Everything but the D(AT)

[AAM2013]

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Hi SDN! I just took my DAT for the first time and am trying to decide if I should retake it before applying in June (for 2015). I would really love to stay in California and preferably go to one of the UCs. My scores:

AA-19
PAT-22
TS-19 (Ochem-17, Bio-23, Gchem-19)
QR-17
RC-21

I feel like I have everything but the DAT scores. In college, I worked in bio research, psychology research, held officer positions in 3 clubs, and worked two campus jobs (student assistant positions for the bio classrooms and mentoring for advising). I graduated in May 2013 with a double major (Human Bio, Psychology), with a 3.69 overall GPA and a 3.54 science GPA. Since then I've been working as a dental assistant. I will be applying this summer for 2o15.

I'm really on the fence here. I feel like overall I can be competitive SOMEWHERE with everything else, but I want to be competitive for California. I feel like my Ochem and QR scores and really dragging me down, but I can't decide if retaking will be worth it.

What do you think? Should I risk a retake? I'm nervous that I'll do worst the second time around

 

[sjv]

For the California schools, I'd retake. UCLA average AA was 22, UCSF was 21, UoP was also 21, USC was 20, Loma Linda was also 20, and Western was 19.4.

 

[Yasir Zia]

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[Glimmer1991]

Ah! This is a really tough one. Your GPA is average, and your DAT is just slightly below average. I think you can give it a shot, especially since you have some great ECs up your sleeve.

Honestly, here's what I'd do. Most schools are more than happy to set up a meeting where you can talk to someone on the adcom about your application and what you can do to improve. If you talk to some who actually works in admissions, they can give you very sound advice.

 

[AAM2013]

thanks! looks like it's time to start studying again...

 

[HaverfoodsDDS]

If you are 100% dead-set on a CA school, specifically a UC, I'd retake. You are definitely good enough to get into many schools next cycle with your scores as they are, but a 19AA coupled with a very good (but not great) GPA are most likely not going to be enough for UCLA or UCSF. If you can bump that 19 up to a 22+ by the time you apply, then you have a very good shot at a UC (along with basically anywhere else). Best of luck!