DAT for high schooler?

[asingh97]

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Hi all,

I am applying to a few BS/DDS/DMD programs (UConn, SB, Buffalo, BU). I am definitely interested in dentistry (shadowed a lot, did research at SB Dental School, volunteered at dental clinic). I am taking both AP Bio and Chem (doing well in both), and the undergrads that I work under in the lab advised me to look at taking the DAT- one even said he just used the AP Bio book to study the biology in it, and he also said that he was sure I could score above national average.

Are their claims legitimate? I am a good student, but will AP classes and a lot of self studying help? Or do I need the college classes under my belt before I should consider it?

If I do take it and do poorly, will colleges see it?

If I do take it and do well, will colleges accept it?

Thanks

 

[FeralisExtremum]

Whoa, whoa...don't bother taking the exam this early. You haven't taken organic chem yet, you haven't exposed yourself to the other subjects at a college level yet (which may be overkill for the actual DAT but will prepare you better for it), and most importantly DAT scores are only considered valid for schools by so long (typically around 2 years), so they would only be useful maybe if you got in to a 6 year program that stacked it's program 2 years undergrad/4 years dental.

Don't take the DAT while in high school. It's honestly a terrible idea.

 

[asingh97]

Thanks! When would you recommend taking the DAT? Like when in college would you be best prepared/where does the stuff you learn start becoming irrelevant or too detailed?

 

[DentalLonghorn2014]

Feralis is right. You are not ready. Not even close. Ochem is required. Also, you need to realize that DAT scores expire in 3 years. 5 if you are in Texas.Tbh, I have never heard of anyone doing this. The person giving you this advice must not be aware of the requirements or they are trying to mess with you (which is REALLY mean). You are still young. Save your money. Graduate from high school. Go to college. Apply after junior year.

 

[Weakfart]

Colleges won't see your poor exam grade but dental schools will. In my opinion it's too much of a high risk/reward. Hell taking it after freshman year might be pushing it but you'll be a whole lot better for the DAT.

 

[DocVaquero]

I would advise not taking the exam yet. Some schools take the most recent exam while some schools average the two scores. You want to take it when you know you are ready, preferably right after you take organic chem.

 

[syedj94]

You might only be ready for Bio and Gchem, not Ochem though.

 

[Proxybrush15]

It may be hard for you to see now, but you are not ready to take the exam. There is much to learn in your college courses. Trust me, OCHEM is not something you want to skim over in a review book. Once you get through the DAT subject material in college, and given your ambition, I bet you will do great. You may even be glad you waited. Best of luck