Retake DAT?

[OgDentist]

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Hi all,

I applied this cycle and most of my applications were not completed/sent until October 10-20th. I only got interviews at 2 of the schools out of 10 I applied to and at this point I'm not expecting interviews at others. I plan to reapply next cycle but should I retake my DAT, I think my PAT might be holding me back, especially since my top schools are Mich, Penn, Pitt, Columbia. I know this sounds very pretentious but I would rather take the gap to retake and make sure none of my scores are lacking so I don't call schools next year and have them saying my PAT is too low as a reason for not being offered an interview.
GPA: 3.70 SCI/ 3.61
AA: 23
TS: 23
QR: 22
RC: 22
BIO: 24
GC: 23
OC: 23
PAT: 16

 

[predent2151]

Hi all,

I applied this cycle and most of my applications were not completed/sent until October 10-20th. I only got interviews at 2 of the schools out of 10 I applied to and at this point I'm not expecting interviews at others. I plan to reapply next cycle but should I retake my DAT, I think my PAT might be holding me back, especially since my top schools are Mich, Penn, Pitt, Columbia. I know this sounds very pretentious but I would rather take the gap to retake and make sure none of my scores are lacking so I don't call schools next year and have them saying my PAT is too low as a reason for not being offered an interview.
GPA: 3.70 SCI/ 3.61
AA: 23
TS: 23
QR: 22
RC: 22
BIO: 24
GC: 23
OC: 23
PAT: 16

I would think applying so late held you back more than your PAT

 

[ssdent18]

I would think applying so late held you back more than your PAT

Yeah, why did you apply in October? You have to realize most of their best candidates applied back in June and many interviews were already offered by that point. Not only did you apply later than most people but I feel like this kind of shows questionable dedication/commitment to the admissions people

If you end up being rejected, you can call or email the schools to find out what the ultimate reason was they didn't take you. I really don't think your PAT is the thing holding you back, but then again some schools have a strict policy of not allowing any score under a certain number.

 

[dentluv1]

Do you have to wait a whole year after taking the DAT 3 times? Or is that after 4 times? Anyone?

 

[MendiT13]

Do you have to wait a whole year after taking the DAT 3 times? Or is that after 4 times? Anyone?

You have to apply/request a 4th DAT test from ADA. It’s also a year long wait from your 3rd attemp.