DAT Suck II

[dds2baz]

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Hey, guys. I need some input. I took my DAT this afternoon, and my results weren't quite what I was hoping for:

PAT: 20 🙂
QR: 15
RC: 17
Bio: 15
G-Chem: 18
O-Chem: 17
TS: 17
AA: 16

Here's my situation: My GPA is a 4.0. I took 10 credits of physics over the summer, leaving me with only about a week and a half to study for the DAT. I wanted to get it out of the way before the regular semester (and more craziness!) started. I was doing OK with Kaplan practice tests, but feel like I just ran out of time to study. Also, I don't have much dental experience. I've done 4 or 5 all-day shadows in different areas of dentistry (pediatric, general, etc.), but I've also done some other shadowing as well (surgeons and doctors mostly). Shadowing the doctors/surgeons is what helped me decide on dentistry, but I'm still thinking of maxillofacial surgery, so they're still somewhat applicable. (Should I put this extra experience on my app?) Also, part of my personal statement is about my educational history...I've always gotten good grades and learned the material in my classes, but I have the tendency to get test anxiety, and I just do not perform as well on tests as I do on everything else...they've always been difficult for me. That aspect may play into my situation as well.

Here's my dilemma: I'm going to send in my application this weekend. I have to wait 90 days to retake the DAT. What I am wondering is if I should retake the DAT. I realize I probably should, but will it affect my application/admission if I've already done some interviews and stuff (if I have to retake it that late)? Obviously, I don't want to retake if I don't have to, but I will do whatever it takes to get me in, as I don't want to delay dental school any longer.

I appreciate your help on this. I'm just a little disappointed tonight and confused about where I should go from here. Thanks for your help!

 

[Envision]

Hey, guys. I need some input. I took my DAT this afternoon, and my results weren't quite what I was hoping for:

PAT: 20 🙂
QR: 15
RC: 17
Bio: 15
G-Chem: 18
O-Chem: 17
TS: 17
AA: 16

Here's my situation: My GPA is a 4.0. I took 10 credits of physics over the summer, leaving me with only about a week and a half to study for the DAT. I wanted to get it out of the way before the regular semester (and more craziness!) started. I was doing OK with Kaplan practice tests, but feel like I just ran out of time to study. Also, I don't have much dental experience. I've done 4 or 5 all-day shadows in different areas of dentistry (pediatric, general, etc.), but I've also done some other shadowing as well (surgeons and doctors mostly). Shadowing the doctors/surgeons is what helped me decide on dentistry, but I'm still thinking of maxillofacial surgery, so they're still somewhat applicable. (Should I put this extra experience on my app?) Also, part of my personal statement is about my educational history...I've always gotten good grades and learned the material in my classes, but I have the tendency to get test anxiety, and I just do not perform as well on tests as I do on everything else...they've always been difficult for me. That aspect may play into my situation as well.

Here's my dilemma: I'm going to send in my application this weekend. I have to wait 90 days to retake the DAT. What I am wondering is if I should retake the DAT. I realize I probably should, but will it affect my application/admission if I've already done some interviews and stuff (if I have to retake it that late)? Obviously, I don't want to retake if I don't have to, but I will do whatever it takes to get me in, as I don't want to delay dental school any longer.

I appreciate your help on this. I'm just a little disappointed tonight and confused about where I should go from here. Thanks for your help!

hm...its hard to say. your situation really is a dilemma bc you have a perfect gpa which means average DAT scores alone would probably get you into some schools. but to be very honest, your DAT scores are pretty low especially in bio and QR. this may be a red flag for adcom bc a person with such a high gpa should be able to do better then that on the DATs. If i were you, i would take it again. course, its probably best you call your schools and see what they think. as for it delaying your application process...i guess it will so its your call. if they say you have a fighting chance, then i guess your good to go. gl.

 

[joonkimdds]

Hey, guys. I need some input. I took my DAT this afternoon, and my results weren't quite what I was hoping for:

PAT: 20 🙂
QR: 15
RC: 17
Bio: 15
G-Chem: 18
O-Chem: 17
TS: 17
AA: 16

Here's my situation: My GPA is a 4.0. I took 10 credits of physics over the summer, leaving me with only about a week and a half to study for the DAT. I wanted to get it out of the way before the regular semester (and more craziness!) started. I was doing OK with Kaplan practice tests, but feel like I just ran out of time to study. Also, I don't have much dental experience. I've done 4 or 5 all-day shadows in different areas of dentistry (pediatric, general, etc.), but I've also done some other shadowing as well (surgeons and doctors mostly). Shadowing the doctors/surgeons is what helped me decide on dentistry, but I'm still thinking of maxillofacial surgery, so they're still somewhat applicable. (Should I put this extra experience on my app?) Also, part of my personal statement is about my educational history...I've always gotten good grades and learned the material in my classes, but I have the tendency to get test anxiety, and I just do not perform as well on tests as I do on everything else...they've always been difficult for me. That aspect may play into my situation as well.

Here's my dilemma: I'm going to send in my application this weekend. I have to wait 90 days to retake the DAT. What I am wondering is if I should retake the DAT. I realize I probably should, but will it affect my application/admission if I've already done some interviews and stuff (if I have to retake it that late)? Obviously, I don't want to retake if I don't have to, but I will do whatever it takes to get me in, as I don't want to delay dental school any longer.

I appreciate your help on this. I'm just a little disappointed tonight and confused about where I should go from here. Thanks for your help!

15 and 16 is not good 🙁
I don't know what school u came from but if u have 4.0 GPA and 15,16 scores on DAT, dental school think ur school was too easy. For example, i was getting almost 4.0 GPA but when i contacted dental schools they all said high GPA with low DAT score looks bad. If you had low GPA with high DAT score, it's another story but low GPA and high DAT score is better since DAT score is standarized test and GPA can vary depends on what school u came from. I think u need to do some research on which school put more weights on GPA than DAT.

about ur personal statement, write it well 🙂 make it sounds very interesting. Don't just say "i did awesome job in my classes! look my 4.0 GPA! see? i m super smart". That's just not gonna work 🙂
take ur personal essay to ur writing center. Not only they will help you with grammar, punchation, spelling...etc, they will also give u some idea of how to write it more interesting.(or maybe i can help u with it even though ppl will think ur pervert once i help u 🙂)

 

[tinman831]

You'll be taking plenty of tests in dental school even when you're out of school. You should try and not let this anxiety bother you.

Sorry, but your AA score is actually not that great. I mean your GPA is awesome but I don't know if it can make up for your less than stellar DAT score. You probably just had a bad day when you took the test. Honestly it would be best if you retake the DAT.

You might want to consider taking fewer hours this semester so you can devote more time to studying for the DAT. This exam is extremely important so why half ass your way through the exam. Buckle down and study hard for it. Spend a good 6 weeks or so and really ace the material. It's obvious by your GPA, that you have the mental capacity to do well in school. I mean you did take tests in undergrad right? You just have to prove that you can do it on the DAT.

As for your personal statement, you might not want to mention the difficulty you have taking tests. Stick to just what made you deside to persue dentistry.

 

[tinman831]

Not only they will help you with grammar, punchation, spelling...etc, they will also give u some idea of how to write it more interesting.

The irony in this sentence boggles the mind.

 

[dds2baz]

Good point! I thought the same exact thing! I'm not the best at English, and obviously at the DAT either, but even I picked up on that one. 🙂 It makes me laugh though - the first time today, I think. No offense to the person who wrote it...thanks for your help!

 

[dds2baz]

If I retake the DAT as soon as my 90 days is up (~Nov 22 ish), do you think it will be too late to affect my admissions?

 

[jkh1886]

you'll have a greater chance of getting in after the 90 days retake than you do now, I'm affraid. I'm sorry. It's harsh, but it's true.

maybe you should take a couple weeks off to rest and recover from the dat cram sessions before. After that, you should up the intensity to max. Kill that beast. Do whatever you need to to get the job done.

 

[dds2baz]

Thanks for your input. Unfortunately, I don't have the luxury of a couple weeks off...school started yesterday. But, I'll try to take a little break from DAT studying, at least. Clearly, you seemed to do well on your DAT. What do you recommend for study aides (esp. bio - that's the main one I need)?

 

[jkh1886]

For some reason, I'm a fan of the AP series. I've read through a great many and have always thought review books for AP classes are very through. The lectures cover all important topics without skimping out on necessary details. They're the greatest summary of the entire course that I've found. Plus, they have plenty of practice problems.

I bought a copy of Cliff's AP Biology and read through many of the chapters. It's very succinct. They also have a separate book for practice tests. The problem types are sometimes significantly different, but they really challenge you to think! I mean, most problems you see won't ask you direct recall questions. Instead, they force you to use your general body of knowledge to infer the answers. Lots of thinking involved. I just went to the local Barnes and Noble for several afternoons and read through several AP texts (Barron's, Princeton Review, Cliff's,...etc.

 

[dds2baz]

Great! Thanks so much.

 

[tissy]

This is my 2 cents...

I think you have a shot...especially if you have a solid background! You might not get into your dream school but you'll get in somewhere. Why is that some schools have an average DAT of 15 or 16...hence..someone got in with lower scores than that. Give it a shot while planning to retake the the DAT..you'll be fine. If you want to be a dentist, you'll be one.. 😉

Hey, guys. I need some input. I took my DAT this afternoon, and my results weren't quite what I was hoping for:

PAT: 20 🙂
QR: 15
RC: 17
Bio: 15
G-Chem: 18
O-Chem: 17
TS: 17
AA: 16

Here's my situation: My GPA is a 4.0. I took 10 credits of physics over the summer, leaving me with only about a week and a half to study for the DAT. I wanted to get it out of the way before the regular semester (and more craziness!) started. I was doing OK with Kaplan practice tests, but feel like I just ran out of time to study. Also, I don't have much dental experience. I've done 4 or 5 all-day shadows in different areas of dentistry (pediatric, general, etc.), but I've also done some other shadowing as well (surgeons and doctors mostly). Shadowing the doctors/surgeons is what helped me decide on dentistry, but I'm still thinking of maxillofacial surgery, so they're still somewhat applicable. (Should I put this extra experience on my app?) Also, part of my personal statement is about my educational history...I've always gotten good grades and learned the material in my classes, but I have the tendency to get test anxiety, and I just do not perform as well on tests as I do on everything else...they've always been difficult for me. That aspect may play into my situation as well.

Here's my dilemma: I'm going to send in my application this weekend. I have to wait 90 days to retake the DAT. What I am wondering is if I should retake the DAT. I realize I probably should, but will it affect my application/admission if I've already done some interviews and stuff (if I have to retake it that late)? Obviously, I don't want to retake if I don't have to, but I will do whatever it takes to get me in, as I don't want to delay dental school any longer.

I appreciate your help on this. I'm just a little disappointed tonight and confused about where I should go from here. Thanks for your help!

 

[jkh1886]

This is my 2 cents...

I think you have a shot...especially if you have a solid background! You might not get into your dream school but you'll get in somewhere. Why is that some schools have an average DAT of 15 or 16...hence..someone got in with lower scores than that. Give it a shot while planning to retake the the DAT..you'll be fine. If you want to be a dentist, you'll be one.. 😉

yea, the two black schools in the country have an AA avg of 16. Anything above that... a bunch of public schools that doesn't include AZ

 

[dds2baz]

Thanks for the vote of confidence! I need all the positive feedback that I can get tonight.

 

[tissy]

LOL..I still think she has a shot....if she has a strong background..black school or not she still has a chance somewhere....Oh yeah..NM's starting their first class next year...you can have a 15 and get in there..I should know that b/c its going to be in my hometown and rumors are flyin everywhere..just like one will be here..LOL

yea, the two black schools in the country have an AA avg of 16. Anything above that... a bunch of public schools that doesn't include AZ

 

[dds2baz]

First, I'm a "he" not a "she", but it's okay. 🙂 Second, thanks for the info! Where in New Mexico is it? What school is it? How do I apply (I didn't see it on the list, but it might just be because I'm not really sure what I'm looking for)? Thanks!

 

[joonkimdds]

The irony in this sentence boggles the mind.

Not only they will help you with grammar, punchation, spelling...etc, they will also give u some idea of how to write it more interesting.(

to

Not only will they help u with grammar, punchuation, speling, but also will they give u some idea of how to write it more interestingly.

better now? 🙂

 

[dds2baz]

Well...you're getting warmer. "u" is actually spelled "you", "punchuation" is with a "t" ("punctuation"), and "speling" has two "l"s ("spelling"). Beside's that, I think you're on the right track. Just pray they don't add "grammar, punchuation, and speling" to the DAT before you get in! 🙂 🙂

 

[Notoriousjae]

Not only they will help you with grammar, punchation, spelling...etc, they will also give u some idea of how to write it more interesting.(

to

Not only will they help u with grammar, punchuation, speling, but also will they give u some idea of how to write it more interestingly.

better now? 🙂

how long have you been in the U.S for? are you a citizen or on student visa? you got it wrong again the second time. are you typing like that on purpose to be funny or are you really challenged with the english language? and its punctuation... not punchation or punchuation.

 

[joonkimdds]

how long have you been in the U.S for? are you a citizen or on student visa? you got it wrong again the second time. are you typing like that on purpose to be funny or are you really challenged with the english language? and its punctuation... not punchation or punchuation.

I didn't notice that

 

[Notoriousjae]

I didn't notice that

i really dont get you. do you mean you really didnt notice or are you being sarcastic?

 

[joonkimdds]

i really dont get you. do you mean you really didnt notice or are you being sarcastic?

cmon...i typed at 4 AM.... 😳

 

[tinman831]

You know, some schools require you to provide them with a writing sample during the interview. Just a little FYI.

 

[joonkimdds]

You know, some schools require you to provide them with a writing sample during the interview. Just a little FYI.

😱 😱

 

[KOM]

i really dont get you. do you mean you really didnt notice or are you being sarcastic?

He has problems.

 

[Notoriousjae]

He has problems.

 

[prez_al]

cmon...i typed at 4 AM.... 😳

Dude, you need help... most of us are sleeping at that time and not intensely browsing through SDN, and I don't want to know your alibi if you have one.

 

[joonkimdds]

Dude, you need help... most of us are sleeping at that time and not intensely browsing through SDN, and I don't want to know your alibi if you have one.

I think NotoriousJae is awake at that time, too. 🙂

 

[yorkiepoo]

great GPA but the DAT AA is below a 17, and 17 is considered average by ADA.. I would definately postpone application. waiting one year isn't going to be bad... there are plenty of things you can do.. plus a lot of people don't go directly into dental or any graduate school after undergrad. I'm sure if you retake it you will show the DAT who's boss. that's just my opinion. I would rather re-take it and do better, because with a gpa like that, I'm sure this was probably not the best representation of your actual exam grade/ability. I'm not really sure if admissions commities will look at it like that though.. they might just push the application away.. i don't know. I would retake it, do better and then apply.. that way I would show dental schools a better representation of myself as a student. good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[Mackchops]

😱 😱

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! The look of absolute TERROR!!!

 

[dds2baz]

Thanks for all the input everyone.

 

[biocmp]

To say he will get in, is a stretch. I think a 4.0 shows some serious effort, but your DAT paints a picture that is not to appealing. It looks like when you have a lot of information to grasp, you are not able. I'm not saying this is the case, I'm just saying you may want to try and retake it and apply late for this year, or early for next year. But the 2nd time you take it, go in knowing that you are going to conquer it.


Good luck, I wish I had your GPA. You have the hard part done, now just devote some time to the DAT and you will be on your way to manipulating molars, and cracking down on cavities!

 

[Notoriousjae]

I think NotoriousJae is awake at that time, too. 🙂

ay, the only reason i was awake was becuz i was browsing for math problems on here and have my dat in a couple of days. then i saw the priceless comments you make and couldnt resist responding back to them.

 

[trickybenny]

You've got a 4.0, that is one huge piece of the puzzle, but only a piece. I would say to study your tailgate off the DAT, you know how to get good grades, but grades should be 2nd priority at this point. If for instance you got straight Bs this semester your GPA would probably drop to what a 3.7 or 3.8. If you busted it this semester and raised your AA 2-3 pts, that would speak a ton louder than increasing DAT 1 pt and maintaining a 4.0. Schools love standardized tests, you don't need to score a 22 or 23 like these ridiculous SDNers, but you don't want a score that raises eyebrows and would make an admissions committee question whether you will pass your boards. You're a smart guy, I'm sure, invest everything you have on the DAT.

I would go ahead and apply to the state school where you are a resident, talk w/ the director of admissions, who will tell you to retake, get some facetime and change whatever they say you need to change, many applicants apply more than once and if you do what they tell you to, you should be money. Thats just my personal opinion and what I would do if I were in your shoes

 

[dds2baz]

What actually really sucks for me is that I live in Arizona and Arizona doesn't have a public school. I also know that a lot of state schools give priority to “in state residents”, which makes it that much more difficult for me. The good thing is that my credit load is not too overwhelming this semester, and I’m taking classes like microbiology and physiology that I think will help me on the DAT just by doing the class work. Then, I’m planning on studying on the weekends for the DAT (practice tests, reviewing, other stuff in excess of regular class work). That’s basically my tentative plan for the next 90 days, until I can retake. Thanks for all the advice.