Should I Retake the DAT???

[FutureDDSDMD12]

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I just took the DAT and my scores are as follows:

PAT = 22
RC = 21
QR = 20
Bio = 16
GC = 26
OC = 19
TS = 19
AA = 19

GPA = 3.7

I REAAAAAAALLLLLY want to go to UCSF, UOP or UCLA. Do you think I can get in with these scores? I know bio is low... but the total science is still decent.

Thoughts?

 

[bing12]

I just took the DAT and my scores are as follows:

PAT = 22
RC = 21
QR = 20
Bio = 16
GC = 26
OC = 19
TS = 19
AA = 19

GPA = 3.7

I REAAAAAAALLLLLY want to go to UCSF, UOP or UCLA. Do you think I can get in with these scores? I know bio is low... but the total science is still decent.

Thoughts?

Whats your science gpa? are you a bio major? if not what is your major?

 

[dentalWorks]

I just took the DAT and my scores are as follows:

PAT = 22
RC = 21
QR = 20
Bio = 16
GC = 26
OC = 19
TS = 19
AA = 19

GPA = 3.7

I REAAAAAAALLLLLY want to go to UCSF, UOP or UCLA. Do you think I can get in with these scores? I know bio is low... but the total science is still decent.

Thoughts?

I think you have a shot at one of the 3 cali schools... but it would be foolish to only apply to those 3.... Get some safeties.

 

[jonishere5]

I just took the DAT and my scores are as follows:

PAT = 22
RC = 21
QR = 20
Bio = 16
GC = 26
OC = 19
TS = 19
AA = 19

GPA = 3.7

I REAAAAAAALLLLLY want to go to UCSF, UOP or UCLA. Do you think I can get in with these scores? I know bio is low... but the total science is still decent.

Thoughts?

Odds are you will get in somewhere. However some schools may frown upon you Bio score, you shouldn't limit yourself to those 3 schools in case things don't pan out. Apply to more schools about (the more the safer 15 schools should be plenty), if you get into your top choice schools go there, if not, you at least have some options.

Good Luck

 

[mr24]

To be honest i would retake if those are your top choices. if you applied to 15+ schools with those scores you would get in somewhere, but for those 3 schools i would aim for a 20+.

 

[bing12]

It is interesting to see a few peoples reactions for a 16 BIO. if he got a 16 in RC, I would assume many would say retake. I believe the level of priority of BIO is higher than that of RC, only by a small margin. The survey that the dental schools were in, had voted VI ( very important) the most for BIO ( so this section had the most schools vote it as VI), and RC was a close second. IDK about a retake, its a pretty tough call.

 

[dentalWorks]

It is interesting to see a few peoples reactions for a 16 BIO. if he got a 16 in RC, I would assume many would say retake. I believe the level of priority of BIO is higher than that of RC, only by a small margin. The survey that the dental schools were in, had voted VI ( very important) the most for BIO ( so this section had the most schools vote it as VI), and RC was a close second. IDK about a retake, its a pretty tough call.

this is true... but I always see Bio section overshadowed by TS.... on the other hand, the RC, sticks out like a sore thumb lol

 

[mfoti1]

What a shame, such nice scores other than Bio 🙁

 

[FutureDDSDMD12]

Whats your science gpa? are you a bio major? if not what is your major?

I was a Geography/Environmental Science Major at UCLA. I graduated a few years ago.

What are some good safety schools?

I thought the PAT and Total science were more important. One school said math and RC were the least important.

 

[AwesomeTeeth]

I was a Geography/Environmental Science Major at UCLA. I graduated a few years ago.

What are some good safety schools?

I thought the PAT and Total science were more important. One school said math and RC were the least important.

I'd say math is on the lower end. I know someone who got in with a 14 in QR but they did great in everything else. I'm not saying if you made a 16 on math that you'll get in all the places you want, but it is possible.

PAT is not that important as long as you get at least a 19. After that, no one really cares if you got a 27 on it or not.

RC is probably inthe middle IMO. Schools like to know you can read and interpret information at a fairly good pace. After all, you're going to be doing alot of reading/studying in dental school.

 

[allDAT]

I don't mean the be bleak but you will not get into any of the three schools you mentioned with your DAT score. Your GPA is only .1 above the average at UCLA, and you're DAT is 2 points below their average. UOP tends to not look at anyone who scores below a 20 AA or TS. The same applies for UCSF.

In addition, most schools will identify a 16 on biology as unacceptable, and these 3 top tier institutions may not even look at your application because of this scar.

In response to other postings, I think most schools view:

TS > AA > Bio > PAT > Reading Comp > Ochem/Gchem > QR

(Some schools will flip-flop RC and the PAT)
You should also notice that while many schools are not going to look at your O-Chem or GChem scores specifically, they directly affect your TS which means you have to score well on them.

 

[dentalWorks]

I'd say math is on the lower end. I know someone who got in with a 14 in QR but they did great in everything else. I'm not saying if you made a 16 on math that you'll get in all the places you want, but it is possible.

Bio

 

[John Durian]

I don't mean the be bleak but you will not get into any of the three schools you mentioned with your DAT score. Your GPA is only .1 above the average at UCLA, and you're DAT is 2 points below their average. UOP tends to not look at anyone who scores below a 20 AA or TS. The same applies for UCSF.

I'm going to have to agree with allDAT. I mean, DAT isn't everything but it plays a major part in who gets an interview. I would retake but submit your app in June then send the schools your updated DAT.

Especially since the averages at UCLA/UCSF are 3.6+ and 21+. UOP seems a bit more lenient towards GPA but still requires 20+ (with strong emphasis on PAT - the higher the better).

 

[FLOSS UR TEETH]

1) call your top choice schools and simply ask if you are OK with those scores
2) do you think you can get a better score in your bio section without lowering your AA?
3) IMO you should be OK
4) See if you can make an appointment to speak with an admissions team member at your state school. From my experience, they would love to chat with you and help you out. Here, you can ask these questions to the people who really know the answer.

 

[bing12]

how many bio credit to you have? what bio classes have you taken? IMO , if you have not taken many bio courses, it will be a big issue, because you won't have much to balance out the bio class. BUT, if you performed very well in the intro bio's, and also some upper level bios, then you will be fine.

 

[FutureDDSDMD12]

how many bio credit to you have? what bio classes have you taken? IMO , if you have not taken many bio courses, it will be a big issue, because you won't have much to balance out the bio class. BUT, if you performed very well in the intro bio's, and also some upper level bios, then you will be fine.

I have taken a year of intro bio with lab and physiology without lab. All A's except for physiology which was a B+. I am taking biochem this summer.

This might be a dumb question but what does "IMO" mean?

Do you think I can get into USC? I really want to stay in California (but don't want to go to Western or Loma Linda).

How can I better prep for bio? I haven't taken biology since 2004, which is probably why it is so low. I thought I studied hard enough but the questions were tricky for me.

 

[bing12]

I have taken a year of intro bio with lab and physiology without lab. All A's except for physiology which was a B+. I am taking biochem this summer.

This might be a dumb question but what does "IMO" mean?

Do you think I can get into USC? I really want to stay in California (but don't want to go to Western or Loma Linda).

How can I better prep for bio? I haven't taken biology since 2004, which is probably why it is so low. I thought I studied hard enough but the questions were tricky for me.

I think you might have some issues then, because not only did you take the biology courses so long ago, but you only have taken a total of 3 bio classes. If you couple that with your 16 BIO on the DAT, that is asking for trouble. IMO: means in my opinion, dont wry it took me a long time to understand the lingo.ha.

I highly suggest if you WONT retake, then you must take some upper level bio classes to prove you can handle it.

 

[doc toothache]

In response to other postings, I think most schools view:
TS > AA > Bio > PAT > Reading Comp > Ochem/Gchem > QR
(Some schools will flip-flop RC and the PAT)

Your ranking appears to clash with that given by ds.
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=657139

 

[FutureDDSDMD12]

I think you might have some issues then, because not only did you take the biology courses so long ago, but you only have taken a total of 3 bio classes. If you couple that with your 16 BIO on the DAT, that is asking for trouble. IMO: means in my opinion, dont wry it took me a long time to understand the lingo.ha.

I highly suggest if you WONT retake, then you must take some upper level bio classes to prove you can handle it.

Thanks! 🙂 Yeah, I guess I should retake it. Have you taken it? How did you prep for bio? I can't retake it until July since I just took it this month. I guess I should submit my app in June and indicate I am retaking it? I talked to UoP and they said they don't even start reviewing the applications until August so submitting it between June-August doesn't matter.

 

[bing12]

Thanks! 🙂 Yeah, I guess I should retake it. Have you taken it? How did you prep for bio? I can't retake it until July since I just took it this month. I guess I should submit my app in June and indicate I am retaking it? I talked to UoP and they said they don't even start reviewing the applications until August so submitting it between June-August doesn't matter.

I just reviewed the kaplan blue book. I personally see you having 2 options:

1) Retake, make sure you get a 19 or above on bio

2) Take more upper level bio classes

You might have to do option 2 regardless, because many students that are applying have a large amount of bio classes under their belt. The fact you took your bios in 2004 is also a bit iffy, so I would suggest to take a few classes this summer and possibly next semester ( incase you have to reapply or put the classes in your ACADEMIC UPDATE PERIOD once your fall semester grades are in).

 

[FutureDDSDMD12]

I just reviewed the kaplan blue book. I personally see you having 2 options:

1) Retake, make sure you get a 19 or above on bio

2) Take more upper level bio classes

You might have to do option 2 regardless, because many students that are applying have a large amount of bio classes under their belt. The fact you took your bios in 2004 is also a bit iffy, so I would suggest to take a few classes this summer and possibly next semester ( incase you have to reapply or put the classes in your ACADEMIC UPDATE PERIOD once your fall semester grades are in).

I used the Kaplan Blue book too. Grrr. I'm considering DAT Destroyer. I am taking biochem this summer, but I doubt I can take anything else since I'll also be taking psychology.

I'm scared of the following scenarios:

1. Bio score doesn't change much at all and the other scores stay the same or go down.
2. Bio goes up and other parts drop.

I read through the ADEA Guide and looked at the DAT ranges and thought I did well since I was in the accepted ranges. However, reading through this forum gives me a bit of anxiety since I'm seeing people with consistent 25+ across the sections and it seems like it's no big deal. I feel so incompetent...

 

[bing12]

I used the Kaplan Blue book too. Grrr. I'm considering DAT Destroyer. I am taking biochem this summer, but I doubt I can take anything else since I'll also be taking psychology.

I'm scared of the following scenarios:

1. Bio score doesn't change much at all and the other scores stay the same or go down.
2. Bio goes up and other parts drop.

I read through the ADEA Guide and looked at the DAT ranges and thought I did well since I was in the accepted ranges. However, reading through this forum gives me a bit of anxiety since I'm seeing people with consistent 25+ across the sections and it seems like it's no big deal. I feel so incompetent...

Dont look at a small sample size such as SDN, the ADEA book is great, and your AVG scores are in the range, AA/TS/and PAT. BUT, your specific bio score coupled with a very limited bio exposure might be a red flag. If you DONT want to take the DAT again, thats fine, but make sure you take a few upper level bios ( microbio,cellbio, genetics) next semester. I believe if you can do great in these classes, such as biochem, microbio, and etc, you can prove to the ADCOM that your bio grade was a fluke. Also, why are you taking psychology?

 

[FutureDDSDMD12]

Dont look at a small sample size such as SDN, the ADEA book is great, and your AVG scores are in the range, AA/TS/and PAT. BUT, your specific bio score coupled with a very limited bio exposure might be a red flag. If you DONT want to take the DAT again, thats fine, but make sure you take a few upper level bios ( microbio,cellbio, genetics) next semester. I believe if you can do great in these classes, such as biochem, microbio, and etc, you can prove to the ADCOM that your bio grade was a fluke. Also, why are you taking psychology?

Psychology is a prereq for a lot of dental schools and I never took it as an undergrad. I guess I can take some other upper div bio classes but I really didn't want to since I work full time and this year has been tough enough jugging a full time real job, classes, and studying for the DAT. I didn't want to have to do it again AND pay for tuition. Ugh. I think all the gen chem that I do made me forget my bio.

What do you think of USC?

 

[bing12]

Psychology is a prereq for a lot of dental schools and I never took it as an undergrad. I guess I can take some other upper div bio classes but I really didn't want to since I work full time and this year has been tough enough jugging a full time real job, classes, and studying for the DAT. I didn't want to have to do it again AND pay for tuition. Ugh. I think all the gen chem that I do made me forget my bio.

What do you think of USC?

Well if you lack the science background, you either have to do phenomenal on your TS(well on your BIO), or have a pretty solid sgpa with some upper level bios IMO.

I am not familiar with USC, sorry.

I recommend going to Predents.com, go to MEMBER SEARCH, and click the BIO section, and clikc <= 16. Search that, you will get a better idea of where you are at. Also click 2011,2010, and 2009 to get a larger sample size.

 

[FutureDDSDMD12]

Well if you lack the science background, you either have to do phenomenal on your TS(well on your BIO), or have a pretty solid sgpa with some upper level bios IMO.

I am not familiar with USC, sorry.

I recommend going to Predents.com, go to MEMBER SEARCH, and click the BIO section, and clikc <= 16. Search that, you will get a better idea of where you are at. Also click 2011,2010, and 2009 to get a larger sample size.

Thanks. I checked it out and it's ridiculous. My 16 Bio score is not good, but the people in member search all had low scores across the board and low GPAs. I honestly have no idea how I did so poorly on bio. My other scores are decent and my GPA is a 3.7 science and 3.9 overall (not factoring my grad school GPA, which was high). I have been out of school for a number of years and teach science (not bio obviously, haha).

 

[NotPennysBoat]

I recommend going to Predents.com, go to MEMBER SEARCH, and click the BIO section, and clikc <= 16. Search that, you will get a better idea of where you are at. Also click 2011,2010, and 2009 to get a larger sample size.

This is where I would start. Like others have said, SDN (and even predents) is not the place to look for what the normal accepted applicant is like. You don't need a 23+ AA and 3.8+ GPA to get in to school in Cali. If that were the case, the average DAT for those schools would be that high. A 19 is a solid score if you are well rounded and interview well. Good luck.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=635046
Go here for a list of schools that can be the "back-ups" for your dream schools. I don't necessarily believe in any dental school being a back-up, but they may be a bit easier to get in to.

 

[bing12]

Thanks. I checked it out and it's ridiculous. My 16 Bio score is not good, but the people in member search all had low scores across the board and low GPAs. I honestly have no idea how I did so poorly on bio. My other scores are decent and my GPA is a 3.7 science and 3.9 overall (not factoring my grad school GPA, which was high). I have been out of school for a number of years and teach science (not bio obviously, haha).

what did you do in grad school? any bio? Take the info on predents with a grain of salt. Obviously every situation is unique. and yes, many of those that had a 16 in that section did have a pretty poor AA.

Your gpa is great.

 

[FutureDDSDMD12]

This is where I would start. Like others have said, SDN (and even predents) is not the place to look for what the normal accepted applicant is like. You don't need a 23+ AA and 3.8+ GPA to get in to school in Cali. If that were the case, the average DAT for those schools would be that high. A 19 is a solid score if you are well rounded and interview well. Good luck.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=635046
Go here for a list of schools that can be the "back-ups" for your dream schools. I don't necessarily believe in any dental school being a back-up, but they may be a bit easier to get in to.

Thanks for the help. That makes me feel a lot better. I think I'm pretty well rounded and I am generally great at interviews (so far I've been very lucky with grad school and jobs- fingers crossed I keep it up!). All the 23+ scores were making me feel like I shouldn't bother applying.

what did you do in grad school? any bio? Take the info on predents with a grain of salt. Obviously every situation is unique. and yes, many of those that had a 16 in that section did have a pretty poor AA.

Your gpa is great.

Thanks. I studied education and funny enough was going to teach biology, but I ended up teaching chemistry... which is why I think my bio has deteriorated and my gchem is stronger. I guess I'll still reconsider taking the DAT again but not go into a panic like I have been over the past 24 hours. Darn, super duper high achieving predents! Haha. I guess I should take the fact that some guys are getting 99-100% across the board with a grain of salt. We can't all do that...