Should I retake DAT?

[krnxhkwanx]

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I just took May DAT and got scores as below;
PA 20
QR 19
RC 19
BIo 20
GC 24
OC 18

Total Science 20
AA 20
PAT 20

My gpa is 3.3 and graduated from Johns Hopkins University.

My question is should I retake it to aim for a higher score like 21/22? because even though I know higher score will raise my chance of acceptance, if my score is sufficient enough as it is now, why waste time right?
Plus, my overall gpa is kinda low compared to the mean average, but does it matter if I've graduated from a competitive school? if so, would it be enough to buffer my low gpa?

Good luck to yall for this cycle!!

 

[somethinpositiv]

Plus, my overall gpa is kinda low compared to the mean average, but does it matter if I've graduated from a competitive school? if so, would it be enough to buffer my low gpa?

First of all, no, they do not grant forgiveness for low GPA for attended a competitive school. As a random example, a 3.6 from University of Maryland may be as difficult to achieve as a 3.3 from Johns Hopkins, but Adcoms would still rather see the 3.6 from UMD.

Second of all, 3.3 is kind of low, but probably not low enough to justify a Masters. It's still a B+ average, which is respectable. Any lower than 3.3 and I'd recommend an SMP, but you're probably fine as far as grades go.

My question is should I retake it to aim for a higher score like 21/22? because even though I know higher score will raise my chance of acceptance, if my score is sufficient enough as it is now, why waste time right?

If you can do it and you know you'll do better, go for it. 3.3 with 20/20/20 is likely borderline.. if you apply to 15-20 schools including most of the large private schools you'll likely get in. However, if you're looking for more security, retake - a 21+ will probably cement you a spot at some school somewhere. Or apply now and if you don't get in the first time, retake the DAT. There's really no clear answer to your question of whether to retake or not, ultimately it's up to you..