DAT Done b/17--will retake

[ngozi85e]

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My turn!!

AA 19
TS 20
Orgo 22
Bio 20
G Chem 20
PAT 18
RC 19
QR 16

Okay, so overall, I know I can get into some school. I'm an Ivy League graduate, hoping to go to Columbia or Penn. I've contacted these schools, and essentially they advised that I retake the exam (which I knew they would once I saw the scores) my GPA isn’t great, 3.1. But I know I can do better. I honestly didn’t prep for QR as well as I should have, thus the 16 .

Bio: I had ALOT of questions on things you wouldn’t have known unless you took a cellular bio course, or have worked in a lab. I.e. FRAP, genetic experiments, in vitro fertilization...I mean things I had to try to recall from school, not found in any study material. I think I lucked out with a 20, but I’ve been used to scoring higher.

Chem: my worst area, straightforward, not too many calculations...keep doing as your doing

Orgo: Destroyer all the way, flash cards, the whole nine. Nothing tricky

RC: Now, I always get at least a 21 on this section. My 2nd passage, totally hard! (At least for me). Had nothing to do with science, it was a philosophical passage on justice and morality, and I HATE this sort of crap. Essentially didn’t have enough time to complete the 3rd passage

PAT: again, straight forward. Nothing too tricky. Really didn’t prepare too much for this. But for my exam in November, I'll be focusing heavily on Math and PAT.

Tips during test: before you start, map out/set up your sheets. I had to use dry erase boards, which we fine (lil annoying during RC, had to make sure not to erase with the side of my palm). Take the 15 min break, at least part of it. Be confident, my nerves were thankfully not on edge.

I'll let u know how the 2nd exam goes. And thanks for all your advice on other post ;-)

 

[denticus]

My turn!!

AA 19
TS 20
Orgo 22
Bio 20
G Chem 20
PAT 18
RC 19
QR 16

Okay, so overall, I know I can get into some school. I'm an Ivy League graduate, hoping to go to Columbia or Penn. I've contacted these schools, and essentially they advised that I retake the exam (which I knew they would once I saw the scores) my GPA isn’t great, 3.1. But I know I can do better. I honestly didn’t prep for QR as well as I should have, thus the 16 .

Bio: I had ALOT of questions on things you wouldn’t have known unless you took a cellular bio course, or have worked in a lab. I.e. FRAP, genetic experiments, in vitro fertilization...I mean things I had to try to recall from school, not found in any study material. I think I lucked out with a 20, but I’ve been used to scoring higher.

Chem: my worst area, straightforward, not too many calculations...keep doing as your doing

Orgo: Destroyer all the way, flash cards, the whole nine. Nothing tricky

RC: Now, I always get at least a 21 on this section. My 2nd passage, totally hard! (At least for me). Had nothing to do with science, it was a philosophical passage on justice and morality, and I HATE this sort of crap. Essentially didn’t have enough time to complete the 3rd passage

PAT: again, straight forward. Nothing too tricky. Really didn’t prepare too much for this. But for my exam in November, I'll be focusing heavily on Math and PAT.

Tips during test: before you start, map out/set up your sheets. I had to use dry erase boards, which we fine (lil annoying during RC, had to make sure not to erase with the side of my palm). Take the 15 min break, at least part of it. Be confident, my nerves were thankfully not on edge.

I'll let u know how the 2nd exam goes. And thanks for all your advice on other post ;-)

I think that your DAT scores WOULD allow you to "get into some school" as they are competitive. However, I think that you're focusing your efforts on the wrong part of your application. Every year there are hundreds of predents that get into multiple dental schools with 19's, yet they do it with higher GPA's then yours. I hope you don't take any offense from this but I think that you should focus more attention on raising your GPA rather then the DAT. In all actuallity, I think that your DAT is competitive but your GPA is not and I fear many dental schools will raise red flags once they see your GPA not your DAT. I would suggests taking more classes (preferably upper level) and scoring nothing less then an "A" to raise your GPA. Good luck!

 

[z123]

Yeah I got that passage too! (Ethics...) And I also thought it was annoying!

 

[jigabodo]

Why are you retaking? Your only low score is in QR which most schools care the least. If your GPA is good, then I'd say there's no need to retake.

I would also suggest that you DON'T tell the schools that you are retaking, just in case they will hold off ur app. until your second score rolls in, which will be in November.

 

[ngozi85e]

As a graduate, I'll only be taking biochem as i havent taken it in undergrad. I really dont have the time nor financial resources to take additional courses. Though i understand your point of view, I feel that if I can kill my DAT scores, that'll weigh heavily against GPA, in a positive light. I've spoken to admissions deans, and they all in essence say that I can very well be admitted, just have to give them a great DAT score to work with

 

[denticus]

As a graduate, I'll only be taking biochem as i havent taken it in undergrad. I really dont have the time nor financial resources to take additional courses. Though i understand your point of view, I feel that if I can kill my DAT scores, that'll weigh heavily against GPA, in a positive light. I've spoken to admissions deans, and they all in essence say that I can very well be admitted, just have to give them a great DAT score to work with

hmmm...

 

[danbarr]

I have to agree with the GPA issue.........there is very few people believe it or not that get AA of 21+ most people are in the 19-20 ratio.........I understand that Ivy league schools want the best candidates but they have to admitt a diverse group of people they are not just going to admitt everyone that has a 25AA.........DAT scores are one tool they use to identify students who can handle the rigor of the curriculum, I think your scores are competitive.......actually very competitive..........you must raise that GPA to a 3.3 at least. Remember you have to make your application as complete as possible,one area can't overshadow another, you must make yourself well rounded. I know taking clases at the graduate level is a pain in the neck , but I'm doing it now, I just had to take up student loans to do it, but it can be done........I think raising your GPA should be your priority, anyways just my advice............

 

[TheWiredNerv]

Good job deticus. I had the same test as you it seems and there were some icky bio questions on it. That article on great Justice! lol. chin up and apply to a lot of schools. You did well!

 

[denticus]

Good job deticus. I had the same test as you it seems and there were some icky bio questions on it. That article on great Justice! lol. chin up and apply to a lot of schools. You did well!

Are you talking to me?

 

[Flipper405]

Good job deticus. I had the same test as you it seems and there were some icky bio questions on it. That article on great Justice! lol. chin up and apply to a lot of schools. You did well!

Good luck with your retake, ngozi85e.

 

[Montserrat]

Hey Ngozi85e,

I'm in a similar boat to you, in that I will be retaking the DAT because of a lower GPA. Did those deans you spoke to mention an actual goal for a score, or just a generic "higher score" ?

 

[jigabodo]

Hey Ngozi85e,

I'm in a similar boat to you, in that I will be retaking the DAT because of a lower GPA. Did those deans you spoke to mention an actual goal for a score, or just a generic "higher score" ?

Whats a generic high score?

 

[Montserrat]

Whats a generic high score?

With reference to the question, a generic "higher score" would mean them not giving him a range of numbers.

 

[jigabodo]

With reference to the question, a generic "higher score" would mean them not giving him a range of numbers.

Ah, I see. I misread the post, sorry!

 

[Montserrat]

No worries man 👍