SDN, help me out here

[chrispyy]

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Hey guys.. post-bac here, 🙂

Just need some input from you guys real quick. This semester I am taking Orgo 2 and Physics 2, both with labs. I'm taking the DATs in May and am really considering to take Physics 2 later in the summer since physics is not on the DAT.

What do you guys think? My reason for this is to give me more time to study for the DATs during the semester.

I've been reading alot in the forums and I know D-schools look for a student who can handle a course load but do you guys think it will be worth the possible decline on my DAT scores if I do decide to stick with physics this semester? any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[AwesomeTeeth]

EDIT: Didn't realize you were a postbac, sorry

Stick to your plan to take physics later in the summer. It's not needed for the DAT. It would be better to devote that time to get a good score on the test.

 

[bing12]

Hey guys.. post-bac here, 🙂

Just need some input from you guys real quick. This semester I am taking Orgo 2 and Physics 2, both with labs. I'm taking the DATs in May and am really considering to take Physics 2 later in the summer since physics is not on the DAT.

What do you guys think? My reason for this is to give me more time to study for the DATs during the semester.

I've been reading alot in the forums and I know D-schools look for a student who can handle a course load but do you guys think it will be worth the possible decline on my DAT scores if I do decide to stick with physics this semester? any advice would be greatly appreciated!

D-schools will value numbers(gpa,DAT) more than course load. Stick with your plan.

 

[HeyCharlie]

Here's a better approach.

Since schools like to see minimum of 2 science classes per term for post-bacs, take Orgo 2 w/lab plus an easier biology course this semester. Study during the summer for DAT and take it in July/Aug. Take Physics 2 in the fall with another biology class. I think you'll maximize both DAT and GPA this way.

 

[chrispyy]

EDIT: Didn't realize you were a postbac, sorry

Stick to your plan to take physics later in the summer. It's not needed for the DAT. It would be better to devote that time to get a good score on the test.

D-schools will value numbers(gpa,DAT) more than course load. Stick with your plan.

thanks for the input guys, this really helps me feel better about the plan

Here's a better approach.

Since schools like to see minimum of 2 science classes per term for post-bacs, take Orgo 2 w/lab plus an easier biology course this semester. Study during the summer for DAT and take it in July/Aug. Take Physics 2 in the fall with another biology class. I think you'll maximize both DAT and GPA this way.

charlie - The extra biology classes sounds great, I will take that into consideration to up my gpa. However, my advisor is really pushing me to take the DAT in May since the cycle starts in June. If I can take the DAT in July/Aug that will be great but I am concerned if it will put me at a disadvantage if I send my application in 3 months later instead of in May

 

[HeyCharlie]

charlie - The extra biology classes sounds great, I will take that into consideration to up my gpa. However, my advisor is really pushing me to take the DAT in May since the cycle starts in June. If I can take the DAT in July/Aug that will be great but I am concerned if it will put me at a disadvantage if I send my application in 3 months later instead of in May

No bro, here's the truth.. I initially was like you, planning to study during spring semester to take the DAT in May so I can apply in June. But I winded up pushing my exam back a few times and finally took it at the end of Aug. My application was complete two weeks later and I got 3 pre-Dec and 4 post-Dec interviews. At the end of the day, the DAT and GPA will dictate your outcome so you have to give yourself the best chance to maximize both.

 

[wired202808]

No bro, here's the truth.. I initially was like you, planning to study during spring semester to take the DAT in May so I can apply in June. But I winded up pushing my exam back a few times and finally took it at the end of Aug. My application was complete two weeks later and I got 3 pre-Dec and 4 post-Dec interviews. At the end of the day, the DAT and GPA will dictate your outcome so you have to give yourself the best chance to maximize both.

There's no doubt one should take the DAT when they are ready, but those that applied in June have more interviews and higher chances at certain schools than students who applied in August. I know this from first hand because a lot of East Coast schools did not invite me for interviews meanwhile people with similar stats to mine received invites as they submitted their app in June.

There's no doubt that applying in June maximizes your chances at certain schools. End of August will get you a few acceptances but it might be from your least favorite or wanted schools.