DAT retake?

[Dentisthopeful7]

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Hey guys,

I am having a hard time deciding if I should re-take my DAT or not for this upcoming application. I am just finishing up my masters (MS) with a GPA of 3.5, It is composed of all upper level science courses which is a significant improvement from my 2.9 science GPA in undergrad. I was thinking that re-taking the DAT and aiming for a 22 or 23 would make me much more competitive but I'm contemplating if the risk of getting a lower score is worth it. I plan on applying early this time around and I am looking at applying to 12 schools. I have good extracurricular activities that include over 200 hours of research and shadowing. I have volunteered at a homeless shelter the last few months and have also been a part of some pre-dental clubs on campus. If anyone could shed a little light on the situation it would be greatly appreciated.

My scores
PAT - 20
Reading - 21
Math - 19
Bio - 18
Gchem - 20
Ochem- 21
TS - 19
AA - 20

 

[ushaseos]

Considering your lower scores are sciences and math, you can improve them vastly by practicing. I don't know whether you should retake since your scores aren't bad, but if you do you don't have to worry about lowering scores. Make sure to study really thoroughly for the sciences and do plenty of math practice if you do decide to retake.

 

[Dentisthopeful7]

thanks for the input! I kind of had the same thoughts that you have. I figured since doing the masters and taking all of these upper level sciences that I should be able to score much better on my science portion. The last time I studied for the math section I only spent a few days so i figured with more time to the math section this time around I could make that score much higher too.

 

[cdbebeau]

you seem like a smart guy. don't settle for mediocre scores. retake