depress and need some advices :(

[sunchipz]

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Hi all,
I've taken the DAT 3 times, my latest was on 10/6, and my score is still low:
AA 17
OC 19
Bio 18
Gen 18
RC 16 (cuz of that crazy ethic passage)
QR 15 🙁no excuses here, i just can't do math)
PAT 16 (i just can't seem to improve in this section)
I'm a non-science major and my overall/science GPA is 3.67.

I'm extremely discouraged and depressed. I studied my butt off but still see no results. I used the Kaplan DAT book and TopScore. So now, a part of me want to give it one last shot in early Jan, and the other part just want to give up. Does it matter how many times I take the DAT? Or the 4th time will make me look really bad? So I just need some advices, because I don't know where to go from here. Thank you for your time! 🙁

 

[Montserrat]

I really hate to be the messenger of bad news ... but didn't they state that you can only take the DAT 3 times, unless you are granted special permission ? I hope that you receive an exception to that rule, and hold down a better performance.

 

[Hope2007]

Hi
If dentistry is what you like, then don't give up. Yes, you can take the DAT more than 3 times. You just need to write them a letter which explain why you need to retake the test along with a rejection letter from the dental school and/or a letter from your prehealth committee. Keep trying and you will make it since you have a solid GPA. 🙂

 

[doc toothache]

Hi all,
I've taken the DAT 3 times, my latest was on 10/6, and my score is still low:
AA 17
OC 19
Bio 18
Gen 18
RC 16 (cuz of that crazy ethic passage)
QR 15 🙁no excuses here, i just can't do math)
PAT 16 (i just can't seem to improve in this section)
I'm a non-science major and my overall/science GPA is 3.67.

(

The science courses you took (bio, gc, org, phys) were they for sci major or non major?

 

[JMJRDH1]

We need more info to properly give you advice.

Is the Kaplan Book and Topscore the ONLY thing you studied?

What grades did you get in your science classes?

How long ago did you take your science classes?

What was your study schedule (number of weeks/months and hours per day)

What else did you have to do while you studied for the DAT? e.g., work, finishing classes needed to graduate, kids, wife, girlfriend, etc.

With this information, we can better help to see what may be lacking in your overall study plan and give you some direction.

 

[BodybldgDoc]

I know many people on here will tell you that if this is your dream then you should go for another try and blah blah but honestly I think you should move on to another field. Its really easy for other people to tell you to not give up because they are not in your situation so even if you fail the 4th time, they could care less as long as its not them. By Having 3 failed DAT attempts, you have exhausted your chances of a shot at D school. Ask yourself if another retake will really make a difference if you couldnt make it within the first 3 times? Do you really want to spend another 2-3 months studying like a hermit? Only you know the heartache you've been through by taking the test 3 times so dont torture yourself anymore. You have a good gpa, there are plenty of other career options that are even better than dentistry.

 

[chumpe]

I know a girl who took seven years to go to D-school. She put up with plenty of people telling her to give up- like the one in the previous post. Don't pay attention to it!! Keep going, if you get another chance to take DAT, make sure you study every possible material available (Destroyer!!, Schaums, Crack PAT, Campbell, Kaplan) Know everything before you take it!!!

 

[BodybldgDoc]

I know a girl who took seven years to go to D-school. She put up with plenty of people telling her to give up- like the one in the previous post. Don't pay attention to it!! Keep going, if you get another chance to take DAT, make sure you study every possible material available (Destroyer!!, Schaums, Crack PAT, Campbell, Kaplan) Know everything before you take it!!!

yup also keep in mind the girl this guy is talking about probably got in a while back when it wasnt really as competitive as it is now. Times have changed. Take everything in perspective before you make your next move. Ask yourself if this girls situation is really even comparable to yours. Did this girl also fail at taking the DAT three times and then succeed? The previous poster gives us no more information than the mere fact that she spent 7 years trying to get in. And if it is comparable do you also want to spend 7 years or more just trying to get into D school. Are you willing to take the risk of spending all that time and finally not be able to get in? If yes then by all means go ahead and retake one more time if you are even allowed to take it again after getting permission. whatever you decide. good luck to you

 

[I-Baby]

yup also keep in mind the girl this guy is talking about probably got in a while back when it wasnt really as competitive as it is now. Times have changed. Take everything in perspective before you make your next move. Ask yourself if this girls situation is really even comparable to yours. Did this girl also fail at taking the DAT three times and then succeed? The previous poster gives us no more information than the mere fact that she spent 7 years trying to get in. And if it is comparable do you also want to spend 7 years or more just trying to get into D school. Are you willing to take the risk of spending all that time and finally not be able to get in? If yes then by all means go ahead and retake one more time if you are even allowed to take it again after getting permission. whatever you decide. good luck to you

I agree wholeheartedly with the above post and his previous post. It is great to be optimistic, but it is also good to be realistic as well. You have to do some real soul searching if you are really hoping to get anywhere. I am not trying to be harsh and by no means saying that you should give up but it seems like there is something that needs to be fixed if you are truly going to pursue dentistry. I don't know how long you have been at it but for some reason all of your efforts aren't materializing. If you can figure out what is keeping you from getting past this point then I think that you'll be okay. From what you say, the DAT seems to be your main hurdle. If you are given the chance to take it again you have to shine. Just remember, things happen for a reason and although you may not be happy with the outcome, in the long run things will make more sense. Stay up and good luck🙂

 

[95881]

Just apply and see what happens. Everyones advice on SDN is just speculation. You might have something in your application that catches an ADCOM's eye. Call the schools you want to go to and ask them what they think of your DAT scores. That will probably be the most accurate advice. Good luck! DB

 

[diane07]

You are limited to taking the DAT 3 times, and could possibly take it a 4rth time if given permission to do so. Scores are valid for 2-3 years at most schools.

So applying 7 times probably wouldn't work with today's restrictions. Example: if someone took the DAT 3 times within a couple years and then the score expired, they would no longer be able to apply to dental school.

It would be interesting to hear the "story" of the girl who applied 7 times and know what year she was accepted. Being optimistic is a good thing, but knowing your limits is also wise.

To the OP, you need to decide if you have it in you to apply again. I would recommend doing your research and making sure you're competitive before putting yourself through the process again. But the choice is yours.

 

[doc toothache]

You are limited to taking the DAT 3 times, and could possibly take it a 4rth time if given permission to do so. Scores are valid for 2-3 years at most schools.

So applying 7 times probably wouldn't work with today's restrictions. Example: if someone took the DAT 3 times within a couple years and then the score expired, they would no longer be able to apply to dental school.

It would be interesting to hear the "story" of the girl who applied 7 times and know what year she was accepted. Being optimistic is a good thing, but knowing your limits is also wise.

So if someone went to graduate school, obtained a Ph.D. and then decided to re-apply to dental school, he/she would forever remained banished?

 

[diane07]

doc toothache - all I know is that I read the new requirements and the new guidelines are that you can take the DAT 3 times and possibly a 4rth if given permission.

If someone takes the DAT 4 times and still can't cut it, I think it would be safe to assume that that particular person might want to pursue other career opportunities.

Can you still apply to dental school with an expired DAT score and 4 attempts on your record . . . I don't know for sure. But I doubt that would fly with most schools. Especially with so many competitive candidates these days. But call up the schools and ask that question if you want to.

 

[doc toothache]

doc toothache - all I know is that I read the new requirements and the new guidelines are that you can take the DAT 3 times and possibly a 4rth if given permission.

If someone takes the DAT 4 times and still can't cut it, I think it would be safe to assume that that particular person might want to pursue other career opportunities.

Can you still apply to dental school with an expired DAT score and 4 attempts on your record . . . I don't know for sure. But I doubt that would fly with most schools. Especially with so many competitive candidates these days. But call up the schools and ask that question if you want to.

A candidate who took the DAT today may not be the same person 3 years from now. As (academic or otherwise) circumstances change, there may be a dramatic change in one's capability. It shouldn't be too hard to convince a school for dispensation to take the test a 4th time.

 

[lilietta2000]

A candidate who took the DAT today may not be the same person 3 years from now. As (academic or otherwise) circumstances change, there may be a dramatic change in one's capability. It shouldn't be too hard to convince a school for dispensation to take the test a 4th time.

Honestly, I think your DAT scores are good enough. But, Appy EARLY, apply to 50 schools and build up a good resume and you'll get in some where. I'm pretty sure.

 

[sunchipz]

thank you all for your replies...i made contact with the ada called the some of the schools i applied to...to sum it up, I can surely take it the 4th time if I wanted to, but of course I have to do GREAT this time around. I'm going to give it one last chance, and study other suggested materials i've seen mentioned in this discussion board. Before, I only used the Kaplan book and topscore to study. Well, maybe this time I will get the score I wanted. Wish me luck guys 🙂

One of the admission advisor I spoke to earlier today told me that the reasons the ADA passed the new rule was to: 1. prevent people from spending money excessively 2. prevent people sent from Kaplan or whatever prep-course out there to take the test...so basically, as long as you have prove that you are applying, then you can take it again. But I honestly don't
recommend it though!!!! The feeling of failing is demoralizing!

 

[sunchipz]

i've applied to 5 schools, now i want to add some more...but isn't it already too late???

 

[UNR.Grad]

i've applied to 5 schools, now i want to add some more...but isn't it already too late???

It would be a waste of money to add more at this point with your DAT. You best chance is turning in your AADSAS June 1st. What is your in-state school?

 

[diane07]

doc toothache - like I said you could always ask the schools about taking the DAT more than a 4rth time. I'm no expert and I'm certainly not Admissions. I was just taking what I read at face value. Anything is possible I suppose.

To the OP, good luck!

 

[doc toothache]

doc toothache - like I said you could always ask the schools about taking the DAT more than a 4rth time. I'm no expert and I'm certainly not Admissions. I was just taking what I read at face value. Anything is possible I suppose.

To the OP, good luck!

You don't need to fret. You did well.