Retake the DAT - Help PLEASE!

[dentitioncraz]

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Hi everyone,

I need some advice on whether or not I should retake my DATs, which I took in September.

These are my scores:
PAT: 21
QR: 17 🙁
RC: 22
BIO: 20
GC: 19
OC: 18
TS: 19
AA: 19

I will be graduating from UCLA this year, and currently have a 3.5 cumulative GPA and a 3.3 sci GPA. I know that my science GPA is low, so I am working to improve it from now until graduation, although I know that whatever increases there may be to it will be slight due to the number of units I have accumulated thus far. My DAT scores are not very competitive, but I think they are considered decent. Since I plan to apply this year and will be taking a full load of classes for the next two quarters, I won't have much time to study for the DAT, I think. But if I must, I will, and will try my best, of course. What do you guys think? Should I retake it the DAT?? Any advice given will be appreciated!! Thank you!

 

[Lopyswine]

well as you say, you wont have much time to prepare...

Your scores are little above average and your GPA is average. You are a UCLA student which means ALOT. Most schools know of the different grading of UCLA's south campus.

My advice: see how this cycle plays out. You wont have time to study for the DAT and you wont be able to take enough classes to make a improvement on the GPA... so just wait and see what happens.

So what you CAN do in the mean time is make sure that every other area of application is well rounded. Good PS, great letters, great dental experience, and a ton of volunteer work.

Then if happens that you aren't accepted this cycle, begin hardcore DAT prep in March so that you can take them in June and apply early for Fall'09 class.

 

[jigabodo]

If by any chance you dont get in this cycle, I think you still stand a legit shot with those scores for the next one granted you apply early enough.

My advice for you would be to apply to the schools that use the "point system". Since those schools will take your undergrad into consideration, it would def. maximize your chances.

 

[Danny0230]

I think you're in pretty good shape. Your scores are pretty similar to mine.. I had a slightly worst DAT (18/19/20) and a slightly better gpa (3.6/3.6) and had two acceptances. If you can raise your gpa a little that can only help, and just nail your interviews.

 

[IamJetLi]

wow, those gpas are pretty good for UCLA. But those DATs should be higher if those GPAs are accurate. how well are you familiar with these science classes?

 

[NismoDDS]

go to predents.com and see how many people are getting in with your gpa and DAT scores. You probably would have gotten in somewhere if you applied to alot of schools and if you applied in may.

 

[dentitioncraz]

Hey, thanks for all your advice. IamJetLi, I am quite familiar w/ the science classes at UCLA, for as a Bio major, I've taken many.