DAT Expires?

[kbgirl]

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I know some schools have certain cut-off points for how long a DAT score is good for, but is 3 years old too old? I'm a junior and I took the DAT this last summer and I am pleased with my scores. I'm wondering if I should add a gap year, but I also don't want to have to take the DAT again. Does anyone know what is generally preferred?

 

[pgex2t]

It depends on which dental schools you are applying for. But in any case, 3 full years (between when you took it and when you are applying) is basically the edge of expiration or beyond the point of expiration for several schools. It will definitely expire for UoP, UNE, and UCSF-just to name a few. You can get a better idea in the ADEA guide since the schools will list the expiration point for DATs for the cycle.

 

[kbgirl]

Well for instance, UW's website says that it doesn't really expire, but students who wish to update their scores or get a better score may wish to do so. So I'm wondering what I should do with schools like that. OHSU also doesn't really say on their website. So I guess I'm asking about the schools that don't really say they have a deadline.

Would taking a gap year be a bad thing and make me have to retake the DAT?

 

[BeaverLover]

A gap year is by no means "bad", whats bad is having to retake the DAT if you have great scores just bc of your decision to take a year off. If you don't mind what are your scores?

 

[kbgirl]

I have a 21 aa. And nothing below a 19. Not the greatest I know but I'm happy with it.

 

[pgex2t]

Well for instance, UW's website says that it doesn't really expire, but students who wish to update their scores or get a better score may wish to do so. So I'm wondering what I should do with schools like that. OHSU also doesn't really say on their website. So I guess I'm asking about the schools that don't really say they have a deadline.

Would taking a gap year be a bad thing and make me have to retake the DAT?

As I mentioned, it might be wise to invest $15 for the online ADEA guide to get a hard date on the "oldest" DAT they'll accept per cycle. For reference, UW accepts up DATS taken on or after 6/1/2011 this cycle and OHSU accepts up to a 2 year old DAT at latest. Be aware, for UW's entering class of 2014, they only accepted (accepted as in only this number of applicants accepted the offer) 14/792 out of state applicants while accepting ~50ish in state applicants. It would be ill-advised to just rely on schools who accept older DATs for acceptance. You can see all these stats and more w/ the ADEA guide.

 

[DentalLonghorn2014]

A lot of schools are about 3 years. Texas schools are 5 years.

 

[kbgirl]

I am instate for UW. But yeah I understand what you are saying. Thanks

 

[doc toothache]

The information on the DAT can be found in the sticky.