First time DAT score & advice?

[AliVee]

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So I just took the practice test in the Kaplan blue book, 8th edition, without reviewing anything. Here is what I scored:

Total Science: 12
Bio: 11
Gen Chem: 11
Ochem: 10
PAT: 15
RC: 16
QR: 14

I am starting my senior year of undergrad at the end of August and have taken gen bio, gen chem, ochem, cell & molec bio, genetics, comparative vertebrate anatomy, and physics. I still have yet to take Biochem and Microbio, and currently have an overall GPA of 3.3 but my science GPA is really low, around 2.6.

What is your opinion about my DAT score? Will I be able to bring my scores up to 20 in a month?

Given my current GPAs, around what scores should I get on my DAT in order to be competitive?

Also, are there any post-bac programs for dental school? I am only familiar with UC Denver's program. My advisor suggested looking into post-bac programs or taking a year off due to my low grades. I'd rather do a post-bac program vs not doing anything for a year. But then again, there is a lot one could do in a year.

Any additional advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[dshope]

Those scores of 10 and 11 s are really low. Maybe I'm being a little harsh but I think anyone can score a 10 by just guessing every single question without reading the questions. However, if you really study hard it will be possible to get a high score. If you are going to be a post bacc student don't take the dat in a month. Take it after finishing those post bacc classes since it will help you with studying for the DAT

 

[woodloga]

I found that my scores on practice tests were usually lower than my actual DAT so you could look at that as a postive considering your scores. Bringing up all your scores to 20s in a month would be a challenge though. I don't think its enough time to study each section in enough detail to get your score up that much, and with your lower GPA you'd have to do really well on the DAT. There are alot of tricks that will help you do well on test but it all comes down to putting in the time.

I know there are masters programs out there, such as a master in oral biology for example, that dental schools like to see and it will help you stand out compared to others applying to school.

Id try and bring up your GPA or get into a masters and do well in that. Take the DAT when you feel prepared. I applied last year with an AA of an 18, PAT of 16 and avg GPA and feel like I should have just waiting until this cycle and saved the time and money.
GOOD LUCK!

 

[TrixxyW]

With your GPA being on the lower end, you would need at least a 21 on the DAT to be competitive. Since that is the case, I do not believe 1 month in enough time considering how badly you did on the practice test. If you already have it scheduled, I would advise that you reschedule it even though it costs money. It would be even worse to take it and receive a low score and then have to wait another three months just to take it again. You should look on SDN for the DAT material to help you prepare. But you really should improve your GPA so you should look at a masters program and make sure to do very well on it.

 

[babowc]

 

[aznnytezx]

So I just took the practice test in the Kaplan blue book, 8th edition, without reviewing anything. Here is what I scored:

Total Science: 12
Bio: 11
Gen Chem: 11
Ochem: 10
PAT: 15
RC: 16
QR: 14

I am starting my senior year of undergrad at the end of August and have taken gen bio, gen chem, ochem, cell & molec bio, genetics, comparative vertebrate anatomy, and physics. I still have yet to take Biochem and Microbio, and currently have an overall GPA of 3.3 but my science GPA is really low, around 2.6.

What is your opinion about my DAT score? Will I be able to bring my scores up to 20 in a month?

Given my current GPAs, around what scores should I get on my DAT in order to be competitive?

Also, are there any post-bac programs for dental school? I am only familiar with UC Denver's program. My advisor suggested looking into post-bac programs or taking a year off due to my low grades. I'd rather do a post-bac program vs not doing anything for a year. But then again, there is a lot one could do in a year.

Any additional advice is greatly appreciated!

Okay, getting a 11 on a BIO is like getting only SIX questions right on the DAT. I think that is a good deal, each question you got right worth a little more than 1 point!

For all seriousness, I think you should be able to score at least a 18 on the Kaplan 8th edition book for Biology.

I went through Cliff's once, just read it like a book. Did not do any further practice problems, and I was able to score a 20 on the Kaplan for the Biology section. I really think the questions are not that all difficult to answer if you actually studied for a little bit.

With that being said, just use different materials.

 

[dentalWorks]

So I just took the practice test in the Kaplan blue book, 8th edition, without reviewing anything. Here is what I scored:

Total Science: 12
Bio: 11
Gen Chem: 11
Ochem: 10
PAT: 15
RC: 16
QR: 14

I am starting my senior year of undergrad at the end of August and have taken gen bio, gen chem, ochem, cell & molec bio, genetics, comparative vertebrate anatomy, and physics. I still have yet to take Biochem and Microbio, and currently have an overall GPA of 3.3 but my science GPA is really low, around 2.6.

What is your opinion about my DAT score? Will I be able to bring my scores up to 20 in a month?

Given my current GPAs, around what scores should I get on my DAT in order to be competitive?

Also, are there any post-bac programs for dental school? I am only familiar with UC Denver's program. My advisor suggested looking into post-bac programs or taking a year off due to my low grades. I'd rather do a post-bac program vs not doing anything for a year. But then again, there is a lot one could do in a year.

Any additional advice is greatly appreciated!

Why are you studying for the DAT now? even if you scored a 22-23, that 2.6 science GPA will pretty much guarantee you a rejection at every school. I don't mean to put you down but your studying efforts (at this time) are better spent doing some form of formal (or informal) post-bacc to get yourself some upward trend in about 40-50 credits of hardcore sciences.

There is no point in studying for the DAT now since it has an expiration date of about 2-3 years (for most schools). and in my opinion, you will need minimum of 2 years of post-bacc to fix that 2.6

all the best

 

[Ionz]

So I just took the practice test in the Kaplan blue book, 8th edition, without reviewing anything. Here is what I scored:

Total Science: 12
Bio: 11
Gen Chem: 11
Ochem: 10
PAT: 15
RC: 16
QR: 14

I am starting my senior year of undergrad at the end of August and have taken gen bio, gen chem, ochem, cell & molec bio, genetics, comparative vertebrate anatomy, and physics. I still have yet to take Biochem and Microbio, and currently have an overall GPA of 3.3 but my science GPA is really low, around 2.6.

What is your opinion about my DAT score? Will I be able to bring my scores up to 20 in a month?

Given my current GPAs, around what scores should I get on my DAT in order to be competitive?

Also, are there any post-bac programs for dental school? I am only familiar with UC Denver's program. My advisor suggested looking into post-bac programs or taking a year off due to my low grades. I'd rather do a post-bac program vs not doing anything for a year. But then again, there is a lot one could do in a year.

Any additional advice is greatly appreciated!

You might want to review.

Given your current GPA, you will need a near perfect DAT for consideration. I'm talking 28+ across the board.