DAT Score Expiration Confusion?

[NonTradHopeful]

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Hey guys,

I recently took my DAT (November 3, 2011). I plan to apply this coming cycle (summer 2012).

However, if I don't get in this cycle, and I have to end up applying again the following year, will my DAT scores be ineligible for the next cycle?

I know DAT scores are good for 2 years, but I don't know how specific they are about that. Because if I apply my second time around (in summer of 2013), but my DAT scores are from November of 2011, it would not have been 2 years at the time I SUBMIT that application, but it would be 2 years passed once that November arises (in the middle of the interview process most likely).

I think it's very confusing to have an "expiration" for a DAT score based on number of years since you've taken the DAT. Wouldn't it make more sense for the DAT expiration to be based on the number of application cycles for which you've used that score? That way, it would eliminate any confusion of whether or not a DAT that was taken 1 year and 8 months ago would be relevant/accepted by the end of the application cycle.

Of course, all of this is irrelevant if I get accepted this coming cycle, but it's still something I think is good to know.

Any thoughts on this?

 

[AwesomeTeeth]

However, if I don't get in this cycle, and I have to end up applying again the following year, will my DAT scores be ineligible for the next cycle?

I know DAT scores are good for 2 years, but I don't know how specific they are about that.

I'm pretty sure they are good for 3 years at the majority of places. Maybe some schools say 2 years. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

I think it's very confusing to have an "expiration" for a DAT score based on number of years since you've taken the DAT. Wouldn't it make more sense for the DAT expiration to be based on the number of application cycles for which you've used that score? That way, it would eliminate any confusion of whether or not a DAT that was taken 1 year and 8 months ago would be relevant/accepted by the end of the application cycle.

The problem with a cycle limit would be that John Doe takes the DAT in 1995. Apply one cycle and doesn't get in. Decides to do his PhD and teach for 16 years. Reapplies in 2011. Are his DAT scores valid? He technically only applied one cycle. People sometimes take breaks in application cycles to improve their application. This is why a "x" number of years expiration works better.

Of course, all of this is irrelevant if I get accepted this coming cycle, but it's still something I think is good to know.

Any thoughts on this?

You're thinking too much and worrying too much about this. If it says your scores are valid for two years, that's pretty much 2 cycles.

 

[NonTradHopeful]

I'm pretty sure they are good for 3 years at the majority of places. Maybe some schools say 2 years. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.



The problem with a cycle limit would be that John Doe takes the DAT in 1995. Apply one cycle and doesn't get in. Decides to do his PhD and teach for 16 years. Reapplies in 2011. Are his DAT scores valid? He technically only applied one cycle. People sometimes take breaks in application cycles to improve their application. This is why a "x" number of years expiration works better.



You're thinking too much and worrying too much about this. If it says your scores are valid for two years, that's pretty much 2 cycles.

Thanks for the response. I hope you're right. But you never know...as technical as some of the application rules are, sometimes you have to make sure. You don't want to end up being screwed over on a technicality like this (and it has happened with other issues).

My original question still stands...anybody have a definite answer?

 

[Silencio]

Most schools are a "soft" 3 years. Soft meaning if you took the DAT in April 2008 and applied to dschools in June 2011, it would technically be past 3 years, but because it's still within 3 app cycles, it'll be acceptable.

 

[AwesomeTeeth]

But you never know...as technical as some of the application rules are, sometimes you have to make sure. You don't want to end up being screwed over on a technicality like this (and it has happened with other issues).

My original question still stands...anybody have a definite answer?

What technical rules are there? It's a pretty straightforward application with instructions for everything. Fill out the information. Put in your grades. Send in transcripts. Wait for verification and they send it out. It's not some technical mind game where they're trying to see what mistakes you make.

Isn't your original question "How long are my DAT scores valid for?" It's 3 years. You have 3 cycles to apply before you have to retake them.

 

[dentist95757]

I took my dat june 2009, and I am applying this cycle with those scores and I have had no problems. The only school that wouldn't take my scores was BU because my DAT scores had to be from dec 2009 or later. I would call/email each school you're interested in reapplying to make sure of their individual policies.

hope this helps