Just took DAT... personal statement

[SuperTank]

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I have just completed the DAT, but I had some questions regarding my personal statement, and what I should/should not talk about in my personal statement. Let me explain...

I originally was applying to dental school in 2005, I had taken the DAT and started the application process, but I did not finish it. My original DAT scores were:

PA:23
QR:20
RC:21
Bio:19
Chem:22
GChem:19
TS:20
AA:20

For about a year after I graduated in 2006 I worked as a dental claims processor for an insurance company. I then spent the last two years in Europe as a volunteer for my church. I got back mid May, and just took the DAT again today, about two hours ago. My scores were:

PA:25
QR:19
RC:28
Bio:17
Chem:19
GChem:19
TS:18
AA:20

Although I studied intensively over the last 5 weeks, focusing mainly on the sciences, I know that my score was adversely affected by the amount of time I have been out of school (4 years). What should I say/not say in the personal statement to convey this message, and turn it into a positive? I had an overall GPA of 3.51 ans science GPA of 3.48.

Any help you ca provide would be appreciated. THANKS!
-SuperTank

 

[g23armani]

I wouldn't address your lower DAT in your personal statement. Instead I would focus on the new perspective and strengths you gained in your years off.

 

[SuperTank]

The problem is that my lower DAT, in most areas, is the DAT that I took today... how do I get around talking about it? Just not talk about the DAT at all? They should see both scores anyway, right?

 

[PrivateJoker]

A lot of schools will really like that 28 RC and 25 PA. I think as long as your other stuff is solid you are going to be fine. You might mention taking some time off but I would not mention it in relation to your lower score that I think is much better in terms of what some schools really focus on.

I had a friend get in with high RC and PAT scores. I think a lot of schools figure they can teach you the material but they cannot teach you how to read or visualize something. So as long as your scores in the sciences are average I think you have a really good chance. Nice job.

 

[bennijai]

Never mention anything negative in your PS. Adcoms will usually skim through it and if they were to read more into the negative aspects it may linger in their mind. Just leave the question of "why did you do worst on your second DAT?" for your interviews.

 

[Sugafoot79]

A lot of schools will really like that 28 RC and 25 PA. I think as long as your other stuff is solid you are going to be fine. You might mention taking some time off but I would not mention it in relation to your lower score that I think is much better in terms of what some schools really focus on.

I had a friend get in with high RC and PAT scores. I think a lot of schools figure they can teach you the material but they cannot teach you how to read or visualize something. So as long as your scores in the sciences are average I think you have a really good chance. Nice job.

I'ma have to side with Joker on this one. I totally agree with high RC and PAT and with an avg TS... your golden. Just speak in a creative non-fictional sense when writing you PS.

Hope this helps😀

 

[longhornpride]

There is no need to talk about your DAT scores. You may have scored lower the second time, but you didn't score poorly. Those scores are solid.

Use your personal statement to talk about your great experiences in Europe and how it helped you grow as a person. Don't use your essay to justify something negative or as an excuse. Use it in such a way so that you can show them how wonderful of a person you are and how passing you up will be the biggest mistake they can make.

I don't think you'll have any problems getting into dental schools.

 

[SuperTank]

Thanks for the advice, everyone, I really do appreciate it. It answered the questions that I had. If you have any other pointers, I'd gladly welcome them. Thanks again!
-SuperTank