Just Got Back From Testing Center... Advice?

[RyGuy7]

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I know this probably gets old in this forum but anyways, I just finished taking my DAT and was wondering how my scores stack up.


PA 19 (76.8%)
QR 21 (91.3%)
RC 20 (67.0%)
BIO 18 (65.1%) (nothing like kaaplan or TopScore, far more difficult)
GC 24 (94.5%)
OC 18 (64.2%)
TS 19 (76.7%)
AA 20 (85.1%)


I studied primarily out of the kaaplan blue book but also used TopScore. I put in a total of probably 40 hours of study time over the course of 2 weeks. I might be able to bump my scores up a little if I had a little more time to study, but I wanted to get my test done with early in the summer in case I have to retake it.

My GPA is ok, nothing amazing.
3.43 Cum.
3.46 Sci.

I'm not sure if it counts for anything, but I am a Chem/Bio double major so my course load has been pretty packed with sciences all along.

My brag sheets a little short, I worked in a dental office for a few years, done a few hours of shadowing, and a few hours of volunteering.

Should I study a ton this summer and retake in the first week of September or sit on my score that I have now?

Thanks

 

[andyjl]

you have some pretty solid scores..i'd be happy with those

could you explain how the bio section was like?

 

[RyGuy7]

you have some pretty solid scores..i'd be happy with those

could you explain how the bio section was like?

Well the kaaplan book and the top score test led me to believe that there were very specific areas that were tested. There wasn't a single question about hormones, menstrual cycles, cellular respiration, comparative anatomy ....

I'll agree with what most people seem to be pointing out, that is that the Bio section seemed to be more conceptual. In the practices it was more direct, the kind of questions you could answer quickly.

All in all I'd say the biggest help studying for me was to get the information fresh in my mind. Its been a year and a half since I took O chem and I haven't had Gen Bio since High School.

 

[DMDreaming]

Well the kaaplan book and the top score test led me to believe that there were very specific areas that were tested. There wasn't a single question about hormones, menstrual cycles, cellular respiration, comparative anatomy ....

I'll agree with what most people seem to be pointing out, that is that the Bio section seemed to be more conceptual. In the practices it was more direct, the kind of questions you could answer quickly.

All in all I'd say the biggest help studying for me was to get the information fresh in my mind. Its been a year and a half since I took O chem and I haven't had Gen Bio since High School.

Can you elaborate on "conceptual"?

 

[diane07]

You seem like a competitive applicant. Having taken upper level division sciences will give you an edge over those who've only taken the bare minimum. I think your chances are decent. Good luck!

 

[quikag1]

Thats a real toughy, your scores are not spectacular but they are definitely nothing to be ashamed of. I think there is no one that can advise you on this one except yourself. If you honestly think that you can do better next time, which it sounds like you can as you said you only spent 2 weeks studying, I think you might be wise to take it again. Albeit there is much stress involved, but we are talking about your future here and a little bit of stress for a couple more weeks in exchange for a possible admission into the dental school of your choice may very well be worth it. If you decide to spend more time studying I suggest getting more materials like the Destroyer and Acheiver which are more on the money for the DAT. On the other hand, if you felt like you did all that you could have done then you shouldn't be ashamed of your scores they are pretty solid and your double major will definitely help you.
Whatever you choose, good luck!

 

[thefifthbeatle]

Dude, I don't know what people are saying..those scores are nice!!!! Apply NOW and you will get in somewhere!!!

 

[xoangelxo]

your scores are awesome...a good average and u have that 24 that sticks out. I would ONLY take it again if you know you would study tons more, otherwise don't risk dropping your scores.
I'm taking the test in 1 week! I did the same as you, kaplan and now topscore. I cant believe you said "There wasn't a single question about hormones, menstrual cycles, cellular respiration, comparative anatomy". That scares me bc thats all Ive been trying to understand/memorize. Please tell me what you suggest to prepare for the bio section and what the questions were like. Thanks!

 

[blasterx]

Those are very solid scores. And more importantly, they are consistent. You also have a solid GPA to go with it. I say you're good. 👍

 

[eravin99]

what was bio on then if it didn't include any of those topics you mentioned?

 

[mut9ya]

how were the RC passages and questions compare to the practice tests you took?
Thanks.

 

[RyGuy7]

how were the RC passages and questions compare to the practice tests you took?
Thanks.

The reading sections were actually pretty easy, very similar to the practices for the most part. The only thing I noticed that was different was there were more questions like "the general attitude of the author in this article was.... " and "what would be the best conclusion to the last paragraph...." More ACT style questions I suppose. But those were few probably only one or two per passage. Other than that there were pretty straight forward.


As for biology.. I cant really remember anymore, sorry.