I need advice again!

[Janeausten]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Last cycle I had a 3.42 oGPA and 3.1-ish sGPA with a 19 AA on the DAT. I also submitted my primary application in July but completed everything in mid-August. I had one interview that turned into a spot on the wait list. To improve my application, I did an informal post-bacc for one semester thus far. I plan on taking more courses this fall (anatomy/physiology at a cc since my university classes are full, but I am on the wait list for that, as well). I now should have a 3.48 oGPA and 3.24 sGPA. I am debating on whether to retake the DAT for this cycle. If I do, I would potentially take it in early August, which would be pretty late. Or is it possible to send in my completed application in June without indicating an intention on DAT retake (to avoid delaying the processing of my application), then retake it?

 

[Glimmer1991]

If you don't indicate that you will be retaking it, schools may throw you in the "reject" pile before your new scores come in. That is a risky move.

A 19AA, though, isn't necessarily bad. Did you ask schools why you were rejected? Also, what are your scores in the individual subsections?

 

[MBlue16]

If you don't indicate that you will be retaking it, schools may throw you in the "reject" pile before your new scores come in. That is a risky move.

A 19AA, though, isn't necessarily bad. Did you ask schools why you were rejected? Also, what are your scores in the individual subsections?

Yep, gotta indicate that you are retaking the DAT. In fact, you gotta double check with the schools to make sure that they put your application on hold. I learned that some school did not even pay attention to the part on AADSAS talking about "future DAT scores." I had to contact them to make sure they did (Western University processed my application with my older DAT score, even after I indicated that I would be retaking the DAT on AADSAS).

Also, exactly what Glimmer asked, what are the subsections scores? That may allow ppl to help you better.

 

[Glimmer1991]

Yep, gotta indicate that you are retaking the DAT. In fact, you gotta double check with the schools to make sure that they put your application on hold. I learned that some school did not even pay attention to the part on AADSAS talking about "future DAT scores." I had to contact them to make sure they did (Western University processed my application with my older DAT score, even after I indicated that I would be retaking the DAT on AADSAS).

This is precisely why I tell people to WAIT FOR THEIR NEW SCORES before submitting if they can! 😀

 

[Janeausten]

I am assuming that most schools do not start looking at applications until August, so I am assuming it would not be as risky. I am not 100% sure though. I could fax the new DAT scores in August before it processes in AADSAS.

Off the top of my head, my DAT was 19 AA, 18 TS, 20 RC, 17 PAT with no scores below 17.

 

[Glimmer1991]

I am assuming that most schools do not start looking at applications until August, so I am assuming it would not be as risky.

...but we are telling you it's risky...

If you're going to retake, then by all means, indicate it.

However, your scores weren't all that bad. Just the PAT is a bit shaky. Once again, have you asked schools how they want you to improve? You should do this. You might find that your DAT isn't an issue.

 

[Janeausten]

Thank you! 🙂 Glimmer, you are a major help and a sweetheart.

 

[MBlue16]

I am assuming that most schools do not start looking at applications until August, so I am assuming it would not be as risky....

Off the top of my head, my DAT was 19 AA, 18 TS, 20 RC, 17 PAT with no scores below 17.

That may be true. But, once your application is "complete," they may or may not decide to reopen your folder to insert the new score. In my case with WesternU, they told me that it was too late for me to make an update on my application, because it was already sent to the adcom (even tho they have not reviewed them yet in August). Again, I had to make an argument that I indicated my intention to retake the DAT on AADSAS.

TL;DR: If you decide to retake the DAT, you should let them know on AADSAS.

Also, it doesn't seem that there is any red flag in your DAT score. So, as Glimmer said, you may not need to retake it!

 

[Janeausten]

Thank you! 🙂