DAT scores for low GPA

[kingcon9]

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I have a 2.9 overall/3.1 science undergrad gpa, though I'm currently doing a 1-year masters program in biochemistry.

21AA/22TS/20PAT

I've been wondering what kind of DAT scores I need to be competitive with my low GPA. Is there a rule of thumb for people with lower GPAs, like I need at least a 22, or 23+?

My plan is to get a 3.8-4.0 this year in grad school, apply EARLY, and possibly retake the DAT. I KNOW I can do way better in some sections, but there's also a chance I can get a lower score on other sections.

 

[laugh]

Your DAT score is very nice. In my opinion, if you do well in your MS program (and you are...) you should be a competitive applicant come next cycle when you apply. Good luck. I would not re-take the DAT if I were you. Just my opinion....

 

[kingcon9]

Your DAT score is very nice. In my opinion, if you do well in your MS program (and you are...) you should be a competitive applicant come next cycle when you apply. Good luck. I would not re-take the DAT if I were you. Just my opinion....

Thanks for your input! I'm just worried because in have Ds and Fs in a few classes, and bunch of C's during my undergrad years, so I want to maximize strengths in the rest of my app. PLUS as hard as it is this cycle to get in, I think it's only going to get more competitive next cycle, you know what i mean?

 

[UCfan]

Your DAT scores are exceptional. Your low GPA can be slightly covered by graduate studies. However undergrad will be the major selection criterion. The best thing you can do is write very strong personnel letter and include the reasoning of low undergrad GPA. Try to apply next cycle second week of May or at the beginning of June (as early as possible).Do a lot of dental shadowing. Try to complete your master degree with high gpa (close to 4). By this way, u will have great chance to get in many dental schools. But I still think that your status will not be enough for top notch dental schools. Maybe you can try to exceed 24 aa by taking DAT one more time. It is a very risky decision. If I were u, I will not get it with this status. Good luck.

 

[achilles2]

I had a 2.8 undergrad finishing my masters have a 3.84 right now and got a 25/27/17 on the DAT

I'll let you know how it goes and when I find out more info from this cycle and will share....

I think you should retake the DAT's tho you can score higher esp with graduate biochem training 👍 If your going to have to wait a cycle you might as well try to make yourself more competitive regardless


Good luck playa I know what its like to try and make up for past mistakes keep the faith

 

[kingcon9]

I had a 2.8 undergrad finishing my masters have a 3.84 right now and got a 25/27/17 on the DAT

I'll let you know how it goes and when I find out more info from this cycle and will share....

I think you should retake the DAT's tho you can score higher esp with graduate biochem training 👍 If your going to have to wait a cycle you might as well try to make yourself more competitive regardless


Good luck playa I know what its like to try and make up for past mistakes keep the faith

man, great job on your grad gpa...that's what i'm trying to do! DEFINITELY keep me updated, cause I will most likely be in the exact same position next year. I'm sure you gonna get in, which schools are you applying to? Have you had any invites?

and insane DAT scores! That's good advice about re-taking, and it was something i was actually leaning towards doing

 

[Sea of ASH]

is this the under 3.0 gpa club? where do i sign up 😳

kingcon9 ur dat score is pretty good, but talk to the schools and see if they recommend for you to take it again! if i had your dat scores i would definately apply.

achilles2 great scores. good luck bro.

 

[Sea of ASH]

However undergrad will be the major selection criterion.

can some one verify this? if that is so, is there any way to get redemption from these scores?

 

[kingcon9]

is this the under 3.0 gpa club? where do i sign up 😳

kingcon9 ur dat score is pretty good, but talk to the schools and see if they recommend for you to take it again! if i had your dat scores i would definately apply.

achilles2 great scores. good luck bro.

haha, welcome! yeah, this thread kinda morphed into a 3.0 and under club huh?...thats good advice though, i'll definitely call schools up. i'm hoping i can keep the scores cause studying again for it is gonna suuuck

 

[achilles2]

man, great job on your grad gpa...that's what i'm trying to do! DEFINITELY keep me updated, cause I will most likely be in the exact same position next year. I'm sure you gonna get in, which schools are you applying to? Have you had any invites?

and insane DAT scores! That's good advice about re-taking, and it was something i was actually leaning towards doing

I got my first interview invite last week 👍


Just work your ***** off the next year, graduate classes will prime you to step up your DAT game so don't worry about scoring worse I really doubt you will. Not to say you DAT scores are not awesome but if your waiting a cycle I think you might as well just keep pushing and tear them up even more. If you got that score the first time I have no doubt that you will do better later and + dental schools will see TWO outstanding DAT scores back to back and that has to hold some weight. Like if you got a 21 and even a 22 the second time thats two amazing scores back to back so statistically that becomes more significant it just shows the first 21 wasn't a lucky draw. Even if you just pumped out another 21 its still impressive as a repeat preformance it shows you deserve to be in the 90+%ile.

Schools I applied to:
SUNY Stony Brook
Harvard
UPenn
UConn
Chapel Hill
BU
Tufts
NYU
Columbia

and I might submit some apps to UCLA and Buffalo its kinda late tho =/

is this the under 3.0 gpa club? where do i sign up 😳

kingcon9 ur dat score is pretty good, but talk to the schools and see if they recommend for you to take it again! if i had your dat scores i would definately apply.

achilles2 great scores. good luck bro.

Thanks man, I'll let you know the feedback from my interviews and tell you guys what dental schools say. GL