Retaking DAT and not reporting

[lphiewok]

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Hey guys, I am planning on stat studying for DAT again to improve my chances for next year (waitlisted at 2 schools but I think I should face the fact and start working towards next year's application cycle).

I have pretty good DAT scores from my first try (AA 21/TS 20/PAT 21) but I feel that my score did not offset my GPA as much as I wished it would have (3.37 oGPA / 3.13 sGPA).

Since I am going to graduate in May and I will have nothing to do, so I am planning on studying for DAT again to hopefully bring everything to 22+. I know I am probably not going to score higher scores on every sections (especially because I think I got lucky on RC section) but I would rather study for DAT than go to another college and take courses with college students (which is about 45 min drive from my home).

My plan is to apply in May but take my DAT around July (probably 2 months of studying during summer). I am thinking about not putting that I will be retaking my DAT on my application just in case if my new scores are not higher than my old scores.

also another reason why I am hesitating to go with upper-division courses taking plan is because I will be applying in May and I will not even have any grades from new courses until end of Fall semester, probably December, and they will not even be able to see any improvement in my GPA other than the fact that I am taking more courses (but no numerical changes on my application).

Can I just take DAT and not report and only report if my second scores are higher? I am thinking that I can probably do this since schools do not receive DAT scores unless you pay for them (other than free ones when you apply for DAT but I will not choose any schools) but I want to make sure if someone in the past has done this before.

Also, what do you guys think is better retake DAT to something very impressive (assuming that I am much better test-taker than school academics) or take more upper-division courses at another University?


Can someone give me some inputs?

 

[doc toothache]

Trying to bump yourself into a slightly more elite category is unlikely to change the picture. There is also the danger that your will plan will backfire. In the electronic age, should you re apply, it is not very likely that ds will not be aware that you retook the test whether your requested/paid for them or not. Deceit is not exactly a quality that ds particularly like to see in their applicants. It may be time to trade in your bs for an ms.

 

[Sophlu]

You have to send your official DAT scores to all schools which will include scores from your first try and your second. There is no way around that. Your application is not complete unless official scores are sent to the schools.

Also, I would not retake the DAT. You have good enough scores to get in. I suggest that you work on your ECs. Good luck!

 

[burnzee06]

Pitt looks at all scores and takes a composite of the highest ones. I think some other schools do the same...

 

[starsaligned]

I was in a similar position last year (even lower scores on some sections) and was told by some schools' admissions officers that my scores were solid and I should not retake the DAT unless I am fairly confident I will do better. From what I know (others will hopefully chime in on this also), just applying as early as possible next cycle and the fact that you will have received your bachelor's already should give you a big boost compared to last cycle's application. Schools like to get applicants who have completed college. Also, more higher level science classes with nice grades always help a lot. Hope this helps and good luck!

 

[doc toothache]

Pitt looks at all scores and takes a composite of the highest ones. I think some other schools do the same...

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=527651

 

[alanan84]

I'm kind of surprised you haven't gotten in. Have you contacted the schools and asked them what you can improve on?

When I did that for Baylor, they told me that my oGPA (3.3) and sGPA (3.27) weren't the problem. They listed my DAT score, (not your problem) lack of upper level bio classes, and no bachelors degree as things I could improve. I think if you haven't contacted the schools, you ought to. Baylor is really imformative. I would be so scared to retake if I had a freaking 21AA!

 

[sony102]

to the OP....you're crazyyyy...do NOT retake that evil test again...just improve all other aspects of your application, ie work on personal statement, do more community service and try to be unique with community service work, initiate small projects to help humanity, sharpen up your interview skills, apply earlier, pray...etc.

I had overall GPA 3.3 and sGPA 3.1 AA19 TS21 Bio 20 Gchem23 Ochem20 PAT16 RC17 QR13 and I had 7 interviews and got accepted to 3 schools.
also like othe people said call the schools and ask why didn't they accept you
wish you all the best 🙂

 

[suhshi]

you a lambda?