Should I retake the DAT? Any advice would be helpful

[chrishyl]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I took the DAT about more than a month ago and here‘s my result:
Bio 23
Gchem 22
Ochem 20
RC 23
QR 24
PAT 23
TS 21, AA 22

I studied only using Bootcamp. I also used the Destroyer but only a little of it since halfway through my studying i just went back to using only BC (Destroyer was too difficult for me). For BC, i got through half of the practice tests but otherwise covered pretty much everything.
Just in case it’ll be helpful, here’s my GPA as well:
overall 3.95
science 4.0

The thing is, i have high expectations and i have a few reach schools that i really want to get into. (So obviously i was a bit disappointed when i saw my DAT results) I don’t know if my GPA and DAT scores will be good enough to get me into those schools. Also I’m from South Korea so English isn’t my first language. i’ll be applying next year but that has to be my first and last, i don’t have time for a second. So with all of these in mind should i retake the DAT or not? If i do retake, i’ll prob take it next Jan or so.
Any piece of advice would be nice. Thanks

 

[DAT Destroyer]

chrishyl​

Your scores are great and you will get you interviews at a lot of dental schools, a lot depends on where you want to attend. You have an excellent science GPA which dental schools will like. I am sorry you found the Destroyer too difficult but in my opinion if you had been able to get through the work your scores might have been higher.

My advice is to review the criteria for schools you want to attend and I would even give them a call with your stats. No one here can answer your question, not even me with many years of experience, it is ultimately the decision of the school.

You should be very proud of these scores, a 23 in reading is amazing with English being a 2nd language.
I do understand your disappointment because you anticipated something higher, should you decide to take the DAT again in January be aware that the ADA has noted changes to the Bio section in January 2022.

"Updates to the DAT Biology test specifications will be implemented in January, 2022. Students who plan to take the DAT during or after January, 2022 are encouraged to review the updated specifications provided at the link below. The updated Biology test specifications include several new topics that were not previously covered on the examination."
Jan 2022 Bio Changes

Wishing you the best...

Nancy, co/owner, Destroyers