Retaking the DAT

[Mrs Tooth Fairy]

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I took the DAT yesterday for this application cycle and didn't do as well as I would've liked. I need to work on my math, everything else was decent. So I plan on taking it again, but of course I can't take it until the end of October. Do you think that's too late for this application cycle? How would it work? Will schools reconsider me if I did better on the DAT? Should I let schools know that I am retaking it? I'm just a little lost as to what to do at this point. Thanks so much!

 

[sfrice80]

If you don't mind me asking, what was your QR score?

 

[wantVCUdental]

I took the DAT yesterday for this application cycle and didn't do as well as I would've liked. I need to work on my math, everything else was decent. So I plan on taking it again, but of course I can't take it until the end of October. Do you think that's too late for this application cycle? How would it work? Will schools reconsider me if I did better on the DAT? Should I let schools know that I am retaking it? I'm just a little lost as to what to do at this point. Thanks so much!

If your score in QR is above 12, and everything is above 20, then you should apply.QR is the least important section. If you plan on retake, notify the schools to hold off your app so you don't get rejected right away.

 

[lnngu]

I took the DAT yesterday for this application cycle and didn't do as well as I would've liked. I need to work on my math, everything else was decent. So I plan on taking it again, but of course I can't take it until the end of October. Do you think that's too late for this application cycle? How would it work? Will schools reconsider me if I did better on the DAT? Should I let schools know that I am retaking it? I'm just a little lost as to what to do at this point. Thanks so much!

Nothing is absolute, but from past experience, I'd say that the end of October is way too late for this cycle. Remember that it takes ADEA about 3-4 weeks to post your scores, so the schools wouldn't get them until December.

 

[sfrice80]

If your score in QR is above 12, and everything is above 20, then you should apply.QR is the least important section. If you plan on retake, notify the schools to hold off your app so you don't get rejected right away.

Agreed

 

[Mrs Tooth Fairy]

Yeah my QR section was pretty terrible. I haven't had a math class in... lets see... 9 years. So I was expecting my QR to be low, but not that low (14). I also had a hard time with RC (16), but mostly 19's with everything else. I assumed with those kind of scores there is really no question as to if I should take it again (because I know I need to retake), just not sure how this is all going to affect my 2010 application.

 

[sfrice80]

Yeah you might want to consider a re-take. The RC score can really kill you and get automatic rejections from some schools just for that score alone. If I were you, I would post all of your scores, so we can look and give feedback.

 

[Mrs Tooth Fairy]

PA: 19
QR: 14
RC: 16
Bio: 18
GC: 19
OC: 19
TS: 18
AA: 17

That was no fun typing out 🙁

 

[sfrice80]

Yup I hate to say it but I would re-take it. Just get it done as soon as you can but don't rush it where you will repeat those numbers. Worst case scenerio is you have to wait a year to get accepted. Apply to some of the later interviewing schools like Tufts too. Cast a big net of schools and let them know you will re-take the DAT and they will place your file on hold until they receive the new updated scores. Sorry, I know this isn't the news you want to hear but good luck!

 

[alanan84]

Gpa?

 

[FreeFallin]

PA: 19
QR: 14
RC: 16
Bio: 18
GC: 19
OC: 19
TS: 18
AA: 17

That was no fun typing out 🙁

I feel your pain about QR (mine was 16), and like you, I've been out of a math class for years. As others have said, QR is usually the least important section....so, I'm hoping schools will look past it. Have you decided to retake or just apply?

 

[sfrice80]

I feel your pain about QR (mine was 16), and like you, I've been out of a math class for years. As others have said, QR is usually the least important section....so, I'm hoping schools will look past it. Have you decided to retake or just apply?

Refer to my predents page....

 

[Mrs Tooth Fairy]

My overall GPA is 3.72, adjusted by AADSAS. I think my science GPA is 3.62. I already submitted my application and I am getting requests for supplimentals. All I needed was the DAT to complete my application. It sounds like the best thing to do is contact the schools to let them know that I plan on retaking it. So does that mean that schools will just wait until they get my new DAT scores before deciding to interview me or not?

 

[sfrice80]

Yes

 

[alanan84]

My overall GPA is 3.72, adjusted by AADSAS. I think my science GPA is 3.62. I already submitted my application and I am getting requests for supplimentals. All I needed was the DAT to complete my application. It sounds like the best thing to do is contact the schools to let them know that I plan on retaking it. So does that mean that schools will just wait until they get my new DAT scores before deciding to interview me or not?

That GPA definitely helps. One thing to consider is not telling the schools that you plan on retaking. You run the risk of getting rejected before your new scores come in but at least you'd be evaluated before Dec. IDK, I'm not necessarily recommending that but it is an idea.

 

[schulc76]

I don't mean to hijack this thread and I agree with everyone's thoughts on what the op should do, but I have a question for sfrice80. I looked at your predents profile and you have solid DAT scores (except the 16) and have, I guess, an average GPA but man you just dominated with getting acceptances! You must be one hell of a guy! lol I am just curious what unique characteristics or great personality traits put you over the top do you think?

 

[sfrice80]

I don't mean to hijack this thread and I agree with everyone's thoughts on what the op should do, but I have a question for sfrice80. I looked at your predents profile and you have solid DAT scores (except the 16) and have, I guess, an average GPA but man you just dominated with getting acceptances! You must be one hell of a guy! lol I am just curious what unique characteristics or great personality traits put you over the top do you think?

lol...thanks. PM me if want my theory.