DAT retake necessary for reapplication?

[dentite1127]

I'm sitting on a waitlist, thinking I'll be reapplying this coming cycle. Is it necessary to retake the DAT? Do schools expect it? I'm afraid of looking like a slacker if I don't, but scared of ending up with worse scores.

Any successful second timers out there that did not retake: Did schools ask why you didn't retake, or it is an acceptable practice to reapply with the same scores?

Here are my DAT scores:
PA: 25
QR: 19
RC: 24
BIO: 18-yikes
GC: 20
OC: 25
TS: 20
AA: 21

My GPA is 3.3/3.3 and my ECs are pretty standard. The only reason I can see retaking is my bad BIO score. I'm a non-trad and at the time of taking the DAT had only taken 2 bio classes and had to teach myself the rest. I've since taken more and could probably do better, but I'm also now a year removed from ochem, so wondering if I would just balance my AA back to the same score. (Of course I will study, but I will never know ochem as well as I did right after taking it.)

If I do retake it do they look at both or just the latest? The answer is probably school specific, but not usually something schools list on their site. How do I know?

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[KittySquared]

I actually wouldn't, if I were you. There's a higher risk with getting lower scores. I'd keep it as is and apply super early this cycle. I'd only spiffy up this summer with like 3 science classes. Hardcore ones. And continue to take another 3 in the fall. Some schools look at the highest scores, so you'd definitely not want to risk getting a 20 instead of that 25 and such. Honestly, you have good scores.

Try something new. Go shadow a specialist or something. Something new to add to your resume. Discuss how learning about various facets of dentistry in a general practice and specialist office gave you a more profound understanding of dentistry, and hence you're even more determined in applying and such in your personal statement. Spiff yourself up. Waitlist means you're really damn close. Just need a tad more and you're there.

Good luck

-Kitty

 

[Davermz450]

You have good stats, if you don't mind why didn't this cycle work out?

 

[dentite1127]

Number one reason: I submitted my app waaaaay late- mid Oct. due to financial constraints. Sucks, but that's how it goes.

I will submit in June this time but I don't want to take a chance on anything else that could hurt me, like a bad BIO score or using old scores. I'm confident I could get a high PAT score again, but afraid I might get unlucky in the chem or RC sections.

PS. I have added some shadowing, tutoring, and a few reaearch hours that will continue over the summer. I have also taken 15 more credits of upper level BIO classes since last time. I just don't want to leave anything to chance.

 

[doc toothache]

Unfortunately we cannot pick and choose the sections we would like to re take.
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=400209

 

[bhagan01]

My first time applying I applied late like you as well (october). I received one interview and a waitlist (only applied to 4 schools too). I did not retake the dat (20/20/21) and this time around I interviewed at seven of the twelve schools I applied to. I was accepted to my first choice, and withdrew from all other places. So it was not necessary to retake the dat...I would not recommend it either. The only thing that worries me about your application is the slightly lower GPA. If you can fix that I'd say you are golden!

 

[boss3]

Your DAT scores are almost identical to mine. My GPA was around a 3.38 around the time of applying, and my ECs were also pretty standard. I applied to 10 schools and interviewed at 5... Really the only difference between you and I (assuming GPA and DAT are comparable) was that I submitted my application (including LORs and transcript) in early June. I would say there is no reason to worry about your DAT or retaking it because at the end of the day, those are solid scores. If I had to make any recommendations it would be to boost your GPA (my same aged brother had a higher GPA than me and he received 5 more interview offers than me). It seems like you will be busy this summer too with shadowing, tutoring, and researching which will help with your application. I would just make sure you get your app and everything else in as early as possible and if not too late, try to get that GPA up.

 

[dentite1127]

Thank you for your replies, but as luck would have it, I got in yesterday!!!! Such a relief! Thanks again!

 

[MaceG1]

Thank you for your replies, but as luck would have it, I got in yesterday!!!! Such a relief! Thanks again!

That is awesome. Congrats!!