Should I Retake?

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em1012

em1012

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Hi everyone! I'm applying this cycle and need some assistance. I took my DAT in early Feb are received the following scores:
19AA/19TS/18PAT/20BIO/19GC/19OC/16QR/23RC.
Basically, I'm worried about my QR score. I've talked to several people (advisors at my school as well as other pre-dents) and they told me I did a pretty good job... I just need to have some more input on this matter, truly.
To put things in perspective, I've got a 3.88 GPA with a 3.75 sGPA. I've got over 600 hours of volunteer, tons of leadership experience, and 100+ shadowing hours. So far, I'm applying to 14 schools. TN resident.
Any help on whether or not I should retake would be nice 🙂
 
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I would suggest not retaking and just see how this cycle goes. Your high GPA helps level out your average DAT scores. With the rest of your application, I think you have a pretty good shot at being accepted.
 
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knewstance said:
I would suggest not retaking and just see how this cycle goes. Your high GPA helps level out your average DAT scores. With the rest of your application, I think you have a pretty good shot at being accepted.
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Hi, thank you for the feedback. I am also a woman, and people have been telling me that helps...? I don't know. I go back and forth on feeling good about it and feeling bad about it. So we'll see 🙂
 
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em1012 said:
I am also a woman, and people have been telling me that helps...?
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Sometimes it's hard to not think about that kind of thing, but just get it out of your head now and be the best you can be. That's all you can do - you are who you are.

I think you should feel confident based on your GPA and extracurricular activities. Those are above average and will draw the attention of adcoms. Hopefully, you submitted a well written personal statement along with awesome LORs. Interviews should start coming in the next few months.
 
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em1012 said:
Hi, thank you for the feedback. I am also a woman, and people have been telling me that helps...? I don't know. I go back and forth on feeling good about it and feeling bad about it. So we'll see 🙂
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I don't know if that helps. I don't think dental schools can discriminate based on gender.

Based on your scores and GPA, you have a good chance despite the QR socre. Just be sure to apply early, that can break or make your application. Best of luck!

xoxo
 
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WithLove said:
I don't know if that helps. I don't think dental schools can discriminate based on gender.

Based on your scores and GPA, you have a good chance despite the QR socre. Just be sure to apply early, that can break or make your application. Best of luck!

xoxo
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Hi, thank you for your reply.
Yeahhhh... when people tell me that I’m like uhhhh...? i plan on submitted my application June 16th, which is actually the first day, so that will help a lot. Thank you so much for your feedback!
 
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Yeah honestly I would apply. If you weren't a strong candidate otherwise I wouldn't recommend it, but it seems as if you are pretty well rounded. Just make sure to have some good LOR's and a PS to boot.

I don't think being a woman should matter much, but it honestly could depending on the type of person(s) you interview with unfortunately. Either in a good or bad way. My class is majority women if that means anything. Best of luck!
 
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1TrickUnicorn said:
There are people with much worse stats and DAT scores who got into dental school. You got a chance so you might as well apply.
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Thank you for your reply! I think I am just freaking myself out, to be honest. It seems like everyone on here has like, a 25AA and I’m like uhhhh not me lol. So I think that’s why I’m a bit worried. I’m close to 20’s in everything, with RC and BIO in the 20’s so I think I need to stop stressing and just let the cycle run it’s course 🙂
 
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IdleKoala said:
Yeah honestly I would apply. If you weren't a strong candidate otherwise I wouldn't recommend it, but it seems as if you are pretty well rounded. Just make sure to have some good LOR's and a PS to boot.

I don't think being a woman should matter much, but it honestly could depending on the type of person(s) you interview with unfortunately. Either in a good or bad way. My class is majority women if that means anything. Best of luck!
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Wonderful, thank you for the reply! I think I am just worried overall, lol. Which I mean, it’s a bit of a nerve-wracking experience. I’m going to submit my app this upcoming Tuesday 🙂 thank you for your reply and good luck in dental school 🙂
 
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I would not worry about QR, as long as you dont bomb it (14>) you are fine. I had a 16 qr but a pretty solid DAT otherwise (20s-24s) and every school I interviewed at brought up how well I did on the DAT....I was expecting to have to explain my super low QR score.
 
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MavsFanForLife said:
I would not worry about QR, as long as you dont bomb it (14>) you are fine. I had a 16 qr but a pretty solid DAT otherwise (20s-24s) and every school I interviewed at brought up how well I did on the DAT....I was expecting to have to explain my super low QR score.
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Okay, thank you so much. I'm feeling like I did okay, but its hard to gauge with everyone on here saying they have a 25AA+, ya know?
 
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em1012 said:
Okay, thank you so much. I'm feeling like I did okay, but its hard to gauge with everyone on here saying they have a 25AA+, ya know?
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Ya I really think you will be fine, for reference I had 21/AA/TS 24RC 18PAT 16QR and a 3.2 sgpa and had several interview invitations
 
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em1012 said:
Hi, thank you for your reply.
Yeahhhh... when people tell me that I’m like uhhhh...? i plan on submitted my application June 16th, which is actually the first day, so that will help a lot. Thank you so much for your feedback!
Click to expand...

Any time 🙂 Were you able to submit it today?

xoxo
 
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em1012 said:
Yes, I actually was! I’m super excited 🙂
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Wishing you the best and you have an excellent opportunity for interview invites. Most students struggle with the QR section and schools realize this, if you get asked about it on an interview just be prepared to respond. I love the great state of TN! I have relatives in TN and I was born in the Appalachian mountains of VA, Big Stone Gap, VA.

Take care...and keep us posted!
 
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orgoman22 said:
Wishing you the best and you have an excellent opportunity for interview invites. Most students struggle with the QR section and schools realize this, if you get asked about it on an interview just be prepared to respond. I love the great state of TN! I have relatives in TN and I was born in the Appalachian mountains of VA, Big Stone Gap, VA.

Take care...and keep us posted!
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Yes - I'm from the Appalachian mountains, too! The very tip of Eastern Tennessee 🙂 Small world, my friend! Thanks for the advice; I'll for sure keep everyone posted!
 
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