Financial dilemma help?

[ebujpredent]

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I'm planning applying early on in the upcoming cycle. I'm a bio major and my GPA is ~3.6 and sGPA is ~3.35. I recently took the DAT and received 20AA, 18TS, and 21PAT with scores above 20 in every section but one particularly low score. My dilemma is that I can't really afford to take the DAT again AND apply to the number of schools I feel I need to (10-12) within the next three months. If I do my research to find schools that don't have any listed "cut offs" for the section I did poorly in, is it worth it to apply/ will I have a chance at receiving interviews with a strong personal statement and letters of recommendation? I have 100+ shadowing hours, 150+ volunteer hours, and undergraduate research related to oral hygiene. I also work two jobs (one of which is a lab assistant position) and hold a couple of campus leadership positions. I want to make sure I'm making a logical and financially sound decision moving forward! Any guidance or recommendations is appreciated!!

 

[dds2b219]

That must mean that one of your science sections was low.. Depending on how low, I would really retake. There are too many applicants with >20AA... I would be worried applying with an 18TS.

 

[Faux]

Was anything below a 17?

 

[DATtestTho]

We need to know your scores to actually help you. The fact youre being so vague makes me think you got below a 17 on something. If so that might warrant a retake.

 

[Tebros]

I assume you got 15 or < in one of your sciences?

 

[ebujpredent]

Sorry I haven't been on this thread in awhile which is why I didn't respond quickly. Yes, I got a 15 Bio, 20 OC & GC, 22 QR, and 24 RC. Biology is my major and I have all A's and B+'s on my transcript for BIO labeled classes. I realize that looks absolutely like I lost my mind when taking the DAT, but in honesty I slacked on studying for the Bio section because I assumed I would have a general grasp on most concepts. Instead, by (bad) luck of the draw, I got questions I wasn't necessarily 100% familiar with and was/ still am kicking myself.

My pre-health advisor suggested that I do not need to retake the DAT again, especially running the risk of lowering my overall academic average. Part of me thinks he's crazy, but the other part of me hopes he isn't because I can't really afford to take the test again and apply! Will schools throw out my application from this one low score?

 

[kyle nguyen]

Many schools have an absolute cutoff (usually 16-17 in all areas). Personally if I was to spend money and apply to that many schools I would somehow borrow another 400 to take the exam again. Is it possible you score lower? Sure. More likely however is that at least your Bio score will get a much needed boost above the threshold to be considered.

 

[Pre-Dent Jeff]

yeah, at minimum you need a 17 instead of a 15. Biology and PAT are probably the most scrutinized scores, so it would be in your interest to scratch up some money and retake. I donated plasma and paid for my DAT. I understand it's not truly donating since I was paid.
Your other stats are fine though for getting into a lot of schools, depending on your extra curricular attributes.

 

[Tom_Ato]

I donated plasma and paid for my DAT.

Ha Ha smart! +1 for being bad ass!