Dat scores

[denthopeful]

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Hi guys,
So I just finished my DAT today and was wondering if I'll get any interviews.

Bio: 20
GenChem: 19
Orgo: 19
RC:21
QR:18
PAT:17
TS:19
AA:19

I have a 3.4 GPA overall (not sure about science yet)

I'm really upset and worried over my PAT score.. does that score make or break acceptances?

 

[dentista123]

Good job overall!!
You are nearly average for your DAT and GPA. How are your ECs? If they put you over the top, that will be good! I wouldn't be too worried if I were you. Call up some schools on your list and ask about PAT scores.

Also, what did you use for PAT? What were your practice scores?

How long did you study? How were your practice scores for QR?

 

[denthopeful]

My PAT scores were 20-22 on my practice. I used kaplan and topscore. The actual DAT was much harder, and with nerves getting in the way, my score was bound to drop.

My practice for QR was about a 19 on my practice tests. The actual DAT had a lot more story problems, which took up more time for me

My ECs are pretty good. I'm on board for a dental club at school and involved in several others. I have a good amount of shadowing experience also.

I'm just hoping to get some interviews 🙁 Do you know if dental schools put a lot of emphasis on PAT?

 

[nze82]

Good scores! Your PAT is a bit on the lower side, but I don't think you should worry about it. Congrats. Go relax!

 

[denthopeful]

I was reading some more threads and got kind of scared. People were thinking about retaking that have some of the same scores as me...should I retake the DAT? esp with my PAT being low?

 

[nze82]

I was reading some more threads and got kind of scared. People were thinking about retaking that have some of the same scores as me...should I retake the DAT? esp with my PAT being low?

Your PAT isn't horrible, but it's not the greatest out there either. I don't think you need a retake. I've seen most of the post you're referring to. However, there's a major difference between them and you. Those people may indeed have AA and TS scores similar to yours, but if you look at their individual scores, some of them have scored pretty low (And by that I mean below 16) on a particular section, and that's why they're concerned and are thinking about a retake. Your scores, on the other hand, are quite consistent, which means you don't need to worry about a retake (at least in my humble opinion).

 

[never giveup]

My scores are pretty similar to yours and I am not retaking. Your PAT score is a little concerning though. Ask each school you are applying to concerning your PAT score. I know midwestern likes to see at least an 18 on the PAT. Good luck!

 

[4thMolar]

I was reading some more threads and got kind of scared. People were thinking about retaking that have some of the same scores as me...should I retake the DAT? esp with my PAT being low?

Even with that 17 in PAT, I still wouldn't risk re-taking and jeopardizing your other scores.

 

[THINKOFMYFUTURE]

TBH, I had similar scores last cycle. My GPAs bout the same, EC's not uber. I got and interview at BU and thats as far as I got. But I also applied in November . It's gonna be tough. I suggest you re-take and do better seeing as how its still early. You still got the early applying thing going for you, so I really dunno, but keep in mind your scores are average atm.

 

[shah88]

Worrying now about whether you will get in or not will get you nowhere. Just try your best. Know that you put your every effort into it and then just play the waiting game. Your scores are fine. Don't worry about the stats. And don't look at SDN'ers' DAT scores (they are WAY above and beyond so they tend to be a bit scary!).
G'luck!
Cheers!

 

[brightsmiles9]

Good job, I think you should be fine, best of luck with the application process, APPLY EARLY! howd you prepare?

 

[denthopeful]

Thanks guys for your advice! To prepare I took a Kaplan course, did all of the material offered to me from Kaplan, and did the three topscore practice tests. I felt like this was more than enough, for me I know I could have done better if I wasn't so nervous!

 

[rootremover09]

I think you did well, and I too just took my DAT last sat and scored lower on the PAT section than I had hoped-16. At home I was getting 18-19's and when I was there I felt the test was harder and I did dwell on some of the questions and lost some time. I am not taking the dat over because I don't to risk the other scores. Bio-20, Gchem-23, Ochem-19, RC-20, QR-16 TS-21, AA-20. So I am going to take my chances I think you should do the same. Good luck!!!

 

[sfrice80]

I think you're perfectly fine as well. I know 2 people who got accepted this previous cycle that had subscores lower then some of yours. I think youll get some interviews. I would enjoy your summer and feel lucky all you have to worry about now is just supplemental applications! After taking the DAT, supplemental applications are a welcome sign of relief!

 

[brightsmiles9]

what was your opinion on topscore, is it similar to the real test?

 

[denthopeful]

I feel like topscore was a good indicator of the real DAT. This was my break down for the three tests I took on topscore:

Test 1:
AA:18
Bio:19
GChem:18
OChem:17
QR:16
RC:21
TS:18
PAT:20

Test2:
AA:19
Bio:19
GChem:19
OChem:18
QR:19
RC:21
TS:19
PAT:22

Test3:
AA:22
Bio:20
Gchem:23
Ochem:21
QR:23
RC:21
TS:21
PAT:21

So as you can see, my RC score was exactly the same in every test I took and the same on my actual DAT! Beware of QR and PAT..topscore repeats a lot of the same questions luring you into a false sense of security. Science is a very good indicator I think

 

[ABteeth]

thanks for pointing me to your link!

our scores are nearly identical - i took the kaplan prep course and felt really confident about the PAT going into the test - looking back i wish i had found some other resources to use for practice

how far along are you on your apps?? and have you contacted any of the schools you're applying to about the PAT? i'm not sure how i would approach the situation (in attempting to explain to schools why i didn't do as well on a section)

 

[denthopeful]

I've contacted several schools and they said that I would def be considered. I don't want to jepordize my science scores so I decided to just apply. I don't want to rush my studying to take it in august, esp because the scores don't end up getting to the schools until really late. If I don't get in this cycle I'll take it again and apply the next cycle.

I've submitted my app, but haven't gotten it verified yet