DAT Done but retake?

[Member 6236]

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Hey everyone! So I recently finished my DAT but am strongly considering a retake. I really need some advice. I'm a CA resident and I really really want to stay in CA. My overall GPA is a 3.5 and science is a 3.4. So slightly below average....my DAT scores are as follows.

PAT: 21
QR: 18
RC: 20
Bio: 21
Gchem: 23
Ochem: 21
TS: 21
AA: 21

Now I know many of you would say these are decent to good scores BUT I'm aiming for a CA. So should I retake? I'm just worried about possibly scoring lower. I will say though that I got a really hard version. I had FOUR pictures to identify on my test for bio. Even the ochem section contained questions on topics NO resource covered. And trust me, I used it all. I'm just terrorfied of getting another version like that...it seemed as though Destroyer and even Chad's wasn't helpful. I didn't get a SINGLE question on R/S configurations, diastereomers, oxidizing/reducing agents, or many topics one would think would DEFINITELY show up. It really freaked me out. Many of you may have heard of the "rock" for PAT. Now let me tell you more than half my keyholes were rocks. It was absurd... So please....advice? Thanks a ton to the people who respond. Love this community <3

 

[sjv]

For reference, 2013 data: UCLA average AA was 22, UCSF was 21, UoP was also 21, USC was 20, Loma Linda was also 20, and Western was 19.4. You're right in the middle of things, so it is hard to say if you should retake. Obviously, higher may help you out more but you score isn't bad or anything.

 

[Member 6236]

For reference, 2013 data: UCLA average AA was 22, UCSF was 21, UoP was also 21, USC was 20, Loma Linda was also 20, and Western was 19.4. You're right in the middle of things, so it is hard to say if you should retake. Obviously, higher may help you out more but you score isn't bad or anything.

I believe my GPA is a bit lower than the average for those schools...which is why I'm concerned with my score. I also have NO intent on applying to Loma Linda. Just throwing that out there haha.

 

[sjv]

I believe my GPA is a bit lower than the average for those schools...which is why I'm concerned with my score. I also have NO intent on applying to Loma Linda. Just throwing that out there haha.

If you're confident in the material and you say that your specific exam was hard, why would you be worried about possibly scoring lower? You'd likely get a different version of the exam and you seem to be leaning towards a retake? If you have the will, time, money, and confidence then go for it.

 

[Member 6236]

If you're confident in the material and you say that your specific exam was hard, why would you be worried about possibly scoring lower? You'd likely get a different version of the exam and you seem to be leaning towards a retake? If you have the will, time, money, and confidence then go for it.

So overall I'm quite confident I can do well. I will say though that I thought my sciences were very hard BUT my reading section and math were fair, I'm just not as great at those sections but they were definitely fair. So I guess I'm worried about having higher science scores be offset by the possibility of a lower reading/math score.

 

[Troyvdg]

I wouldn't retake. if you have strong EC's strong LORs and a strong personal statement you should be set. Retaking always brings the risk of scoring lower...after I finished my dat, I didn't want to go through that again.

 

[Member 6236]

I do think I have decently strong EC's, LOR's, and the personal statement I'm working on. BUT schools like UCLA/UOP tend to be very picky. The dean of the UCLA straight up told me he doesn't even consider applicant's with less than a 21AA unless they have something really mindblowing on their app. I volunteered there and just happened to run into him so that's how I know that. I'm just worried cause every year dental school admissions are getting that much more competitive.

Plus Troyvdg you KILLED it on your first try. So there wouldn't ever even be a need to retake in your shoes haha.

 

[Troyvdg]

I do think I have decently strong EC's, LOR's, and the personal statement I'm working on. BUT schools like UCLA/UOP tend to be very picky. The dean of the UCLA straight up told me he doesn't even consider applicant's with less than a 21AA unless they have something really mindblowing on their app. I volunteered there and just happened to run into him so that's how I know that. I'm just worried cause every year dental school admissions are getting that much more competitive.

Plus Troyvdg you KILLED it on your first try. So there wouldn't ever even be a need to retake in your shoes haha.

haha, thanks, well from my experience, ucla and uop are looking for a certain type of personality. both are picky with interviews regardless of DAT, but your gpa is good, your dat is good. I think with a great personal statement (and good LOR's, people underestimate their importance) you have a good chance for an interview. apply early!

 

[aqz]

I wouldn't retake either. Out of UCLA, UoP, and UCSF, I only got interviewed at UCSF. The reason was most likely because I applied in the 4th batch, so my 0.02 is to apply on the first day.

 

[DrRoyal Pains]

I agree with everyone. A retake is not necessary. Apply early, and sit back and relax as the interviews start rolling in. Nice job.

 

[Member 6236]

Thanks a ton for all your input guys. You guys all beasted your tests so I hope you all get into your top choices! I guess I'll strengthen the other parts of my app then.

Thanks again!