Retake again

[Dentgrl2984]

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So today I took the DAT for the second time and my anxiety got the best of me 🙁
The first time I took it I got these scores:
PAT: 13
QR: 13
RC: 20
Bio: 17
GC: 16
OC: 19
TS: 17
AA: 17

I purchased different materials, felt better prepared and....
Then today I got:

PAT: 16
QR: 16
RC: 20
Bio: 18
GC: 17
OC: 19
TS: 18
AA: 18

I can retake for a third time in August and I will have my application submitted the first week of June. I have great EC's, orthodontic asst for 5 years, GPA: 3.35 with a good upward trend, non-traditional student. I am unable to get financial aid for anything like a post bacc and im not really wanting to do a masters (waste of money).

I guess the question is retaking it in august, the dschools will not receive them until september....so should I even apply this year or wait? My boss says dont wait since each applicant pool is different each year and all the statistics are just an average, they do accept above and below that average. Any advice? 🙂

 

[DoeAdeer]

So today I took the DAT for the second time and my anxiety got the best of me 🙁
The first time I took it I got these scores:
PAT: 13
QR: 13
RC: 20
Bio: 17
GC: 16
OC: 19
TS: 17
AA: 17

I purchased different materials, felt better prepared and....
Then today I got:

PAT: 16
QR: 16
RC: 20
Bio: 18
GC: 17
OC: 19
TS: 18
AA: 18

I can retake for a third time in August and I will have my application submitted the first week of June. I have great EC's, orthodontic asst for 5 years, GPA: 3.35 with a good upward trend, non-traditional student. I am unable to get financial aid for anything like a post bacc and im not really wanting to do a masters (waste of money).

I guess the question is retaking it in august, the dschools will not receive them until september....so should I even apply this year or wait? My boss says dont wait since each applicant pool is different each year and all the statistics are just an average, they do accept above and below that average. Any advice? 🙂

Retake and apply this year. Just make sure that you get 22+ this time ( I know, easier said than done.) You should give Barron's AP Biology, Chad's videos, DAT destroyer, TopScore, and Crack DAT PAT a shot if you haven't already.

 

[Duriel]

Retake and apply this year. Just make sure that you get 22+ this time ( I know, easier said than done.) You should give Barron's AP Biology, Chad's videos, DAT destroyer, TopScore, and Crack DAT PAT a shot if you haven't already.

22's are a bit overboard...

 

[willdrill4food]

I agree with Duriel. I don't think you need 22+. But at least 20s on most sections and nothing under 18. I would definitely retake it before you apply, but only if you have adequate time for studying. What were your studying habits before the last couple tries? Were you taking classes? From your scores this time it seems like you've improved and have a decent foundation. I would try and find 4 weeks to study solely for the DAT. You could easily get your QR up by getting math destroyer and studying any concepts you don't remember from high school math. Crack PAT will give you lots of practice and only takes an hour and a half out of your day to take either of those tests and review/take notes on things you missed. Check out my breakdown for more advice.

I think being in a rush to get into dental school and out into the professional world is overrated and a person can benefit greatly from having a year off to travel, work, develop, and see what real life is like before you start another academic endeavor.

 

[Dentgrl2984]

I have used everything DoeAdeer has posted. I usually only studied Fri-Sun hardcore since i work 7am-5pm mon-thurs....I tried to study some after work during the week. I should have done more practice tests, and I had pretty bad anxiety since I knew so much was weighing on this test. I know some people that have been accepted with these scores. It doesnt hurt to apply this year. I am 28 yrs old so I am kind of wanting to start dental school as soon as possible. But I understand that not rushing it is important, but I eager to begin! I was scoring 18-19 on Topscore and I have seen other people posts saying that they score within the same range and then score higher on the actual dat, so I dont know whats going on with me 🙁

 

[dymm]

22's are a bit overboard...

Well... 22+++ scores are the new avg. on SDN 😀.

To OP, your whole application looks great except for the DAT (obviously). Working and studying for the DAT could get a little difficult.. and I understand where you are coming from. If you could make some time to solely study for the DAT that would be an ideal situation. I would suggest simulating test conditions, and taking at least 6 practice tests (achiever, topscore, ADA 07/09, Kaplan, etc...) on days leading up to your real exam.

Good luck and have fun studying. I'm sure you will do great the next time around. 👍