high GPA+low DAT vs low GPA+High DAT

[iLuvDAT]

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which combo looks better in the adcom's eyes?

high GPA+low DAT: four years of work should be more emphasized than just one 4.5 hour test
low GPA+High DAT: DAT is the standardized test for all applicants therefore carry more weight

 

[jigabodo]

It really depends on the school. Each school may have different formulas to calculate the competiveness based on the applicants GPA and DAT. Some may weigh GPA more heavily (I think some state schools do this) , while some may favor a higher DAT score (UOP is the only one I can think of).

 

[littlemissy]

i think its good to be balanced.

 

[Bizznet]

There is a higher correlation factor with high DAT and good grades in Dental school then high gpa and good grades in 1st year dental school.


-from ADA website

 

[haemil]

this adcom I met said he prefers 3.0/22 over 4.0/17. He said he's seen students from less recognized schools with 4.0 GPA failing d-classes.

 

[armorshell]

It really depends on the school. Each school may have different formulas to calculate the competiveness based on the applicants GPA and DAT. Some may weigh GPA more heavily (I think some state schools do this) , while some may favor a higher DAT score (UOP is the only one I can think of).

Other schools that like DAT primarily: UNLV, Columbia

 

[ucla2134]

UCLA on the other hand is in favor of GPA👎

 

[uclawill]

UCLA on the other hand is in favor of GPA👎

actually, theyre in favor of both.

averages were 22AA 22TS 20PAT

so, very high DAT averages.

I volunteered for 80 hours and talked to the students. Many had DAT scores of 24+ on several sections.

My converted GPA suffers, although I am still taking classes after my graduation through a formal 1-year post bac. I hope that with my dental experience and research, and stellar DAT scores I can be competitive.

Retaking DAT next month!

 

[z3u2]

this adcom I met said he prefers 3.0/22 over 4.0/17. He said he's seen students from less recognized schools with 4.0 GPA failing d-classes.

which school is this?

 

[futuredds08]

I know that UMKC and some other state schools strongly prefer GPA over DAT. UMKC actually puts hardly any weight on PAT as long as you don't bomb it.

 

[haemil]

which school is this?

UNC

but then, their averages for both GPA and DAT are pretty high... they probably don't have to choose between those two cases and just can accept high GPA high DAT ppl.

 

[endoking]

this adcom I met said he prefers 3.0/22 over 4.0/17. He said he's seen students from less recognized schools with 4.0 GPA failing d-classes.

This is a good point. Its better to have a high DAT, low GPA especially if you went to a top-tier undergrad institution.