Low DAT-Application Question (long)

[bjhath]

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Okay, here it goes...

I have been lurking for a while and have gotten a lot of good info and help from these boards. Thanks everybody!

I took the DAT today and my scores aren't great, but are good considering my situation. If anybody with experience can provide me with constructive input, I would greatly appreciate it.

I'll provide a little bit of background before I post my scores and my questions.

I have been a mechanical engineer for 5 years and am changing careers. I enjoy engineering, but want something more than the paper pushing project management role that is an engineering career. I have shadowed several dentists and know that it is a good career fit and is one that I will love. To add to my conundrum, I am geographically confined to the bay area (due to family) and therefore am only applying to UCSF and UOP.

I have a BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering from UC Berkeley with good grades (~3.5 for both overall and engineering). I just started the fall semester at the local JC to fulfill prerequisites. I am currently taking bio and o-chem (this will come in to play shortly) among others.

So, on to my scores:

PAT 19 (this is low for me - I was expecting 23+ based on practice exams (kaplan, barrons, achiever). And I felt confident while I was taking it!!!)
QR 19
RC 23
Bio 16 (low, but good for me, considering I haven't taken bio yet and learned it on my own over the past 3 months)
GC 20
OC 16 (same as bio - a low score, but I taught myself o-chem over the past 3 months)
TS 17
AA 19

So, my questions:

On my personal statement, should I acknowledge that my bio and o-chem scores are low, but counter this by pointing out that I am extremely motivated and determined by highlighting the fact that I learned the material on my own over the past 3 months? Or should I not mention it?

How much does everything else come into play on the application?
Will the BS and MS in ME be taken into account with respect to my academic potential in dental school?
How much does career/life experience come into play when applying?

I know I will rock the DAT for the 2009 cycle, but I really want to avoid a years' delay in starting my new career.

Thanks for reading and thanks for any input you can provide!

enjoy,

brian

 

[Nik2012]

I wouldn't talk about your DAT scores in your personal statement. Save that for the interview, but only if they ask you about it. Just my thoughts.

 

[yorkiepoo]

yeah i agree. definately don't mention that in your ps. you want to talk about you in your ps. good luck.

 

[diane07]

Make sure you have all the required pre-requisites for the schools you plan to apply to.

 

[bjhath]

Here is my thinking... I am afraid if I don't mention it, my scores alone will get my application relegated to the circular file.

But, if I mention it briefly at the end of my ps, and word it right, I can use this situation to illustrate a part of who I am: motivated, determined, self starter, quick learner, etc. Maybe this will give me an in and an interview.

I don't know, I am still suffering from post-DAT slushy brain syndrome.

enjoy,

brian

 

[Cymbidium]

Here is my thinking... I am afraid if I don't mention it, my scores alone will get my application relegated to the circular file.

But, if I mention it briefly at the end of my ps, and word it right, I can use this situation to illustrate a part of who I am: motivated, determined, self starter, quick learner, etc. Maybe this will give me an in and an interview.

I don't know, I am still suffering from post-DAT slushy brain syndrome.

enjoy,

brian

I, personally would touch on my scores in one sentance. I mentioned a few low points on my transcript briefly, but then moved on.

Some kids get the same scores in Bio and O-chem that you did and they've already taken the class! I would point out that your score can only go up.

 

[Daniel Schruth]

Brian-

I want to pick up the phone and call you! You just said the story of my life! Ha ha!

Here's what I think. You may have an outside shot with UoP and UCSF, but man those are two of the most competitive schools in the U.S. What you do have going for you is descent grades from a good school, age, and the fact that you are from the bay area. If you are married and have a family I guarantee you that the interview will go better. People may him and haw about that, but its true.

I was working the exact same type of job as you for the last 4 years and decided to change careers. I can't believe you scored a 16 without taking ochem or bio! That's incredible. I really really wanted to apply last cycle without taking those classes yet and much to my disappointment at the time I had to hold off a year.

My advice is to hold off a year take those classes along with some anatomy and microbiology and study for the test next year. You will dominate it considering how well you did already.

Hold off. Look at it this way. What difference does it make if you retire when you are 65 rather than 64??????? In the grand scheme of things most people I know that are nearing retirement don't really want to anyway.

If you have any questions feel free to ask, I feel you pain.

dan

 

[Daniel Schruth]

I don't know though. A 3.5 from Berkely in engineering is pretty ridiculous. Maybe roll the dice and see how goes?

 

[phraud]

I think UoP has a cutoff off score of 17 for all sections of the DAT.

 

[bjhath]

Thanks everybody for the kind words and candid responses. I realize that, at this time, my chances for the 2008 cycle border on slim and ...

Maybe roll the dice and see how goes?

Danny, this is exactly what I plan to do. At the minimum, I will get experience in the process and have all my ducks in a row for the 2009 cycle.

And here's to not accepting a career where you are just working for a paycheck!!! Life is a one shot deal and I am not going to spend it doing something I don't enjoy, regardless of the money.

If I can just get an interview I am confident I will do well. If I don't get an interview, I haven't lost anything (besides a few hundred dollars). If I do and it doesn't work out, hopefully I can get constructive criticism for next year.

Thanks again everybody.

enjoy,

brian

 

[Daniel Schruth]

yeah, give it a shot and see what happens.

Also, if it doesn't work out this year you can just destroy the test next year and insure you get into pacific and take back the year you waited......it will fly by.

d

 

[vaio]

i would recommend taking the DAT over again; 16 may be close to if not the cut off for some schools.