In need of some advice

[roxy2]

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I was planning on applying for the 2013 cycle but things changed a bit when I took the DAT and received very disappointing scores. Most of the schools I contacted said they won't put applications on hold even if you notify them about the retake. So, I can't take the test until August 10th and I won't be sending my application until late August.
I was a Biochem major and graduated last year. cGPA/sGPA:3.4 and have 100+ volunteer/shadowing plus I have been working as a dental assistant for 2 years now.

My concern here is that I will be a late applicant with low GPA and I have to wait on my new DAT scores. I am not very optimistic about this now. I'm still debating whether I should take more time studying before retaking the DAT and perhaps wait for the next cycle. And, if I wait until next year, what do you suggest I do meanwhile? I would really like to see what some people's take is on this situation.

 

[mmmsteakdinners]

your GPA isn't THAT low and you have great EC's. Can't give you much advice without knowing how you did.

 

[cluckyducky]

I was planning on applying for the 2013 cycle but things changed a bit when I took the DAT and received very disappointing scores. Most of the schools I contacted said they won't put applications on hold even if you notify them about the retake. So, I can't take the test until August 10th and I won't be sending my application until late August.
I was a Biochem major and graduated last year. cGPA/sGPA:3.4 and have 100+ volunteer/shadowing plus I have been working as a dental assistant for 2 years now.

My concern here is that I will be a late applicant with low GPA and I have to wait on my new DAT scores. I am not very optimistic about this now. I'm still debating whether I should take more time studying before retaking the DAT and perhaps wait for the next cycle. And, if I wait until next year, what do you suggest I do meanwhile? I would really like to see what some people's take is on this situation.

Hey, I'm in the same situation pretty much. What I'm doing is I'm submitting my app right now so they can begin to verify my GPA, which will take a while. And then I'm taking my DAT on August 9th, so my new scores will be processed in about two weeks. Hopefully this doesn't put us too far behind if we take the DAT then.
Is there any reason you won't be submitting your app until late August other than waiting on your new DAT?

 

[Dent22519]

Hey, I'm kind of in the same situation. First of all, I did exactly what you did and called all the schools I'm applying to. Most of them have continual review (review your app more than once). Only a handful of schools review your app only once. Your gpa is not that low. My gpa is much lower than yours although I applied earlier (2nd batch). I'm also retaking the DAT on August 22, which I guess will reach aadsas in early September. Also, if you could get your app in asap (verified and mailed out before the end July), your app won't be "late". I would recommend applying this cycle and getting the app out as soon as possible (LORs, personal statement, transcripts, gpa verified). Then just take the DAT when you feel ready.

 

[roxy2]

Hey, I'm in the same situation pretty much. What I'm doing is I'm submitting my app right now so they can begin to verify my GPA, which will take a while. And then I'm taking my DAT on August 9th, so my new scores will be processed in about two weeks. Hopefully this doesn't put us too far behind if we take the DAT then.
Is there any reason you won't be submitting your app until late August other than waiting on your new DAT?

No, there is no other reason really to put off submitting my app other than waiting for new DAT scores. Actually, my Committee letter is put on hold until I send them the new scores too. My old scores are really low and I'm afraid if I submit my app they just look at my current scores and that will greatly reduce my chances of getting into the schools I want 🙁

 

[roxy2]

Hey, I'm kind of in the same situation. First of all, I did exactly what you did and called all the schools I'm applying to. Most of them have continual review (review your app more than once). Only a handful of schools review your app only once. Your gpa is not that low. My gpa is much lower than yours although I applied earlier (2nd batch). I'm also retaking the DAT on August 22, which I guess will reach aadsas in early September. Also, if you could get your app in asap (verified and mailed out before the end July), your app won't be "late". I would recommend applying this cycle and getting the app out as soon as possible (LORs, personal statement, transcripts, gpa verified). Then just take the DAT when you feel ready.

Thanks for your feedback. I just wish I never applied for a committee letter. Now they are waiting for my new scores as well! So, even if I send my app it would still be incomplete b/c of the LORs 🙁

 

[bluesprite13]

I saw go for it. You got this 🙂

 

[b0110]

What is considered a "really low" dat score to you?

 

[diene]

I say go for it! August is kind of late but not terribly! Submit your application and just focus on the DAT. Good luck!

 

[roxy2]

What is considered a "really low" dat score to you?

lower than 19 AA

 

[Sibalkhulu]

lower than 19 AA

i have super low DAT too (less than 18) and low GPA, i decided to apply anyway despite being told by my advisor one time that it's pointless and despite seeing all the amazing stats on here, and so far i have one interview at LLU on 12/12, i've learned from this process that in life you really just have to give things a shot and see what happens despite what everyone has or says if it's your dream.