Should I retake? 410 AA

[scarletrose1041]

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Hello, this is my recent DAT score... I'm in a bit of a dilemma if I should retake the DAT. I was actually really surprised with this score because I was getting less than 370s in my practice tests (Rarely got above 400s) but I decided to just shoot my shot. So it's actually a blessing I even got above 400. I have a gpa of 3.76 (I don't know my science gpa), currently in my gap year -- various extracurriculars, and dental assistant experience (2 years). My volunteer hours is a bit low ( maybe around 100 hours).

I plan to apply broadly, schools that are known to consider holistically (LECOM, UNE, Temple, Howard ...) but my top school is maybe considered a reach with this DAT score (UMD). Is it worth retaking the exam? If I do -- I'm considering a late July retake, giving me about 2 months to lock in.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

ADEA's DSE is still using two-digit scores. I hope at some point, the three-digit scores will be posted. As it stands, a 410 is equivalent to a 19. 430's across the board is equivalent to 20's across the board (except RC which would be a 22).

What is your state of residence? Howard is ideal if you are historically underserved or grew up in a community that is majority historically underserved and underresourced.

 

[scarletrose1041]

ADEA's DSE is still using two-digit scores. I hope at some point, the three-digit scores will be posted. As it stands, a 410 is equivalent to a 19. 430's across the board is equivalent to 20's across the board (except RC which would be a 22).

What is your state of residence? Howard is ideal if you are historically underserved or grew up in a community that is majority historically underserved and underresourced.

Hello! I'm from DC and I did grow up in an underserved community with an immigrant background. I'm also part of an ethnic minority group (according to the NIH...). Being a resident of DC also makes me an OOS student, so no advantages for in-state benefits.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Hello! I'm from DC and I did grow up in an underserved community with an immigrant background. I'm also part of an ethnic minority group (according to the NIH...). Being a resident of DC also makes me an OOS student, so no advantages for in-state benefits.

That makes sense. I would include Meharry if you have Howard.

I encourage you to calculate your science and BCP GPA.

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Did you attend the ADEA GoDental Virtual Fair a few weeks ago, or have you attended any recruitment event (virtual or campus) through SNDA, ASDA, or the admissions teams before applying this cycle?

 

[DAT Destroyer]

View attachment 420074

Hello, this is my recent DAT score... I'm in a bit of a dilemma if I should retake the DAT. I was actually really surprised with this score because I was getting less than 370s in my practice tests (Rarely got above 400s) but I decided to just shoot my shot. So it's actually a blessing I even got above 400. I have a gpa of 3.76 (I don't know my science gpa), currently in my gap year -- various extracurriculars, and dental assistant experience (2 years). My volunteer hours is a bit low ( maybe around 100 hours).

I plan to apply broadly, schools that are known to consider holistically (LECOM, UNE, Temple, Howard ...) but my top school is maybe considered a reach with this DAT score (UMD). Is it worth retaking the exam? If I do -- I'm considering a late July retake, giving me about 2 months to lock in.

I agree with the suggestion above to take a look at Meharry in addition to Howard.

One thing that I think is important here is your science GPA. A 3.76 overall GPA is certainly good, but dental schools pay very close attention to the science GPA as well.

Before making a decision about a retake, I would encourage you to calculate your science GPA. If your science GPA is strong, that may change how I view your current DAT score. If it is significantly lower, that is a different conversation.

Your actual DAT score was also higher than most of your practice test scores, so I would be careful about assuming that a July retake will automatically result in a higher score.

I would also consider reaching out to some of the schools on your list and asking for their thoughts. Admissions offices often have a better feel for what they are seeing from applicants than anyone on a forum.

Hope this helps.

Nancy