retake DAT (24AA, 23TS now) and send academic update?

[intdent._.]

Hello guys!

I've received a couple of interviews this cycle and am waiting to hear back from the last one. For all other schools I interviewed at, I was waitlisted.
For the schools that I've been waitlisted at, my DAT is 1 or 2 points above their average DAT of entering class. For the school that I am still waiting to hear back from, which is also my first choice, my DAT sits right on their average.

I know the admissions process is more than just numbers and stats, but do you think it would be helpful if I retake the DAT for the third time (1st 22AA-> 2nd 24AA), get 25+ TS&AA, and update the schools by mid-march? The official score will probably come out in April. Would doing so increase my chances of acceptance this cycle, or would this be too late anyways/raise more questions since my DAT isn't that bad to begin with?
FYI: GPA is fine. sgpa, ogpa ~ 3.7

If anyone has experience with admissions or have experienced a similar situation, please generously share your opinion I really want to get in this cycle because of personal financial reasons :'(

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[Bigjt1420]

Hello guys!

I've received a couple of interviews this cycle and am waiting to hear back from the last one. For all other schools I interviewed at, I was waitlisted.
For the schools that I've been waitlisted at, my DAT is 1 or 2 points above their average DAT of entering class. For the school that I am still waiting to hear back from, which is also my first choice, my DAT sits right on their average.

I know the admissions process is more than just numbers and stats, but do you think it would be helpful if I retake the DAT for the third time (1st 22AA-> 2nd 24AA), get 25+ TS&AA, and update the schools by mid-march? The official score will probably come out in April. Would doing so increase my chances of acceptance this cycle, or would this be too late anyways/raise more questions since my DAT isn't that bad to begin with?
FYI: GPA is fine. sgpa, ogpa ~ 3.7

If anyone has experience with admissions or have experienced a similar situation, please generously share your opinion I really want to get in this cycle because of personal financial reasons :'(

I wouldn’t retake. When have you been applying? Apply the middle of June if you haven’t been already. Where are you applying to? No point in applying to Texas schools if you’re not from there? How are your interviewing skills? Maybe you need to work on your communication rather than your scores.

A 3.7 GPA with a 22 AA / 24 AA should be getting you in somewhere

 

[macsak]

Hello guys!

I've received a couple of interviews this cycle and am waiting to hear back from the last one. For all other schools I interviewed at, I was waitlisted.
For the schools that I've been waitlisted at, my DAT is 1 or 2 points above their average DAT of entering class. For the school that I am still waiting to hear back from, which is also my first choice, my DAT sits right on their average.

I know the admissions process is more than just numbers and stats, but do you think it would be helpful if I retake the DAT for the third time (1st 22AA-> 2nd 24AA), get 25+ TS&AA, and update the schools by mid-march? The official score will probably come out in April. Would doing so increase my chances of acceptance this cycle, or would this be too late anyways/raise more questions since my DAT isn't that bad to begin with?
FYI: GPA is fine. sgpa, ogpa ~ 3.7

If anyone has experience with admissions or have experienced a similar situation, please generously share your opinion I really want to get in this cycle because of personal financial reasons :'(

NO
the problem is NOT your DAT
and taking the DAT now will not make a difference for this cycle

 

[PerioDont]

NO
the problem is NOT your DAT
and taking the DAT now will not make a difference for this cycle

💯💯

 

[TheMonkeyKing]

Hello guys!

I've received a couple of interviews this cycle and am waiting to hear back from the last one. For all other schools I interviewed at, I was waitlisted.
For the schools that I've been waitlisted at, my DAT is 1 or 2 points above their average DAT of entering class. For the school that I am still waiting to hear back from, which is also my first choice, my DAT sits right on their average.

I know the admissions process is more than just numbers and stats, but do you think it would be helpful if I retake the DAT for the third time (1st 22AA-> 2nd 24AA), get 25+ TS&AA, and update the schools by mid-march? The official score will probably come out in April. Would doing so increase my chances of acceptance this cycle, or would this be too late anyways/raise more questions since my DAT isn't that bad to begin with?
FYI: GPA is fine. sgpa, ogpa ~ 3.7

If anyone has experience with admissions or have experienced a similar situation, please generously share your opinion I really want to get in this cycle because of personal financial reasons :'(

Your username, stats and situation give off the impression that you’re an international student. Is that the case? If so, you really are going to have to wait it out. You stated that you really want in this cycle, but be prepared to reapply as well. When you do, be sure to apply broadly and make sure the schools you apply to accept international students to save money and effort.

 

[intdent._.]

Thanks for all your responses!

I wouldn’t retake. When have you been applying? Apply the middle of June if you haven’t been already. Where are you applying to? No point in applying to Texas schools if you’re not from there? How are your interviewing skills? Maybe you need to work on your communication rather than your scores.

A 3.7 GPA with a 22 AA / 24 AA should be getting you in somewhere

Your username, stats and situation give off the impression that you’re an international student. Is that the case? If so, you really are going to have to wait it out. You stated that you really want in this cycle, but be prepared to reapply as well. When you do, be sure to apply broadly and make sure the schools you apply to accept international students to save money and effort.

Yes, I am an international student and English is my second language. Although I speak fluent English, I am definitely not a native speaker. That might have played a factor in my interview performance and assessment.

I know that 24AA isn't bad at all, but I have a rather humble score compared to most other international students who got accepted to my first choice with 25+DAT. It's harder to get a spot as an international student, and I see a trend that international students need slightly higher DAT for an acceptance (even at private schools!). Hence my concerns about not having high enough DAT, which understandably seems odd without this context. With that said, I agree with you guys that I need to work on my interview skills :') . Since I can't re-do an interview now, I was wondering if there's anything I can do on my end to increase my chances at this point.

As far as my school list goes, I applied to 5 private schools on the west and east coast and 3 public schools. When selecting schools, I used the ADEA official guide, as suggested by made wise SDN users, and came up with a list of international-friendly schools. I did apply late, which is regrettable.

 

[Bigjt1420]

Thanks for all your responses!



Yes, I am an international student and English is my second language. Although I speak fluent English, I am definitely not a native speaker. That might have played a factor in my interview performance and assessment.

I know that 24AA isn't bad at all, but I have a rather humble score compared to most other international students who got accepted to my first choice with 25+DAT. It's harder to get a spot as an international student, and I see a trend that international students need slightly higher DAT for an acceptance (even at private schools!). Hence my concerns about not having high enough DAT, which understandably seems odd without this context. With that said, I agree with you guys that I need to work on my interview skills :') . Since I can't re-do an interview now, I was wondering if there's anything I can do on my end to increase my chances at this point.

As far as my school list goes, I applied to 5 private schools on the west and east coast and 3 public schools. When selecting schools, I used the ADEA official guide, as suggested by made wise SDN users, and came up with a list of international-friendly schools. I did apply late, which is regrettable.

I don't think there is anything you can do to help you get in at this point. Just have to wait and see. I think you should apply in June this year, it'll give you an advantage. If you work on your interview skills and apply early, I think you have a great shot at getting in for the class of 2027. Good luck!

 

[macsak]

Thanks for all your responses!



Yes, I am an international student and English is my second language. Although I speak fluent English, I am definitely not a native speaker. That might have played a factor in my interview performance and assessment.

I know that 24AA isn't bad at all, but I have a rather humble score compared to most other international students who got accepted to my first choice with 25+DAT. It's harder to get a spot as an international student, and I see a trend that international students need slightly higher DAT for an acceptance (even at private schools!). Hence my concerns about not having high enough DAT, which understandably seems odd without this context. With that said, I agree with you guys that I need to work on my interview skills :') . Since I can't re-do an interview now, I was wondering if there's anything I can do on my end to increase my chances at this point.

As far as my school list goes, I applied to 5 private schools on the west and east coast and 3 public schools. When selecting schools, I used the ADEA official guide, as suggested by made wise SDN users, and came up with a list of international-friendly schools. I did apply late, which is regrettable.

it is difficult to give you any more advice without you saying exactly which schools you applied to and which schools you interviewed at...

 

[starlight111]

May I ask when you applied in this cycle?

 

[doc toothache]

For 2019, DAT scores of 24 and above placed the applicant in the top ~6% for a total of 387 test takers (212 at 25; 125 at 26; 50 at 27 and 12 at 28). It is unlikely that those high scores were achieved primarily by the roughly 600 international student applicants. Keep in mind that there is no guarantee that a 3rd attempt would push you up 1 or 2 points.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Retaking your 24 DAT will be the dumbest risk you will take unless it expires. Have more self confidence that unless (in your two interviews) you really bring up concerns of a lack of fit with dentistry or the school, you have a good shot. Let the process play out and don't come across as being completely insecure.