DAT stats

[pinkpong]

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Hi everyone, I took my DAT on September and here is my score:

PAT 24
Bio 20
GenChem 22
OrgoChem 24
RC 16🙁
QR 21
TS 22
AA 21

I'm currently a junior so I will apply next cycle. Do you guys think that I have a good chance of getting in with those scores (my RC is low)? any advices would help

Other areas: I'm a biology major. GPAs 3.88, nonscience GPA 3.88. I have more than 200 hours of shadowing at the dental office where I get good connection with the dentist there and he says he will write me a recommendation letter. I also particpate in many volunteer works. I'm currenly doing research for a company. I will have an opportunity to do another research in the spring with one of the biology faculty members.

 

[aqz]

Hey there.

Go make sure the schools that you're applying to are not going to cut you for your RC score. It is a very important section.

If enough of them give you the green light, however, I think you have a great chance! Your other scores are great, and solid GPA + solid extracurriculars.

 

[pinkpong]

thanks aqz! I'm considering to retake my DAT to boost up my RC

 

[aqz]

The only reason you should do that is if RC is really holding you back, which you should make sure it doesn't (or does) with your schools.

Otherwise, a 22/21 is sick.

 

[awaitsimpatient]

Dont retake, your scores are great!!

 

[wallypredoc]

I don't think you need to be worried about anything as long as you check with the schools to make sure you don't get cut for that 16...

 

[diasIItema]

That's very unfortunate. Your scores are great. Unfortunately, RC is probably the most important section of the DAT as it is the best predictor of didactic success in dental school. As has been previously stated, you need to call the schools b/c everything else is great. If it was math I'd say don't worry about it. But RC is VERY important to many schools.

 

[danedent7]

Don't retake. You will get many interviews with those scores. I had 3 scores under 18 and I have 4 interviews so far. Uphold confidence in what you have accomplished! Clearly you are a competent and successful student and one slip up (which is an avg score) is not going to ruin your dreams- so why shave off another 3 years of your life by putting yourself through the stress and misery of studying again for that nightmare?!?

 

[EpicDentist]

Definitely apply anyway! I think your other scores are great

 

[aznnytezx]

I think you should retake because RC is a huge indicator on how successul you are in dental school. I mean if you have great reading skills, then you're able to manage your time wisely without re reading and also once you're in dental school. Most likely you will be reading.

In my opinion, bumping your reading comp to 18-20, and having a lower TS by 1 is worth it.

 

[pinkpong]

Thank you! You guys definitely cheer me up.
I hear mixed thoughts about this. So I think it is best for me to call the dental schools and ask them what they think about my stats.
I know RC is very important but I am not a fast reader and English is my second language. But thank you for your advices. I'll call them up and find out what I need to do.