DAT scores

[pjurrel]

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Just recieved my score, should i retake the test. i am afraid that i will get filtered out because of my reading and QR section..

 

[DAT Destroyer]

Congratulations on your score. A 440 AA and 490 TS are certainly scores that many applicants would be happy to have, and your science scores are very strong.

My biggest question would be what your GPA looks like and which schools you plan to apply to. Some schools pay more attention to individual section scores than others.

The 360 QR and 380 RC are the areas that may raise questions, but I would not automatically jump to a retake based on those scores alone. Retaking always comes with risk. You would want to be confident that you could bring those sections up while maintaining your strong science scores.

Remember that dental schools look at much more than just DAT scores. A strong GPA, dental shadowing and other meaningful experiences, excellent letters of recommendation, and a personal statement that helps admissions committees get to know you can all strengthen an application.

If this were my score, I would first look carefully at my GPA, extracurriculars, letters of recommendation, overall application, and school list before deciding to retake.

Can you share your GPA, science GPA, and the schools you are planning to apply to? That would help us give you better advice.

Wishing you the best,

Nancy

 

[pjurrel]

Hi, thank you so much for reply. MY GPA is 4.0 in science and overall. and i am confidenta that i get strong recommedation letters. Experince wise I have more than 4 years of experinece in the filed of dentistry as dental assitant.

 

[DAT Destroyer]

Thank you for sharing those additional details.

A 4.0 overall GPA, 4.0 science GPA, and more than four years of experience as a dental assistant are tremendous strengths. Those accomplishments demonstrate both academic ability and a strong commitment to dentistry.

Given that information, I would be even more hesitant to recommend a retake based solely on your QR and RC scores. Your application has many strengths that admissions committees will consider in addition to your DAT scores.

That said, school selection becomes very important. Some schools pay more attention to individual section scores than others. If I were in your position, I would carefully review the schools on my list before making a decision about a retake.

Also, if you are invited to interview, be prepared to discuss the lower QR and RC scores if they are brought up. Interviewers may ask about them, and it is always best to have a thoughtful and honest response ready rather than being caught off guard.

Would you mind sharing which schools you are planning to apply to? That would help us give you more specific feedback.

Hope this helps
Nancy

 

[pjurrel]

Hi, Nancy
I am planning to apply to UMich, Indiana and UIC illinoise.

Thank you so much for your time and response. I really appreciate it.

 

[DAT Destroyer]

Since you already have a strong GPA, strong science scores, and significant dental experience, I would strongly encourage you to contact the admissions offices at Michigan, Indiana, and UIC directly. Provide them with your GPA, DAT scores, and experience, and ask whether they would recommend applying with your current scores or retaking the DAT. Admissions offices are often willing to provide guidance, and their answer may help you make a more informed decision before taking on the risk of a retake.