Downsides of Retaking DAT?

[applecider23]

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I was just wondering if there are any major downsides of retaking the DATs? I got on my first try:

23 Pat
18 QR
20 RC
18 Bio
20 Chem
21 Ochem
19 TS
19 AA

Of course my plan would to improve, but what I am most concerned about is whether retaking and not improving much or getting similar stats will actually hurt me when I apply next cycle. Do schools usually look at the most recent score or will they factor look at your highest?

Thank you in advance for the help

 

[fungames]

I don't think it would hurt to retake but make sure you score at least 2-3 points higher! Don't score lower! No idea what your GPA/ECs are but assuming they are average, a higher DAT would certainly be a nice boost to your application 🙂

 

[applecider23]

Hi Thanks for the advice! I have a 3.5sgpa and a 3.6 overall. Pretty borderline DAT and gpa

 

[customx]

Your scores are about average, as is your GPA. If funds allow, apply to 13-15 schools and you should get at least a few acceptances.

 

[fungames]

OH your GPA isn't bad! Neither is your DAT. Your PAT score is pretty sweet! Try to make your application unique and I think you will have a good shot 🙂

 

[Dent35]

I don't think you should retake your DAT 🙂

 

[VaderJames]

Each individual school should tell you somewhere whether they count the most recent or an average of all the scores. Good luck!

 

[hidenaiyoues]

Your scores are about average, as is your GPA. If funds allow, apply to 13-15 schools and you should get at least a few acceptances.

 

[applecider23]

Thanks for the advice everyone

 

[strawberr]

I would look at each individual school and see if they take your most recent score or the best score overall. For me, I find "most recent score" to be sketchy because what if you do worse the second time? Your scores aren't bad by any means. You can also call each school and ask if an 18 in bio is okay. A lot of schools have DAT cutoffs of 17 so you're above that anyways. If you look under the "pre-dental" tab you will find lots of people with 18's in sections that have interviews!

 

[predentalgirl]

I do not think there is ANY reason to retake. Nothing is under 17.

With my stats, I got one acceptance. I think as long as you have a solid resume, you should be good.