Retaking the DATs

[Farantino]

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Hey guys, I'm studying to take the DATs again. I applied in June to 9 schools and so far I've been rejected by three and had interviews with 2. I still haven't had one from UB which is my school for god's sake! So I'm going to retake the DATs in early March. If by that time it's too late and all the school's have made their decision and I don't have a school then I'll use the score for next year that I apply again. If however, I've gotten into a dental school by that time, I don't really lose anything. I feel that it's much better than sitting around and getting nervous. Here's my stats:

 

[Rajan247]

Sounds like you have plan but why rush, you have your app and everything ready for next year just in case. I would take the DAT when you feel confidently prepared and no sense spending cash on test you may not need. Good Luck and i hope this year brings you good news.

 

[fightingspirit]

i second rajan. in fact, i think you have a good chance at pitt. but you should apply to NYU....you can still do it now. so go ahead and apply to tufts and
nyu. your DAT is considered low only in SDN. but in the real world, your DAT is ok. good luck

 

[Farantino]

I'm not sure if I would go to NYU, even if I did get it. The tuition is way too high. I'm just getting really nervous because I don't have as many interviews as I thought I would. Do you guys think it's going to help out if I take the DATs in late February, get a better score and send it to the schools? 😕

 

[fightingspirit]

dude...i really think you have a good shot at pitt....

also, if you're 21, go to NYU...you'll pay back your loans like other young applicants who end up going to nyu. i am very surprised that BU did not interview you....are you sure they have all your application and supplementals?

also, you have 2 pubications, which is awesome! that should weigh in heavily. for some reason, i have the feeling that you did not market yourself well enough. the fact that BU did not interview you shows that your marketing campaign was not well-thought out. i dont say that because BU has low standards, but because BU interviews people with your stats. hang in there....send a letter to the dean of studetn affairs of pitt and let them know that you are very interested in their schools. start campaigning for yourself.....besides, why dont you call up the dean od admissions at BU and tell him how interested you are....listen, there are plenty (and i do mean plenty) of med and dent school applicants who get interviews just because they are nice...it works if you're good at it....i'd hate for you to take the DAT again and you may not do better.

good luck

 

[Titan0883]

I applied very late (in november), and will probably have to reapply for the next cycle. I here that adcoms like to see improvement during the next cycle...my dats are 20/20/20. Should I retake, because I don't think i can improve my gpa that much anymore (overall 3.3, science 3.2, BCP 3.54).

 

[beredsox2]

I think it's getting tougher and tougher to get in with below 3.5 gpa and under 20 DAT every year. I have multiple friends with similar stats as you that also have not gotten interviews at BU. I have a feeling BU has gotten more apps than ever before and have been more selective than ever (probably true for most schools). I agree that at this point you have nothing to lose by showing interest in the school but it would've been better had you shown this interest earlier. Good luck and just focus on Pitt. I wouldn't rush retaking the DAT, just wait until you are ready to take it because I don't think it will make a difference for you in this cycle.

 

[xylashellx]

good thinking! i basically did the same thing last year after i got put on the waiting list for NYU and the lady at NYU said that because i took the dat again i got in . just hope you do better!! good luck