Please help-Should I retake the DAT?

[ukgirl]

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Hi guys

I am new to this forum and I really need advice!!!!

I took my first DAT in 2006 and the second in 2008.

My first score/second score are the following:

AA: 19/20
Bio: 21/23
Orgo: 22/26
Gen chem: 19/18
Reading: 18/20
PAT: 14/19
QR: 15/15😡

Science Gpa: 3.83
Overall gpa: 3.93

The one I am concerned with is QR. I know dental schools want all 20's across. However, I feel like I need to improve upon other extracurricular activities-shadowing. I have done no research. I have done no volunteer work related to dentistry. I am applying for the 2009 cycle (I want to send my application in May). I am planning to use my spring/summer to build up on the extra stuff. My question is should I retake the test or just build up on the extra things in the application?

 

[topdent1]

Hi guys

I am new to this forum and I really need advice!!!!

I took my first DAT in 2006 and the second in 2008.

My first score/second score are the following:

AA: 19/20
Bio: 21/23
Orgo: 22/26
Gen chem: 19/18
Reading: 18/20
PAT: 14/19
QR: 15/15😡

Science Gpa: 3.83
Overall gpa: 3.93

The one I am concerned with is QR. I know dental schools want all 20's across. However, I feel like I need to improve upon other extracurricular activities-shadowing. I have done no research. I have done no volunteer work related to dentistry. I am applying for the 2009 cycle (I want to send my application in May). I am planning to use my spring/summer to build up on the extra stuff. My question is should I retake the test or just build up on the extra things in the application?

your scores look fine. I would pay attention on building up your ec, such as shadowing and volunteering.

 

[Orgodox]

Yea the scores are good and the orgo and bio are strong. I would say work on ec because without any even with good gpa and good scores your at a disadvantage. Good luck

 

[rose786]

Your scores are good, worry about the rest. You should have already started volunteering/shadowing long ago, but you probably already know that.

 

[alltheway]

I totally agree with what everybody else said here. Good luck

 

[doc3232]

Your stats look amazing, but your QR will stop you from getting into the most competitive D-schools. IMO you will get in for sure. whats was your TS?

 

[SanOnofre2002]

The 15 QR will automaticaly get your a rejection from a handful of schools that have DAT minimums. I think Case is one of them and put it at 17 (any section) this year. I don't have a list but it would be worthwhile to research it (maybe in ADEA guide this year?) so you don't waste money on those places. With that said, I would not retake the test. You had some significant improvements, a 20AA is great, and your GPA is stellar. You should be able to get in to a lot of schools.

 

[doc3232]

The 15 QR will automaticaly get your a rejection from a handful of schools that have DAT minimums. I think Case is one of them and put it at 17 (any section) this year. I don't have a list but it would be worthwhile to research it (maybe in ADEA guide this year?) so you don't waste money on those places. With that said, I would not retake the test. You had some significant improvements, a 20AA is great, and your GPA is stellar. You should be able to get in to a lot of schools.

ya, i agree but thats only the top schools, for mid-tier I think you would be fine.

 

[ukgirl]

Your stats look amazing, but your QR will stop you from getting into the most competitive D-schools. IMO you will get in for sure. whats was your TS?

I believe my TS was 21.

Also I have done volunteering and shadowing. I just meant that I chould do more.

But thanks for the tips!!!!!

 

[Tweetie pie]

Hey Ukgirl: don't worry about ur QR too much. I had the similar QR. Not many dental schools look at QR. So, no worries. Your scores are pretty solid. You should just go ahead and apply. I am sure you will earn a few interviews with these scores and gpa.

 

[jigabodo]

QR is usually the section least looked at by Adcomms, so I think your scores are fine and you have a great shot of getting accepted. 🙂

 

[TheWiredNerv]

The 15 QR will automaticaly get your a rejection from a handful of schools that have DAT minimums. I think Case is one of them and put it at 17 (any section) this year. I don't have a list but it would be worthwhile to research it (maybe in ADEA guide this year?) so you don't waste money on those places. With that said, I would not retake the test. You had some significant improvements, a 20AA is great, and your GPA is stellar. You should be able to get in to a lot of schools.

I disagree with you and doc3232 completely. Don't listen to them. Apply to whatever dental school you want. They should all consider you with those scores. A 15 in QR did not hold me back, even in the slightest.

 

[doc3232]

I disagree with you and doc3232 completely. Don't listen to them. Apply to whatever dental school you want. They should all consider you with those scores. A 15 in QR did not hold me back, even in the slightest.

I think you misunderstood me. I am just saying that some schools do have automatic cutoffs. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't still apply to your dream school.

 

[SanOnofre2002]

I disagree with you and doc3232 completely. Don't listen to them. Apply to whatever dental school you want. They should all consider you with those scores. A 15 in QR did not hold me back, even in the slightest.

Apparently you haven't mastered disagreeing with manners. I don't think researching schools to look for ones with DAT cutoffs is such bad advice. If you have first-hand knowledge of applying with one low score, then give your input without dumping on people that are trying to help.

 

[ukgirl]

I think you misunderstood me. I am just saying that some schools do have automatic cutoffs. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't still apply to your dream school.

Okay.....I think the best thing for me is to just call the admissions advisor for the schools I want to get into.......hopefully I can compensate my QR with the other scores and my GPA.

Has anyone called a dental school for unofficial advise regarding your DAT and gpa score?

 

[TheWiredNerv]

I apologize if I came off harsh, I didn't mean to.

To OP, cut off's aren't really enforced so much, especially on the QR section. I got into every school that had a cut-off section so don't worry. If you got a 15 in another section like bio, you would have more of a chance of getting one of these cut-offs but even still, one bad section can be overshadowed by other parts of your DAT.

Now EC may not be a big deal and you don't need research to get in. What you do need is dental shadowing as you mentioned and leadership activities. Leadership is pretty big at some schools and you may get asked at an interview if you don't have any on your application. They can be anything from organizing some sort of event or community service to being president of the student government organization. If you have some of these things then your 15 QR won't matter at all.

Out of all my interviews my 15 in QR was brought up in one and the guy told me it wasn't a big deal as they look at the whole picture.

Hope this help and I wish you the best. I apologize again if I came off as rude.

 

[doc3232]

I apologize if I came off harsh, I didn't mean to.

To OP, cut off's aren't really enforced so much, especially on the QR section. I got into every school that had a cut-off section so don't worry. If you got a 15 in another section like bio, you would have more of a chance of getting one of these cut-offs but even still, one bad section can be overshadowed by other parts of your DAT.

Now EC may not be a big deal and you don't need research to get in. What you do need is dental shadowing as you mentioned and leadership activities. Leadership is pretty big at some schools and you may get asked at an interview if you don't have any on your application. They can be anything from organizing some sort of event or community service to being president of the student government organization. If you have some of these things then your 15 QR won't matter at all.

Out of all my interviews my 15 in QR was brought up in one and the guy told me it wasn't a big deal as they look at the whole picture.

Hope this help and I wish you the best. I apologize again if I came off as rude.

Nothing can come between our friendship right? 😀😀
😉

 

[ukgirl]

Just got a Case invite without retaking the DAT!!!