Should I retake the DAT?

[anonymous0000]

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I took the DAT in a rush because I was hoping to go straight into dental school. That ended up not working out, and now I have a score of a 19 (academic and overall). The scores are all 18/19/20, nothing wildly high or low.
My GPA is about a 3.2 with a science GPA of a 3.0. I am planning on doing a post bach in my gap year, and reapplying this coming June. What I am wondering is, is it worth it to retake the DAT? I do feel like I can do better than a 19 if I really commit. However, I would most likely have to take a quarter off to apply on time and this would mean graduating a quarter late. What I want to know is, is it unlikely that I will get into most schools if I do not retake it? I feel like it would be okay if I had a higher GPA, but with a low GPA and DAT scores, I am a bit worried.
My resume otherwise is incredibly strong: I have been involved in research and volunteering since freshman year and have shadowed and worked with multiple dentists, as well as orthodontists and and oral surgeon.
Any advice or experience helps! Thanks so much

 

[super frank]

Unfortunately, grades gets you interviews. With a 3.2/3.0/18, it is unlikely you will get many. I would suggest a retake and commit to it. The DAT is very important to your future.

 

[Michael_Scott]

I suggest a retake.

Graduate on time but take some time after to just study for the DAT and then take post-bacc classes to boost your GPA at the same time applying to D-school. Have great recommendations and personal statement ready as well. Don't slack on the personal statement because they take time to get a good one ready.
Best wishes

 

[periopocket]

1-year masters with a 4.0 will open several doors

 

[DentalAptitude]

Definitely try a retake! Along with an upward trend of GPA during your post bacc, an improved DAT score will demonstrate to admissions officers how committed you are to dental school. Being honest, if I was reviewing re-applicants and saw no retakes, I would slightly question their motivation if I didn't see other forms of demonstration of persistence. Good luck.


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[blablabla1]

Definitely try a retake! Along with an upward trend of GPA during your post bacc, an improved DAT score will demonstrate to admissions officers how committed you are to dental school. Being honest, if I was reviewing re-applicants and saw no retakes, I would slightly question their motivation if I didn't see other forms of demonstration of persistence. Good luck.


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Plenty of people get into dental school without retakes.

Come on now dude.

 

[DentalAptitude]

Yes, plenty of people do! They demonstrate their motivation and commitment in some form. However, the poster mentioned they thought the could do better, so I think it would be a great idea for them. Do you not support a retake if they don't think they can do better?


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[DentalAptitude]

Moreover, I noted "If I was reviewing applicants." I personally would appreciate extra effort through a retake. Imagine as a committee member, you're reviewing 2 identical applicants except one retook the DAT (and got the same score) versus one who didnt. You have to choose to interview one based solely on quantitative measures. Who do you choose?

Everybody on an admissions committee will have a different perspective. You may get one who could care less about retakes, and one who wonders why a re-applicant didn't retake. Keep an open mind my friend 😉


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[personalstatementsbyeric]

Yes, shoot for 21-22 range to have a shot imo

Probably will need a post bac/masters though...

 

[Rand627]

Moreover, I noted "If I was reviewing applicants." I personally would appreciate extra effort through a retake. Imagine as a committee member, you're reviewing 2 identical applicants except one retook the DAT (and got the same score) versus one who didnt. You have to choose to interview one based solely on quantitative measures. Who do you choose?

Everybody on an admissions committee will have a different perspective. You may get one who could care less about retakes, and one who wonders why a re-applicant didn't retake. Keep an open mind my friend 😉


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I would definitely choose the one who succeeded the first time.

 

[DentalAptitude]

Both are re-applicants with identical stats! Jeez you guys are a tough crowd. Lol.


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[Rand627]

Both are re-applicants with identical stats! Jeez you guys are a tough crowd. Lol.


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I mean we can all have different opinions! Neither of us are right. I just would rather have someone who was prepared the first time rather than someone who had to retake. I'm sure some adcoms have my opinion and I'm sure some have yours.

 

[DMikes]

I would definitely choose the one who succeeded the first time.

As would I.


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[blablabla1]

Yes, plenty of people do! They demonstrate their motivation and commitment in some form. However, the poster mentioned they thought the could do better, so I think it would be a great idea for them. Do you not support a retake if they don't think they can do better?


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My issue is with your statement that doing a retake is better than not doing one. Sure, especially for reapplicants who started out with a low DAT score, it can look good. But doing a retake is definitely not better than doing okay the first time around and not doing a retake certainly is not a sign that someone isn't motivated enough.

 

[DentalAptitude]

Agreed my friend. Remember we are replying to someone who thinks that can do better by a re-take, not an individual who achieved their desired score first time around.


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