Should I retake the DAT?

[cm1223]

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Hey guys,

I could use some advice right now. I applied to 10 schools this cycle and received 2 pre-december interviews and have not received any post-december interview invites to this point. I am on the waitlist at one school that I interviewed at and just got a rejection from the other school.

Here were my stats for this cycle:
Cumulative GPA: 3.58
Science GPA: 3.53
O Chem: 23
G Chem: 20
Biology:21
RC: 23
QR: 18
AA/TS/PAT: 21/21/21

The DAT stats are from my second attempt taking the test. First time around I got a 19AA/19TS/19PAT. I have ~120 shadowing hours, 100+ hours community service (none dental related), and I was involved in multiple organizations at my school. I did however submit my application a little late (submitted in August) and my state schools did not receive my application until late October. I graduated in May and am now working as a dental assistant.

I am just wondering if it would be beneficial to retake the DAT for someone in my position. Is there any other way that I can substantially improve my chances of an acceptance?

Any input would be really appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Kingfish23]

Hey guys,

I could use some advice right now. I applied to 10 schools this cycle and received 2 pre-december interviews and have not received any post-december interview invites to this point. I am on the waitlist at one school that I interviewed at and just got a rejection from the other school.

Here were my stats for this cycle:
Cumulative GPA: 3.58
Science GPA: 3.53
O Chem: 23
G Chem: 20
Biology:21
RC: 23
QR: 18
AA/TS/PAT: 21/21/21

The DAT stats are from my second attempt taking the test. First time around I got a 19AA/19TS/19PAT. I have ~120 shadowing hours, 100+ hours community service (none dental related), and I was involved in multiple organizations at my school. I did however submit my application a little late (submitted in August) and my state schools did not receive my application until late October. I graduated in May and am now working as a dental assistant.

I am just wondering if it would be beneficial to retake the DAT for someone in my position. Is there any other way that I can substantially improve my chances of an acceptance?

Any input would be really appreciated. Thanks.

Which schools did you apply to and where is your residency?
Your stats look good, I think what hurt you was applying in August and being complete in October. Dental related volunteering is beneficial but not necessary. If you did need to reapply, get your application in sometime in June/July and just increase your shadowing/volunteer hours if possible.

 

[cm1223]

Which schools did you apply to and where is your residency?
Your stats look good, I think what hurt you was applying in August and being complete in October. Dental related volunteering is beneficial but not necessary. If you did need to reapply, get your application in sometime in June/July and just increase your shadowing/volunteer hours if possible.

I am a Texas resident. I applied to OU, Louisville, Kentucky, LECOM, OU, Colorado, Maryland, as well as the 3 Texas schools. I interviewed at OU and UTHSCSA, rejected at OU.

 

[ddsatmd]

Your DAT scores are solid. Just apply earlier