DAT retake?

[predent02]

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I've been reading these forums but decided to make an account to get some advice on what my next step should be. I applied this cycle to around 20 schools and have gotten 3 rejections as of now. I retook my DAT in the summer and got 18 AA and then retook in November and got 19 AA. I have a 3.15 sGPA and 3.32 oGPA. I know my application was considered complete late because of my DAT retake and on top of that I have a low GPA. My question is should I start looking into post bacc or masters programs now or should I try to retake my DAT again and then apply early next cycle or both?

June DAT
AA 18
TS 18
Bio 16
G Chem 17
Orgo 20
PAT 18
RC 23
QR 15

Nov DAT
AA 19
TS 17
Bio 18
G chem 18
Orgo 17
PAT 16
RC 22
QR 18

I honestly feel like even though my AA went up my overall scores are worse because of PAT, TS, and Orgo. I knew I could have done better but felt rushed to take it because of already applying this cycle. Anyone been in a similar situation or have any advice?

 

[Dental_Dream101]

Your scores aren't too bad, Although the TS will probably hunt you. I would definitely retake the DAT. If you can take a semester off and study for the DAT and then start a post bacc while you wait for schools. what were your practice scores prior to taking the test for the second time and how are your extracurriculars?

 

[8_man]

A higher DAT score can only help you as a re–applicant. I don't know how you prepared for the DAT, but reading through breakdowns helped me a lot. Check this thread out if you haven't already
https://forums.studentdoctor.net/th...-thread-future-test-takers-look-here.1230067/

 

[DC206R]

Definitely retake and consider taking a few post bacc to raise GPA.

 

[LuckBloodandSweat]

Your RC was good both times... Umm.. Yeah... You should retake. You want at least a 19/20 TS.

 

[asdf99]

I know this test isn't fun but I highly recommend retaking

 

[predent02]

Thank you all for your advice and feedback! I guess I will start preparing to retake in the spring. I am also confused whether I should apply for a masters or post bacc program in the next couple of months for next fall? Does anyone have any suggestions on that or maybe I could do an informal post bacc. The problem with informal post bacc is that it my GPA will barely move as I already have over 120 credits. Ideally, I would like to reapply early next summer even if I am doing a post bacc or masters program but I am unsure of how effective these programs will be then. Any other suggestions would be appreciated!

 

[predent02]

Your scores aren't too bad, Although the TS will probably hunt you. I would definitely retake the DAT. If you can take a semester off and study for the DAT and then start a post bacc while you wait for schools. what were your practice scores prior to taking the test for the second time and how are your extracurriculars?

I will plan on retaking! My practice scores honestly ranged from 18-20 but I only used bootcamp and chads. This time I will try ordering destroyer and using that as well. My extracurriculars are volunteering around 250 hours shadowing around 175 hours and research for one year with no publications.

 

[workofshart]

I would retake only if you can give it 100% effort and identify where you went wrong the first two times whether that's not having the right materials, not studying long enough etc

 

[LuckBloodandSweat]

Um definitely destroyer and try genius/qvault maybe too.