High GPA, Low DAT can get you in?

[ghammond19]

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Here is my dilemma.

Ithaca College, Exercise Science Major
Overall and Science GPA of 3.9

DAT:
AA 17, Tot Sci 16, PAT 21
Read 20, Org 18, Chem 15, Bio 15, QR 15

As you can see, never been good at standardized tests (1st time I took SAT got 990!). I would hate the fact that one test could prevent me from getting in a school when I'm capable of doing the work. A test can't show how hard someone will work. Of course, I would be singing a different tune if I did better.

Anyway (sorry for the rant), I would like to here some feedback as to what are my chances of getting into a school. I have 55 hours of shadowing dentists, work as a nursing assistant for mentally ******ed, and have volunteered in ERs and nursing homes. I sent the AADSAS app out ealry (late june). I'm applying to Boston U, Tufts, SUNY Buff (i am ny resident), SUNY stony brook, Pitt, Temple, NJ, Howard U. If I have no shot in these schools, how bout some others which emphasize GPA more than DAT?

Thank you so much and good luck to everyone,

Greg

 

[jswizdent]

Even with your gpa you might want to think about retaking, try to get scores up a little bit. You can do it. Just takes time and lots of practice. with your gpa you should have scored at least a 17-18 ish. Sorry for being blunt I feel for you.

 

[D D S 2 B]

Here is my dilemma.

Ithaca College, Exercise Science Major
Overall and Science GPA of 3.9

DAT:
AA 17, Tot Sci 16, PAT 21
Read 20, Org 18, Chem 15, Bio 15, QR 15

As you can see, never been good at standardized tests (1st time I took SAT got 990!). I would hate the fact that one test could prevent me from getting in a school when I'm capable of doing the work. A test can't show how hard someone will work. Of course, I would be singing a different tune if I did better.

Anyway (sorry for the rant), I would like to here some feedback as to what are my chances of getting into a school. I have 55 hours of shadowing dentists, work as a nursing assistant for mentally ******ed, and have volunteered in ERs and nursing homes. I sent the AADSAS app out ealry (late june). I'm applying to Boston U, Tufts, SUNY Buff (i am ny resident), SUNY stony brook, Pitt, Temple, NJ, Howard U. If I have no shot in these schools, how bout some others which emphasize GPA more than DAT?

Thank you so much and good luck to everyone,

Greg

The sciences killed you, you think you can retake the Dats. A lot of the schools now put a lot of emphasis on the Dat so i dont know if you will find one that has more emphasis on the Gpa and everything else you got. If you want good practice and help with the sciences and the math try the destroyer. Its really good for that and explains everything very well. Im sure that it will definetly pick up your TS and AA. Good luck hope that helps.

 

[bkim]

definitely retake. Even if that means studying for another year. You can do better.

 

[vhh007]

I had a friend in a similiar situation, she had a 3.9+ GPA but her DAT's were only in the 16's and 17's. She applied really early and didn't even get a single interview (not even out state school). Defn retake, Best of luck

 

[Mstoothlady2012]

Yea i would suggest to retake it, because d-schools might think that some1 with this high GPA & these DAT scores hmmm. They might think that you didnt really had to work hard in your undergrad studies. I und that you are not a good test taker, I am not either. I scored about same as you on SATs. When it comes to tests (not just national test, anykind of test) I can't do well. Sorry if i was mean, but i am just being honest. Atleast that is what i would think if i were in an admission committee. good luck!you can do it 👍

 

[ghammond19]

Thank you for your responses. I totally agree with you guys and will plan to retake it but can't until September.

On the otherhand, do you feel it is possible to get an interview with my gpa and dat scores mentioned before (3.9, aa 17, ts 16, pat 21). I hope with my gpa some schools have to give me a chance at least to interview.

 

[issa]

Here is my dilemma.

Ithaca College, Exercise Science Major
Overall and Science GPA of 3.9

DAT:
AA 17, Tot Sci 16, PAT 21
Read 20, Org 18, Chem 15, Bio 15, QR 15

As you can see, never been good at standardized tests (1st time I took SAT got 990!). I would hate the fact that one test could prevent me from getting in a school when I'm capable of doing the work. A test can't show how hard someone will work. Of course, I would be singing a different tune if I did better.

Anyway (sorry for the rant), I would like to here some feedback as to what are my chances of getting into a school. I have 55 hours of shadowing dentists, work as a nursing assistant for mentally ******ed, and have volunteered in ERs and nursing homes. I sent the AADSAS app out ealry (late june). I'm applying to Boston U, Tufts, SUNY Buff (i am ny resident), SUNY stony brook, Pitt, Temple, NJ, Howard U. If I have no shot in these schools, how bout some others which emphasize GPA more than DAT?

Thank you so much and good luck to everyone,

Greg

😱😱
how long did u study?? and what materials did you use??

 

[rimmies]

In my mind the DAT is important because you will have to take the 2 sets of boards in dental school....Being able to do well on a standardized test is just as important of a skill to have as general class abilities in dental school. Regardless of how well you do in class, you're still going to have to pass those standardized tests....

 

[ghammond19]

I used Kaplan book and TopScore and studied intensively for 4 weeks

 

[Resonance]

Retake
Pitt requires min of 16 on each section, Temple requires min 18, NJ min 18, Howard U min 17.
Best of luck

 

[jswizdent]

Just retake, don't worry so much about the nbde part 1 and 2 because they are totally different tests. For example they are only biology topics. Anyways just study for a couple months and retake. Use achiever, kaplan, topscore and destroyer if needed. All standardized tests are a little different. For example my friend took the mcat and scored a 32 and took the dat and only scored an 18. anyways Im rambling study, study, study more. retake and rock the dat. thats my 2 cents....

 

[jswizdent]

resonance, temple has an 18 aa requirement. check this link our it has minimum requirements.


http://www.adea.org/Resources/OG/OG_3_WhereToApply.pdf

 

[DrSmiles12]

Retake... Retake.... Retake!!!

 

[ghammond19]

Do you guys believe purchasing DAT destroyer will bring those 15s up?

 

[5th Molar]

Retake, those scores could lower your chances alot. Focus on science! Get a hold of every book(got to your library), outline, and computer program u can. U should be fine then

 

[joonkimdds]

There are many people from community college with GPA of 4.0 and have DAT of 14~16.

 

[D D S 2 B]

Do you guys believe purchasing DAT destroyer will bring those 15s up?

yes they will definelty bring those grades up...Dont try to save money on things that will help you in the end. Go with it and you will do much better good luck.