Should I Retake the DAT?

[waystinthyme]

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hey,

i'm applying next cycle. took the DAT on 9/29. i was pretty happy with my scores, but after finding this site, i'm starting to think i should retake it (found the site the day AFTER i took the DAT).

PAT: 17
RC: 18
QR: 18
BS: 18
GC: 18
OC: 17

AA: 18
TS: 18

since i didn't know about the site, i ONLY used the kaplan blue book and online resources to study for the exam. this is my main reason for considering a retake--i think by diversifying my study materials i should be able to bring up my score.

my main reason for keeping the scores (other than the stress of STUDYING non-stop for weeks), is due to the evenness of these scores as compared to my practice tests. a typical pracice test was:

PAT: 18-20
RC: 18-20
QR: 20-22
BS: 15-16
GC: 15-17
OC: 16-17

AA: 17-19
TS: 16-17

so basically, i did better on ALL of my sciences than on ANY of my practice tests, but my scores on PAT, RC and QR were all less than my practice tests. my overall average on practice tests and the real thing was pretty much the same, BUT my real test was MUCH more evenly distributed.

i studied for around 3-5 hours for 5 weeks (usually 6 days on, one day off each week), and as mentioned before ONLY used kaplan blue book and kaplan ONLINE resources to study with.

i basically am only interested in getting into my state school (UNC; only dental school in my state). i will apply to other schools, but UNC is my #1 choice by far.

overall GPA: 3.3
science GPA: 3.0
undergrad school: unc
URM, 100+ shadowing hours by application date, good volunteer activites, TONS of extracurriculars.

planning to take a few science classes next semester, to bring my GPA up more (since it's below average at this point), work in a dental office, and do more shadowing on during my year off.

sorry for the long post...please tell me what you think! also, let me know if you think it's worth the risk...because going down in the sciences could really hurt my chances of getting in.

-waystinthyme

 

[waystinthyme]

any advice? what do ya'll think?

-waystinthyme

 

[YungJoc87]

any advice? what do ya'll think?

-waystinthyme

Well considering that average composite acceptance scores for most schools are an 18 or 19, I think you will get some bids.

Keep in mind that those are averages, so they're accepting applicants above and below the avg. Your score is right there.

Good Luck!

 

[jdent]

Ill be honest with you take ot over it is so dam competitive out there you need to break 20 in your AA.

 

[IWantSmile]

Well considering that average composite acceptance scores for most schools are an 18 or 19, I think you will get some bids.

Keep in mind that those are averages, so they're accepting applicants above and below the avg. Your score is right there.

Good Luck!

I agree. You will get some interviews. 😉 wait and see till end of application cycle.

 

[chessxwizard]

You have to realize that this site is not representative of the applicant pool. Your scores are competitive as they are; I think you should wait it out.

 

[r8 dds]

You have to realize that this site is not representative of the applicant pool. Your scores are competitive as they are; I think you should wait it out.

I 100% agree. The applicants on this website represent the upper, but small fraction of the applicant pool. Don't compare yourself with the people on here. But if you feel like you can do better, then give it a go! Good luck!

 

[doc toothache]

With stats below the mean it makes it for an uphill battle.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=527700
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=527690
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=502682

 

[waystinthyme]

thanks for the replies everyone, and stats doc...i'm going to set up another meeting with someone from admissions to see what they think. i think i can bring my total score up, but am just worried about going down in the sciences.

-waystinthyme

 

[DocVT]

I think you are fine, although your science gpa is a little low (don't worry...i majored in bio at unc so i know how tough sciences are there). I think the main thing is you were consistent and did not have a low score on any of the sections, so I wouldn't really worry about a re-take right now. Just focus on those science classes and get A's.

 

[eldirty]

I think you might get a few interview hits with your stats ... I however might consider a retake when looking at your GPA. I think a higher DAT will help and bringing you DAT up definitely take less time than bringing up your GPA

 

[waystinthyme]

I think you might get a few interview hits with your stats ... I however might consider a retake when looking at your GPA. I think a higher DAT will help and bringing you DAT up definitely take less time than bringing up your GPA

good point...honestly i don't mind studying and retaking the test again, i actually kind of enjoyed it...but i am just terrified of going down in the sciences and having it negatively affect my application.

as background, i had a friend who retook the MCAT and went down a point last year...she was waitlisted at her top school and did not get in. when she talked to the admissions staff they informed her that if she had not retaken the exam she would have probably gotten in. that's what scares me...

i wish i had gone ahead and applied this year, then IF i had not gotten in...i basically would have had no choice but to retake it. hmm...

-waystinthyme