DAT finished! 8/11

[tommiekick48]

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Well it is over with at least! Overall fairly pleased with how I did. Scored lower than what I had been doing with Kaplan for the PAT (20-22) so that was a bummer but the rest was alright.

PAT: 17
Bio: 20
Chem: 19
Ochem: 18
RC: 20
QR: 19
AA: 19
TS: 19

How does anyone feel about how competitive these scores are? Yes they seem fairly in the norm range but any possible looming dangers? (currently have a 3.65 gpa as well) Would be applying for fall 2012 so still time for a retake if need be (or if anyone would recommend me to due to any scores not being as high as they should be).

 

[predent2011]

The only score that is worrisome really is that PAT. The average nationally for each section is 17, and the average for students who are accepted is about 19 for all scores in the PAT/AA/TS categories. You're there for the other two obviously, but that PAT 17 could be tricky since that is considered a very important section for dental schools. Your GPA is also right about average for many schools, and it would be nice if one or the other was more above the line. You also have another whole year though before applying to boost that up more.

Since you only have to wait 90 days, and you don't need to apply for 9 months, it wouldn't hurt probably to try again over winter break or if you have a long janurary break or something, especially if you were scoring higher on Kaplan exams. Or, you could call schools right now (during this cycle) and ask how the school feels about those scores (you won't have to give your name or anything, just say you're interested in applying and was hoping for some preliminary feedback). You have no scores below that one 17, so thats a plus. I know students who have been offered interviews this cycle with a random 14 or 16 tossed in to their scores... but those were usually balanced by a 26 or something somewhere else.

Basically, I could see it going either way. People have gotten in with these scores, but the higher the better-- and if you think you can improve, I would give it a shot.

 

[tommiekick48]

Alright thanks for the thoughts and advice!

 

[tdkyun]

Alright thanks for the thoughts and advice!

If I were you I would retake as soon as possible. If you wait longer, you will end up forgetting most of the stuff and will have to study all over again.