Optimal Test Timeline

[Kittenz]

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What days are optimal to take the DAT to be early in the timeline of applications cycle? It's obvious that having it completed before June 3rd is best, but before what days is the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc.. best times to take it that would give me more time to study, and be put at less of a disadvantage? I can't start studying until early May, so if I can have any extra time to study, I'll take it. I understand dental schools will vary, but the more insight the better. Thank you so much!

 

[sjv]

First batch is usually sent out the last week in June (batches are sent out each Friday) and the DAT usually takes 2-3 weeks to process scores so you can do the math. Applying in June/July is considered early and the DAT is not required for your application to be sent out if completed ahead of time, your DAT scores would go out in the next batch after they are processed.

 

[Kittenz]

So if the first batch is sent out in the last week of June, and taking that DAT follows at least a 2week delay to be in a batch, taking the DAT late June would mean you may be in a 2nd or 3rd batch? What constiutes as an early batch versus normal/late batch?

 

[sjv]

June/July submission is considered early so whether you're in the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd batch doesn't matter. It is unlikely that your application will be even looked at that early so a June DAT is fine.

 

[Kittenz]

Thank you, that's really insightful. Do others agree or disagree with this? 1st vs 2nd vs 3rd batch does not make a difference? I've heard applications are not looked at until the end of July, but I'm not entirely sure if it's true.

 

[sjv]

Thank you, that's really insightful. Do others agree or disagree with this? 1st vs 2nd vs 3rd batch does not make a difference? I've heard applications are not looked at until the end of July, but I'm not entirely sure if it's true.

It obviously varies by schools, some are notorious for starting to look at apps a bit later than most. I would check last year's thread for each school you're interested in to get an idea when application complete/interview invite emails start going out. The end of July would ~5th/6th batch.

Glimmer wrote a post about this same topic: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/the-first-batch-hullabaloo.1065887/