DAT retake - slap in the face. How to proceed?

[CometBru]

---

Members do not see this ad.

My SMP recommended I retake my DAT (which I foolishly agreed to). My scores weren't terrible to begin with, but my new score is certainly going to throw me off the cutoff for any Texas schools.

First Attempt Second Attempt
PAT 20. 20
QR 17. 13 🙁
RC 20. 21
GC. 20. 18
Bio. 20. 20
OC. 20. 21
TS. 20. 20
AA 19. 19


What do I do? I've already accepted the fact that I will probably have to go OOS, but even then, 13 QR? Should I start prepping for a 3rd retake?

EDIT: UG GPA: 3.48
UG SCI: 3.49

Currently in my first semester of a Specialized Masters Program, 1 year MS in medical sciences.


Thanks in advance.

 

[sobertiger]

There are schools that do not have a cutoff. Also, I saw a list of schools that don't care about QR on sdn a while back. I think it was doc toothache that posted it?

 

[CometBru]

There are schools that do not have a cutoff. Also, I saw a list of schools that don't care about QR on sdn a while back. I think it was doc toothache that posted it?

Yep, I found somewhere that he said that 26 consider your highest, but I didn't find a list.

 

[Stanelz]

A setback from success is not failure. If it were me I would retake the DAT and try to score 22+ and work really hard on the QR but thats just me. You do have a chance with some schools now I would imagine though.

 

[Arthur Jeffries]

coming from an SMP i would suggest waiting until the summer after the program ends to retake. i would also re-evaluate what study materials you use and your schedule. check out the compilation thread it's filled with great study tips

 

[Stanelz]

Get through math destroyer and you will likely score at least a 17-18 QR with minimal effort and get over the cutoffs

 

[FeralisExtremum]

How are you doing in your SMP program so far? Do you anticipate having a high GPA after the first semester?

 

[MendiT13]

Texas Schools don't have cut off scores. Well, I know for sure San Antonio doesn't... I have known a ton of people that have scored the worst on QR and still get into Texas Schools when they have a great AA. I wouldn't worry too much about it. I know they all look at your most recent score, but they have access to see the past scores, so I'm sure they can see that you have scored better than the 13. Did you apply this cycle?

 

[SweetMelonPreDent]

Start practicing QR. 13 feels like a cutoff for at least most schools. You could apply this cycle and prep for a thrid DAT at the same time

 

[deleted738762]

What I wanna know is how you got the same AA when your QR dropped significantly. Also GC dropped by 2. You improved on RC and OC by 1 but still it doesn't add up. Your scores were pretty much solid before as well.

 

[artist2022]

What I wanna know is how you got the same AA when your QR dropped significantly. Also GC dropped by 2. You improved on RC and OC by 1 but still it doesn't add up. Your scores were pretty much solid before as well.

Simple math.
1st attempt: AA = 19.4 rounds down to 19
2nd attempt: AA = 18.6 rounds up to 19.

 

[deleted738762]

Simple math.
1st attempt: AA = 19.4 rounds down to 19
2nd attempt: AA = 18.6 rounds up to 19.

You could have left the "simple math" part out smartass.

 

[caffeine jitters]

What does it mean when someone is on probationary status?

 

[artist2022]

What does it mean when someone is on probationary status?

How is that even relevant?

 

[caffeine jitters]

How is that even relevant?

It isn't, it was just a question lol. Jeez.

 

[moonwalk44]

I gotta wonder.... from what I've seen I think your first attempt would've been fine to get accepted?


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[DocDoom]

.

 

[Alpha Centauri]

Shouldn't have retaken it to begin with

 

[CometBru]

SMP advisors, at least my advisor did, recommend students get 21+ on their DAT.

This. I shouldn't have taken it.

I'm doing ok, I got a B in the biostats course but I'm pulling off an A in medical biochem thus far. I don't see myself getting any lower than that. Taking histology and epidemiology where I haven't had exams yet, but I don't see myself getting anything less than an A.

I spoke with the Dean of admissions at my top chiice school and she said not to worry about retaking the dat, and to focus on my performance in my SMP will be the most important thing.

 

[DocDoom]

.

 

[Noice]

You retook the DAT, but have ever applied to dental school? Like the other posters, I'm surprised you didn't get in the first time (if you applied + applied on time). Your science GPA is solid. As artist2022 calculated, your AA was definitely acceptable. I think you need to really think before you rush into another DAT retake. Isn't there a 3 test DAT lifetime limit?

The good news is QR is the only section you can really bomb and still get an acceptance. Some schools will look at your best score.