Non-traditional 3.8 GPA, 4.0 science, 17 DAT

[Dr.Penny]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I think I pushed it too much...I started studying in mid May and took the test in July without having taken ochem II. I attempted to teach myself and I think that took a lot of time out of practicing and reviewing. Plus, I get SOOO nervous with standardized tests. Im great in school- I will learn anything!

Should I wait to apply for the following year, 2016? Will someone find my story unique or will my DAT score just ruin any chance I have this go around? Im not quite sure where to go from here. If not, I know I'd kill the DAT next go round.

Any advice/ similar stories would be VERY appreciated

 

[jmh018]

GPA is obviously solid. I would recommend a retake on the DAT. As for not taking Ochem 2, did you use Chad's videos at all? He is just about all you need for chemistry (Ochem and gen chem). He covers everything you will need for the test. For bio I would recommend AP prep books. Lots of high yield material from those. Look through some successful DAT breakdowns on here for the specific ones recommended, my test was a few years ago so I don't remember. QR I can't get much advice. Chad's videos has some review videos for those but more resources are needed. The videos are a good place to start though. I got an 18 in QR so I can't be much help there. The first time I took the DAT I got a 14 on QR. Chad's Videos helped get me to an 18 but other resources would have been a good idea.

Good luck!


Air Force HPSP Recipient
Dental Student Class of 2017

http://dentalstudentdds.wordpress.com

 

[dentalWorks]

You'll have a hardtime getting acceptances with such disconnect between the GPA and DAT, I recommend retake as well... that 16 in biology is bad.
You gotta do something about the nervousness, whether it be counseling, medications, or whatever else method.

Plan the retake, if you score better, you can still apply in september / october of this year

 

[doc toothache]

Not following protocol took a big bite out of your ego.

 

[Dr.Penny]

So sorry, I didn't get notification that people responded. Thank you for all of your advice. I decided to just go for it and apply. I can handle rejection. I will definitely study and practice more and retake this year. If I cant go to school until 2016 it is not the end of the world! At least I gave it everything I have for this round.

I did use chad's videos and they were awesome. I had everything memorized but I think I failed at practicing enough. My biology background is weak and I think I will do more reading, especially on genetics.

I know what to expect on the exam so I think I will be less nervous. It isn't impossible and I know I am fully capable of doing well.

 

[Danielqta]

18 on OChem without taking the class is pretty impressive, I think.

 

[cacajuate]

I think you'd still stand a chance some places.

 

[Nickthegreek]

Coming from another non-traditional student I'd say you were over ambitious and went at a faster pace than you should have. But thats water under the bridge now. I say just apply to a few schools so you dont spend to much money and see what happens. Moving forward I say give yourself at least 9 months of solid studying for the DAT if the material is pretty new or foreign. I studied until I felt that I knew the material well and I used as many materials and sources as I could. I used the kaplan book, dat destroyer, dat bootcamp,chads videos, and crack the dat. Move forward and give yourself ample time to study and retake the DAT now.

I've been a pharmacist for 9 years now and I thought about switching to dentistry. Its been 13 years since I took the classes so I studied for about 9 months while working. I would have 2-3 days off a week and I would literally study all day. But it paid off and it all came back.

 

[DentalDoge]

I think the biggest disadvantage you'd have is the disconnect between your GPA and DAT.

It will have the adcoms REALLY question your science abilities, especially since you have been out of academia for a number of years. A low DAT score shows that you have not retain that knowledge. Im not saying thats the case because when I took the MCAT I was really nervous and ended up not doing well, was not because of the lack of knowledge and preparation.

Regardless whether that's true, most schools will want to see that you have a solid background in science, especially upper level ones. I think when you take Orgo 2 this year (or already taken), this could be a chance to show that you really have the sciences down.

 

[Nickthegreek]

Oh and when you do problems practice them under a time constraint as you get better!

 

[toothshine]

Since you've already applied, just see how it goes. If you do retake, I don't think you need 9 months to study for it. The material should be fresh in your mind considering you've just done your post-bacc. I'd suggest 2-3 months of studying (unless you work full time - I worked part-time and studied for my DATs in ~2 months). For Bio, Cliff's AP + Ferrali's Notes are super helpful. I'd also run through the Destroyer (for all subjects) if you can.

 

[Dr.Penny]

I would have to agree with all of you. Nickthegreek, thank you for sharing your story. It is nice to hear that not everyone studies for this exam in 6 weeks. I was definitely over ambitious and I think I realized that too last minute...so much time was spent on ochem and trying to learn biology I never saw. I will be taking upper level biology classes in spring. Dentaldoge, I agree that the disconnect is my biggest disadvantage and I need to lessen the gap between my grades and DAT score. However, I hope that there is a school that will want to take a chance on me and see that I have never made a bad grade in my college career and that every other aspect of my application is spot on. Thanks for the advice toothshine! I used all of those resources last time and plan to really get into them again when I re-take. cacajuate and danielqta, thanks for the positivity!