Should I retake DAT? School Chances?

[ext123]

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Hello,

I am new to SDN but here goes...
I am a junior applying this cycle. My top schools are along the east coast (UMB, UNC, VCU, New Jersey, UConn). My dream would be to receive the NHSP scholarship and work in public health. I am a Virginia resident w/ a pretty high gpa (>3.8) and DAT scores (21 AA, 20 TS, 25 PAT, no section less than 20). Should I retake the DAT this summer? Or am I well off with my current scores?

Lastly if I retook can I combine scores from both for example.. keep the 25 PAT but if I scored better in biology will that score be the main one looked at by admissions?

Thanks.

 

[FeralisExtremum]

How admissions handles multiple DAT scores varies by school - it is best to call the schools you are interested in and ask them directly how they do it.

But your GPA is high and your DAT is strong and consistent. I see no reason why you should retake.

 

[MahiMahi]

Unless you think you can do significantly (not just 1-2 points) better, I personally wouldn't.

They'll get to see both of your scores at once. So if you didn't score a 25 on your PAT next time, they might consider that a fluke.
Some schools might have admissions policies about how they deal with your first set of scores vs your second, but at the end of the day, they'll have your original scores and your retake scores both in front of them.

 

[ext123]

Thanks for the quick replies. That all makes sense.
Would I be competitive for the NHSP scholarship as well? I'm guessing if one is competitive for dental school in general then they are competitive for the scholarship?

 

[DAT Destroyer]

Hello,

I am new to SDN but here goes...
I am a junior applying this cycle. My top schools are along the east coast (UMB, UNC, VCU, New Jersey, UConn). My dream would be to receive the NHSP scholarship and work in public health. I am a Virginia resident w/ a pretty high gpa (>3.8) and DAT scores (21 AA, 20 TS, 25 PAT, no section less than 20). Should I retake the DAT this summer? Or am I well off with my current scores?

Lastly if I retook can I combine scores from both for example.. keep the 25 PAT but if I scored better in biology will that score be the main one looked at by admissions?

Thanks.

Congratulations on the great scores and also high GPA, is that your science GPA? A 3.8 GPA shows that you are a hard working student and have taken the journey to becoming a dentist seriously. I see no reason you should take the DAT again, but it is best to contact the schools directly with your stats.

BTW: I am a Virginia native, Norfolk/Va Beach area.

Wishing you the best

Nancy

 

[ext123]

Congratulations on the great scores and also high GPA, is that your science GPA? A 3.8 GPA shows that you are a hard working student and have taken the journey to becoming a dentist seriously. I see no reason you should take the DAT again, but it is best to contact the schools directly with your stats.

BTW: I am a Virginia native, Norfolk/Va Beach area.

Wishing you the best

Nancy

Thanks Nancy. My cumulative gpa is a little over a 3.8 but my science gpa is a a 3.97. Thanks for the advice.

 

[phillyeagles1]

I wouldn't retake, I wish I was in your position!!

 

[Artdent97]

I would not retake. You risk getting lower scores and with your GPA you should get a lot of interviews.

good luck

 

[studentdent110]

You have to be extremely antisocial to not get into dental school with that GPA and those scores lol. Just have your app in early and don't blow your interviews... be yourself and make your app unique!