How late is too late to take/submit DAT?

[predentalstudent1738]

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Is taking a DAT prep course for May/June and taking the DAT in July an okay strategy? The alternative would be taking a prep course in April/May and DAT in June. I think I will do better if I take the DAT later, but at what point is it too late? For example, is a 20 submitted in June better than a 21 submitted in July?

 

[Boise State Bronco]

I have a full load this semester but I am going to find time to study for the DAT so I can take it mid-June. I think as long as it is before August it won't make much of a difference.

 

[ppaa]

I took the DAT in mid July and my scores weren't official until about Aug 15. The late DAT is the reason why I didn't get a lot of pre-dec interviews I assume (I got 3 pre-dec) and I have 4 interviews in Jan. I personally wished I took the DAT earlier but it isn't the end of the world if you don't. I feel that you'll get an interview regardless if you are well-rounded and a 1 point difference isn't much for the DAT. But also if you study a whole extra month you should be able to get higher than 1 point in my opinion

 

[HappyPomme]

yeah same thing happened to me, it took almost a whole month for my DAT scores to become official, and im assuming that happened bcz a lot of ppl were taking the DAT around that time (mid july) so it took AADSAS longer to verify the scores. I think taking the DAT 1 month earlier would have greatly increased my chances of more interviews

 

[Its_Me_G]

I’d recommend not taking a prep course and wasting all that money. There’s plenty of great resources you can get for much cheaper!!

 

[LGM]

I took the DAT in mid July and my scores weren't official until about Aug 15. The late DAT is the reason why I didn't get a lot of pre-dec interviews I assume (I got 3 pre-dec) and I have 4 interviews in Jan. I personally wished I took the DAT earlier but it isn't the end of the world if you don't. I feel that you'll get an interview regardless if you are well-rounded and a 1 point difference isn't much for the DAT. But also if your study a whole extra month you should be able to get higher than 1 point in my opinion

I was in the same boots as yours. Took it in late July and it took full 3 wks for the score be sent. Out of 14 completed apps, got 4 interviews, accepted to 2, wl'd to 1, and turned down 1.

 

[ChewyDrop]

I’d recommend not taking a prep course and wasting all that money. There’s plenty of great resources you can get for much cheaper!!

Agreed. With a little self-discipline and time management.. you should be good to go! In all honesty... you're paying a premium for them to tell you to study and babysit you. You got this, good luck!

 

[Trave_]

I took the DAT on July 3rd and had no problems with pre-Dec interviews (received 4 out of 8 interviews before December). My initial exam was going to be in mid June and I decided to delay it though, so keep in mind that if you plan your exam for July and then realize you’re not yet ready, you may get into risky territory.

 

[tarheel2017]

I didn't take my DAT till late July and it still worked out. Got pre-Dec interviews to both schools I applied to. What matters more is being prepared to succeed on the DAT.

 

[verifiedlion77]

I took my DAT on September 3rd. Worked out great for me. I wouldn't push it past the first week of September though.