Should I retake the DAT?

[rav4182]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I finished my first DAT with these scores:
bio 23
chem 21
ochem 21
RC 18
QR 17
PAT 19
Total Science 21
AA 20

I spent about 4.5 months studying, most of my time was on the sciences and just did minimal studying for RH and QR. I thought i was gonna get like a 20+ on the PAT but the practice tests were not nearly as hard as the real things. The angles almost all looked the same! I was really suprised at my math score, i usually got 20's on the practice tests without ever really studying. I think there being a calculator messed with my head, i should of just used my head like i had been doing. And besides, the calculator on the computer sucked. it would freeze and wouldn't keep pace with my clicks or types.

I was hoping for a 21 +, should i retake it? i dont know if its worth going through all the studying or not again. I head most dental schools dont pay that much attention to the QR and RH nearly as much as the sciences and PAT. If that is so, then am i safe to keep my current score.

Last question: Does our best DAT score count or only the last one we took?

 

[omarbasha]

one thing i know for sure is that they look at your last score...

 

[Avery07]

I think you are fine. You did a great job on the DAT and as long as you have a decent GPA, you should get in. Congrats.

As for which score is counted, the most common circumstance is that dental schools count your most recent score however some do count the higher score instead. You will have to check with each school individually.

 

[Erhatstil]

nice scores, especially sciences. unless your gpa is below 3.0 i wouldn't retake

 

[JeweLie]

Good job! studying for sciences sure paid off. how did you study for bio?

 

[rav4182]

I'm just really good at bio, it was always my favorite to study. In addition i also tutor AP bio at a local high school, so that sorta reinforced the info even more

 

[sfoksn]

Nice scores, if you aren't planning to get into top tier schools, I think you are in a great shape!

Good luck.

 

[rav4182]

ok so lets say i keep my current DAT score. I really want to go to Columbia, UPenn, maryland, or some other schools in the northeast. What are my chances with the rest of my stats

GPA 3.55
Sci GPA 3.4
-I've got about 200 hours of volunteering at dental clinics
-Over 300 hours of service in my pre-health club: activities ranged from working with kids with disabilities, to cancer fundraisers, and animal farms.
- For the last year i've tutored AP bio students
- I've done a medical mission trip in costa rica. It was suppose to be a dental trip, but they switched me last minute because not enough people signed up.
- I did periodontal research for 1.5 years

Theres one more major factor. I've been accepted into the Peace Corps to serve in Africa teaching science. It's something i've always wanted to do it and i figure this is the only time in my life ill have to do it. I'm scheduled to leave october 2010. Its a 27 month program and I'm trying to apply early now and hopefully get some interviews in before i leave. And if i do get a interview, I'm trying to convince the admissions board to give me a 2 year deferrment. Thats the best case scenario, Plan B is to apply as soon as i get back before the cycle is over.

How hard is it to get a 2 year deferrment and do dental schools look down on it? I know people say that if its for something like peace corps they make exceptions, but i've other people tell me that it all depends on the board and it's harder than you think.

any input would be nice

 

[dentalWorks]

with that GPA and that DAT.... I wouldn't retake, there is just no need

 

[MikeSavona]

dude, this board is ridiculously skewed towards over achievers. Dont worry about not getting a 27 because, I am pretty sure there may be 10 people in america, total, who got that kind of score. I really doubt a 21/20/19 has much to worry about. I'd guess that you are in the top 10 - 15 percent of applicants. Then again, people on this board know much more than me, so hopefully they can give you a better answer.

 

[Troyvdg]

dude, this board is ridiculously skewed towards over achievers. Dont worry about not getting a 27 because, I am pretty sure there may be 10 people in america, total, who got that kind of score. I really doubt a 21/20/19 has much to worry about. I'd guess that you are in the top 10 - 15 percent of applicants. Then again, people on this board know much more than me, so hopefully they can give you a better answer.

completely agree with the overachiever part

 

[jh311]

why do people want sympathy for getting an AA20 and ask if they should retake? Are you serious man, that's a great score...none of the sections were significantly low so just be happy. The DAT isn't everything when it comes to getting into dental school, there's lots of other things they consider. I hate it when people solicit sympathy for getting high scores and ask if they should retake, give me a break

 

[rav4182]

dude chill. i'm not asking for sympathy, i'm asking for professional critiques considering the dental schools i have my eyes on have about 21+ averages.

 

[AznZeno]

you should retake it and score 27 on everything, then your going to get into those schools that you want to