Should I retake the DAT?

[bellos]

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I took the DAT 3 weeks ago and my scores are as follows:

QR: 15
PAT: 18
BIO: 19
GC: 21
OC: 21
RC: 23

TS: 20
AA:20

My cGPA is 3.3 and my sGPA is 3.3 as well.
My concern lies with my QR and PAT scores. I simply froze on the QR, I couldn't move fast enough and just guessed on exactly half of the questions, because of time restraints.

My other question if anybody cares to answer, is if it is too late to send in applications? I haven't sent in any yet, because I'm a ***** basically 😡

 

[DDS Perez]

Absolutely no retake in my opinion

 

[bellos]

Absolutely no retake in my opinion

😀 There are literally hundreds of reasons why I don't want to retake it. May I ask why you think it is not necessary? Can a 15 on QR be dismissed or written off based on the other scores? Also an 18 on PAT seems a bit low to me.

 

[znny19]

I think you should retake. Your PAT is fine it is the QR. However if you plan on applying this cycle that you can't really retake your DAT...
It's pretty late to be applying but if you have the money to spend I guess you can go ahead and do that.

 

[bellos]

I think you should retake. Also its pretty late to be applying now but if you have the money to spend I guess you can go ahead and do that.

Got it. I was in remedial math all through HS and I struggled all through calculus, I would like to do better but I wonder if it is possible. I only used Destroyer, I could get Math Destroyer and hopefully knock it out.

 

[qnzbabi91]

because of the QR score?

The cutoff for the lowest score in a section for some schools is 17. Your 15 is below that. I don't know though if a retake is necessary. it depends where you want to go. Do you want choices or are you willing to do you homework to find out which schools dismiss QR? A re-take doesn't guarentee higher scores.

 

[stell22]

If I were you, I would take it again and apply next cycle with stronger DAT scores.

The 15 in QR is below the automatic cut-off point for some schools and would automatically disqualify you. Your science scores are really good though, and so is your RC so I can see your dilemma.

I think if you had a stellar 3.9 or so GPA, you could possibly get away with the 15 in QR and with applying late in this year's cycle...but I don't know if you could with a 3.3

 

[bellos]

The cutoff for the lowest score in a section for some schools is 17. Your 15 is below that. I don't know though if a retake is necessary. it depends where you want to go. Do you want choices or are you willing to do you homework to find out which schools dismiss QR? A re-take doesn't guarentee higher scores.

I was not aware of that. I admit I'd like choices and going into the DAT I felt the most prepared for the QR section, I was just fried by the time I got to it. If I retake the DAT and get a lower score, am I correct in my understanding that it will replace my current score regardless?

Also thank you for replying I used your DAT breakdown many times in the struggle to identify a plan to study.

 

[bellos]

If I were you, I would take it again and apply next cycle with stronger DAT scores.

The 15 in QR is below the automatic cut-off point for some schools and would automatically disqualify you. Your science scores are really good though, and so is your RC so I can see your dilemma.

I think if you had a stellar 3.9 or so GPA, you could possibly get away with the 15 in QR and with applying late in this year's cycle...but I don't know if you could with a 3.3

This is my dilemma 😕. I have an solid background in genetics research and 4.0's for my last year of school, but I did the usual college flop for my first two years, and it really brought my GPA down. I will likely apply to a limited number of schools this year and take up the advice here, of retaking and applying.

Would I need to contact each school to see if a 15 disqualifies me automatically or should I assume this?

 

[qnzbabi91]

I was not aware of that. I admit I'd like choices and going into the DAT I felt the most prepared for the QR section, I was just fried by the time I got to it. If I retake the DAT and get a lower score, am I correct in my understanding that it will replace my current score regardless?

Also thank you for replying I used your DAT breakdown many times in the struggle to identify a plan to study.

Yes, it will relace you test regardless. Your sciences are awesome, and your AA is commendable. I think it is very easy to boost QR.

Buy Math Destroyer if you didn't already. I also used crack the dat math. I got a 27 which was shocking to me because for the first 10 minutes I was playing around with that annoying digital calculator to multiply like 4 X 5 or something ridiculous because I was getting tired lol But then I got a surge of adrenaline and a miracle happened. Just don't waste too much time on a single question. I skipped around...a lot. And, I am glad I could help and give back to the community 😀

I think QR is the easiest section to improve on. Just take more practice tests because you need to build stamina.

 

[stell22]

This is my dilemma 😕. I have an solid background in genetics research and 4.0's for my last year of school, but I did the usual college flop for my first two years, and it really brought my GPA down. I will likely apply to a limited number of schools this year and take up the advice here, of retaking and applying.

Would I need to contact each school to see if a 15 disqualifies me automatically or should I assume this?

Maybe contact each one just to be safe. Also, some schools list it on their website under their admission requirements.

 

[ThatGuyYouAre]

I wouldn't send in the application at this time. It's too late, so wait for next year. As for retaking, I wouldn't retake, unless you're out of school and you have time to kill with studying again. I have similar scores and stats, and I've received 6 interviews this cycle, so anything is possible. I don't know the extent of your extra stuff, but you have a good shot if you apply broadly in June. Also, some schools will overlook one bad score. I was with an applicant today at an interview with a 13 in GC.

 

[DentalHopeful28]

Call your top ten schools and ask if there is a cut off. Make sure you mention it is in QR as opposed to a science intensive section (i.e. bio). You did well in RC which many schools like.

 

[Dentalkid434]

I took the DAT 3 weeks ago and my scores are as follows:

QR: 15
PAT: 18
BIO: 19
GC: 21
OC: 21
RC: 23

TS: 20
AA:20

My cGPA is 3.3 and my sGPA is 3.3 as well.
My concern lies with my QR and PAT scores. I simply froze on the QR, I couldn't move fast enough and just guessed on exactly half of the questions, because of time restraints.

My other question if anybody cares to answer, is if it is too late to send in applications? I haven't sent in any yet, because I'm a ***** basically 😡

To be honest, if your QR was at least a 16...maybe even a 17, I would have said not to retake.

I think it will behoove you in the long run to retake. I know it may be a pain and hassle, but it has to be done.

 

[Rootz90]

I wouldn't send in the application at this time. It's too late, so wait for next year. As for retaking, I wouldn't retake, unless you're out of school and you have time to kill with studying again. I have similar scores and stats, and I've received 6 interviews this cycle, so anything is possible. I don't know the extent of your extra stuff, but you have a good shot if you apply broadly in June. Also, some schools will overlook one bad score. I was with an applicant today at an interview with a 13 in GC.

Damn... I also know someone who got an interview at tufts with 16aa.

This admission process is a truly a crapshoot.