I am a non-trad student (97 bio grad) with a low gpa of 3.0. I have recently taken some classes (biochem, genetics, micro and virology) to try to bring up my gpa to no avail (despite getting a's in my classes, I have so many hours it barely moved my overall). I've been studying with kaplan and am getting 17's on my tests, but because of my gpa, I feel like I need to get at least a 20. To complicate things...I'm 35 weeks pregnant (will be 4 weeks away from my due date when I am scheduled to take my exam), I have a 2 year old son who is going to have surgery next month, and my mom just started chemotherapy for ovarian cancer and is living at our house during her treatments. I try to study, but with all that's going on, I feel like my brain is overloaded! Should I just study as much as possible and wing it, or should I wait until the spring to take the exam? Mind you, I will have a newborn on my hands for some time, plus my 2 year old. Anyway, any feedback would be GREATLY appreciated!!
Should I take DAT next week? Need advice!!
- Thread starter ssp74
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Sorry to hear about your situation. Personally, I don't think anyone should take the test until he/she feels somewhat ready (some people, like me, will never feel ready about taking a standardized test). Since your GPA isn't that high, you would really need to do well on the DAT to secure a chance at admission. If I were you, I would put off taking the test now until I can set aside some time to study.
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For Starters, you need a AA of about 20, even with a decent GPA to be really competitve. With a 3.0 you need something like a 21+ to be competitive. I would not take the DAT's until you are definitely ready and feel confident that you will do very well on the DAT. On a side note, how would you balance Dental School and an infant and a 3 year old??
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In my opinion, you have too much going in your life at the moment ... Wait until after your pregnancy, and wait until you have studied hard enough to the point of confidence. Also, you said you only studied Kaplan - do not rely on only one source.
Good luck.
Good luck.
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well when do you think you are planning on applying? meaning if your aren't going to be applying for the 2010 cycle, then its better you wait it out when you have more time.
I know its a tough situation, but you want to do well on the test and not have any regrets of messing up. Sometimes our goals are met at a later time in our life, but its still well worth it when they are met.
Good Luck
I know its a tough situation, but you want to do well on the test and not have any regrets of messing up. Sometimes our goals are met at a later time in our life, but its still well worth it when they are met.
Good Luck
