Low Dat Scores/Interviews

[Chemboy23]

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Ok, so I took my test Aug. 3rd. I was nearing the end of my test and the calculator screwed me over. So, I contacted ADA to see about a retake and they said it's not possible since I did not get up and go and find a TA. Little did I know the TAs were changing shifts and I could not see one. I didn't want time to go by, so I tried my hardest to finish. Well, I called today and she said she cannot grant me a retake (earlier than 90 days).

My problem is that I have payed out every single penny I have to schools in applying. The date is so working against me here. There's no way open seats will still be available if I take the test in Nov. My scores are horrible, but I have seen lower scores get in. I guess at this point, there's nothing I can do except hope I get an interview somewhere. Here are my scores:

PA-17
QR-16
RC-17 (pianoed)
Bio - 18
GC - 16 ----don't know how this happened, I tutored it for four years
OC - 20
TS -17
AA - 17

I am applying to a lot of schools with low DAT scores and GPAs.

-Midwestern (I know I probably will not get in here)
-ASDOH (avg GPA/DAT scores comparable + over 300 CS hours)
-Western
-Loma Linda (I'm a SDA)
-Mississippi
-Tennessee
-UNLV
-Temple


I have a really good life story. I wrote it all in there. Also, I am from MS and I thought maybe some schools here would look at it as "diversifying" their class. Really don't know what to do...I studied so hard for the test, just like most others. My nerves got the best of me.

So, the earliest possible date I can retake is Nov. 3, the game will most definitely be over by then, what do you think? So upset 🙁((

 

[Ohaishasan]

Possibly adding Midwestern IL might be a good idea. Newer schools typically have lower stats for their entering classes because of being less established. As you are in AZ now have you visited the schools and do people know your face? My advice is to plan on retaking but also on accepting your scores for now. Confidence goes a long way.

 

[Chemboy23]

true, yeah i will probably do that for sure. thanks for any advice.

 

[mustardseed5]

I really, really feel for you buddy. I don't know what to say so I'm going to say what I say most often when people solicit advice from me: You have got to keep pushing, move forward with your plans.
Check TRUE deadlines from all schools you plan to apply to. If they say their deadline is December or February, then that is when the deadline is. Avoid SDN hype. This site is great for finding study resources but can kill confidence if you stay too long. Get back on the horse--YOU HAVE NO CHOICE!!!!

Before all this, I would call ADA once more and who knows, maybe you'll talk to somebody different who will hear what you have to say. It's a long shot, but what do you have to lose by calling again?

Seriously now, don't you think you could re-prepare and seriously just obliterate the test in November?

Stay (+)

 

[RSD2014]

Ok, so I took my test Aug. 3rd. I was nearing the end of my test and the calculator screwed me over. So, I contacted ADA to see about a retake and they said it's not possible since I did not get up and go and find a TA. Little did I know the TAs were changing shifts and I could not see one. I didn't want time to go by, so I tried my hardest to finish. Well, I called today and she said she cannot grant me a retake (earlier than 90 days).

My problem is that I have payed out every single penny I have to schools in applying. The date is so working against me here. There's no way open seats will still be available if I take the test in Nov. My scores are horrible, but I have seen lower scores get in. I guess at this point, there's nothing I can do except hope I get an interview somewhere. Here are my scores:

PA-17
QR-16
RC-17 (pianoed)
Bio - 18
GC - 16 ----don't know how this happened, I tutored it for four years
OC - 20
TS -17
AA - 17

I am applying to a lot of schools with low DAT scores and GPAs.

-Midwestern (I know I probably will not get in here)
-ASDOH (avg GPA/DAT scores comparable + over 300 CS hours)
-Western
-Loma Linda (I'm a SDA)
-Mississippi
-Tennessee
-UNLV
-Temple


I have a really good life story. I wrote it all in there. Also, I am from MS and I thought maybe some schools here would look at it as "diversifying" their class. Really don't know what to do...I studied so hard for the test, just like most others. My nerves got the best of me.

So, the earliest possible date I can retake is Nov. 3, the game will most definitely be over by then, what do you think? So upset 🙁((

To be honest with you, I personally wouldn't apply with a 17/17 unless your gpa were almost perfect and you have a huge amount of volunteering. I would definitely retake the exam. No point in spending so much money to apply and the time to answer secondaries and to have no school offering an interview. I would spend that time to strength my gpa and study to retake the DAT. Retake the test while the material is still fresh in your mind....or you can start from scratch 1 year later and that's going to be a lot more work and time. And you'll have to spend the same amount of money to reapply to dental schools. Think about what you'll have to do to strengthen your profile if you were rejected. It's a harsh reality. But like your said, there have been lower scores that got in. Anything is possible, you just have to weigh that decision.

ADA might not grant you a retake before Nov, because the calculator issue can only attribute to the low score in math, not Gchem, RC, PAT.

Keep fighting. Retake. Do not give up.

 

[Chemboy23]

thanks guys. i know i probably will not get in this cycle. maybe it just wasn't meant to be. but i will keep fighting and pushing because i want to be a dentist so badly. I have wanted this since being a little boy and it's the only thing i can see myself doing. thanks again everyone! you guys are awesome!

 

[RSD2014]

thanks guys. i know i probably will not get in this cycle. maybe it just wasn't meant to be. but i will keep fighting and pushing because i want to be a dentist so badly. I have wanted this since being a little boy and it's the only thing i can see myself doing. thanks again everyone! you guys are awesome!

The harder the struggle, the sweeter the victory my friend.

 

[Chemboy23]

isn't that the truth!

 

[kkim85]

I had AA19 TS19 PA20 and 3.7 GPA but I only got two interviews. To be honest, 17 is below national average and so is your GPA. If I were you, I would just take a year off and spend more time on studying DAT. get that 20+ and you will be set next year.

 

[rnbaxter]

I had AA19 TS19 PA20 and 3.7 GPA but I only got two interviews. To be honest, 17 is below national average and so is your GPA. If I were you, I would just take a year off and spend more time on studying DAT. get that 20+ and you will be set next year.

Your an international student though. The people you were competing with probably had 20+ DAT and 4.0gpa.

 

[321931]

Your an international student though. The people you were competing with probably had 20+ DAT and 4.0gpa.

The excel file that I dl'd from one of Doc Toothaches posts show the following:

Boston: 21
NYU: 23
Case: 17
Penn: 19

I guess competition is extremely fierce on the international side.

 

[shahinc]

The excel file that I dl'd from one of Doc Toothaches posts show the following:

Boston: 21
NYU: 23
Case: 17
Penn: 19

I guess competition is extremely fierce on the international side.

Really ?? I talked to Boston and they told me theirs was 20 and NYU is 21 !!

Not too sure about the Case though .

But I agree, 17 is too low. I have a master and my GPA is over 3.8 but my DAT last year was 17 and I did not even get an interview. But on the other hand, I applied late in Dec and that could have had something to do with it.

 

[321931]

Really ?? I talked to Boston and they told me theirs was 20 and NYU is 21 !!

Not too sure about the Case though .

I dunno what year the excel file was. I tried looking for it in his profile/old posts but theres to many to look through, so I just read off the one I dl'd from him. -_-

 

[drpj]

Hey Chemboy,

It's crazy because last year I had similar DAT scores as you -- 17 AA/TS/PAT. My GPA was 3.6 overall/science. I had a really good personal statement as well. When I took the DAT the first time, I felt extremely prepared and felt that I could not have studied anymore since I felt like I knew a lot. I surprisingly landed one interview and did not get into that school (not surprised). I know you may be feeling extremely down because that's how I felt but honestly, don't let it get the best of you. Stay positive and you honestly never know what could happen! You might have a solid application that a school may like so keep your head up and just study for the DAT again... just in case.

I would HIGHLY suggest you re-take the DAT. It's possible to do really well the second time around just as long as you try your best; at least that's what happened with me because I studied my butt off AGAIN. Good Luck and don't give up! 🙂

 

[Chemboy23]

Thanks drpj for the encouragement. I will definitely take your advice to heart.

 

[txlonghorn]

You might still have a chance, but I would plan on retaking the DAT as soon as you can(in 90 days). Continue to prepare for the test during that time - know everything cold so that you definitely get in next cycle if it doesn't work out this cycle.

My finace got the same test as you last year and scored a 19AA and 21TS. She got a 17 on RC cause she freaked out when she saw the piano passage ( I think just seeing that passage freaked her out more). Well, she is retaking the test tomorrow hoping to do better. She got one interview last cycle with that score and a 3.2 overall/3.1 sci gpa. Anyway, good luck with everything!

 

[FurmanGal]

If the AVERAGE dat score for those accepted is around 19-20, there are most definitely scores above that average, and likewise, many accepted students who score below. I know people who have gotten in with way worse scores. It's not over til' its over. Blow them away at interviews... Good Luck! 🙂

 

[newmexomfs]

Chemboy I personally know 3 people who go into dental school as late as 3rd week of February. Things have changed now. More schools are filling their classes up a month after December 1st. A lot of people decline admission offers by the second week of January. I would suggest you to retake DAT in November.
Those were my two cents!