Should I retake the DAT??? (Please only constructive/legitimate responses)

[LilyCricketCheeches]

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So I took my DAT and the timing in the PAT and QRT sections got the best of me. Below are my scores:

PAT: 16
QRT: 17
RC: 23
Bio: 20
GC: 19
OC: 21
TS: 20
AA: 20

I typically scored 18-20s on the PAT and QRT sections in my practice exams. I have been reading mixed reports on the importance of the PAT/QRT scores. I work 50-60 hours a week, so studying isn't very easy. I really want to get into school my first application cycle, would it be worth sucking it up and retaking the test? I really don't want those two sections to hurt me greatly when I apply.

Note:
Undergraduate GPA (Total, Science): 3.78, 3.66
Volunteer weekly
Work full-time as a Biologist in industry (*working less not an option)

Thank you in advance for any constructive/legitimate responses!

 

[NavyDDS1990]

So I took my DAT and the timing in the PAT and QRT sections got the best of me. Below are my scores:

PAT: 16
QRT: 17
RC: 23
Bio: 20
GC: 19
OC: 21
TS: 20
AA: 20

I typically scored 18-20s on the PAT and QRT sections in my practice exams. I have been reading mixed reports on the importance of the PAT/QRT scores. I work 50-60 hours a week, so studying isn't very easy. I really want to get into school my first application cycle, would it be worth sucking it up and retaking the test? I really don't want those two sections to hurt me greatly when I apply.

Note:
Undergraduate GPA (Total, Science): 3.78, 3.66
Volunteer weekly
Work full-time as a Biologist in industry

Thank you in advance for any constructive/legitimate responses!

Along with your GPA, I feel quite positive for your chances to receive interview invitations this upcoming cycle.
However, I "personally" would retake if I were you, just so I don't have to give adcoms ANY reasons to reject me.
QR is the least important section and 17 shouldn't really be a problem and for the PAT, I've seen plenty of people getting interviews with 16 in PAT on SDN.

 

[Ellatha]

If you have time to re-take the DAT and are confident you could perform better on the PAT and QR, I would recommend doing so--it would make you considerably more competitive, and could easily be the difference between having to apply twice.

I would recommend working less hours while you study--it will result in lost income, but the amount of money you will save by not having to apply twice will easily make up for it.

EDIT: given your strong GPA, life experiences, and volunteering, you could very well be accepted with your current statistics. Still, in a decision as important as admission to dental school, you should take every precaution to be as competitive as possible.

 

[Alpha Centauri]

Your scores aren't terrible, but aren't outstanding either. You are older working a full time job with volunteering and an excellent GPA, the schools will notice this. If you want to apply, I recommend looking at the average DAT and GPA of the schools you are interested in and make a decision then.

 

[Flemish]

Judging by your work schedule I would say foregoing the DAT would be worth the gamble. Your AA is solid and many schools may look past the PAT score considering you're a full time biologist and look great in all other aspects.

 

[socal6]

I agree. Your scores aren't terrible but they're not great either. I would personally retake because I wouldn't want to close any doors on myself. How do you feel about retaking it again? If there are certain study strategies you know you could've benefitted from this time around, but didn't use, I would urge you to give it another try.

 

[blcopp]

Your GPA is great and the fact that you work that often during the week does play a role in your DAT scores (an adcom has told me something similar explained below).

You could also contact 2-3 potential schools and simply ask them. Explain what you explained to us and they'll tell you. I'm betting they will all say to apply.

I had an adcom tell me last year that GPA is much more important to him than DAT scores because a DAT is one test and any student can do well if they study hard enough. Then he went on to talk about if a student has a busy life with work and school that he shouldn't be disadvantaged compared to a student who has a ton of time to study.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using SDN mobile

 

[pero]

Good news is that your two worst scores are in the two virtually useless categories (QR and PAT). The only thing I would be weary of is if certain schools have cutoffs for the PAT. I don't think I know of any programs, except for two, who actually give a shxt about the actual score of PAT as long as its over their cutoff. The 17 in QR is fine. I had a lower GPA and lower AA with a 17 in QR, and I had 5 interviews and 5 acceptances this cycle. Just be honest with yourself while selecting schools and you will be good.