power.
For UMR schools their mission tends to be helping to serve the undeserved populations in urban areas and create diversity.
Your mission is to help students struggling to make it into dental school with decent numbers get there.
You don't care about their mission, and they don't care about yours, once again they win so you'd better try harder to fit into their mission or keep fighting the loosing fight. On the bright side if you do work hard and fit into their mission you'll help them raise their reported stats for next year's ADEA book.

 

[AskJeeves]

I really really despise the whole minority preference thing..

I mean.. we don't give Asian basketball players "extra bonus" if they want to join the NBA. No way, sir.

I think Yao Ming gets a lot more credit and playing time than he deserves, not because he is Asian, but specifically because he is Chinese and is a cash cow for the NBA in China.

 

[AskJeeves]

I really really despise the whole minority preference thing..

Every profession has its underdog. Without the preferential treatment of those under-represented in any profession, the majority would completely dominate. Remember, the fundamental basis of our constitution is to prevent the tyranny of the majority.

 

[anschutz1913]

Not if you don't tell them you're going to retake. You don't have to tell them until you register a retake date, and I was able to get a date within one week of my registration for the test, check out how booked the testing centers are in your area. You may change your mind and decide not to retake so until you're locked in it's not lying, just wait to registrar. You can't even register yet those 90 days will force you to wait anyway, if you don't want them to look at your app yet you can tell them that you're going to retake and most schools won't look at you yet.

This is terrible advice, b/c with a PAT of 15, you will get automatic rejections across the boards. By not telling them you will retake, they base your application on your first DAT score, and then it's toast. Schedule a retake ASAP, dominate, and you might get some fall interviews.

 

[takedailyfiber]

I really really despise the whole minority preference thing..

I mean.. we don't give Asian basketball players "extra bonus" if they want to join the NBA. No way, sir.

Why does America always give favor to the other minorities in academics? Who cares if we lack diversity in the academics.. Whoever is more intelligent with more ambition should be able to lead. Right?

You may be thinking, "maybe it's because the under represented minorities have less opportunity to become successful," but if you think about my analogy with an Asian kid dreaming to become an NBA, do you honestly think his parents would support his dream?

No, they will crush his dream, and NOT provide any opportunities to do so. He would have to go through hardships like other minorities may have to go through for academics.

So unfair, sorry for the rant.

There are 2 schools out of all the dental schools that openly favor URMs. 2 out of what, 56-58? I don't see any reason to be upset, think things are unfair, or bring up analogies of Asian basketball prospects.

And who's to say these URMs won't be as good, or better dentists (who are also connected and perhaps networked to URM communities) as non-URMs? Academics alone don't account for quality.

 

[dentalWorks]

I really really despise the whole minority preference thing..

I mean.. we don't give Asian basketball players "extra bonus" if they want to join the NBA. No way, sir.

Why does America always give favor to the other minorities in academics? Who cares if we lack diversity in the academics.. Whoever is more intelligent with more ambition should be able to lead. Right?

You may be thinking, "maybe it's because the under represented minorities have less opportunity to become successful," but if you think about my analogy with an Asian kid dreaming to become an NBA, do you honestly think his parents would support his dream?

No, they will crush his dream, and NOT provide any opportunities to do so. He would have to go through hardships like other minorities may have to go through for academics.

So unfair, sorry for the rant.

not everyone has the same opportunities as you and me.
there are students out there who grew up in REAL bad neighborhoods, where they stayed up most nights studying and hearing a couple gun shots go off at least once a week. Chances are, these kids/students don't carry the same stats as you and me because of REAL bad circumstances...... so our system has designed a few "minority" schools that pays close attention to these kinds of kids

 

[dds86]

I would definitey retake, esp if you are planning on applying to ECU, it seems like they are going to be weighting DAT scores more than GPA for this coming cycle. Your AA isnt that bad, but your percentiles in each section are what will hurt you when it your app gets reviewed

 

[MrBeans]

I would definitey retake, esp if you are planning on applying to ECU, it seems like they are going to be weighting DAT scores more than GPA for this coming cycle. Your AA isnt that bad, but your percentiles in each section are what will hurt you when it your app gets reviewed

The admissions committees do not see the percentile ranking.

 

[FutureDent020]

The admissions committees do not see the percentile ranking.

Correct

 

[adizzle87]

If you want a shot at UNC I recommend a retake.

 

[D3Nt1st]

a agree, race should not play any part in the application process and unfortunately it does. all this does is create resentment, people dont like getting overlooked because of their skin color no matter what it may be. you say people who grow up in towns where gun shots are ringing all night dont have the same opportunity and this is true however i have known minorities that did not grow up in places like that, in fact their parents were doctors and lawyers but they were still able to take advantage of affirmative action initiatives.

you cant make judgments about someones background based on race.

Also this practice takes a lot of credit away from where credit is due. people will automatically assume that someone of a minority race has only made their accomplishments because of affirmative action. really i think its insulting to the very people it tries to help.

that said i do think it is the responsibility of the dental schools graduate classes of students with diverse backgrounds, people tend to relate easily with people like themselves.