Do I Retake the DAT?

[inconshivable]

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I know these kinds of threads have been posted ad nauseam, but I figured I would add to the void anyway. I recently took the DAT on Thursday (2/2/17), and I'm having trouble deciding if I should retake it. Disclaimer, I'm completely aware that I have "good/acceptable" scores. I'm looking at dental schools that offer a combined DDS/DMD and MPH program, so my options are somewhat limted... AND I want to stay on the East Coast/Mid-Atlantic region. So, the schools I'm invested in are: Columbia, NYU, and Tufts (Columbia would be ideal). Here's my breakdown:

PAT: 19
QR: 22
RC: 26
Bio: 22
Chem: 21
Orgo: 21
TS: 21
AA: 22

Again, I know I should be comfortable with these scores, but like many people I'm an insecure bundle of living cells.

Honestly, I'm disappointed in my QR and GC scores because I was averaging around 24 and 23, respectively. I honestly was hoping for an 18 on PAT, so a 19 is cool. QR was the first time I never finished all 40 questions with extra time, so I know I can do better.

My GPA is 3.6 (cumulative)/3.3 (science)
I'm very involved on campus with a variety of extra curriculars (though none really involving biology or science). I have around 90 shadowing hours and have been volunteering with the alternative breaks program for the past three years.

Essentially, should I be worried about my PAT and TS scores? Or am I just making myself stress out for no reason?

 

[DC206R]

What? Worried about a 21TS and 22AA? You're fine. Focus on other areas of your app.

 

[tyjacobs]

I know these kinds of threads have been posted ad nauseam, but I figured I would add to the void anyway. I recently took the DAT on Thursday (2/2/17), and I'm having trouble deciding if I should retake it. Disclaimer, I'm completely aware that I have "good/acceptable" scores. I'm looking at dental schools that offer a combined DDS/DMD and MPH program, so my options are somewhat limted... AND I want to stay on the East Coast/Mid-Atlantic region. So, the schools I'm invested in are: Columbia, NYU, and Tufts (Columbia would be ideal). Here's my breakdown:

PAT: 19
QR: 22
RC: 26
Bio: 22
Chem: 21
Orgo: 21
TS: 21
AA: 22

Again, I know I should be comfortable with these scores, but like many people I'm an insecure bundle of living cells.

Honestly, I'm disappointed in my QR and GC scores because I was averaging around 24 and 23, respectively. I honestly was hoping for an 18 on PAT, so a 19 is cool. QR was the first time I never finished all 40 questions with extra time, so I know I can do better.

My GPA is 3.6 (cumulative)/3.3 (science)
I'm very involved on campus with a variety of extra curriculars (though none really involving biology or science). I have around 90 shadowing hours and have been volunteering with the alternative breaks program for the past three years.

Essentially, should I be worried about my PAT and TS scores? Or am I just making myself stress out for no reason?

your science GPA is a low for a school like columbia but it can be made up with other strong things on your app (i.e. research)

I'd honestly wouldn't retake the DAT

I'd say you are more competitive for the private schools: NYU, touro, temple, BU, tufts, etc. based on your stats

 

[8_man]

21TS is really high, and as long as your PAT is around 19-20, you're fine.

 

[Bingwen]

I would say don't retake your DAT. This is just my 2 cents but should something happen and you not increase your scores or some of them decrease a little you are in a worse off situation. Also a modest increase will probably not affect your chances too greatly.

 

[SeñorDentista]

I definitely would not worry about retaking it. You have almost the same profile of GPA, DAT scores, shadowing, volunteering etc. as I do and I have had 6 interviews and 2 acceptances so far despite not submitting my app until mid-August. Apply early and look at some more schools, you never know what program will match what you want until you visit and go on an interview. Overall though try not to worry you are stressing yourself out, you'll be a great candidate just work on the lead up steps to your application (letters of rec, etc.) this spring and be ready to apply come June!

 

[inconshivable]

Thanks everyone! Y'all are right. I shouldn't retake it.

 

[DoctorPearlyWhites]

You will be fine, I wouldn't re-take.