DAT scores (12/16/2011)

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Nana23

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Hey Guys,

I took the DAT and did fair on the sciences but totally bombed the QR and RC sections. Here are my scores,

Biol-23 (98.9%)
GC-21(91.6%)
OC-23 (97.1%)
PAT-18 (55.3%)
RC-16 (55.3%) English is my second language 🙁
QR-14 (32.9%) bombed it!!!
TS-22 (98.3%) 🙂
AA-19 (85.4%)

I know that i did terrible on math and reading but do you guys think i have a chance of getting anywhere if i apply supper early? Also, i have a B.S. In biology with honors. One year of experience and a 3.85 science GPA. I know my chances have been significantly lowered by the two very low scores, but can you guys give me any advice if i should retake?

Any feedback will be greatly appreciated!!!
 
Hey Guys,

I took the DAT and did fair on the sciences but totally bombed the QR and RC sections. Here are my scores,

Biol-23 (98.9%)
GC-21(91.6%)
OC-23 (97.1%)
PAT-18 (55.3%)
RC-16 (55.3%) English is my second language 🙁
QR-14 (32.9%) bombed it!!!
TS-22 (98.3%) 🙂
AA-19 (85.4%)

I know that i did terrible on math and reading but do you guys think i have a chance of getting anywhere if i apply supper early? Also, i have a B.S. In biology with honors. One year of experience and a 3.85 science GPA. I know my chances have been significantly lowered by the two very low scores, but can you guys give me any advice if i should retake?

Any feedback will be greatly appreciated!!!

I mean QR is a section that AdCom are more generous about, but I just don't know. 14 QR is just too low. You might wanna retake even though your TS is great.
 
I'm not sure about ivy schools but I think you have decent chance of getting in.
Your sGPA is excellent. If you have stellar extracurricular activities or whatever adcoms thinks it's impressive, I think your low QR can be overlooked.
I'm not sure about RC...all schools have different cut offs for that section. It's definitely an iffy situation you are in, i feel you 🙂
 
Last edited:
Hey Guys,

I took the DAT and did fair on the sciences but totally bombed the QR and RC sections. Here are my scores,

Biol-23 (98.9%)
GC-21(91.6%)
OC-23 (97.1%)
PAT-18 (55.3%)
RC-16 (55.3%) English is my second language 🙁
QR-14 (32.9%) bombed it!!!
TS-22 (98.3%) 🙂
AA-19 (85.4%)

I know that i did terrible on math and reading but do you guys think i have a chance of getting anywhere if i apply supper early? Also, i have a B.S. In biology with honors. One year of experience and a 3.85 science GPA. I know my chances have been significantly lowered by the two very low scores, but can you guys give me any advice if i should retake?

Any feedback will be greatly appreciated!!!

Retake.
 
No retake.
Your scores are good. well, most of them but no need for retake unless you know for sure that you will score higher.

I would suggest you to make an appointment with Dr. Benningfield at Louisville. Email her your transcript and DAT. She will let you know.
 
You should call the schools you are planning on applying to, I don't know if it is true or a rumor but i have heard schools have a cut-off in which they won't look at you if one of your scores is below a 17 or something like that.
 
I personally feel like you should retake. You have 2 sections that are below 18, one could be overlooked with no problem, but I'd question 2.
 
No retake.
Your scores are good. well, most of them but no need for retake unless you know for sure that you will score higher.

I would suggest you to make an appointment with Dr. Benningfield at Louisville. Email her your transcript and DAT. She will let you know.

How could you argue not retaking it? 14 in QR is middle school math low....and I know QR carries little to no weight for most dental schools. Then a 16 in reading which is actually much more important than most people think, and an 18 in PAT. Your science scores are sky high, but dental schools want a complete applicant and with those three scores your going to scare them away. Your best news is that all these sections are ones you can easily raise with practice.
 
How could you argue not retaking it?

Because I have 14 RC and got in.
Back then, everyone told me to retake. Thats why I told the OP to call Louisville. They will give him a better answer.
 
You should call the schools you are planning on applying to, I don't know if it is true or a rumor but i have heard schools have a cut-off in which they won't look at you if one of your scores is below a 17 or something like that.

That is a myth.
 
I'd retake it. Sure you have some good scores, but three scores below 18. One isn't a big deal I don't think but three is really pushing it. Ultimately it's up to you but you will significantly increase your chances if you practice and increase those scores. Good luck!
 
That is a myth.

Not a myth, maybe all schools, but some schools definitely have cut-offs. Advice to call the schools you're interested in is the best way to go. I talked to a couple schools that RC and QR is a main criteria for them. So check it out.
 
If it makes you feel any better i got a 16 in RC and QR and got in this cycle... but I also had a great overall application
 
I would argue retake I got a 16 in RC and a 14 in QR, I got into 3 schools. If you feel you can do better in all aspects then retake
 
How could you argue not retaking it? 14 in QR is middle school math low....and I know QR carries little to no weight for most dental schools. Then a 16 in reading which is actually much more important than most people think, and an 18 in PAT. Your science scores are sky high, but dental schools want a complete applicant and with those three scores your going to scare them away. Your best news is that all these sections are ones you can easily raise with practice.

I had the exact same scores in those areas, I got into 3 well respected schools. Best info I have, is to stay away from this site and make your decision on your own. Because ou must improve in EACH subject, if you decide to retake.
 
I had the exact same scores in those areas, I got into 3 well respected schools. Best info I have, is to stay away from this site and make your decision on your own. Because ou must improve in EACH subject, if you decide to retake.

👍👍👍👍
 
I had the exact same scores in those areas, I got into 3 well respected schools. Best info I have, is to stay away from this site and make your decision on your own. Because ou must improve in EACH subject, if you decide to retake.

Great post!

The myth floated around here that schools have an automatic cutoff of 17 seems to be quite pervasive.

It's simply not true. I got a 16 in QR and received acceptances (4) at every school I interviewed (declined 2 later interviews).

Do SOME schools have a 17 cutoff for every section? Maybe, but unless someone offers evidence, it's complete BS. Tufts has minimums that it posts on its website, but it's not so simple as a 17 cutoff.
 
Great post!

The myth floated around here that schools have an automatic cutoff of 17 seems to be quite pervasive.

It's simply not true. I got a 16 in QR and received acceptances (4) at every school I interviewed (declined 2 later interviews).

Do SOME schools have a 17 cutoff for every section? Maybe, but unless someone offers evidence, it's complete BS. Tufts has minimums that it posts on its website, but it's not so simple as a 17 cutoff.

Yes,
Tufts also have no CC credits policy but people from CC still get interview from them.

Its time to end all these myths for the next generation's sake.
 
Great scores and GPAs but wide variations. An AA of 19 with more consistent scores across would have been much better. You have a chance at many of the lower mid schools (long established but not brand names) and lower level schools (new and private ones). Adcoms look for consistency. Your XC, your UG institution, personal statement, LoRs will decide where you get in.

You have time and you may want to retake - after spending some time over your weak areas.
 
Thank you guys for all the comments!!! This was my first time taking the test and i was super stressed!! Towards the end i ran out of energy... Hopefully the admissions compares my math score with college coursework. I dont have a single B in any college math course i have taken.. Aced both calculus courses. As i mentioned before english is my second language and i came to the country not even knowing the alphabet 🙁 hopefully my strong writing skills will help the situation because i think my personal statement is pritty strong. I am applying mostly to private schools like USC and loma linda.. Hopefully they will not focus on my horrible math score only...


Again thanks to those who took the time to reply!!!
 
Yes,
Tufts also have no CC credits policy but people from CC still get interview from them.

Its time to end all these myths for the next generation's sake.

They will interview you if you have CC credits, but if accepted, I believe that you have to complete all prereqs at a 4 year university before matriculation. My friend was accepted on the basis that he retake his chem course at a 4 year college before school started.
 
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