Is an Oct retake useless? Please help me...

[JustwantDDS]

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Hey guys,

I am feeling extremely depressed...

I took my DAT in july, and I don't want to say I did horribly, because I didn't but I know myself that its not enough, its average, and unfortunately average just won't cut it for me.

(My Sci gpa is low)

Anyhow- I've always heard that past August, taking the DAT is just too late.
My apps are in- letters, transcripts, everything...

Do I need to call schools and tell them I'm retaking? Should I even retake in october for a chance?
I spent so much money on this, and it just sucks that this is happening....

someone give me advice.

 

[casper22]

Since you have already send in your applications, I would say there is nothing to lose to give it a shot in Oct...Oct is still before the application deadlines and then once you have taken the test, you can always fax your results to the schools while they are waiting for the original...

Yes, its better to call the schools and let them know about the retake.

Dont worry... there is nothing wrong in taking this beast again...

 

[shiftypoptart]

Take it when you're ready. It's too late to retake in my opinion since schools don't receive the score as soon as you do, take them about a month and a half to get it. It will definitely just delay your application more and make it even harder to get an interview. In my opinion go with what you got and if it doesn't get you in then retake it when your ready and submit application early next year.

 

[JustwantDDS]

Honestly though
its not that easy to wait a year.
and its pricey.
Everyone knows it costs alot to apply- and after putting all that in, I think my parents will hang me from the ceiling if I don't get in.

Waiting around for another cycle isn't much of an option for me.
I don't know...

 

[mustardseed5]

aww that's so sweet, you're parents are paying for all your testing and apps????

 

[Chemboy23]

wish my parents would do that lol...no, it's not too late to retake and send your scores in. people on here will try to get you to freak out...but do yourself a favor. call the schools and ask them. i know, for example, Western dental school (in Pomona) doesn't accept scores past Oct. 15th. You have to find all of these things out for yourself and don't take everyone's word on here. SDN is a great resource, but this is serious business...you don't need anyone jacking around and giving you misinformation, all we can do is tell you what we think we know.

Oct. is not too late to take the test. People will swear up and down that it is, BUT IT'S NOT!!! Some schools also do not accept faxed DAT scores, so you want to watch out for this one too. I think ASDOH is one that does NOT, and Loma Linda DOES!

I spoke to the lady from Loma Linda admissions the other day and told her that I have to retake the DAT in November. She said, "just fax the scores over to us as soon as you complete the test." I'm SDA though, and she informed me that I will most likely get an interview with my recent scores, which suck!!! (AA-17, TS-18, PAT-17).

You need to be more responsible and call the admissions people to talk to them! After all, we're not the ones deciding whether or not you'll get a spot next year. I hope all of this doesn't sound mean, but don't let people on here get your hopes down. All you can do is try (for me, I pray A LOT!!!😀) and what will it hurt? Either way, you still have to retake the test. If you do not get in this cycle, go get yourself a job and save for the fees that will come next cycle. Most people do not get in on their first attempt, but if it is really your dream, you will NEVER GIVE UP!!!

Best of Luck My Friend!!! Let's get it done!

 

[Chemboy23]

Yes, call every school and inform them of your retake. Some will allow scores that late, some will not. Sucks, believe me I know. Make yourself a list of these schools THAT WILL allows scores in October (whenever your date is) and ask them if they will accept a faxed, "unofficial" copy or not. If they do, you're golden because you can fax them over right after your test.

 

[RedDevilDDS]

I'm not sure what score you received on your DAT by saying "average," but if it's like 18-19 TS/AA, you should go with that score.

If you call the schools and let them know you'll be retaking, then it's going to hold your application till October, which is not so good.

By October, most of pre-dec interviews will be full so even if you score really high, your chance might be even less than with your previous DAT score.

To ask for an advice, I think you should list your cGPA, sGPA and DAT score and which schools are your target schools.

Anyways, Good Luck!!!

 

[flyingforever]

Honestly though
its not that easy to wait a year.
and its pricey.
Everyone knows it costs alot to apply- and after putting all that in, I think my parents will hang me from the ceiling if I don't get in.

Waiting around for another cycle isn't much of an option for me.
I don't know...

JustwantDDS, I am worried about my score too. But, a girl from UMBC with 3.0 science GPA and 18 AA score got accepted to Maryland, VCU, and few other schools. I am hoping atleast an interview at MD.

 

[shahinc]

When in Oct are you thinking because realistically, it will take almost a month before schools get your score ( Nov).

Now, Have you paid all the schools? Is this going to be your 2nd time ?
What was your original score ?

If you had a high GPA , then I would have told you to take it but if you have a low GPA, then I would not suggest it.

Also, remember, most schools only look at the first 3 attempt, so you will be burning one more attempt.

Do you think you can be ready till Oct ? If you think you can be ready and the extra time will not really help you and ... then go a head take it.

 

[JustwantDDS]

Well my s GPA is 3.1, my BCP is 3.0, and my c GPA 3.4, non sci GPA 4.0

I applied to Howard, Maryland, Tufts, BU, NYU, KY, Michigan, VCU, WVU, Temple

I really really really just want to get into Maryland, or Howard.

I'm super depressed about these scores, and I didn't really want to share but I guess for the sake of advice I will 🙁

AA 18
TS 18
PAT 19

My retake would be Oct 17.

And thanks Chemboy- I will call them and see if they accept Oct scores...

and RedDevil- thats exactly what I'm scared about- having them put off my application because I've said I'm retaking...

HELP PLEASE

 

[JustwantDDS]

aww that's so sweet, you're parents are paying for all your testing and apps????

Honestly, thats not necessary.
I don't have a full time job yet- I'm working part time, and I was a full time student. I didn't mean to say something like "look at me my parents are paying" or be rude like that so I don't think its necessary to respond to me like that...

 

[beatsdre]

aww that's so sweet, you're parents are paying for all your testing and apps????

Unnecessary comment. contribute something useful next time -_-

To the OP: Your dat scores are fine, but its the GPA that will be tough to come by. I would plan for either A) Retake or B) Masters/More classes.

Gl!

 

[Lethstang]

if you are applying to howard why are you stressing? theyre incoming stats are well within y our range.

 

[JustwantDDS]

@ Lethstang- I'm not a minority so... I don't know.

ahh...going crazy...

 

[LaFleur]

Unnecessary comment. contribute something useful next time -_-

To the OP: Your dat scores are fine, but its the GPA that will be tough to come by. I would plan for either A) Retake or B) Masters/More classes.

Gl!

Op, if I were you, I would plan for both. But make sure you're really comfortable with the material before you retake. You don't want to get the same scores the second time around. Just study hard. You can do it!



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[RedDevilDDS]

Well my s GPA is 3.1, my BCP is 3.0, and my c GPA 3.4, non sci GPA 4.0

I applied to Howard, Maryland, Tufts, BU, NYU, KY, Michigan, VCU, WVU, Temple

I really really really just want to get into Maryland, or Howard.

I'm super depressed about these scores, and I didn't really want to share but I guess for the sake of advice I will 🙁

AA 18
TS 18
PAT 19

My retake would be Oct 17.

And thanks Chemboy- I will call them and see if they accept Oct scores...

and RedDevil- thats exactly what I'm scared about- having them put off my application because I've said I'm retaking...

HELP PLEASE

Okay... so here's my suggestion:

1. Retake DAT but don't notify the schools that you're retaking. This will allow them to process your application file with your previous DAT scores. I know it is not nice... but still better than holding your application till end of October. So once you aced your October DAT, call schools and let them know that you re-took DAT, and want to fax the scores. This might get you some pre-dec interviews if the school response quickly.

2. Take additional upper-level sci courses if you're still in school. If you already graduated, then try for masters. If you sGPA is low due to low pre-requsites, I would suggest post-bac instead of masters.

Your stats are nothing shame... don't feel like that by sharing your stats here.

Anyways, I wish you the best of luck!!!

 

[JustwantDDS]

Okay... so here's my suggestion:

1. Retake DAT but don't notify the schools that you're retaking. This will allow them to process your application file with your previous DAT scores. I know it is not nice... but still better than holding your application till end of October. So once you aced your October DAT, call schools and let them know that you re-took DAT, and want to fax the scores. This might get you some pre-dec interviews if the school response quickly.

2. Take additional upper-level sci courses if you're still in school. If you already graduated, then try for masters. If you sGPA is low due to low pre-requsites, I would suggest post-bac instead of masters.

Your stats are nothing shame... don't feel like that by sharing your stats here.

Anyways, I wish you the best of luck!!!

Thanks for the advice, but what if the schools put me in the reject pile by October? Will they fish out my app if I send new scores???😕
Yeah, I've graduated so I'm thinking of applying for masters starting Spring 2011 but I don't know how to pay for it...

 

[promolion]

dude i applied to school like Marquette with my TS18 AA17 pat16 last year. they sent me a "hold" letter. so they want to look beyond score. I didn't get any interview but it showed hope. Just go for it.

 

[JustwantDDS]

So now I guess the question is - to let the schools know, or to not let them know?

By not letting them know that I plan to retake- don't I risk an immediate rejection...?
and by letting them know- they'll wait to review my stuff til Oct, right?

ugh... this is so .....frusterating...😱🙁

 

[Lethstang]

wouldnt worry about paying for a masters program. once you get to the masters level there are plenty of easily obtainable loans.

 

[JustwantDDS]

bump

to tell them or not to tell them?

 

[hoylematt]

ugh... this is so .....frusterating...😱🙁

I feel you:

1) Least frustrating: Having everything ready by June 3rd.

2) More frustrating: Retaking the DAT August 12th and having to deal with telling every school and their mother to wait for your new scores.

3) Even More frustrating: Retaking the DAT in october, waiting 2-3 weeks for your scores to become available putting your completed application remarkably close to December.

4) Most frustrating: Not going for it and wondering if you could have made it this cycle.

I guess what I am saying is that this is one of the most stressful experiences of our lives. It's miserable to think that we may not be good enough to make the cut. We are all going through the garbage, keep your head up!

In regards to tell them or not to tell them: I think that the schools will use your old scores to process and you will not be able to all of a sudden throw your new ones in there. Can someone confirm this?

 

[TKDentist]

Those scores aren't bad by any means. Like you said, they are "average." It wouldn't hurt to take it again, and if you do better just attempt to send in the late scores. But you have a shot if you applied to enough places. =)

 

[JustwantDDS]

thanks hoyle- this is a hard time for us all..
.
yeah- i'm not sure if they process you (assuming I dont tell them) and then permanently stick me in the no pile or...???

does anybody have any info on this?
I wana know if I should let all my schools know that I'm retaking- if I do will I be pushed aside 'til the scores come in, and if I don't will they auto put me in the reject pile??
😕

 

[LaFleur]

I don't know about fishing you out of the reject pile, but I think that if you're still under review at schools you can send them an update with your new scores.

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