Should I retake the DAT?

[USCbiograd]

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Here are my scores:
Bio-20
Gen. Chem-23
Org. Chem-21
Reading Comp.-20
QR-18
PA-18
TS-21
AA-20

This is the second time that I have taken the DAT. I thought that these scores were competitive, but I was not accepted this year. Would it be worth it to retake the DAT for a third time in hopes of scoring better?

 

[lgwdnbdgr]

I doubt the DAT is the reason you were not accepted. Are there any other red flags on your app?

Here are my scores:
Bio-20
Gen. Chem-23
Org. Chem-21
Reading Comp.-20
QR-18
PA-18
TS-21
AA-20

This is the second time that I have taken the DAT. I thought that these scores were competitive, but I was not accepted this year. Would it be worth it to retake the DAT for a third time in hopes of scoring better?

 

[USCbiograd]

Nothing that I can think of. My overall and science GPA were 3.6, I did research for a year, volunteer work, I felt my letters of recommendation were strong, and I shadowed 5 different dentists (although most were only for a single day)

 

[xdianaax]

Nothing that I can think of. My overall and science GPA were 3.6, I did research for a year, volunteer work, I felt my letters of recommendation were strong, and I shadowed 5 different dentists (although most were only for a single day)

When did you submit your app, and how many schools did you apply to?

 

[EnviroDentist]

I got a 16 on the O chem section, but all my other numbers were good AA 20 PAT 21. Both schools I interviewed at bragged on my scores and I'm waitlisted at one, but from the opinions on here, my scores are just slightly above average, if not now average.

 

[TexDDS]

I doubt the DAT is the reason you were not accepted. Are there any other red flags on your app?

I'm with lgwdnbdgr on this one. There is something else in your application or during your interview that is keeping you back. I wouldn't put a whole lot of trust in some of the scores you see on this site. There is nothing to keep people from inflating them.

 

[OceanBlue]

Nothing that I can think of. My overall and science GPA were 3.6, I did research for a year, volunteer work, I felt my letters of recommendation were strong, and I shadowed 5 different dentists (although most were only for a single day)

There might be a couple of things that associate with you not getting in.....
#1) Are you interviewing skills sharp? (do plenty of mock interviews)
#2)did you take the MCAT? (some schools don't like that...they assume you're not committed)
#3) are your records clean?
#4) good personal statement?

~I personally think it might be your interview...call the schools to find out why and improve on it next time. Best to luck to you, buddy! 🙂

 

[jmick101]

Here are my scores:
Bio-20
Gen. Chem-23
Org. Chem-21
Reading Comp.-20
QR-18
PA-18
TS-21
AA-20

This is the second time that I have taken the DAT. I thought that these scores were competitive, but I was not accepted this year. Would it be worth it to retake the DAT for a third time in hopes of scoring better?

I would re-take for sure, those scores are awful.

Seriously though, I am going to assume that you applied late. It seems like anytime after July is too late this cycle.

 

[USCbiograd]

I did only apply to one school and my application was marked complete mid September. I guess I will sharpen up my interview skills, apply earlier and to more schools next time around. Thank you all for your input, it is greatly appreciated.

 

[SHC1984]

Those scores aren't awful. They aren't the best but they are at least average. What are your scores??

I would re-take for sure, those scores are awful.

Seriously though, I am going to assume that you applied late. It seems like anytime after July is too late this cycle.

 

[license2drill]

I did only apply to one school and my application was marked complete mid September. I guess I will sharpen up my interview skills, apply earlier and to more schools next time around. Thank you all for your input, it is greatly appreciated.

One school...that could be your problem

 

[armorshell]

One school...that could be your problem

Could be?!?

 

[reapply2007]

I saw a thread last fall that suggested applicants apply to an average of 8-9 schools. Then again - the AADSAS fee for 8-9 schools is approx $600. $600 X 12000 applicants = 7,200,000 clams. This seems like a lot of money for ADA application pass through functions. Maybe the 8-9 school numbers are just ADA propaganda.

 

[laee3]

how much do you have to pay per school? 800 dollars for 8 schools sound stiff to me.

 

[pre-dentalguy]

Retake the DAT... LOL>... Hell NO!!! You're golden!!

 

[sacjumpman]

I did only apply to one school and my application was marked complete mid September. I guess I will sharpen up my interview skills, apply earlier and to more schools next time around. Thank you all for your input, it is greatly appreciated.

What school was it?

No matter what, you ALWAYS run a chance with only ONE school! You are a good applicant, but ONE SCHOOL?!? 🙄

edit to add: And the original posting, if I were you I wouldn't retake the DAT unless I knew for certain that I had significantly more time to devote to studying than the previous times. If I knew I had more time than yes, I would retake, those scores should be good, but if they were better and you applied to a dozen schools, someone's sure to pick you up.

 

[USCbiograd]

I only applied to MUSC. I am going to obtain a masters degree and then reapply. Thanks you all for your help.

 

[Dauber]

Are you from South Carolina? They accepted only 3 out of staters last year to 51 in staters.

 

[CaliDDS]

NO

Here are my scores:
Bio-20
Gen. Chem-23
Org. Chem-21
Reading Comp.-20
QR-18
PA-18
TS-21
AA-20

This is the second time that I have taken the DAT. I thought that these scores were competitive, but I was not accepted this year. Would it be worth it to retake the DAT for a third time in hopes of scoring better?

 

[USCbiograd]

Yes, I am a South Carolina resident