Pre-dental advice needed!

[Starzn91]

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Hi,
I am a recent graduate. I earned a BS, in cell and molecular biology. And my GPA is 3.31. I took the DAT for the first time, without studying at all, and not surprisingly did, poorly. I was wondering when I should take it again, what I should do in the meantime to make myself a better candidate for dental school. If I take it in November again, I will apply in June next year...that means I'll be 2 years behind, right?
I was thinking about taking a few upper division biology courses at the local community college in my year off, is that a good idea? Please help me with what I can do in this year off, and when I should apply.
I'll appreciate any suggestions. Thanks!

 

[tamakisuououran]

what are "poor" DAT scores if you dont mind me asking.
Also I would double check with the schools you wish to apply if you are trying to take upper bio courses on a CC.

 

[Starzn91]

I scored 15 on the PAT section, and I know that is very low.
Bio:19
GC:19
RC:17
OC:17
QR:16

 

[tamakisuououran]

I scored 15 on the PAT section, and I know that is very low.
Bio:19
GC:19
RC:17
OR:17
QR:16

yeah, I mean it wouldnt be impossible for you to get in, but you would have to risk the shotgun experience and thats a lot of cash. I would recommend retaking the DAT and aiming 20++ across. if you can do that I wouldnt bother about the GPA as much. In all honesty I dont think you raising your GPA at a CC would make a huge difference. At least not as much as your DAT. Now if you wanna do a Post BAC, then thats a much better idea.

 

[DancingBull]

No one knows when you should take it again because no one is studying for you. You should take it again when you feel that you are ready to take the test. As for being "2 years behind", it's not a race so you don't have to compare yourself to others. Just do it right once.

 

[Starzn91]

I knew it was going to be a very long shot and thats why I felt very agitated and wanted to get some advice. When should I take it again? I took it on the 17th of July, and I understand I have to wait at least 90 days.
I think a post bacc might be too expensive at this point. But if that is the only thing that will get me in, I will do it.

 

[Eastcoast24]

I scored 15 on the PAT section, and I know that is very low.
Bio:19
GC:19
RC:17
OC:17
QR:16

is your AA and TS 18? If so I think you have a decent chance. You are going to have to spend lots of cash and apply to 20+ schools.

 

[Starzn91]

is your AA and TS 18? If so I think you have a decent chance. You are going to have to spend lots of cash and apply to 20+ schools.

TS is 18 but AA is a 16 :|
I heard people with low GPA's need to apply super early. It's already late, and I plan on taking it again in November. I should just wait till next year to apply then, correct?

 

[Eastcoast24]

TS is 18 but AA is a 16 :|
I heard people with low GPA's need to apply super early. It's already late, and I plan on taking it again in November. I should just wait till next year to apply then, correct?

Based on the scores you provided, it isn't possible that your AA is 16. Are you sure?

If your AA is 16 then I suggest applying next year.

 

[Starzn91]

Based on the scores you provided, it isn't possible that your AA is 16. Are you sure?

If your AA is 16 then I suggest applying next year.

I am 100% positive my AA is a 16 though!

Also, is working at a pharmaceutical company for a year going to help?

 

[Eastcoast24]

I am 100% positive my AA is a 16 though!

Also, is working at a pharmaceutical company for a year going to help?

LOL I seriously don't believe your AA is 16. Go back and see the unofficial print out. Your AA is the average of 5 sections (gen chem, ochem, bio, rc, qr). Based on your scores your AA average should be a 17.6 which rounds to an 18.

The TS score is NOT the average of the 3 science sections so therefore your 18 makes sense.

Working at a pharmaceutical company won't do anything. If you decide to apply next year, focus on getting a good score on the DAT and enroll in post-bac.