Should I retake the DAT? Please help :(

[lonelygirl330]

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Hi everyone,
I took my DAT recently and my scores were:

19 PAT
19 GC
21 OC
19 Bio
20 TS
22 RC
16 QR 🙁
AA 19

I also have a 3.0 GPA. I applied to an SMP program, and hopefully I will get in but if not I will take a year of upper level science courses at my undergrad university. I also worked as a dental assistant for about a couple months, and have a good amount shadowing/volunteering. Should I retake the DAT? This is my second time taking it, the first time I got an 18 🙁. Has anyone had experience doing an SMP and studying for the DAT at the same time? I know I will have to do really well in the program, so I don't know if when I can even take the DAT again if I need to. Would really appreciate input. Thank you!

 

[jz123]

i heard QR is the section the AD committee cares the least, but you need to check with the schools that 16 is not below their cut-offs
if it is possible, retake since your GPA is not very high.

 

[FlowerGirl35]

Doing well in a program isn't gonna make up for 4 years worth of subpar undergrad work. If that was the case, I wouldn't have worked hard in undergrad at all.

 

[JLT223]

Has anyone had experience doing an SMP and studying for the DAT at the same time?

Probably best to avoid that if you can as you want to focus on doing as well as possible. Your DAT isn't half bad; the 16 QR brought down your AA obviously. If you can get a 3.7+ in the SMP that will really help you.

 

[lonelygirl330]

Doing well in a program isn't gonna make up for 4 years worth of subpar undergrad work. If that was the case, I wouldn't have worked hard in undergrad at all.

I know countless of people who got into both dental school and med school by doing this. Why would you want to take years off, have a decreased chance of admission, have to really make your ec's and DAT outstanding, and pay a lot of money for a year of rigorous med school level classes, rather than just do well in your undergrad classes for 4 years? Getting a good undergrad GPA obviously makes it so that you don't have to go through all of that. So unfortunately for you it does work like that.. but obviously that's not to say your stellar undergrad gpa was for nothing.

My question was when to retake the DAT if needed, I wasn't asking about masters because after speaking to admissions, and many people who are already been admitted, I already know this combined with experience is the way to go.

 

[JLT223]

When does the SMP start (if you get accepted)?

 

[lonelygirl330]

When does the SMP start (if you get accepted)?

It starts in August. I would be ready to retake in about 2 weeks ideally but unfortunately I have to wait the 90 days which is really screwing me over 🙁 Thanks a lot for your input!

 

[FlowerGirl35]

I know countless of people who got into both dental school and med school by doing this. Why would you want to take years off, have a decreased chance of admission, have to really make your ec's and DAT outstanding, and pay a lot of money for a year of rigorous med school level classes, rather than just do well in your undergrad classes for 4 years? Getting a good undergrad GPA obviously makes it so that you don't have to go through all of that. So unfortunately for you it does work like that.. but obviously that's not to say your stellar undergrad gpa was for nothing.

My question was when to retake the DAT if needed, I wasn't asking about masters because after speaking to admissions, and many people who are already been admitted, I already know this combined with experience is the way to go.

How much is it? And you may know some people but you don't seem to know the ones that didn't get in.

 

[JLT223]

It starts in August. I would be ready to retake in about 2 weeks ideally but unfortunately I have to wait the 90 days which is really screwing me over 🙁 Thanks a lot for your input!

Yea that's an iffy situation. Only you know if you can handle starting the SMP (potentially) and then taking such an important exam. With the 3.0 you'd benefit from retaking. Wish I could help more. People take the DAT while working and taking a full class load, it just depends on the person.

 

[lonelygirl330]

How much is it? And you may know some people and you don't seem to know the ones that didn't get in.

No, I actually don't. Everyone who applied to the school I'm looking into, and did fairly well in the program got accepted. Even with lower undergrad GPA's than mine They have an articulation agreement. That obviously doesn't guarantee my entry but it does give me a fair shot (if I even do well). And it's about $35,000.

 

[lonelygirl330]

Yea that's an iffy situation. Only you know if you can handle starting the SMP (potentially) and then taking such an important exam. With the 3.0 you'd benefit from retaking. Wish I could help more. People take the DAT while working and taking a full class load, it just depends on the person.

I'm thinking I can try my best to review a little daily, and then take it during the 2 week winter break. My counselor actually recommended that I waited until after a few months into the program before I retook, because I would have a stronger biology background. But the benefits outweighed the cost, but now I really have no choice. And thanks a lot for your help 🙂

 

[JLT223]

I'm thinking I can try my best to review a little daily, and then take it during the 2 week winter break. My counselor actually recommended that I waited until after a few months into the program before I retook, because I would have a stronger biology background. But the benefits outweighed the cost, but now I really have no choice. And thanks a lot for your help 🙂

Yea that makes sense to take it once you're settled in with the program. Best of luck!

 

[FlowerGirl35]

No, I actually don't. Everyone who applied to the school I'm looking into, and did fairly well in the program got accepted. Even with lower undergrad GPA's than mine They have an articulation agreement. That obviously doesn't guarantee my entry but it does give me a fair shot (if I even do well). And it's about $35,000.

If you had a 3.0 in undergrad, what makes you think you could fare well with "med school" level classes? I don't understand. I'm being realistic. Wouldn't it be better to just take some post-bac classes at your institution? And 35,000? I hope that includes guaranteed articulation into dental school. I really do.

 

[lonelygirl330]

If you had a 3.0 in undergrad, what makes you think you could fare well with "med school" level classes? I don't understand. I'm being realistic. Wouldn't it be better to just take some post-bac classes at your institution? And 35,000? I hope that includes guaranteed articulation into dental school. I really do.

Again, I'm not really trying to argue with you about the the efficacy of an SMP, I was asking for advice on retaking the DAT, or at the very least how to juggle studying/being enrolled in an SMP and study schedules from those who have managed it. If you have experience or input on that then great, if not, then GTFO.

 

[Rand627]

Again, I'm not really trying to argue with you about the the efficacy of an SMP, I was asking for advice on retaking the DAT, or at the very least how to juggle studying/being enrolled in an SMP and study schedules from those who have managed it. If you have experience or input in that than great, if not, than GTFO.

Just ignore the person. She's nuts.

 

[lonelygirl330]

Just ignore the person. She's nuts.

thanks, that's what I decided to do. Funny, I replied to your post about her right when you replied to mine

 

[FlowerGirl35]

Again, I'm not really trying to argue with you about the the efficacy of an SMP, I was asking for advice on retaking the DAT, or at the very least how to juggle studying/being enrolled in an SMP and study schedules from those who have managed it. If you have experience or input in that than great, if not, than GTFO.

You're posting a on public forum. Your attitude is unwarranted here. My suggestion to you is I don't think an SMP program which consists of 30,000 worth of debt route is the way to go, especially with your undergrad GPA. Post bac, in my opinion, would be a better choice.

 

[BeaverLover]

Even Doc Tooth would call you a savage

 

[DSlotted]

 

[FlowerGirl35]

Just ignore the person. She's nuts.

Right, I'm "nuts" for suggesting not to take the route which consists of a level of coursework way above her means and a level of debt that nears half a hundred thousand dollars. I think you get a kick out of trying to pronounce the bandwagon effect and seeing if you can actually do it anonymously. Good job.

 

[bwc]

With such stats, I highly recommend making sure that you are prepared with a plan B. Doing a SMP is like putting all of your eggs into one basket, as there is no use for them other than trying to get into a health professions school. What if dental school still don't work out after finishing your SMP? What are you going to do?

I was told that ideally you want at least 20 in each section, but sometimes they will let an occasional 18 or 19 slide. 17 or below is pretty risky. Retake only if you feel that you will do better after further prep. You definitely don't want to just walk in cold for the retake and just hope that you have better luck.

 

[schmoob]

Right, I'm "nuts" for suggesting not to take the route which consists of a level of coursework way above her means and a level of debt that nears half a hundred thousand dollars. I think you get a kick out of trying to pronounce the bandwagon effect and seeing if you can actually do it anonymously. Good job.

Above her means? Wow. Is it above your means?
What's wrong with you?

 

[Mrhyde]

I dont understand this post really? Why cant she apply to dental school, the scores are not that bad ?

 

[schmoob]

I dont understand this post really? Why cant she apply to dental school, the scores are not that bad ?

They're slightly below average, but that does not mean she will not get in. OP sounds dedicated to gaining admission and I have a good feeling that she will be a success story for many others to follow.

 

[workofshart]

I think how you got your 3.0 is important, what your trends were like and if you really applied yourself. The other poster could have said it nicer but it is true that SMPs are really tough/expensive and at least the one my friend is in you take the first year of science classes with the med students. But I would say that your DAT doesn't really look that bad at all I think your AA is around average for matriculating students. If you have good extra curricular/letters and none of your prereqs are under a C I think you have a chance of getting interviews if you apply broadly.

 

[Likkriue]

A post bacc is not raising a thing when you already have 120+ credit hours. That's why people do SMPs. Which is what she should do if she really wants a great chance. As of right now, the dat scores are good, but not good enough to make up for a 3.0 gpa.

 

[schmoob]

A post bacc is not raising a thing when you already have 120+ credit hours. That's why people do SMPs. Which is what she should do if she really wants a great chance. As of right now, the dat scores are good, but not good enough to make up for a 3.0 gpa.

I agree. Go for the SMP, but I would recommend applying to dental school anyway as well. YOU NEVER KNOW UNLESS YOU TRY, someone may be willing to give you a shot. I mean it.

 

[lonelygirl330]

I dont understand this post really? Why cant she apply to dental school, the scores are not that bad ?

I think I would have a good chance with a strong GPA or maybe even a good chance with an average GPA and stellar LOR's and EC's, but due to my 3.0 GPA I probably needed like a 23+ to even put me in the running. 🙁

 

[schmoob]

I think I would have a good chance with a strong GPA or maybe even a good chance with an average GPA and stellar LOR's and EC's, but due to my 3.0 GPA I probably needed like a 23+ to even put me in the running. 🙁

Yes you would.
But a small chance is still a chance.

 

[Mrhyde]

I think I would have a good chance with a strong GPA or maybe even a good chance with an average GPA and stellar LOR's and EC's, but due to my 3.0 GPA I probably needed like a 23+ to even put me in the running. 🙁

What are you going to end up doing?
and what is your GPA and what is your science GPA ? which one is the 3.0 ? and whats the other?

 

[lemoncurry]

I've mentioned this before, and I will say it again: SDN is meant to be a resource for students, not a gauntlet. You're not going to win or lose seats by having the "best" or "worst" posts, and it is not appropriate to put others down for any reason, especially to make yourself seem better.

I highly recommend all users stick to giving productive yet tactful advice. Honestly, arguing about stuff on the internet is really just useless.

Keep it professional and respectful.

 

[derbear]

If you had a 3.0 in undergrad, what makes you think you could fare well with "med school" level classes? I don't understand. I'm being realistic. Wouldn't it be better to just take some post-bac classes at your institution? And 35,000? I hope that includes guaranteed articulation into dental school. I really do.

The word you are looking for is matriculation. Also, there is guaranteed articulation in dental school, you can be sure of that. But on a more serious note, doing post-bacc work or doing an SMP can only strengthen your application. A lot of people in those positions can't go back in time and change their undergrad GPA. This is essentially one more chance for them to grow up and prove themselves.

 

[Hi Im Dent]

I did a post-bacc and I definitely saw some schools favor SMP's over my program since they view it more as a separate graduate degree program. In fact one of the schools told me the only people they accepted from my interview day were those who came from a master's or SMP because they wanted to prioritize those students first. Eventually others got off the waitlist but there are pros and cons, the other poster definitely could have been more delicate in expressing their opinion.

Ultimately I think you can apply with your current DAT since that's what you're asking about. Like others said, QR is the least importance section to many adcoms but you just need to make sure the 16 makes the minimum cutoff for the schools you want to apply to. Definitely call some schools and ask to make sure but with your stats you definitely can get some interviews if you apply to the right schools.

 

[TrueMenace]

I did a post-bacc and I definitely saw some schools favor SMP's over my program since they view it more as a separate graduate degree program. In fact one of the schools told me the only people they accepted from my interview day were those who came from a master's or SMP because they wanted to prioritize those students first. Eventually others got off the waitlist but there are pros and cons, the other poster definitely could have been more delicate in expressing their opinion.

Ultimately I think you can apply with your current DAT since that's what you're asking about. Like others said, QR is the least importance section to many adcoms but you just need to make sure the 16 makes the minimum cutoff for the schools you want to apply to. Definitely call some schools and ask to make sure but with your stats you definitely can get some interviews if you apply to the right schools.

Which school told you that if you don't mind me asking?

 

[FlowerGirl35]

The word you are looking for is matriculation. Also, there is guaranteed articulation in dental school, you can be sure of that. But on a more serious note, doing post-bacc work or doing an SMP can only strengthen your application. A lot of people in those positions can't go back in time and change their undergrad GPA. This is essentially one more chance for them to grow up and prove themselves.

Great job--you pointed out a trivial typo on the internet in a cheap effort to get on the bandwagon and undermine my post. It doesn't change the simple fact that the OP isn't cut out to take courses at that level. A 3.0 in any undergraduate institution says a lot about your academic performance overall. We're realistically talking about a transcript riddled with mostly B's and C's.

 

[derbear]

Great job--you pointed out a trivial typo on the internet in a cheap effort to get on the bandwagon and undermine my post. It doesn't change the simple fact that the OP isn't cut out to take courses at that level. A 3.0 in any undergraduate institution says a lot about your academic performance overall. We're realistically talking about a transcript riddled with mostly B's and C's.

My GPA was just a hair over 3.0. I didn't have any issues getting multiple interviews and being accepted into dental school. I have yet to fail anything in dental school (my school has a remediation rate of about 60-70%) and have actually excelled. I'm also treating patients and I can assure you that none of them are concerned about my low GPA.

 

[cacazor]

Doing well in a program isn't gonna make up for 4 years worth of subpar undergrad work. If that was the case, I wouldn't have worked hard in undergrad at all.

Here's a tip, princess. Not everything is about you.

 

[JLT223]

Great job--you pointed out a trivial typo on the internet in a cheap effort to get on the bandwagon and undermine my post. It doesn't change the simple fact that the OP isn't cut out to take courses at that level. A 3.0 in any undergraduate institution says a lot about your academic performance overall. We're realistically talking about a transcript riddled with mostly B's and C's.

How do you know why somebody performed poorly? Maybe they worked long hours during school. Maybe they had issues at home. Grades aren't ALWAYS a priority for some people when they had to, let's say, feed their family. The reason post-bacs and SMPS exist is to allow students like this to PROVE they can handle the coursework. Low grades in undergrad doesn't equate to "not being cut to take courses at that level".

 

[FlowerGirl35]

How do you know why somebody performed poorly? Maybe they worked long hours during school. Maybe they had issues at home. Grades aren't ALWAYS a priority for some people when they had to, let's say, feed their family. The reason post-bacs and SMPS exist is to allow students like this to PROVE they can handle the coursework. Low grades in undergrad doesn't equate to "not being cut to take courses at that level".

I could see your point if undergrad consisted of 1 or 2 years or so. But it consists of--in general--4 long years. The OP should have made the adjustments in time. Merely working long hours with schoolwork on the side isn't gonna cut it, in my opinion. Lots of students work while as a full-time student.

 

[Hi Im Dent]

Which school told you that if you don't mind me asking?

It was Tufts.

 

[lonelygirl330]

My GPA was just a hair over 3.0. I didn't have any issues getting multiple interviews and being accepted into dental school. I have yet to fail anything in dental school (my school has a remediation rate of about 60-70%) and have actually excelled. I'm also treating patients and I can assure you that none of them are concerned about my low GPA.

Wow congratulations! If you don't mind can you give me breakdown of your stats and what you did to make up for that gpa? Thanks so much!

 

[TrueMenace]

It was Tufts.

Dang, I haven't done a post bacc or SMP/masters and I'm applying there. 🙁

 

[Hi Im Dent]

Dang, I haven't done a post bacc or SMP/masters and I'm applying there. 🙁

My friend who interviewed on the same day got in off the waitlist though! She was also in my post-baccalaureate program. She continued to express interest via email which I stopped doing when I got into other schools. She literally found out 2 weeks ago so you definitely have a chance!