Round 1 DAT 5/10/12

[torobcheh21]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Hey everyone,

First off I wanted to thank everyone on this forum for helping me out with all my questions while studying for the DAT, I couldn't have learned as much as I did without all the help so thanks!

So I took my first DAT yesterday and though I thought I did better...my scores were:

PAT: 25 (99.1%)
QR: 16 (65.3%)
RC: 16 (22.6%)
Bio: 18 (72.1%)
GC: 19 (79.9%)
OC: 21 (89.7%)
TS: 19 (82.8%)
AA: 18 (72.5%)

Obviously these aren't as amazing as the typical "O I'm really actually not that smart" person's scores. I'm pretty bummed because I definitely put in the time. I made this my job for the past 2-3 months and things didn't really go my way. Especially on the reading section...I should have just read the sections instead of the S&D method because the articles I got really weren't super detailed with a lot of specific facts...it was definitely more a test of understanding.

My question now is...where do I go from here? For those of you that have experience in this type of situation, I'd really appreciate some guidance because I was planning on applying this cycle but now I'm starting to question what to do.

My GPA is a 3.6 overall and a 3.5 science and I graduate from UCI. I have put in about 80+ hours shadowing and plan on putting in more this summer. I played soccer for my school all 4 years and went on to play pro in Germany this past year after I graduated. I have a good amount of extracurriculars like tutoring, clubs, etc.

For those of you that are more experienced, what do you guys think? Should I still apply early and notify them that I will retake the DAT...or do you think these scores are good enough...And I have to wait 3 months to retake it right? Should I apply when the cycle opens, or am I better off to try and improve my score and apply later????

Thank you for your time, and I'd be grateful for some advice on what to do...

 

[santa2392]

First. Do you mind sharing your topscore or datqvault or any kind of practice tea score?
Second, I don't think your score is impossible to get in along with ur gpa and ecs... You have a shot at boston ny roseman in Utah.. But I will prepare for second round as well There are lots of ppl who got in second round Dont lose your hope. Maybe you want to specify how you studied so other ppl can give you advise

Good luck

 

[JonLee]

I'm sorry things didn't go your way on RC and QR after all your efforts, I can imagine how frustrating that would be.

Don't be discouraged though because your PAT score is in the stratosphere! And correct me if I'm wrong SDN but I'm pretty sure that is the most important standalone subject score, as it's the most relevant ability you will need in dental school and practicing dentistry.

Also your science scores are pretty good ( I feel like improving on QR and RC will be easier than science in general). A retake isn't necessary with your scores as they are pretty competitive, but it wouldn't hurt to bump up your RC and QR.


In terms of applying early it definitely helps! One of the dentists I shadowed literally submitted his the day AAdSAS opened. He got into UNC and he was OOS!

If you do retake, make sure you submit your first scores though, because I'm almost positive that your AADSAS app isn't considered complete until your DAT scores are included.

Also that's pretty cool that you played pro soccer (or should i say FUTBOL lol) in Germany.
I love the sport so much but haven't been able to play more than intramural since starting college. I'm sure practice and traveling for games took up a LOT of times so that is another thing I'm sure some adcoms will consider!

Anyways, wish you the best of luck man!

 

[torobcheh21]

Sorry for the late reply, I was out of the country this past week. Thanks for the encouragement JonLee I really appreciate that. So you guys think I should apply and go from there? I'd like to stay in California but now I'm not so sure hehe...what do you guys think my chances are? What are the cut off scores I would have needed?

And btw, how does applying work...do we have to wait until June 4th when the window opens to see all the questions we have to fill out, letters of rec, and get the form to send to schools for our transcripts???

Thanks

 

[road2dmd]

Hey everyone,

First off I wanted to thank everyone on this forum for helping me out with all my questions while studying for the DAT, I couldn't have learned as much as I did without all the help so thanks!

So I took my first DAT yesterday and though I thought I did better...my scores were:

PAT: 25 (99.1%)
QR: 16 (65.3%)
RC: 16 (22.6%)
Bio: 18 (72.1%)
GC: 19 (79.9%)
OC: 21 (89.7%)
I would say there are a few factors to take into account...like where are you applying? Dental school gets more and more competitive every year, and you really want to give yourself the best shot that you can get without having to wait another year because you were rejected. Your PAT score is awesome and the rest are decent, its great that you have a solid GPA; however, I'd be careful because some schools have cut offs on how low sub-section scores can be. Those 16's may mean that it'll either be worth it to re-take and or necessary depending on where you want to get in. I applied day 1, than sent schools that I would re-take it and sent them my scores Sept 1. My advice is to re-take it and apply right when you get those scores ASAP just to give yourself the best shot, which will be in August. It's a tough spot b/c you want to get your apps in as quick as you can, but also, you don't want to rush a second DAT. So if I were you take the week to relax, detox from studying, and if you decide to take it again, be in a fresh positive mindset.

Remember, second time around means you have to focus on your weaknesses but don't forget about your strengths.

 

[torobcheh21]

Thank you for that! I want to apply to no more to 10 schools...all of the schools in california, NYU, and from there I don't really know...I haven't looked into schools outside of cali much because of the whole out of state thing? I figure it will be too expensive that way, plus don't most schools have a lower acceptance rate for OOS people?

And road2md, so I can't apply early and then update my application once I take my second DAT? how does that whole thing work?

thank you