DAT in one week

[greenpeas87]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

I’m going into my junior year of college and studying for my DAT which is in one week. I have been diligently studying day in day out this entire summer busting my ass but I keep getting between 430-440 AA (Bootcamp), and am unable to get a PAT of over 360 no matter how hard I try.

Over the course of my first two years of college (especially soph year when I took ochem), I have struggled with some health problems which have taken a huge toll on my mental health. No matter how hard I study not just for DAT but for my college courses, I end up with results that do not reflect my study habits.

I have a GPA of around 3.0 right now and I know thats terrible so I’m trying to compensate with a higher DAT but it doesn’t look like I’m going to get anywhere significant bc the highest AA I’ve ever gotten was 450. I worry that I’m going to need to retake and undergo this mind-numbing incredibly depressing process next summer.

Does anyone who has gotten in/ is already in dental school have any words of wisdom and advice on how to proceed?

 

[DAT Destroyer]

I know it probably doesn't feel this way right now, but you're not alone. I've worked with students for many years, and I've seen plenty who felt exactly like you a week before their exam.

The first thing I'd say is don't let your timed practice test scores convince you that your actual DAT score is already decided. They're meant to help you identify where you need a little more work, but they don't always reflect what happens on test day.

A 3.0 GPA isn't the end of the world either. Dental schools look at the whole application, including your DAT, your trend in grades, your experiences, and how you've grown along the way.

With one week left, I wouldn't try to cram a lot of new material. Spend your time reviewing the questions you missed and, more importantly, understanding why you missed them. That's where the biggest gains usually happen. Also, don't underestimate the value of getting enough sleep this week. Walking into the exam mentally exhausted doesn't do you any favors.

As for PAT, don't let one section get into your head. Keep practicing, but don't let it take away from the other sections where you can continue to build points.

And if you do end up needing a retake, please don't look at it as a failure. I've had many students who were disappointed after their first attempt, made a few adjustments, and came back with scores they never thought possible.

Right now, though, don't worry about next summer. Take the exam first. You may do much better than you think. I'll be rooting for you, and I hope you'll come back and let us know how everything went. Nancy