Re-write the DAT?

[Graphire]

I took the Canadian DAT in November, my scores were:

Reading: 22
Bio: 18
Chem: 19
Science: 18
AA: 20
Perception: 19
Carving: 5

The carving really scares me that some schools will reject me because of it

Should I retake the American DAT in a couple weeks and submit my AADSAS then? Or should I just apply?

Thanks

 

[SSD1]

What's your GPA? ECs?

I think dentalworks or Mayguyer or some of the more knowledgeable members can probably give you more of a realistic advice....

 

[dentalWorks]

just curious... whats carving 5 out of? is it also out of 30?

 

[SSD1]

yes

 

[dentalWorks]

I am not familiar with Canadian DAT... but isn't a 5 in ANY section = automatic retake? (assuming ofc its out of 30)

 

[wizi]

what percentile is 5?

 

[spearmint]

If you are a Canadian applying to American dental schools, your stats have to be stellar. Unfortunately for you, the bar is set much higher for foreign students. From what I've remember seeing, most Canadians who were successful in gaining acceptances to American dental schools had DAT scores of 22+ across the board. I would certainly retake it if I were you.

 

[amalgamgrillz]

If you are a Canadian applying to American dental schools, your stats have to be stellar. Unfortunately for you, the bar is set much higher for foreign students. From what I've remember seeing, most Canadians who were successful in gaining acceptances to American dental schools had DAT scores of 22+ across the board. I would certainly retake it if I were you.

Unless it's Boston, Tufts, NYU, etc. I have Canadian friends who got in with 3.1s and only 19AA. Granted, they were accepted really late in the cycle.

 

[PhansterZ]

I took the Canadian DAT in November, my scores were:

Reading: 22
Bio: 18
Chem: 19
Science: 18
AA: 20
Perception: 19
Carving: 5

The carving really scares me that some schools will reject me because of it

Should I retake the American DAT in a couple weeks and submit my AADSAS then? Or should I just apply?

Thanks

Hey, I'm a Canadian applicant in this year's cycle too.

Definitely retake the DAT, this time the American one. That 5 in carving doesn't look very impressive at all. Was it like a 5th percentile?

Did you smash your soap on the ground a couple of times, stepped on it then handed it in? lol

I've heard stories of people cutting themselves with the knife during the exam and they handed in a bloodied soap..

Good thing about the American one is that there's no soap carving.

Just take your DAT ASAP (within next 2 months). You can hand in your application before your DAT scores come in.

BTW, what's your GPA and ECs like?

 

[Graphire]

Hey, I'm a Canadian applicant in this year's cycle too.

Definitely retake the DAT, this time the American one. That 5 in carving doesn't look very impressive at all. Was it like a 5th percentile?

Did you smash your soap on the ground a couple of times, stepped on it then handed it in? lol

I've heard stories of people cutting themselves with the knife during the exam and they handed in a bloodied soap..

Good thing about the American one is that there's no soap carving.

Just take your DAT ASAP (within next 2 months). You can hand in your application before your DAT scores come in.

BTW, what's your GPA and ECs like?

I'm trying to finish up studying for Orgo at the moment.
My GPA isn't incredible only a 3.3/4 i think my sGPA is also a 3.3.
I have quite a bit of volunteer hours and currently trying very hard to get some shadowing hours but having receptionists laugh at you when you tell them your an undergrad is not very encouraging.

 

[PhansterZ]

I'm trying to finish up studying for Orgo at the moment.
My GPA isn't incredible only a 3.3/4 i think my sGPA is also a 3.3.
I have quite a bit of volunteer hours and currently trying very hard to get some shadowing hours but having receptionists laugh at you when you tell them your an undergrad is not very encouraging.

Well, your GPA is slightly below the average accepted student, so you would have to DESTROY the DAT if you want to have a chance. Think 21AA+ (~90th percentile).

I have a friend who got into 3 american schools last cycle with a 3.20 GPA, but he scored a 22AA, 24TS on the american DAT. He also did over 200 hours of shadowing with various dentists. So you can make up for a weak GPA, but the rest of your application has to be very strong. Also, apply to out of state friendly schools as they don't differentiate between international students and out of state students (from what I'm told anyways, don't quote me).

 

[Graphire]

Well, your GPA is slightly below the average accepted student, so you would have to DESTROY the DAT if you want to have a chance. Think 21AA+ (~90th percentile).

I have a friend who got into 3 american schools last cycle with a 3.20 GPA, but he scored a 22AA, 24TS on the american DAT. He also did over 200 hours of shadowing with various dentists. So you can make up for a weak GPA, but the rest of your application has to be very strong. Also, apply to out of state friendly schools as they don't differentiate between international students and out of state students (from what I'm told anyways, don't quote me).

Thanks so much.

I plan on getting as much shadowing hours as I can.