Well, an 18 is pretty good (IMO)...I made a 17...had an extremely difficult version of the test. I studied 10-12 hours per day for about 2 months for the test. Obviously, I did something wrong. But back to your situation, I think it is very possible that you get interviews with your scores. From what I hear, schools are wanting higher PAT scores now, but I am by no means saying no one is getting in with 16s. Go on predents.com and look at the school and the PAT scores. I think your GPA (like mine) is mediocre. DAT score (nationally speaking) averages are soaring this year, making competition more and more competitive. Lots of premeds are running from medicine due to the new healthcare bill and the uncertainty that surrounds it. So, what does that mean? A higher number for applicant/seat in a class. Some have argued that dental school is more competitive than med school right now, but who cares? Of course people on here are, for the most part, overacheivers...they're going to all tell you to retake. And, they will be right...IF you want to get more interviews. With my 17, I have only gotten one interview invite so far, and that's from Loma Linda because I'm SDA (seventh day adventist).
What are your individual scores (i.e., TS, BIO, OC, GC, RC, QR, etc...)? If I were you, I would (I am) apply to the newer schools like USN-South Jordan in Utah, Western Dental School (in Pomona), in addition to the ones you've listed. In the end, we all want to get in SOMEWHERE. On average (maybe dr. toothache can be of better assistance here) I would say that you want to get about 3-4 interviews. Nothing ever PROMISES you a spot, but you have a better chance when you get multiple interviews for obvious reasons.
About how to study while still attending undergrad...don't know what to tell you. I actually waited until the summer after I graduated (this summer) to study for, and take the DAT. It's probably not a very good idea to rush your application though. You have enough stress to deal with in school...right now, I would make my priority my GPA. I think you might still get some interviews with your DAT scores though. Just chill and don't worry about the DAT right now and if you shouldn't get ANY interviews...reapply next cycle. It happens man, a lot of people didn't get in on their first attempt. I know a friend back home that has been trying to get in for the past four years, with decent scores. If I were you, I'd go ahead and plan to retake, but wait until you can dedicate some serious time to the DAT to do so. Maybe get geared up to do it over Christmas break or something. You should have about a month off to study. Do two intense weeks of review, and then do two intense weeks of testing yourself. After you are finished with all that, test yourself with TopScore and it will be about the most accurate predictor as to how you'll do on the real test. If your scores are still a little lower than you'd like...you may have to take it after you graduate.
If I can help you in any way, just shoot me a PM. Also, tell us what you're studying so people can help you out. Sometimes, people study the wrong material. Most students that have done stellar on the DAT are kind enough to share their methods and such...so listen to their advice.
Best of Luck My Friend,
Hey,
Do you have any method for Angles and TFE? Please help me dude....
Any help will be greatly appreciated 🙂
Thanks
