Should I retake with a 20

Started by Jay20155555
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Jay20155555

Jay20155555

Full Member
7+ Year Member
I got a 20 on my DAT, and 20 in every section.

My undergrad science GPA is about a 2.68
I am in a SMP program with a 4.0 with about 26 credits by the time a apply.

So should I retake the DAT? to try to make up for my low undergrad gpa?
 
SMP gpa isn't combined with undergrad i believe as it's grad courses vs undergrad. I'd highly recommend you retake and get at least 22AA+
 
Jay20155555 said:
I got a 20 on my DAT, and 20 in every section.

My undergrad science GPA is about a 2.68
I am in a SMP program with a 4.0 with about 26 credits by the time a apply.

So should I retake the DAT? to try to make up for my low undergrad gpa?
Click to expand...

Where did you do your SMP?
 
pgex2t said:
SMP gpa isn't combined with undergrad i believe as it's grad courses vs undergrad. I'd highly recommend you retake and get at least 22AA+
Click to expand...
Fair enough. AADSAS had my undergrad GPAs, grad school GPAs, and then all of them combined.
 
OP, I may be wrong but

if you think your SMP 4.0 of only 26 credits combined with the 20 DAT will make the adcoms forget about your 2.68GPA of 4 year/3year undergrad is very misleading.

before you join your SMP, you should do postbach to pull 2.68 GPA up to 3.0 or 3.1 then do a SMP. then 22 or above DAT will make you kinda competitive. At this rate, you are very likely passed over for someone with 20 DAT and 3.6, 3.7 GPA (which, believe me, many pre dents have)

I wonder what kind of SMP accepts 2.68 students
 
You've taken an excellent route to correct your undergraduate GPA. I would continue to do well in your SMP. If you can manage, get involved in extracurriculars like research and community service. During that time, I would focus on crafting a personal statement that describes your story and why/how you've come far since undergrad. No need to retake your DAT. Put that time in the previous things I've described.
 
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I think you've made up for that 2.6 GPA with your current 4.0 SMP. Not only does the number look better, but it shows you're capable of improvement. As Kittenz said, I would probably not worry about the DAT so much and instead try to get extracurriculars done and be prepared to explain why you struggled at first.
 
If I were in your shoes I would've definitely retook a 20 DAT. If you study hard enough you should aim for atleast a 22+.
 
I wonder if some people didn't read the part that he's getting 4.0 on SMP program.
Yes he blew his undergrad GPA, but he showed improvement by getting 4.0.
Not the best undergrad GPA, I think adcoms will want to hear your story, and not reject you right away.

20 DAT seems fine. Of course, it would help you out if higher, but you don't want to risk getting lower scores.
 
Hello!
I dont think you should retake if your AA is 20 and every section in between is a 20 across the board. Focus on improving what you are deficient in. Your gpa was less than stellar and clearly you made a significant improvement in your SMP (congrats on that!!!!!). Make sure your ECs are up to par and prepare to slay your interviews. You don't need to improve what isn't broken and you fix what is..which you have done with your gpa!!!!! End your SMP on a fabulous note and you should be fine 🙂 Good luck!!
 
milkydusty said:
OP, I may be wrong but

if you think your SMP 4.0 of only 26 credits combined with the 20 DAT will make the adcoms forget about your 2.68GPA of 4 year/3year undergrad is very misleading.

before you join your SMP, you should do postbach to pull 2.68 GPA up to 3.0 or 3.1 then do a SMP. then 22 or above DAT will make you kinda competitive. At this rate, you are very likely passed over for someone with 20 DAT and 3.6, 3.7 GPA (which, believe me, many pre dents have)

I wonder what kind of SMP accepts 2.68 students
Click to expand...

Same.
 
20 is a decent score. Do well in your SMP and still apply broadly. I think many schools think the GPA is more important than the DAT. One adcom told me they rather see post bac work than a master's program because even if you get 4.0 in masters, your undergrad gpa will still be an unwanted eye catcher. From my experience, I have a low science gpa of 3.1 and a DAT of 19 and I have spoken to many adcoms that said retaking the DAT would be helpful but if I have limited time and money, focusing on the gpa Is more important.
 
You'll be fine. A 20AA and a 4.0 SMP should do the trick. Whatever issues you've had in the past, you've shown that you've overcome them and are capable of handling the course load of dental school.
Work on your statement, EC'S, and LoR's and you'll be ok.
I swear, SDN makes everyone feel that without a 23+ and a 3.8, no one has a chance to get into dental school. I almost listened but decided to go apply anyway, and will be starting dental school in the fall.
 
MissToothFairy_37 said:
...You don't need to improve what isn't broken and you fix what is..which you have done with your gpa!!!!! End your SMP on a fabulous note and you should be fine 🙂 Good luck!!
Click to expand...
Agree. Fix that undergrads gpa, not the DAT. You have proved that you can take a particularly difficult test in a particularly difficult day. No need for another proof on the same criteria.
 
schmoob said:
You'll be fine. A 20AA and a 4.0 SMP should do the trick. Whatever issues you've had in the past, you've shown that you've overcome them and are capable of handling the course load of dental school.
Work on your statement, EC'S, and LoR's and you'll be ok.
I swear, SDN makes everyone feel that without a 23+ and a 3.8, no one has a chance to get into dental school. I almost listened but decided to go apply anyway, and will be starting dental school in the fall.
Click to expand...
I thought the same thing at first. You don't have to be a genius to get in, just work hard.
 
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