Retake the DAT for next cycle?

[isittoolate]

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Thus far I have not heard back from any of the 7 schools I applied to. I applied late, in the the 13th batch, because I didn't take my DAT until 9/26.

My scores were 19 BIO, 22 GC, 29 OC, 20PA, 23 RC and 19 QR; giving me a 22AA and 21TS.

I am worried that my scores were not high enough to make up for my GPA. I have a 3.44 oGPA and a 3.21 sGPA.

Do you think a retake would be wise? The first time I took the DAT I didn't have good study materials, I used Crack the DAT for all of my studying and supplemented with Cliff Notes AP bio and Chad's videos, I know that I can score higher on the bio if I study more thoroughly, my studying was very rushed as I covered the cliff's bio book in 3 days the week before my test. I also think that I can score higher on the PAT, I was flustered on test day and messed up the timing really bad.

Is a retake worth the risk? I am fairly confident that I could could raise all several of my scores, excluding OC and RC.

 

[Sanducan]

Based on what I've seen so far on this forum, your DAT score looks great. You should have applied early so schools would only be waiting on your DAT score. That's what I'm planning on doing next cycle.

 

[free99]

No way- a retake I think would be a total waste of time, your scores are great! Rather, spend your time taking some post bacc classes this spring and volunteering, then apply first batch in June to more schools.

 

[User8088]

No way! I have a 3.4 with a 19AA 19TS 20 PAT and already have two acceptances and another interview next week. Work on your personal statement, LOR, and hrs in a dental office so they know you are serious. I applied to 10 schools...you'll get post dec interviews

 

[isittoolate]

No way- a retake I think would be a total waste of time, your scores are great! Rather, spend your time taking some post bacc classes this spring and volunteering, then apply first batch in June to more schools.

I am currently still a senior in my undergrad. I am taking a heavy science load, 3 lectures and a lab, this semester and hoping to boost my GPA with my academic update.

Do you think an update from oGPA from 3.44 to 3.49, sGPA from 3.21 to 3.30 and BCP form 3.26 to 3.37 would be a significant enough difference if not for this cycle, for next?

I currently have about 100 hours of shadowing and 150 hours of volunteering (mostly dental related). How much more do you think I need? Currently am volunteering 2-3 times per month for about 10 hours per month during school. Do I need do increase my frequency and hours significantly?

 

[free99]

I am currently still a senior in my undergrad. I am taking a heavy science load, 3 lectures and a lab, this semester and hoping to boost my GPA with my academic update.

Do you think an update from oGPA from 3.44 to 3.49, sGPA from 3.21 to 3.30 and BCP form 3.26 to 3.37 would be a significant enough difference if not for this cycle, for next?

I currently have about 100 hours of shadowing and 150 hours of volunteering (mostly dental related). How much more do you think I need? Currently am volunteering 2-3 times per month for about 10 hours per month during school. Do I need do increase my frequency and hours significantly?

Your GPAs are slightly below average and your DATs are slightly above... Take the average and it would seem like you're right on target! If I were you, I'd be on the prowl for LORs and start drafting up a PS so that when June rolls around you're ready to apply early. Good luck!

ps. I'm jealous of your oregon residency

 

[isittoolate]

Your GPAs are slightly below average and your DATs are slightly above... Take the average and it would seem like you're right on target! If I were you, I'd be on the prowl for LORs and start drafting up a PS so that when June rolls around you're ready to apply early. Good luck!

ps. I'm jealous of your oregon residency

Thanks for the advice. I'd rather not retake the DAT if it is unnecessary haha.

Funny thing about the Oregon residency, I almost decided against it. I could have gotten residency in Oregon or in Cali and I was torn which residency I should claim. In the end, it all boiled down to the fact that I have heard great things about OHSU. Crossing my fingers that I get an interview invite from them sometime soon!

 

[free99]

Thanks for the advice. I'd rather not retake the DAT if it is unnecessary haha.

Funny thing about the Oregon residency, I almost decided against it. I could have gotten residency in Oregon or in Cali and I was torn which residency I should claim. In the end, it all boiled down to the fact that I have heard great things about OHSU. Crossing my fingers that I get an interview invite from them sometime soon!

My bad- I didn't even realize you had already applied this cycle... must've read your post early in the am and forgotten to catch myself up before posting again. Either way, I hope some post-dec interviews roll in for you, OHSU especially (I've also heard from a few very satisfied students). It seems like your app is solid, DAT scores and all - my best guess would be the late application, I wouldn't get discourage if you've got to reapply in June.

 

[capitan2011]

Thus far I have not heard back from any of the 7 schools I applied to. I applied late, in the the 13th batch, because I didn't take my DAT until 9/26.

My scores were 19 BIO, 22 GC, 29 OC, 20PA, 23 RC and 19 QR; giving me a 22AA and 21TS.

I am worried that my scores were not high enough to make up for my GPA. I have a 3.44 oGPA and a 3.21 sGPA.

Do you think a retake would be wise? The first time I took the DAT I didn't have good study materials, I used Crack the DAT for all of my studying and supplemented with Cliff Notes AP bio and Chad's videos, I know that I can score higher on the bio if I study more thoroughly, my studying was very rushed as I covered the cliff's bio book in 3 days the week before my test. I also think that I can score higher on the PAT, I was flustered on test day and messed up the timing really bad.

Is a retake worth the risk? I am fairly confident that I could could raise all several of my scores, excluding OC and RC.

Don't retake the DAT, you're scores are great!

 

[spoog74]

Thus far I have not heard back from any of the 7 schools I applied to. I applied late, in the the 13th batch, because I didn't take my DAT until 9/26.

My scores were 19 BIO, 22 GC, 29 OC, 20PA, 23 RC and 19 QR; giving me a 22AA and 21TS.

I am worried that my scores were not high enough to make up for my GPA. I have a 3.44 oGPA and a 3.21 sGPA.

Do you think a retake would be wise? The first time I took the DAT I didn't have good study materials, I used Crack the DAT for all of my studying and supplemented with Cliff Notes AP bio and Chad's videos, I know that I can score higher on the bio if I study more thoroughly, my studying was very rushed as I covered the cliff's bio book in 3 days the week before my test. I also think that I can score higher on the PAT, I was flustered on test day and messed up the timing really bad.

Is a retake worth the risk? I am fairly confident that I could could raise all several of my scores, excluding OC and RC.

threads like yours are annoying. You need a retake. ASAP

 

[LaughingGas]

don't retake...

 

[Blake1e]

If I were you I wouldn't retake. But if youre convinced you could do better then do it.

 

[isittoolate]

threads like yours are annoying. You need a retake. ASAP

I am sorry that my thread is "annoying" I simply had a question regarding weighing the benefits and the risks of a retake.

I haven't heard back from a single school this cycle for an interview or a rejection...I know my GPA and my ECs could be stronger and I plan on improving both of those. I was just curious to see what people's take would be on a retake. I am fairly confident I could score higher if I study with the right materials this time. But then again, maybe that would not be the best use of my time, if my score is not the weakest link of my application. Regardless, sorry to have annoyed you, I am just concerned about getting into dental school like everyone else on this forum, as far I can tell, the objective of the site is to ask for the advice from other pre-dental students...

 

[Glimmer1991]

I am sorry that my thread is "annoying" I simply had a question regarding weighing the benefits and the risks of a retake.

Your thread isn't annoying. This forum is here so people can ask questions just like yours. I've run into snarky people before on MANY occasions who have posted responses like this to my questions, and you just have to look over it. Sadly, when people post questions and stats aren't low, others suddenly get all weird and snappy... Maybe it makes them feel uncomfortable about their scores and makes them think they should be worried, too. Who knows! There is NOTHING wrong with being concerned and wanting to be the best applicant possible. I applaud people who are constantly trying to do better, even if their stats are already great, and I often find myself wishing that SDN was a nurturing environment on a more consistent basis. I find threads all the time where people are bringing others down, and my natural instinct is to always swoop in and defend the OP. It gets me into sticky questions, but I feel like it is the right thing to do. There's no need for negativity. We all have questions. We all need help. Don't let responses like this get to you. End rant!

Anyhow, do NOT retake. Your scores are wonderful!!!

 

[spoog74]

Your thread isn't annoying. This forum is here so people can ask questions just like yours. I've run into snarky people before on MANY occasions who have posted responses like this to my questions, and you just have to look over it. Sadly, when people post questions and stats aren't low, others suddenly get all weird and snappy... Maybe it makes them feel uncomfortable about their scores and makes them think they should be worried, too. Who knows! There is NOTHING wrong with being concerned and wanting to be the best applicant possible. I applaud people who are constantly trying to do better, even if their stats are already great, and I often find myself wishing that SDN was a nurturing environment on a more consistent basis. I find threads all the time where people are bringing others down, and my natural instinct is to always swoop in and defend the OP. It gets me into sticky questions, but I feel like it is the right thing to do. There's no need for negativity. We all have questions. We all need help. Don't let responses like this get to you. End rant!

Anyhow, do NOT retake. Your scores are wonderful!!!

you make my heart tickle.

 

[free99]

threads like yours are annoying.

So are duplicates.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=969987
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=970030

 

[aqz]

No, if anything it was just your late application date, although I'm getting the feeling that you'll get post-dec interviews.

threads like yours are annoying. You need a retake. ASAP

Game over. Destroyed. Thank you all for the help. I already have my application in for this years cycle so hopefully i can get my scores out soon enough. Gd bless all and if anyone has any questions id love to answer..

Haha.

Don't mind this guy, just another self-centered chump.

 

[isittoolate]

No, if anything it was just your late application date, although I'm getting the feeling that you'll get post-dec interviews.





Haha.

Don't mind this guy, just another self-centered chump.

thanks for the feedback guys. hoping to hear back on those post-dec invites. finished my finals up today, hopefully grades end up on the right side of A's, without the -'s haha.

maybe a good academic update will leave me with a chance...

 

[isittoolate]

Really starting to think that a retake is necessary...I feel that several of the courses I took last semester might help me on the sciences in particular, such as Biochem and Evolution.

QR seems like a section that I could boost from a 19, as I didn't study at all for it for my DAT, how would one best go about improving their QR?

I scored significantly lower on the real PAT than I was scoring by the end of Crack the DAT PAT, would you say that achiever would better prepare me for the PAT?

Lastly, if I were to retake the DAT, it would probably not be until after I finished school in May. How late is too late to submit a new DAT score? If I submitted my application without indicating I was going to retake the DAT, but then contacted the schools that I had applied to, would mid-July be too late?

I cannot afford to not get into DS next cycle, if I don't then I will be forced to pick another career. I cannot pay for Post-Bacc classes or for a Master's program to improve my GPA from 3.50, sGPA 3.31 and BCP 3.39.

 

[Obey]

Really starting to think that a retake is necessary...I feel that several of the courses I took last semester might help me on the sciences in particular, such as Biochem and Evolution.

QR seems like a section that I could boost from a 19, as I didn't study at all for it for my DAT, how would one best go about improving their QR?

I scored significantly lower on the real PAT than I was scoring by the end of Crack the DAT PAT, would you say that achiever would better prepare me for the PAT?

Lastly, if I were to retake the DAT, it would probably not be until after I finished school in May. How late is too late to submit a new DAT score? If I submitted my application without indicating I was going to retake the DAT, but then contacted the schools that I had applied to, would mid-July be too late?

I cannot afford to not get into DS next cycle, if I don't then I will be forced to pick another career. I cannot pay for Post-Bacc classes or for a Master's program to improve my GPA from 3.50, sGPA 3.31 and BCP 3.39.

I don't think your DAT or GPA is the main problem. There are plenty of people who got in with stats much worse than yours. Personal statement or applying late maybe?
how many schools did you apply to?

 

[isittoolate]

I don't think your DAT or GPA is the main problem. There are plenty of people who got in with stats much worse than yours. Personal statement or applying late maybe?
how many schools did you apply to?

Yes, I applied late (13th batch) and only to 7 schools. I know that I will apply more broadly next cycle as well as much earlier, preferably first or second batch.

My personal statement I think was decent, but I am not entirely sure as my girlfriend was the only one who read it and mostly for grammatical mistakes. Anybody willing to read it and give feedback? haha

 

[Obey]

Yes, I applied late (13th batch) and only to 7 schools. I know that I will apply more broadly next cycle as well as much earlier, preferably first or second batch.

My personal statement I think was decent, but I am not entirely sure as my girlfriend was the only one who read it and mostly for grammatical mistakes. Anybody willing to read it and give feedback? haha

Dude it is pretty obvious why you haven't heard anything. Apply early next year and I am willing to bet my ballz that you will get tons of pre-dec interviews. Applying to a few more schools won't hurt either.

Also there is a HUGE chance you will get some post december interviews this cycle

You should be smart enough to know NOT to retake the DAT. 22 AA is what? 97% percentile? come one man..

 

[DHallenbeck]

Thus far I have not heard back from any of the 7 schools I applied to. I applied late, in the the 13th batch, because I didn't take my DAT until 9/26.

My scores were 19 BIO, 22 GC, 29 OC, 20PA, 23 RC and 19 QR; giving me a 22AA and 21TS.

I am worried that my scores were not high enough to make up for my GPA. I have a 3.44 oGPA and a 3.21 sGPA.

Do you think a retake would be wise? The first time I took the DAT I didn't have good study materials, I used Crack the DAT for all of my studying and supplemented with Cliff Notes AP bio and Chad's videos, I know that I can score higher on the bio if I study more thoroughly, my studying was very rushed as I covered the cliff's bio book in 3 days the week before my test. I also think that I can score higher on the PAT, I was flustered on test day and messed up the timing really bad.

Is a retake worth the risk? I am fairly confident that I could could raise all several of my scores, excluding OC and RC.

Basically, we have the SAME EXACT DAT scores. Nice...haha. Personally, I have applied to 5 schools. I applied in the beginning of August, and the applications weren't received by the schools until mid August. My oGPA is a 3.36, and my sGPA is a 3.52....I have received one interview (Oct 26th) and got waitlisted there...still no news. I've been denied to one school, and just haven't heard a single thing from the three other schools. I've sent in my AU (I got a 3.84 this past semester, while taking Biochem, research, etc...19 credits). I thought I had applied early enough that I would get at least 2 acceptances...especially since I didn't apply to schools that were too difficult or so I thought. If I don't get accepted, my plan is to take additional post-bacc classes and try to raise my gpa...but I feel your pain. Good luck!!

 

[isittoolate]

Basically, we have the SAME EXACT DAT scores. Nice...haha. Personally, I have applied to 5 schools. I applied in the beginning of August, and the applications weren't received by the schools until mid August. My oGPA is a 3.36, and my sGPA is a 3.52....I have received one interview (Oct 26th) and got waitlisted there...still no news. I've been denied to one school, and just haven't heard a single thing from the three other schools. I've sent in my AU (I got a 3.84 this past semester, while taking Biochem, research, etc...19 credits). I thought I had applied early enough that I would get at least 2 acceptances...especially since I didn't apply to schools that were too difficult or so I thought. If I don't get accepted, my plan is to take additional post-bacc classes and try to raise my gpa...but I feel your pain. Good luck!!

So have you considered a retake on the DAT? I just don't really think I can do post-back classes, I haven't gotten less than an A- in an upper division science class since I retook organic.

What have you done in terms of ECs?

 

[DHallenbeck]

So have you considered a retake on the DAT? I just don't really think I can do post-back classes, I haven't gotten less than an A- in an upper division science class since I retook organic.

What have you done in terms of ECs?

I've thought about it...but mainly just because my nerves are distraught right now...the waiting game is horrible, especially since I thought my stats and ECs were good enough to outweigh my GPA. But the more I think about retaking the DAT, the less plausible it seems...the only thing I feel like I could honestly improve upon is the Bio and PAT...I don't think I'll be able to do better than I did for any other section, and its possible I could do worse (OC score). The AA was for me still in the 98th percentile...thats gotta be good enough to let it be.

As far as ECs go...: 120+hrs shadowing/working, student government for 2 years...president of my service fraternity for 2 years and member for 4, a few other student clubs including a one year stint as treasurer for one of them, volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity, with my church, and Kids against Hunger, volunteer for Orientation team for 2 years, ive been a school paid tutor for Bio/Chem/Math, I've been on a Spring Break mission trip to Nicaragua, about 15 hours of shadowing and observing surgeries in a hospital setting (part of my A&P class), etc. My list goes on, but those are the big things. Everything else were things that I've done just in passing or once or twice.

So for me...I don't know what else I can do to improve my application except taking post-bacc classes or getting a masters. I REALLY don't want to spend 2 years getting my masters before dental school...so the only thing I can think of is retake a few classes I received low-end grades in...and take a few more upper level bio classes (such as pharmacology, Biochem II, advanced topics in O-chem, etc.)

Oh, and I know for a fact that 2 of my 3 LOR were excellent. One was from my A&P professor, who is a M.D., one from my OC teacher who I also aid in his research projects, and the last from my dentist. I've read all of them, and the first two were excellent, but I don't think my dentist has ever written one before so that one kind've sucked...haha.

So yeah...my GPA is gotta be what is holding me back. Either that, or the fact that I'm a white male.