Low DAT score, apply June 1st or try for better score in summer then apply

[cmF]

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My question is, how much does it really matter that you apply at the earliest filing data (6/1/2012)? I've had some advisors tell me applying immediately shows preparedness and should be a high priority. I've had other advisors tell me that schools don't really mind that much, (granted you don't apply later December).

My goal is to try and reach 21 or better on both AA and PAT to be really competitive. I'd like to reach this goal over the summer when I have all the time in the world to study. At what point would an application be too late? July, August, September? Thanks in advance for the help! 🙂

Some background information:

Science GPA: 3.4
Overall GPA: 3.2
AA score: 18
PAT score: 20
Good shadowing and letters

Top schools:
UOP
USC
Western
Boston
NYU

 

[youknowthedrill]

I talked to two schools and both told me that they won't even look at applications until August. Other schools may prefer June applicants. Your GPA is on the lower side so you take the risk of a rejection if you apply before you retake the DAT. I would call each of the schools that you listed and ask them for advice.

 

[SupDanLOL]

Retake the DAT in June/early July.

edit: Submit your application in June. Fill out that you will be taking the DAT again on (insert date here). If you'd like, you can even email the schools to notify them to wait for the new scores.

This way you get your app in, and all they are waiting for is the couple of weeks it takes to see your DAT scores after you've taken them. This is what I did. Everything was completely in by early August. So far I can say that BU, Tufts, Uconn, Penn, and Columbia haven't seemed to mind the "lateness" of my application.

 

[predent18]

Why can't you take your dat in June? Your odds drop every week you are past June 1st. I have really good stats but because I applied later some schools haven't even reviewed my app yet and it has been months.

 

[doc toothache]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=11996627#post11996627
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=774287
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=400209

 

[katwoman1688]

My question is, how much does it really matter that you apply at the earliest filing data (6/1/2012)? I've had some advisors tell me applying immediately shows preparedness and should be a high priority. I've had other advisors tell me that schools don't really mind that much, (granted you don't apply later December).

My goal is to try and reach 21 or better on both AA and PAT to be really competitive. I'd like to reach this goal over the summer when I have all the time in the world to study. At what point would an application be too late? July, August, September? Thanks in advance for the help! 🙂

Some background information:

Science GPA: 3.4
Overall GPA: 3.2
AA score: 18
PAT score: 20
Good shadowing and letters

Top schools:
UOP
USC
Western
Boston
NYU

What's your spread of DAT scores? If UOP is a top choice - you need to apply day 1 June 1st don't delay or put your app on hold bc of the DAT. UOP likes high DAT scores they're average is ~21 so if this is the school you wanna go to...retake it for sure. The rest will take lower DAT scores, but I would still apply as early as possible it'll give you a better shot. But an academic average of an 18, I would definitely redo it gluck!

 

[ChapelHillT]

Yes. lol

No seriously, do both. Apply as early as you feel comfortable (June, though the 1st vs the 20th is going to make a lick of difference...just have it in by the end of the month and you'll still be super early) and take the DAT shortly thereafter.

 

[Silencio]

People who drink the kool aid believe in the myth of first come, first served. Fact is most schools only invite the strongest candidates for early interview spots. I believe only LECOM and the Midwestern's reviewed apps in June/July in this app season.

I took my DAT in late Aug and scored 3 pre-Dec interviews and 4 post-Dec ones.

 

[Polk]

People who drink the kool aid believe in the myth of first come, first served. Fact is most schools only invite the strongest candidates for early interview spots.

I was in the first interview of the season at MUSC. The dean told us that we all had one thing in common; our applications were submitted early. He said it showed our time management skills and our preparedness. They like that.

If that is not a testament to having your app in ASAP then I don't know what is.

 

[AwesomeTeeth]

People who drink the kool aid believe in the myth of first come, first served. Fact is most schools only invite the strongest candidates for early interview spots.

Its not a myth. You do gain a slight edge by submitting at the beginning of the cycle. Depending on the school, more people are able to review your application so you have a greater chance of an interview. It probably doesn't matter for schools that interview later but for schools that interview early, it makes a big difference. State schools in particular like everything in early.

To OP, retake the DAT as soon as you can and apply in july.