DAT retake - how late is too late?

[TurkTurkleton]

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I'm re-taking the DAT this summer, but I think I have to push back my date. I was planning for mid-July (about a month from now), but I think I need more time to do as well as I want. I hope to submit my app next week, so I'll have everything else in, and I plan to ask schools if I can fax my unofficial report right away to save some time. And if it matters, I think the rest of my application is pretty solid. I know applying early is important, but it won't look good to re-take and not show a marked improvement either. I really just bombed a couple sections, so I have to make sure my other scores don't decrease. Would end of July or early August be too late to take the DAT and be considered somewhat early?

 

[sfrice80]

Mid July is still early enough. Mid to late August is starting to get a bit late, IMO.

 

[Rubber Dam Man]

I'm re-taking the DAT this summer, but I think I have to push back my date. I was planning for mid-July (about a month from now), but I think I need more time to do as well as I want. I hope to submit my app next week, so I'll have everything else in, and I plan to ask schools if I can fax my unofficial report right away to save some time. And if it matters, I think the rest of my application is pretty solid. I know applying early is important, but it won't look good to re-take and not show a marked improvement either. I really just bombed a couple sections, so I have to make sure my other scores don't decrease. Would end of July or early August be too late to take the DAT and be considered somewhat early?

I wouldn't consider end of July or even end of August too late. Most schools start interviewing in October (some start earlier and some later), so as long as you take your DATs by end of August... I think you should be fine.

 

[widentist]

I understand where you are coming from with the whole time thing. But the AADSAS system gets more and more bogged down as the application process continues, and getting into August that will definately happen. I would definately take it no later than early august if you can avoid it, but I am sure with a whole month and a half to prepare you will be more than ready! especially since you already took it and know what to expect.

 

[phannay]

to OP, are you calling schools to let them know that you're retaking?

thanks

 

[CANgnome]

I was lucky for aadsas to receive my DAT scores in ~10 days. I think the people who took the DAT the day after me had to wait another week 😱 But then even if that is fast, your file gets dumped into the next available mailing date which is still a while.

So you are looking at 2-3 AADSAS week wait after you take the DAT at the test center, and then 1-2 weeks for the scores to be sent to schools. It took me 3 weeks after I took my DAT but I am certain that I was very lucky.

So if you took the DAT tomorrow, you are looking at early-mid September for schools to receive your 2nd AADSAS.

 

[phannay]

my app was mailed on 7/30. you think i should call schools about my retake?