Looking for Answers

[cookie83]

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Many of the people posting their DAT scores in SDN seem to be well above the national average and score levels of most dental schools. From the most recent data that I've seen, I've come to generally consider 18's to be a competitive score for middle to lower end dental schools. My DAT scores are 18/17/20 and should be relatively competitive since none of my scores are below a 17. Although my application is based more around a solid gpa and extracorricular activities, should I worry about my DAT scores? 👍 👎 If so, is a re-take before the end of this cycle realistic? (my test date was Aug. 25)

I know that some of the members who post on these forumns are over qualified applicants with their 21+ DAT scores and 3.8+ gpa. Advice from people who were/are in my shoes would be greatly appreciated.

 

[beannaithe]

I'm not exactly in your shoes, but it really depends on your GPA. If your GPA is average, say 3.0 then you should probably retake to make yourself a little more competitive. If your GPA is better then average, say 3.4 or so, I'd say try to ride it out.

You could always call your schools individually and ask them what they'd think if you didn't retake it. Some schools will directly tell you to do that.

Also depending on when you got your AADSAS in will have an impact on that too.

Just good luck.

 

[cookie83]

3.53 gpa, 3.35ish science gpa

 

[beannaithe]

You've got a solid GPA. I'd say call the schools and see what they think. They should be able to tell you straight out what they want.

When did you send in your AADSAS?

 

[cookie83]

My AADSAS app. was sent out on Aug. 4th, but I didn't take the DAT till Aug. 25th so my application has only been completed for review for 2 or less weeks.

 

[SpikeyMike83]

i certainly know where you're coming from. I too had the problem of trying to decide to retake. I ended up doing so, today in fact, and did the same in the sections i was specifically trying to raise. Everything else stayed the same or lowered by a point or 2.

i hope that there are a lot of people out there with more average stats, rather than the high ones we see on SDN so often!

 

[beannaithe]

on average the scores that you will see when people apply are MUCH LESS then what is here on SDN. SDN is just a lot of smart people who come here. so while someone's numbers might be low in comparison to people on SDN, they will be average or slightly above average when it comes to the different schools.

 

[cookie83]

Well i thought I did great on the PAT section with a 20 (supposedly I'm in the 97 percentile from what my score report says) and then I see people posting 21+ on all sections and its a little discouraging. I know that not every does that well that applies, but it makes me question my scores. 😕

O well, if anyone else wants to suggest what I should do I'm still all ears. As it stands now I'm gonna wait to hear what my dental schools say before acting to quickly.

 

[cookie83]

Well i thought I did great on the PAT section with a 20 (supposedly I'm in the 97 percentile from what my score report says) and then I see people posting 21+ on all sections and its a little discouraging. I know that not every does that well that applies, but it makes me question my scores. 😕

O well, if anyone else wants to suggest what I should do I'm still all ears. As it stands now I'm gonna wait to hear what my dental schools say before acting to quickly.

 

[luder98]

1. It really depends on which schools you applied to. Look at the schools entering stats will give you an idea where you stand. If you are too far off, then re-take it.
2. You know you best. You took the DAT. You are the only one that can tell if you can improve. If you know you can, you will. My only advice to you is to spend more time on the subjects you are weak, but don't forget the ones that you are good at.

Good Luck!

 

[spc213]

Cookie,

On paper, you and I are similar, even including DAT and application dates. Last year at this time, I was prepared to take the DAT again in late NOV if I had to. You just need to wait a little longer.

Your app has not likely been processed by AADSAS (if it has, great!), but mine didn't get to schools until the first week of OCT, and by the end of OCT I had invites to two interviews, and three more before the end of the Fall semester. My rec. is for you to be prepared to take it again, but wait and see what kind of activity your application generates, and then make a decision by the first week of NOV.

Be patient and good luck!

 

[cookie83]

Thanks for the advice 🙂

 

[DieselKJ]

I have come to the conclusion that there is a correlation between high DAT scores and computer/internet skills, so that's why it seems like everyone on here has an awesome DAT score. I personally know 5 people that took the DAT and not one of them scored above a 17, so don't be discouraged by all the smart people on this site.

 

[SuperC]

Don't get me wrong SDN is an invaluable resource, but.... I get the felling sometimes that a lot of people come here to "toot their horn". Posting Insane GPA's and even better DAT scores.

I have to admit, I love to "toot my horn" just as much as the next guy. So I am equally as guilty.

The bottom line: Look at dental school averages.... For the sake of discussion, we will use UF's stats for fall, 2005. (http://www.dental.ufl.edu/Offices/Admissions/DMD/Class_profiles.html)

Mean Overall GPA: 3.53
Mean Science GPA: 3.45
DAT Mean Academic Average: 19
DAT Mean Perceptual Ability: 18

So for fun, consider this… Say in 2006 accepts 10 students… Here are their stats, using the convention (Overall/Science/AA/PA)
1: (My Stats – AADSAS calculation) 2.96/3.31/19/19
2: 3.1/3.3/24/21
3: 3.8/3.8/23/20
4: 3.9/3.6/18/16
5: 3.7/3.2/17/23
6: 3.3/3.4/20/17
7: 3.6/2.8/23/21
8: 3.0/2.8/18/19
9: 3.5/3.9/22/19
10: 3.8/3.6/21/19

UF’s fall 2006 Class has the stats (rounding to 2 sigfigs)
Mean Overall GPA: 3.5
Mean Science GPA: 3.4
DAT Mean Academic Average: 19
DAT Mean Perceptual Ability: 18

I know you can figure this out for yourself, but this will put things into perspective for BOTH of us…

Bottom line… Yes, on SDA there is a bunch of people with GREAT stats and the mock UF class of 2006 is no exception but, when you look at the individual figures ALONG, with the overall picture, there is room for all types….

When in doubt, find the “Under the 3.0” thread…. Pages upon pages of people out there dealing with the samething…

If you really want to be a dentist, I mean REALLY, want it…. Where the is a will, there is a way…

Never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, give up.
-Winston Churchill

-C