DAT Killed ME... =(

[toyotasupra]

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Na.

 

[Predentaljr]

Get strong in other areas. i.e EC, personal statement, shadowing, and learn how to soap carve... looks good on application. Seriously

 

[toyotasupra]

Well I did publish a paper on tumor necrosis factor alpha and interferon gamma during my undergrad. Held a lot of higher up positions in health clubs/organized events. I also volunteered/observed at a dental clinic for 60 hours while I was working so he said he can write me a strong letter. My gpa is 3.4. And I'm also master auto technician, and specialize in turbocharged 4 cylinders.

You guys think that's good enough or do I need more?

 

[sacapuntas]

If you look at the people that got acceptances on Dec 1st, I think you will see that admissions is more than a little unpredictable. I know that if I get your same scores in January I will be doing a re-take as I don't want to have something as simple to fix as test scores hold me back. It really is up to you, you might get in with your 17, and you might re-test, get a 20 and not get in.

If you feel you can do better, I sure would try to.

 

[Philippines03j]

I think you already know this but a retake is going to be necessary. I would recommend finding a few weeks that you can dedicate to studying for the DAT.. There are people that get in with a 17 but they are the exception. Good luck👍

 

[drgioiadds]

Here's my score:

PA: 18
QR: 17
RC: 18
BIO: 18
GC: 17
OC: 17

TS: 17
AA: 17

I used Topscore, Achiever, Kaplan, and Exam Kracker. I spent 1 month studying while working a graveyard 12 hour full time job.

Ok I'm ready. Tell me how I'm going to fail in life now. Haha.

Fail in life lol -- just retake. I scored 15 carving, 16 PAT, 20 Bio, 18 RC, 18 Chem in 1997. Been a dentist for 10 years..

 

[Babyblue57]

You GPA is decent, being a auto tech you have good handskills, but those DAT scores will hold you down. You spent one month studying? That's not enough. You need at least two months fultime. If you're working its gonna take more time. But, you can do it.

Also, use Crack the DAT and DAT Destroyer. I found the rest a waste of time.

 

[fishbowl1117]

You GPA is decent, being a auto tech you have good handskills, but those DAT scores will hold you down. You spent one month studying? That's not enough. You need at least two months fultime. If you're working its gonna take more time. But, you can do it.

Also, use Crack the DAT and DAT Destroyer. I found the rest a waste of time.

CrackDat PAT is really awesome! I improved steadily from a 15 to 23 before the exam day and score a 23 on the actual exam. I find it to be a very accurate estimator of your score and the style of the exam.

DAT Destroyer also significantly improved my G Chem score.

Cliff notes for AP Bio has all the detailed information you would need. I regretted not getting that and had to spend hours searching my textbook for specific topics.

If you don't like to read, you can also watch Chad's videos. I watched Chad's videos and read Kaplan's Blue Book.

Hope this helps.

I started with low scores and worked my way up so I am sure you will succeed!
You did well considering your working 12 hours a day. 😀
Don't lose hope!

 

[tayloreve]

Working at a graveyard? I hope you had the day shift 😵

I would retake and scrap the job if possible so you can focus entirely on studying. Don't give up though! You can definitely pull those scores up!

 

[katwoman1688]

Re-take it! I think you'd rather put yourself in a better position now if you have time; rather than later regret the fact that you didn't give yourself more opportunities by scoring higher. You have a good gpa, but if you take a look on this thread - so many students with high scores are getting wait listed that its important to get yourself to as competitive as position as possible! It is soooo competitive nowadays - if I could do it over I would have retaken my DAT earlier than sept 2011 - had to put all my apps on hold.

Also don't be discouraged in regards to your scores - sometimes its first test jitters, not enough sleep, or just not enough prep that brings your scores down. I score 19's AA TS PAT first time around - didn't have enough sleep and was just nervous...second time I put in study time while working FT and studied for a month and ended with a 22AA/21AA/24PAT - sooo its possible to improve I'm kind of proof of that. I knew that I was in no position to not get a good DAT score so I took time off to not think about it and when i felt motivated I jumped back in. My recommendation is look at the threads where students did really well and use those materials to improve - from my own personal research and retake (stalking sdn)
here were my DAT tips I either used or wish I used
Ch 22 - DAT destroyer, kaplan (for concepts), chad's videos (wish i used)
orgo 24 - dat destroyer (way harder but really test your knowledge), kaplan, topscore, orgo notes from hs
bio 18- wrong person to ask lol
PAT 24 - kaplan, crack the dat pat, top score - practiceeeee!
math 22 - kaplan (too easy), topscore, dat achiever ** good example
reading 22 - crack the dat, kaplan, topscore, this ones just practice and find a method that works - mine was search and destroy

ALSO - i pushed mine back 1 week - several times maybe 2x (so worth it!); take it when you feel ready, if you give yourself enough time don't rush yourself!