Retake DAT?

[AllSmiles0116]

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Hi all,
Just wanted your thoughts on retaking the DAT for the third time.
Additionally, any other advice you may have on how to prepare for the third time since it is stressful to be taking it for the third time.

1st DAT: February 2017
18 AA
14 OCHEM
15 BIO
16 GCHEM
15 TS
23 READING
20 QC
16 PAT

2nd DAT: September 2017
19.4 AA
18 OCHEM
19 BIO
20 GCHEM
19 TS
22 READING
18 QC
19 PAT

I prepared a lot more the DAT the second time around using all the sources usually recommended. Was a bit surprised with my retake score - I thought I would do better since my Bootcamp scores were all higher in all of the subjects. Quantitative Analysis may have what caused the lower score in QC since the second time I took it I had the new changes and didn't spend much time on math due to the score the first time around. Also sucks that one point increase in any of the AA areas would have made my score a 19.8 and rounded up to 20.

2nd time:
- used DAT Bootcamp, DAT Destroyer, OChem as 2nd language books, YouTube videos to really understand the bio concepts, DATQVault for extra practice
- made my own handwritten notes over Chad's videos - 2x
- made my own handwritten notes for Bio
- Practiced PAT every single day
- studied from June until September

Any advice on whether to retake and HOW to effectively use the sources?

 

[DocDoom]

whether a retake is necessary really depends on your GPA, which is?

 

[AllSmiles0116]

whether a retake is necessary really depends on your GPA, which is?

3.41 oGPA 3.02sGPA

 

[TherealnorthOMFS]

3.41 oGPA 3.02sGPA

Gotta retake.

 

[Outliers]

Hey Allsmiles0116 just like everyone I agree that you should retake the exam to feel more secure and confident when you decide to apply.Of course GPA and other parts of the app will determine an invite but take it from a recent 3x test taker- DO NOT GIVE UP.

I remember that lost feeling after the second time I took it, my scores are also similar to yours. It took for me to realize it wasn't much so the material I was using but how I was using it. I would cram every section everyday and think I was effective, however, it wasn't efficient. My first timeline was way too long exceeding 5 months. My second timeline was similar to the first but kept it to 3 months. I didn't want to "re-learn" the basics so I would fixate on the specific. This was the biggest mistake, and I'm sure by now you know the value of Breadth over Depth. When I prepared for my third take I started back to basics watching the Chad vids, Ari's tutorials, etc. Because I used the destroyer so many times what I did different was read through the answer choices and write explanations and definitions to each answer choice from Feralis' study guide. Your brain will still have that recall when it comes to practice exams but training it to give factual reasons (5W's and an H) will build it even more.

Besides the studying I also took more breaks and off days. Trust me you do not want an unhealthy fixation with studying everyday it will only lead to burnout come the week of the exam. You build better mental endurance when you are able to be efficient in other areas that are not DAT related. SO RELAX and BREATHE. If you learn how to take care of yourself and know that you are capable enough to handle dental school then this is your chance to prove it to yourself because you will need that mentality when you go for interviews or starting dental school.

Lastly, I leave you with this. I finish my third retake in time for the opening of this cycle and received few invites which would lead to an acceptance last week; my top choice also=). My GPA is a little lower than yours and my DAT was the average acceptance. When you get that interview you yearned long for be yourself because at that point its about your character not so much the amount of times you took the exam. But to get to that opportunity you'll need to retake your exam and show admissions your perseverance. I felt the need to tell you this in case you ever felt hopeless or unsure. I remember those feelings. What I will emphasize is the cliche of every DAT thread, Treat it like a Marathon. Not a Race. Treat the two DATs as a learning experience and remember the emotions you felt after you got your results. When you get that acceptance think back on those feelings and soak it in. It was a great feeling because at that point you proved to your biggest critic wrong; and that critic would be the old you. Best of luck !

 

[Orka]

It's not about the resources you use. It's about how you prepare. It seems like you focused too much on doing practice tests versus actually reading a book and studying (exception to this is PAT). Think about it this way: for a university/college exam would you ever prepare by solely relying on practice tests created by another prof (aka various DAT prep companies)?

At the end, your scores are okay. So I would apply next cycle and consider rewriting if you don't get in. Best of luck!