Rescheduling DAT (huge dilemma!)

[dhp8]

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Hi,
Yep. Another reschedule DAT discussion thread. Haha.

I'm a full-time undergraduate student, and I have sorta studied for a little less than two months. My DAT date is coming within a week, and honestly? My practice scores are really, really low. I had scheduled the DAT this week, and then, planned on taking the DAT a second time (May 24th?) before June 1st. But, I just don't like the idea of scoring a 15-16 on the first actual DAT.

I want to get everything in all before June 1st which is why I planned on taking the DAT twice before the application process started, but I'm just stuck on this dilemma. I've read that it's still alright if you're taking the DAT between June and early August. But, gosh, I don't know. This rescheduling dilemma. I just don't feel right, knowing that I'm coming in my first DAT and not feeling confident in my studying and possibly scoring really low.

If I push it back another week, I could get in more studying and possibly get a good, decent average score (maybe?). If I don't push it back, then I could study for the my second DAT on May 24th and make up for it for the first DAT... right? I mean, so should I just suck it up and score badly on my first DAT and then kill it with my second DAT?

So what do you guys think? Will dental schools look at that? Will I be placed into the "not gonna look at them" pile because of my first DAT criteria on my application? Any opinion/advice would be so helpful. I'm really stuck on this issue. Sorry, I'm rambling!

 

[crazyfortooth]

You thinking about this the wrong way. Taking the dat more than once decreases your chance of getting accepted a lot. dont just go in thinking of testing the waters out first. if you are not ready then just reschedule. dont risk it.

 

[changtw]

From reading your post, it sounds as though you planned your schedule with the intention of failing the first time. Is this just to get an idea of what to expect come test day? I'm not sure of the cost associated with rescheduling, but spending $900 to take an exam twice seems completely unnecessary. Others have said, and I agree, that you should study and aim to take the DAT just once.

Have you considered just pushing back the DAT for longer than 1 week and taking it when you feel ready in another 1-2 months?

Following your plan sets you up to go about approaching the DAT the wrong way. You've studied for the last 2 months, and because you had already convinced yourself "It's ok, if I fail this time, I can just take it again in May," you haven't been giving it your all, even though the last 2 months (winter break) were probably the most free time you would have over the next half year to commit to studying.

You should set a realistic time frame for yourself and aim take the DAT once. If you maintain the idea that this is a one-shot deal and study accordingly, you shouldn't have anything to worry about. 2 months should have been plenty of time to do well on the practice exams and feel prepared for the DAT.

 

[dhp8]

From reading your post, it sounds as though you planned your schedule with the intention of failing the first time. Is this just to get an idea of what to expect come test day? I'm not sure of the cost associated with rescheduling, but spending $900 to take an exam twice seems completely unnecessary. Others have said, and I agree, that you should study and aim to take the DAT just once.

Have you considered just pushing back the DAT for longer than 1 week and taking it when you feel ready in another 1-2 months?

Following your plan sets you up to go about approaching the DAT the wrong way. You've studied for the last 2 months, and because you had already convinced yourself "It's ok, if I fail this time, I can just take it again in May," you haven't been giving it your all, even though the last 2 months (winter break) were probably the most free time you would have over the next half year to commit to studying.

You should set a realistic time frame for yourself and aim take the DAT once. If you maintain the idea that this is a one-shot deal and study accordingly, you shouldn't have anything to worry about. 2 months should have been plenty of time to do well on the practice exams and feel prepared for the DAT.

Yes, I have not put the hard work I needed due to many reasons and many personal ones. And now, this is what I put myself into and I am not proud of it. I never thought of my first DAT as a "oh I'll fail, it'll be okay." I've just seen it as "if I didn't score high on my first, then I'll score it even better on the second to prove myself and dental schools." But, personal issues aside, I didn't study hard enough and have lost focus during the two months.

But the matter at hand is that I'm feeling not so confident in my abilities and I'm scaring myself out, possibly. I think I may consider pushing it back another week or I just may take it this week.

 

[DAT Destroyer]

You thinking about this the wrong way. Taking the dat more than once decreases your chance of getting accepted a lot. dont just go in thinking of testing the waters out first. if you are not ready then just reschedule. dont risk it.

Excellent advice!

 

[LuckBloodandSweat]

If you feel that horrible please don't do it. I felt kind of iffy on my first one even though I did prepare quite a bit. I'm sure my fear and horrible attitude affected me negatively. If you think you'll do bad and you're nervous/put off then you'll do even worse than what you're capable of. Push it back at least a month and try to make sure you feel confident.

 

[MoMo15]

Does anyone know if there is some kind of link between ADA & CDA? That is, would ADA know if I attempted the Canadian DAT & my score from it, and vice versa?

 

[LuckBloodandSweat]

CDAT has soap carving and no orgo/math. Well, not sure about the second part of your question. I mean, take the one where you live? Idk.

 

[MoMo15]

What I meant was if ADA would know of my attempts at the Canadian DAT & its score. I'm from Canada so I can take either the American DAT or Canadian DAT; I'm writing the Canadian DAT in the couple of weeks, and my plan is that if it doesn't go well, I'll learn the orgo & math components and write the American DAT when I actually feel ready.

In other words, I get to attempt the Canadian DAT AND American DAT and basically take the best score and have it sent for my application. So, it's a 2 for 1 shot. That's why I was asking if there is some sort of link between the ADA and CDA where they exchange info on an applicant's test score and test attempts.

 

[LuckBloodandSweat]

I don't see why they wouldn't know about both. You're likely to have to wait 3 months in between takes. If you have that kind of time and money then go for it I guess.