I did really well on PAT but poorly on AA, am I still competitive?

[worried88]

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I just took my DAT and did pretty poorly on my AA section, my scores were:
PAT: 22
QR: 17
RC: 15
B: 22
GC: 18
OC: 19
TS: 19
AA: 18
I went to a really good liberal arts college, where I got a 3.70 overall GPA and a 3.72 math/science. I also have a lot of clinical experience and stuff. My top choices are Stoneybrooke and Columbia, but I'm not sure if my AA score is competitive enough, even with all my other credentials. I'm just trying to find out what kind of schools I may expect to get into/how competitive my scores may be.

 

[bing12]

I just took my DAT and did pretty poorly on my AA section, my scores were:
PAT: 22
QR: 17
RC: 15
B: 22
GC: 18
OC: 19
TS: 19
AA: 18
I went to a really good liberal arts college, where I got a 3.70 overall GPA and a 3.72 math/science. I also have a lot of clinical experience and stuff. My top choices are Stoneybrooke and Columbia, but I'm not sure if my AA score is competitive enough, even with all my other credentials. I'm just trying to find out what kind of schools I may expect to get into/how competitive my scores may be.

Your gpa is phenomenal. BUT, your very low RC will keep you out of most schools IMO, i also had a low RC, but anything below a 17 (except in QR) is a very big red flag, especially in a section as important as BIO or RC( 2 most important sections IMO). i would HIGHLY suggest a retake, STONY BROOk and COLUMBIA have DAT averages around 21 or 22 AA, its extremely competitive, if you can raise your scores you will have a shot with your great gpa.

 

[dentalWorks]

I just took my DAT and did pretty poorly on my AA section, my scores were:
PAT: 22
QR: 17
RC: 15
B: 22
GC: 18
OC: 19
TS: 19
AA: 18
I went to a really good liberal arts college, where I got a 3.70 overall GPA and a 3.72 math/science. I also have a lot of clinical experience and stuff. My top choices are Stoneybrooke and Columbia, but I'm not sure if my AA score is competitive enough, even with all my other credentials. I'm just trying to find out what kind of schools I may expect to get into/how competitive my scores may be.

I am usually optimistic but in this case, columbia is a long shot. Your AA is just too low for columbia and your RC is too low for, pretty much every dental school.

I am going to recommend a retake ONLY because of that 15

 

[321931]

I just took my DAT and did pretty poorly on my AA section, my scores were:
PAT: 22
QR: 17
RC: 15
B: 22
GC: 18
OC: 19
TS: 19
AA: 18
I went to a really good liberal arts college, where I got a 3.70 overall GPA and a 3.72 math/science. I also have a lot of clinical experience and stuff. My top choices are Stoneybrooke and Columbia, but I'm not sure if my AA score is competitive enough, even with all my other credentials. I'm just trying to find out what kind of schools I may expect to get into/how competitive my scores may be.

Doesn't matter if you had a 20-22AA. The 15 in RC is a huge red flag for any dental school. I would definately retake just for that 15. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Teeth12345]

take it again and you'll do better 🙂

 

[achilles2]

I will be dead honest with you

if your top choices are Stony Brook and Columbia an 18 is not going to cut it

AA avg at both of those schools is like a 21+ 22 range

reading comp is highly valued at most schools



It sounds like I am being a jerk/brutal but the honest truth is with your overall GPA there is NO reason why you shouldn't RETAKE after studying hardcore for a bit more....you can do alot better, if you really want Stony/Columbia you can def get in....don't sell yourself short 👍 you did 4 years of hardwork whats 4 months more

and if your not willing to bleed it out and put in the time and work for a higher AA you will get worked at Stony or Columbia, better off to be honest with yourself right off the bat.


like we say here at Columbia....step up your game

gl

 

[AmpedUp]

Yup! Retake. I had nearly the same scores (lower PAT scores) and a 3.8 GPA & lots of quality EC's - I was rejected everywhere. I was fortunate to receive a few interviews, but my scores were too low for them to seriously consider me (mainly my PAT & RC). Schools are wild for RC...I really don't know why. excuse my ignorance, I feel it's a section based on luck (I got piano'd).

 

[mightyrat]

Yup! Retake. I had nearly the same scores (lower PAT scores) and a 3.8 GPA & lots of quality EC's - I was rejected everywhere. I was fortunate to receive a few interviews, but my scores were too low for them to seriously consider me (mainly my PAT & RC). Schools are wild for RC...I really don't know why. excuse my ignorance, I feel it's a section based on luck (I got piano'd).

haha i love reading your posts, im in the same exact same shoes as you (15 in RC) i dont what the big deal is...someone did well in school...that means he/she is bound to comprehend something LOL

 

[Jackson-Ave-Dental]

haha i love reading your posts, im in the same exact same shoes as you (15 in RC) i dont what the big deal is...someone did well in school...that means he/she is bound to comprehend something LOL

Awhile back I remember a member posting something about LLU I believe? They took in a bunch of asian kids who had super high TS but their RC weren't as high... and then the format of the boards were changing to a more reading comprehensive format so the passing rate was decreasing; thus causing them to place a greater emphasis on applicants with higher RC scores.

If my memory is indeed foggy, feel free to correct me 🙂 It really has been awhile haha.

 

[mightyrat]

Awhile back I remember a member posting something about LLU I believe? They took in a bunch of asian kids who had super high TS but their RC weren't as high... and then the format of the boards were changing to a more reading comprehensive format so the passing rate was decreasing; thus causing them to place a greater emphasis on applicants with higher RC scores.

If my memory is indeed foggy, feel free to correct me 🙂 It really has been awhile haha.

im not denying the importance of the reading, i believe its very important. I am a philosophy major and basically we read for a living lol so yea its important. I just dont like DAT reading, i believe it to be a more luck factor than anything but who am i to say that. In the end of the day one has to be able to preform a root canal, teeth extraction, fillings and all the other dental procedures...not to be able how to interpret how a piano works lol