Retaking the DAT...

[azoomie]

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I just finished my 3rd year of undergrad. I applied last year hoping to graduate in 3 years and start ds this year, but was waitlisted at my two choice schools, UF and Lecom Bradenton.

My GPA is around a 3.6-ish
Last year when taking my DAT I got a 20AA/20 GC/ 18 OC/ 24 RC/ 20 Quant/ 20 PAT

I am retaking this year in order to raise my chances of getting in next cycle

However, I just read this on Ari's Study Guide

A Word About Retakes

You should always consult your pre-health advisor if you’re planning on retaking the DAT. Some people end up retaking the DAT when they had perfectly good scores to start with, and end up wasting time and money. In addition, each dental school looks at retakes differently. Some dental schools only consider your highest set of scores, others average all your attempts together, and some only consider your latest set of scores. All in all, it’s important to avoid retaking the DAT unless necessary. If you’re retaking it you need to try to score well on this attempt.

I already spent hundreds on planning to retake the DAT, and only gave myself a month to study. However now I'm worried that within a month I won't be able to get above a 21 or 22. I am determined to get higher than this, but Ari's words are worrying me.

What do you think?

 

[danchoi03]

When did you apply last cycle may i ask? What is your Bio score? what is your BCP gpa? what is your sGPA? It is difficult to provide you my opinions without answering these questions.

 

[DAT Destroyer]

I just finished my 3rd year of undergrad. I applied last year hoping to graduate in 3 years and start ds this year, but was waitlisted at my two choice schools, UF and Lecom Bradenton.

My GPA is around a 3.6-ish
Last year when taking my DAT I got a 20AA/20 GC/ 18 OC/ 24 RC/ 20 Quant/ 20 PAT

I am retaking this year in order to raise my chances of getting in next cycle


However, I just read this on Ari's Study Guide

A Word About Retakes

You should always consult your pre-health advisor if you’re planning on retaking the DAT. Some people end up retaking the DAT when they had perfectly good scores to start with, and end up wasting time and money. In addition, each dental school looks at retakes differently. Some dental schools only consider your highest set of scores, others average all your attempts together, and some only consider your latest set of scores. All in all, it’s important to avoid retaking the DAT unless necessary. If you’re retaking it you need to try to score well on this attempt.

I already spent hundreds on planning to retake the DAT, and only gave myself a month to study. However now I'm worried that within a month I won't be able to get above a 21 or 22. I am determined to get higher than this, but Ari's words are worrying me.

What do you think?

Hi Azoomie,

A study guide can NOT possibly cover every situation that can occur with all students. I have worked with students many years and my advice would be to call UF and Lecom Bradenton and talk to someone about your unique situation. From my experience most advisors at schools do not always give the best or most up to date advice. Go to the source, "the dental schools" for advice as I suggested.

Also what is you science GPA and TS on the DAT? Why are you only giving yourself a month to study on the retake? Give yourself enough time to prepare properly so on the retake you can raise your scores, don't rush

Also one thing students often overlook is the personal statement, make sure yours shines, it can often mean the difference in getting an interview.

Feel free to pm.

Hope my advice helps and wishing you the best.

Nancy

 

[azoomie]

When did you apply last cycle may i ask? What is your Bio score? what is your BCP gpa? what is your sGPA? It is difficult to provide you my opinions without answering these questions.

I got a 20 Bio, 19 TS on DAT. My sGPA is around a 3.5. I applied last July, was considered a relatively early applicant.

 

[azoomie]

Hi Azoomie,

A study guide can NOT possibly cover every situation that can occur with all students. I have worked with students many years and my advice would be to call UF and Lecom Bradenton and talk to someone about your unique situation. From my experience most advisors at schools do not always give the best or most up to date advice. Go to the source, "the dental schools" for advice as I suggested.

Also what is you science GPA and TS on the DAT? Why are you only giving yourself a month to study on the retake? Give yourself enough time to prepare properly so on the retake you can raise your scores, don't rush

Also one thing students often overlook is the personal statement, make sure yours shines, it can often mean the difference in getting an interview.

Feel free to pm.

Hope my advice helps and wishing you the best.

Nancy

Nancy,

Huge fan of the Destroyer books thanks for the reply. My science GPA is around a 3.5, and my TS on the DAT was a 19. I only have a month to study because I am taking summer classes to graduate as I was not anticipating reapplying. I will ask UF and LECOM as you suggested.

 

[cacajuate]

Honestly dude, with that gpa/sgpa, your dat is fine. I would finish your classes volunteer some more and I bet you get in next year.

 

[danchoi03]

I agree with Orgoman advice. Call the schools that interviewed you last year. Your GPA and DAT are good, but I don't know if the schools rejected you because of the OC score. Make sure you call the schools first before you plan for your retake.

 

[stuntdragon]

May I ask you which schools you applied to?

 

[DAT Destroyer]

I agree with Orgoman advice. Call the schools that interviewed you last year. Your GPA and DAT are good, but I don't know if the schools rejected you because of the OC score. Make sure you call the schools first before you plan for your retake.

Agree 100 percent!

 

[SyracuseOrange92]

Don't make assumptions, call the schools directly. Your scores are on par with matriculating students. Ask the schools ways that you can improve your application for the next cycle.