Retake Done!

Here is the breakdown:
1st DAT - 9/13/08 ------------2nd - DAT - 12/20/08
PAT - 21 ---------------------------PAT - 20
QR - 15 ----------------------------QR - 17
RC - 21 ----------------------------RC - 24
Bio - 17 --------------------------- Bio - 24
GC - 18 ----------------------------GC - 22
OC - 21 ----------------------------OC - 26
TS - 18 ----------------------------TS - 24
AA - 18 ----------------------------AA - 23

Science G.P.A - 3.76
Overall G.P.A - 3.74

I graduated with my B.S. ~ 7.5 year ago - so everything was a bit rusty! I found this forum about 2 months ago and with it some great advice. Thanks for suggesting Cliffs AP Biology. The 1st DAT I only used Kaplan's - which is definitely not adequate. Then with the Destroyer - I was able to raise all the sciences.

I applied late this cycle in September. 2 schools already denied me before I retook the DAT. I am hoping my improved scores will be enough to still make it this cycle. I do not have alot of dentistry experience and I am 31. What do you think my chances are?

Thanks for any input and good luck to everyone still studying for the DAT!

 

Thanks! I was debating whether to retake - but my low Bio and QR score on the 1st go around left me with no choice.


For the 1st DAT I used only Kaplan for QR. For the 2nd DAT I used Destroyer and Crack DAT Math and Destroyer. On practice exams I was scoring anywhere from 18 to 22 on Crack DAT Math. I thought I was at a point where I could at least pull a 19 - but I guess not.

 

Thanks!

I took Biochemistry this summer (needed it to meet prerequisite requirements at some schools) from june to mid- july. Then I studied about 2 months before taking the DAT the 1st time.

After my 1st scores, I took about 3 weeks off (wasn't to motivated) but jumped back on the horse with the new study material (Cliffs Bio and Destroyer - in addition to Kaplan from the 1st attempt). I then studied for about 10 weeks intensely - I wasn't very much fun during this time!

I really had to start with the basics - especially with biology because I was a geologist. Some came back fast - like OC - but I really struggled with Bio and of course - QR.

 

Thanks everyone! Now if I could only get some interviews.......

 

thanks for the congrats! I would love to help you out - but I am pretty sure we are not supposed to discuss the test in specifics. How are you approaching RC. Do you search and destroy or read the passage in its entirety first? The first time I took the test I read the passage first and then answered the questions. However, on my retake, i decided to do the search and destroy method - which resulted in a better score!

The subjects can vary greatly - and they tend to ask questions that pertain to the passage. I think you would be better served by taking more RC practice tests - and trying the search and destroy method rather than trying to learn about subjects you heard might be on the test. When you find the answer - read the paragraph so you get context too. You can even make notes on the sheet with the paragraph # listed by them so if a similar ? arises - you already know where to look for it.

Retaking was a bit more stressful for me than the 1st time because I had been there before and hadn't got the job done - however, it was totally worth it. Just study hard and believe you can do it! Gluck

 

That is what I am hoping!