Should I retake my DAT?
Started by futurefairyn
Hi! Since you’re applying to both Canadian and U.S. schools, the Organic Chemistry score is really the key piece here.
For Canadian schools, I’d strongly consider retaking. They tend to be more score-driven, and Organic Chemistry is a core science that 380 could hold you back even with a strong overall AA.
For U.S. schools, your 470 AA is workable and you could apply broadly. One lower section doesn’t automatically disqualify you when the rest of your profile is strong.
The good news is your QR (600), PAT (520), and Gen Chem (500) are strong.
If you decide to retake, you will have to take the full exam again, and you won’t get the exact same test.
Focus most of your time on Organic Chemistry and reactions, mechanisms, carbonyls, and Grignard reactions are the highest-yield topics. Just keep your stronger areas fresh so you don’t lose points there.
Good luck and wishing you the best.
Nancy
For Canadian schools, I’d strongly consider retaking. They tend to be more score-driven, and Organic Chemistry is a core science that 380 could hold you back even with a strong overall AA.
For U.S. schools, your 470 AA is workable and you could apply broadly. One lower section doesn’t automatically disqualify you when the rest of your profile is strong.
The good news is your QR (600), PAT (520), and Gen Chem (500) are strong.
If you decide to retake, you will have to take the full exam again, and you won’t get the exact same test.
Focus most of your time on Organic Chemistry and reactions, mechanisms, carbonyls, and Grignard reactions are the highest-yield topics. Just keep your stronger areas fresh so you don’t lose points there.
Good luck and wishing you the best.
Nancy
One thing I would add here.
Be careful with general tips and tricks. They can help a little, but they usually do not fix the reason a score is stuck.
For Organic Chemistry, improvement comes from really understanding reactions and mechanisms and working through enough challenging problems to start recognizing patterns.
That is what usually moves the score.
If you do retake, focus most of your time there and just keep your stronger sections fresh so you do not lose points.
Hope this helps and always happy to help.
Be careful with general tips and tricks. They can help a little, but they usually do not fix the reason a score is stuck.
For Organic Chemistry, improvement comes from really understanding reactions and mechanisms and working through enough challenging problems to start recognizing patterns.
That is what usually moves the score.
If you do retake, focus most of your time there and just keep your stronger sections fresh so you do not lose points.
Hope this helps and always happy to help.
