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[jaf004]

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Just graduated with bachelors in May of 2014 with 148 credits. Planning to take 7 credits this year as an alumni.

GPA: 3.33
SGPA: 3.21
DAT: I take it this Thursday 🙁

Schools I applied to (15 total):
Boston, Maryland, Case, LECOM, UNE, Tufts, Howard, Midwestern (chicago), Midwestern (Arizona), Louisville, AT Still, VCU (my only in-state), Creighton, USC, and Meharry MC.

My grades are lacking as I had switched my major once and then switched focuses within my major once as well. I am concerned about the DAT seeing as that could really make or break my situation. I applied really early and once I take the DAT then all of the schools will have my complete app. I would consider my EC's to be above and beyond (400 hours shadowing/volunteer assisting, I was a resident advisor, an orientation leader, and an "academic coach" which is like a tutor, and several other things)

What is the key to acceptance? Should I bank on taking the DAT twice?

 

[distressstudent]

You have a good chance at the schools on your list if you do well on your DAT. 20+ should give you a good chance at landing some interviews.

The key to your acceptance will be your DAT. Even taking extra classes will not affect your gpa much because of how many units you have.

 

[Faux]

Get off sdn and study for your dat that is in 3 days.

 

[jaf004]

haha thanks! Yeah I have been looking on sdn but I never made a post until today. I have been studying for about 3.5 weeks. I guess you never feel ready though! Have either of you taken the test twice?

 

[threemileisle]

Are you already plotting a re-take as a mental strategy of alleviating the pressure you feel? I was in the same boat. You should be fine with around a 20 as your GPA is only slightly low, but I knew a 20 wouldn't have cut it for me and that I absolutely had to aim for a 23+. It came down to the outcome of my DAT and I convinced myself, worst case, I could always re-take. It definitely helped me relax. I ended up not needing to, but rest assured, people re-take all the time and, besides having to wait 90 days, which would put you into September, it won't hurt you.

However, if you truly feel you aren't prepared, I'd recommend rescheduling, especially if you mean to apply this cycle. If you hold off until July, taking a few more weeks to get comfortable with the material, your app will still be well on time. However, if you don't do well and need to re-take, having to wait until September would be devastating. I delayed my original test date by two weeks and I'm certain that made all the difference.

Good luck!

 

[jaf004]

Thanks. I don't think I can reschedule because I have a 2 week trip (which I don't foresee any studying) planned the day after I take the test. I am relatively comfortable, however, I am consistently scoring around 17-19 on DATbootcamp. Yeah I am using it as a way to relieve pressure. Why would it be devastating if I need the retake and I am pushed to september? Is it because most schools will have tossed my application aside by then?

 

[jaf004]

Are you already plotting a re-take as a mental strategy of alleviating the pressure you feel? I was in the same boat. You should be fine with around a 20 as your GPA is only slightly low, but I knew a 20 wouldn't have cut it for me and that I absolutely had to aim for a 23+. It came down to the outcome of my DAT and I convinced myself, worst case, I could always re-take. It definitely helped me relax. I ended up not needing to, but rest assured, people re-take all the time and, besides having to wait 90 days, which would put you into September, it won't hurt you.

However, if you truly feel you aren't prepared, I'd recommend rescheduling, especially if you mean to apply this cycle. If you hold off until July, taking a few more weeks to get comfortable with the material, your app will still be well on time. However, if you don't do well and need to re-take, having to wait until September would be devastating. I delayed my original test date by two weeks and I'm certain that made all the difference.

Good luck!

Thanks. I don't think I can reschedule because I have a 2 week trip (which I don't foresee any studying) planned the day after I take the test. I am relatively comfortable, however, I am consistently scoring around 17-19 on DATbootcamp. Yeah I am using it as a way to relieve pressure. Why would it be devastating if I need the retake and I am pushed to september? Is it because most schools will have tossed my application aside by then?

 

[threemileisle]

Well, two scenarios:

1) You're not fully prepared and you don't score as well as you'd like, but you submit the scores anyway and hope that your lower stats get you a look.

2) Same as above, but you don't submit the scores, then re-take in Sept. Your app wouldn't be complete until early October, which would be considered late. It wouldn't be hopeless, but your chances would be diminished.

 

[jaf004]

Well, two scenarios:

1) You're not fully prepared and you don't score as well as you'd like, but you submit the scores anyway and hope that your lower stats get you a look.

2) Same as above, but you don't submit the scores, then re-take in Sept. Your app wouldn't be complete until early October, which would be considered late. It wouldn't be hopeless, but your chances would be diminished.

Yeah, I guess I will hope that whatever I get will land me an interview. Hopefully by the time that those come around I can have a shot at a retake and actually do better. But if I come out of there with a 19AA I probably won't retake it at all, that is unless I am not accepted then of course I will do it next year.

 

[threemileisle]

Yeah, I guess I will hope that whatever I get will land me an interview. Hopefully by the time that those come around I can have a shot at a retake and actually do better. But if I come out of there with a 19AA I probably won't retake it at all, that is unless I am not accepted then of course I will do it next year.

You've got two more days bro. Keep at it and knock it out of the park!

 

[jaf004]

Will do! Ill post up my scores, good or bad, and see if there is anything good I could tell you. Thanks for the support.

 

[derbear]

Aim for a 30. I know it sounds ridiculous, but when you set your sights high you will achieve more. Don't settle.