DAT on Monday...thinking about withdrawing apps

[endlesskisses]

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Ok so here is my dilemma. I was in a JC for 3 years and transferred to a UC. I could have finished my major in 2 years but decided to stay an extra year to take human anatomy and a minor in psychology. Now, I am not sure if I should have done that and think it might actually hurt my chances of getting into dental school. I messed up really bad during my first few years in a JC because I hung around the wrong people and partied a lot. Therefore, my grades weren’t that great which affects my science GPA. When I got to Davis, I tried my best to do well but I struggled a little bit. I started with a 2.65 but finished my last quarter with a 4.0. My GPA overall is 3.08, science is 2.82, non-science 2.95 ( I know these are really low GPAs). I was also in the Pre-dental club for 3 years, a community service club CKI for 2 years, and have over 300 hours of dental experience with a general dentist, oral surgeon, and orthodontist. I also have research experience and have been published.
I submitted my application in June and all my schools received it already. They are just waiting for my DAT scores (I’m taking it on Monday). I know that I would need to get almost perfect scores on the DAT, but I think it is impossible now. I studied on and off since June but got sidetracked because my parents were going through an ugly divorce and as the oldest I was trying to keep my family together. Then if that’s not bad enough, one of my best friends that I knew since elementary school got caught in a gun fire and passed away. I was so depressed and didn’t know how to deal with everything and kind of put off studying. My test was suppose to be on Aug. 18, but had to push it off till Sep. 15. I know this is pretty late to take it now and that my chances are slim in trying to even get an interview. I just don’t know if I should just reschedule my test for next year ( maybe in March) and withdraw my application. I spent so much money on everything that I feel like crap if I do have to withdraw. What do you think I should do guys? Should I just take the DAT on Monday ( I will basically be going in blind) and to just get a feel on how the test is like, then retake it next year? Or would that affect my overall scores later on? I already know there is no way I can get even 17’s… I’ll be lucky if I did. Going through the destroyer now makes no since to me since I had not reviewed anything. I was just going over problems, which makes me feel even dumber! I can’t believe this is happening, I don’t know what to do. Please help. Any advice will be great, but please be gentle and understanding. 🙁

 

[Seenary]

If i were you I would go write the test and still apply.....you will benefit from writing the test greatly.....just go in there calm and cool and see how it goes...who knows u may do well

 

[Orgodox]

Wow... from the DAT perspective: Even though you have already paid all the money and went though all the trouble if you really think your going to get 17s and your not ready at all I dont think you should take it for 2 reasons. A) Next year even if you do well it wont look pretty to have 13 and 14s on 1st attempt B)It will prob crush your self esteem and you wont want to keep studying for the second go round
With a low GPA you would have to really dominate the DAT to get in and you said you dont think you can do that at all so even though you spent the money its not like "I might as well take it I already paid for everything" because it might actually hurt you in the long run
Good luck

 

[LifeisWonderful]

Ok so here is my dilemma. I was in a JC for 3 years and transferred to a UC. I could have finished my major in 2 years but decided to stay an extra year to take human anatomy and a minor in psychology. Now, I am not sure if I should have done that and think it might actually hurt my chances of getting into dental school. I messed up really bad during my first few years in a JC because I hung around the wrong people and partied a lot. Therefore, my grades weren’t that great which affects my science GPA. When I got to Davis, I tried my best to do well but I struggled a little bit. I started with a 2.65 but finished my last quarter with a 4.0. My GPA overall is 3.08, science is 2.82, non-science 2.95 ( I know these are really low GPAs). I was also in the Pre-dental club for 3 years, a community service club CKI for 2 years, and have over 300 hours of dental experience with a general dentist, oral surgeon, and orthodontist. I also have research experience and have been published.
I submitted my application in June and all my schools received it already. They are just waiting for my DAT scores (I’m taking it on Monday). I know that I would need to get almost perfect scores on the DAT, but I think it is impossible now. I studied on and off since June but got sidetracked because my parents were going through an ugly divorce and as the oldest I was trying to keep my family together. Then if that’s not bad enough, one of my best friends that I knew since elementary school got caught in a gun fire and passed away. I was so depressed and didn’t know how to deal with everything and kind of put off studying. My test was suppose to be on Aug. 18, but had to push it off till Sep. 15. I know this is pretty late to take it now and that my chances are slim in trying to even get an interview. I just don’t know if I should just reschedule my test for next year ( maybe in March) and withdraw my application. I spent so much money on everything that I feel like crap if I do have to withdraw. What do you think I should do guys? Should I just take the DAT on Monday ( I will basically be going in blind) and to just get a feel on how the test is like, then retake it next year? Or would that affect my overall scores later on? I already know there is no way I can get even 17’s… I’ll be lucky if I did. Going through the destroyer now makes no since to me since I had not reviewed anything. I was just going over problems, which makes me feel even dumber! I can’t believe this is happening, I don’t know what to do. Please help. Any advice will be great, but please be gentle and understanding. 🙁

I know that you are extremely sad-- and I am sorry for all that you have gone through, but to tell you the truth what is worse is going into a test and getting a score that you are not satisfied with. If you arent prepared for the test, than dont take it. Trust me, the worst thing would be to have to apply to a school and have them look at your poor scores. Most likely they will not consider your application. I know this is the last thing that you want to hear, especially because you have already spent so much money applying..just withdraw your application and begin to prepare for the next cycle. Go into the cycle strong.

Give yourself some time to heal from all the problems that you have been going through..just take time off, and dont blame yourself too much for your parents divorce..I am sure that if they have come to this decision it is best for both of them and they will be a better parent living seperately than together..trust me i know. Once you have healed from your friends death..than you can go in strong with the application process.

To improve your gpa you can try to take extra classes, or retake some classes that you didnt do so well in. Given that you already have a low gpa, you need a stunning dat score. To do well on the DAT..start early and focus on the studying continously. Dont sidetrack..put in 100% of your focus into it. Get all the materials you need and try to go through everything at least 2 times. I would say it would take about 3 months. Once you feel confident, than go into the test strong and determined to do well. Make sure to apply early next cycle..and you will be satisfied..

If you have any questions dont hesitate to pm.

I wish you the best of luck..Take Care


_________________
UCSF 2012

 

[klpennin]

From your post, I really coudn't tell how much you studied. Honestly, I didn't feel like I studied that much, like 2-3 hrs/day and maybe like every other day, and not all of that time was always productive for 2 months. So, if you have been studying for a while even if you have taken breaks, you might be ok. I would suggest taking it, just to get the nerves out of the way, and who knows, you may do well.

On the other hand, if you are really gonna go in there blindly, then I wouldn't take it. There is no point. You can get sufficient practice taking practice tests rather than practicing on the actual DAT which will stay on your record. Just wait, and take it when you feel comfortable. In the meantime, keep up the good work in your classes, and maybe apply for grad school to take some graduate level classes next year while you are applying.

Goodluck!!!

 

[keliao]

definately re-schedule and take it no later than october...but i f you can't focus enoughg......should apply for next cycle.

 

[alanan84]

Do you have topscore? If so, how have you done? If not, get it and see how you do. I felt like topscore was a pretty good indication of my scores on the test. I did the same or better on the real thing then my practice tests. So yeah, I would suggest evaluating yourself with topscore and then deciding whether you ought to take it or not.