DAT question-- philosophical

[toothfaerie]

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I keep hearing everyone say that a shaky GPA and a few not- so- great grades can be offset by a good DAT. Here is my question:

for someone who is a pretty dedicated student and really makes a genuine effort to learn (not just pass tests), WHY iwould the DAT likely to be better than the GPA? I put out 100 percent... it seems to me that by the time Im ready to take the DAT, my score will be roughly equivalent or low compared to class grades because of the lenght of time between originally learning it and taking the test.

In other words... if I couldnt learn it well enough to get abpove C in class, how can I expoect to suddenly learn it for the DAT?


Just wondering (worrying?)

Janet😕

 

[aphistis]

It's primarily because when you learn it in class, your instructor is exploring the topic in much greater depth than typically required for the DAT.

For example, you might be expected to know all ten intermediate molecules formed during glycolysis in an undergrad cell bio or biochem class. That might be too much to handle, but the same question on the DAT might only ask you what the start and end products are, or the number of ATP consumed and produced, which is a much simpler matter.

It's all about depth and detail--the DAT is a standardized exam that has to cover several years' worth of coursework in the space of a couple hours. It necessarily treats most topics in lesser detail than you'd get in the course.

 

[toothfaerie]

Thanks. That makes pretty good sense to me.
TF

 

[ItsGavinC]

Yep, the other post hit it right on the head.

Also, how many of your undergrad exams were multiple choice, and contained answers that were fairly ridiculous? Many answers on my DAT were easily eliminated because they had little to do with the topic.

The level of knowledge required to do well on the DAT is FAR less than is required to do well on all of the science classes combined.

 

[tinker bell]

toothfairy, DAT is a standardize test. It's used to measure the knowledge of applicants. The reason they use standardize tests to measure because grade varies from school to school. For instance, every one knows that at some private schools, it's easy to get A. While at most public schools, A is not a POC.
That's why you see some ppl with 3.4 gets a 19 on DAT. And some ppl who has 3.0 or 2.4 actually gets above 20.

If your school is a tough school, you will end up with lots of C. However, DAT is a serious bar to measure for d-school admissions, schools most likely will look at DAT. Meaning: even if you have high GPA and low DAT scores, you don't stand a chance. However, a 3.0 GPA with high DAT scores still get you into lots of school.

Do not have anything below 17 if you have low GPA, then you will be in good shape.

I love hygienists, as well as admissions ppl. I'm sure you will get in a good school. My hygienist friend gets into many schools.
Best of luck to you.

 

[toothfaerie]

Thanks again!
My GPA is pretty good right now... but I still have a long way to go.
Thanks for the support

TF