Opinions on Retaking DAT

[la_fille]

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[Connauton]

I think I would keep it. PAT isn't a huge factor, and an 18 isn't terrible.... but an AA of 23 is definitely above average. I'd say keep it.

 

[skyguy1]

keeeep, are you crazy!!! well done! btw how did they calculate TS as 21

 

[FeralisExtremum]

keeeep, are you crazy!!! well done! btw how did they calculate TS as 21

TS isn't actually an average of the three science sections. They add up the number of questions you got right in those three sections and then scale it separately.

 

[skyguy1]

TS isn't actually an average of the three science sections. They add up the number of questions you got right in those three sections and then scale it separately.

oh thanks didnt know that!

 

[DAT Destroyer]

Hi all. I took my DAT's a few days ago, and I'm on the fence about retaking, so I was hoping for some advice. Your honest opinions will be greatly appreciated! Tell it like it is. Really. Just a quick background about myself. I am an economics major graduating this year and I'm planning on applying this cycle. My GPA isn't so stellar. 3.3 overall and a 3.1 sGPA. In all honesty, I just never really knew how to study well until junior year of college. It sounds stupid, I know. But I did show upward trends in my grades from then on and did significantly better this past semester. I have a fair amount of volunteering hours and a ton of shadowing hours (300+). So that's a very simplified overview of myself as an applicant. Here are my DAT scores:

BIO: 18
GC: 30
OC: 21
PAT: 18
RC: 21
QR: 24
TS: 21
AA: 23

I'm pleased with my AA but it's the Bio and PAT sections that are really getting to me. Those were always my weakest sections, so I concentrated most of my studying on those areas in the weeks leading up to the test. I was averaging 20's on my Bootcamp Bio and PAT tests a few days before my actual test, so the lower scores are a bit disappointing to me. I was really hoping for a 20 in every section, so I am torn on whether or not to retake my DAT's. So SDN members, if you were in my shoes, what would you do?

Congratulations, very commendable scores and they should easily overshadow your science GPA. It's not often you see a 30 scored on a section of the DAT and 30 in General Chemistry will get their attention. Make sure you have a will written and error free personal statement. The volunteering and shadowing you have done will also be taken into consideration. In my opinion a retake is not necessary, but I always recommend calling the schools you are applying to and ask them.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Nancy

 

[swindoll]

OP, I have somewhat similar scores...also a high AA, but 18 and 19 on two sections. I was in exactly the same predicament, and had a hard time deciding whether I should retake the test or not. After doing some research online and talking to multiple people, I decided that I'm not going to retake it. Let us know what you decide!

 

[la_fille]

Thank you all for your responses! I decided not to retake and focus that energy into improving other aspects of my application. I've also asked around, including a few friends in dental schools for their opinions and a majority of them told me to stick with it and try to prepare a strong personal statement and get some good recommendation letters. I wish everyone applying this cycle the best of luck and thanks again for all your input!

 

[superluminal]

Awesome turnaround dude 🙂