POLL: retake the DAT or not

[predentalguy20]

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PAT 18
QR 18
RC 17
Bio 18
Chem 20
Ochem 21
TS 19
AA 19

GPA: 3.5-3.6ish....
CC prereqs
Applying 2013

Gracias.

 

[ShneekyBiznaz]

Yes, you want numbers in the 20s for good schools. Although, you could risk it and apply with those numbers, but I think you'll be lucky to get maybe 2 interviews.

 

[predentalguy20]

Such a tough decision to make lol

 

[jeffity]

You're fine. You're all ready to roll for an early application. Given your list of schools, you just need to apply early. And having your DAT done puts you in good position to do so. Have your letters and statement ready to go in June too.

The CC pre-reqs might not be the most favorable thing, so really keep your GPA up at the 4-year and bulk up as planned in the spring. I'd say doing well there is more important than improving your DAT for your set of schools.

 

[shootingstar7]

I think your AA and TS scores are ok, but they have been brought up by your chem scores. 18 BIO and 17 RC might hold u back.

I think you should consider a retake. It is a relatively small investment to make ($365?), and a better score will protect the huge investment you will make during the application process (about $3500 for me after AADSAS, supplementals, suit, flights, hotels..etc). Did u follow any SDN study plans/advice? They are of great help.

 

[predentalguy20]

I think your AA and TS scores are ok, but they have been brought up by your chem scores. 18 BIO and 17 RC might hold u back.

I think you should consider a retake. It is a relatively small investment to make ($365?), and a better score will protect the huge investment you will make during the application process (about $3500 for me after AADSAS, supplementals, suit, flights, hotels..etc). Did u follow any SDN study plans/advice? They are of great help.

I am really considering a retake BUT I'm terrified of scoring lower because I actually studied hard first time.

 

[RazorbackDDS]

Retake, two schools told me a strong applicant has an academic average of 20 or above and no score of 18 or lower in any section. Maybe give this application cycle a shot if you don't have time to retake it, but don't throw away the kaplan book. If you're applying for the 2013 cycle, you have 5 or 6 months to study. Its called "dedication"

 

[ewu6three]

I have almost the exact same DAT scores (you are higher in OChem and Chem) and I have like 9 or 10 interviews this cycle. Don't retake just apply to as many schools as you can afford, and then after that apply to a couple more. You will be fine. Good luck. Oh and p.s. I am not URM, I know that was someones next question.

 

[predentalguy20]

Wow this is a tough decision. 50 50 on the poll.

 

[shootingstar7]

I have almost the exact same DAT scores (you are higher in OChem and Chem) and I have like 9 or 10 interviews this cycle. Don't retake just apply to as many schools as you can afford, and then after that apply to a couple more. You will be fine. Good luck. Oh and p.s. I am not URM, I know that was someones next question.

How many schools did u apply to?

 

[ewu6three]

how many schools did u apply to?

18.

 

[predentalguy20]

18.

Damn man lol. Any ivies?

 

[samdig]

I think you can get in with those scores but maybe not to schools that are your top choice (really depends on what else is on your application). But as long as you don't have anything below a 17 (unless it's QR) you're fine. The DAT is used by a lot of schools as a way to compensate for a low grade in a class. For example, if you got a C+ or B- in Ochem but a 23 on Ochem on the DAT, it helps. Your GPA suggests that you did well in all of your basic, prereq science courses so I think your DAT scores or sufficient for sure. Hope this helps a little!

 

[ewu6three]

Damn man lol. Any ivies?

Yes sir, I interview at Penn next week. I don't think it is worth the risk to retake.

 

[predentalguy20]

I think you can get in with those scores but maybe not to schools that are your top choice (really depends on what else is on your application). But as long as you don't have anything below a 17 (unless it's QR) you're fine. The DAT is used by a lot of schools as a way to compensate for a low grade in a class. For example, if you got a C+ or B- in Ochem but a 23 on Ochem on the DAT, it helps. Your GPA suggests that you did well in all of your basic, prereq science courses so I think your DAT scores or sufficient for sure. Hope this helps a little!

I got straight A's in all prereqs. Honestly I don't think I can ever improve reading. I'm a slow reader. Bio maybe but I don't know lol.

 

[UCSFx2017]

~0.50:~0.50

19/19/18 isn't that bad. Your stats probably fall within a half standard deviation below from the mean of all applicants who get accepted. If you want to be safe, you should study more and then retake.

18.

With that many schools, you have chance on your side.

 

[joshwake]

I strongly suggest you don't retake. Your scores will get you interviews. Apply very early and concentrate on getting some meaningful service that is dental related and maybe some that isn't. If you have some specific schools that you really want to go to, then you may need to retake, but if you apply to 20+ schools you will get in somewhere.

 

[predentalguy20]

~0.50:~0.50

19/19/18 isn't that bad. Your stats probably fall within a half standard deviation below from the mean of all applicants who get accepted. If you want to be safe, you should study more and then retake.



With that many schools, you have chance on your side.

I have 10k to spend on interview processes. So I believe I can apply to lots of schools.

 

[KittySquared]

I have 10k to spend on interview processes. So I believe I can apply to lots of schools.

I wouldn't take it if I were you. I'd do anything in my power right now to make sure everything is submitted to AADSAS on time and be the first batch of applicants. Then take the time to get a really good personal statement out of it. With the time you'd spend on the DAT again, I would really culture some good relationships with professors you'd like letters from and start collecting them ASAP. Even now, actually. I asked for all of mine around December or Jan and a few of them actually wrote a "thank you" email because I gave them a lot of time and stayed on top of it e.g. checking up w them every 2 weeks via email, coming to see them during lunch and updating them and just chatting with them. It's good to have great relationships. Because there's really nothing deal breaker about your DATs to be honest. You're within half a standard deviation of most schools, except for places like Penn, Columbia, Harvard, UCSF.... BUT people who applied early with your DAT scores still managed to get some interviews from UCSF and Penn from what I've seen. Anything's possible for as long as your app is nice and complete. If I were you, I wouldn't want to risk getting some more 18s on certain sections and neglecting some other things like extracurriculars and letters of rec cause those are the things that TRULY set you apart from other applicants. These are the things that will make you stand out from other applicants. Your stats are set to go. Good luck and don't let people tell you your DATs aren't good enough.

My DATs were middle of the road as well and my combined GPA of my masters and undergrad is more or less comparable to yours and I didn't even end up applying early. I'm still sitting on some interviews. If you're first batch, I'm sure you'll end up with more interviews than I will. Good luck, and message some people you find genuinely helpful on the site. Not everyone is going to be constructive and some are just going to out right burn you. Good luck

 

[qnzbabi91]

I would without a doubt retake. You know the test format. The effort you put into deciding whether to retake can be put into time studying. Trust me, you will improve. Don't freak out about it anymore. GL again 👍

 

[ballyhoo]

It sounds like you are leaning more towards not retaking anyways. I personally think it depends on what schools you plan on applying to. If you want to go to some schools that have higher average DATs it might not hurt to try again. But regardless, try to apply early and have a great personal statement!

 

[predentalguy20]

These are some interesting reaponses lol. I will think hard.

 

[Severed Lips]

Please. Please! Do not retake!
Your GPA and DAT will land you 5-10 interviews if you apply smart and on time.
You are fine. Trust me.

 

[danedent7]

Do not retake unless you are Adamant about getting into the top schools. I had two 16's and a 17 And have had 4 interviews. Don't put yourself through the misery again unless you absolutely have to. Trust me I went through hell and back making the same decision and come December 3rd I hope I can say it was the best decision ever! Regardless, you can get interviews with those stats .

 

[azimmer]

hmm if this helps you at all my gpa is ~3.7 and I had a 19AA retook my dat because of a crappy PAT score and got a 20. I retook mid cycle. Before my retake I had gotten one interview but after it I got 4 more. Just some things to consider!

 

[Shazzam]

I don't understand why people on this board seem to ignore the statistics behind acceptances. The average matriculant scored ~19 AA / TS on the DAT. That means there are people who get accepted above and below the average. If you truly feel you can't do better, don't retake. Obviously, if you scored better you'd have a better shot at getting an acceptance but by no means should you feel like you need to retake because your 19 AA / TS is not up to snuff.