Sooo Upset with DAT score :((((((

[GTA predental]

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When I got my score at the end I started crying, I was crying the whole day and I still can't recover from the fact that I didn't get at least a 20 overall.
I don't know if I am stupid, or if I don't get something, I put so much effort into it and no result...😡 So here is my score:
Bio -17
GC-17
OC-19
PAT-20
RC-19
QR-17
Total score: 18
So I studied for 2 months, everyday from 9 to 6. I used study plan from here, just modified it a little.
BIO: I used Kaplan Blue Book, Cliffs AP Bio, DatQvault, Destroyer.
GC: Chads, destroyer
OC: Chads, destroyer
PAT: CPAT (10 tests)
RC: nothing
QR: math destroyer
I thought I will do well in Bio, but questions were so ridiculous...with questions that I never saw in my life (I am a Bio major) by the way. On DatQvault the lowest I got was19...
My GPA is not the greatest 3.3 overall and science prob 3.0.
I don't even know what to do now, I already sent in my transcripts, got LORs, and now with this score, I don't think I will get in anywhere...and the earliest I can retake it is October 11.
Guys, if you can suggest something, please respond, I am so upset and I really need your support.
Thank you!

 

[capitan2011]

Don't loose all hope.

Yeah your score is below a 20, but you did not get anything below a 17. There are several schools that accept student with "less than average" stats. A negative attitude will get you nowhere, but a positive attitude combined with good LORs, personal statement, good extracurriculars, lots of volunteer, research experience, and a strong motivation to seek a career in dentistry is a recipe for success. If you do not get in this time around, there is always next year. If dentistry is something you are truley pasionate about, then you will re-apply and better yourself as an applicant. It is just a test, and you can always re-take it (I recommend to do so).

Don't be bummed if you do not get in, you always have a second chance.

Best of luck.

 

[voager]

Hi there...Sorry to hear that your score is not what you have expected...but again it's not end of the world....many people on this portal are reapplicants and I personally know quite a few students did not made it the first time (one of them had 14 as their DAT score)...now I am not saying you won't get in this cycle..... looking at your score over all is not bad 2011 average was 17 ...yours is still a point higher.....each application cycle is different ..and also it depends on which school you are applying. before making a decision to retake If I were you I would call all the schools I am interested in and ask them if October 11 is too late to retake DAT.

Regarding your bio section ...I wouldn't blame anyone it's so random that knowing every thing is not enough...if you are 100% confident that you will score higher than this then retake it (after talking with schools) ...but if the schools response is "it's late" then apply with current score and prepare for next cycle.

GOOD LUCK!

 

[silverdezz]

Don't give up just yet!

Your score afterall is ABOVE average. DAT is just one factor of the whole application process.. there's still your GPA, interview and other things in the whole process.

If you are comfortable with the score, wait a while and retake the exam when you are ready. People usually perform better on their second try because they are less nervous and more prepared !

Good luck on your application 😉

 

[GTA predental]

Thank you very much for you support! I guess I will have to make some decisions soon....

 

[tommyli128]

In your study aids, I didn't notice anything about achiever or top score. Did you take any practice exams to prepare for your exam? Time management is probably one of the most if not the most important aspect of the test. Very different from taking the test one section at a time.

 

[GTA predental]

Yes, I forgot to mention it. I did 3 Top Score Tests. I did much better than on real test 🙁

 

[jmvt]

You never know what can happen. I say you still go on with your application and think about a retake. You can do it!

Also, do you know what happened during the test? Was it wordy questions, nervousness, etc?

 

[Swifty181]

Believe it or not your scores, are not bad at all, in fact theyre slightly above average. I'm in the same boat as you, same GPA, and no matter how much I study I have a feeling my scores won't be too different from yours. I think it depends on you. If you feel like you'd rather not waste a year, and apply now you can still get a few interviews, and maybe an offer or two. Also if you indicate that you plan to retake your DAT on the application, the schools can see it and predict that you might do better, in which case you have nothing to lose since you can reuse that score. (You don't actually have to pay and schedule the DAT to put it in the application, so you can actually wait and see what offers you get b4 you actually sign up for it again). Thats what I would do. If you really feel like your application isn't too strong, then theres always next year. In either case, good luck. I know how it feels to be in your situation.

 

[Shazzam]

People get in ALL the time with an 18. Sure, its not as likely to get in as 25 AA but it doesn't mean you should give up hope. Keep in mind, its not "normal" to score 20s and what not, you have to remember that we're talking about the 90th+ percentile among other bright individuals such as yourself. If you want it, you'll get it. This year, next year, who cares? Worst case scenario? You enjoy your life for another year and get to do things you'll never get to do when you're in DS working day in day out for the next 4 years of your life.

 

[ushaseos]

Worst Case Scenario - You don't quite make it this year, but you build your app and get in for sure next year

Best Case Scenario - You get into some school this year. You will be an "average" applicant, but once you're in you don't need to worry about your stats in the application!

Keep positive and try your best. You already applied so there is nothing more that can be done on that front. An Oct retake isn't ideal, but since you already applied you might as well sign up for it. If that is too late for this cycle you can use it next cycle at the very least! Don't feel depressed because you didn't make a certain score. As overjoyed as I am by getting more than expected, I was fully prepared for the heartache of getting less than I had desired. Lastly, remember that your DAT score is neither a predictor of how good you will be in Dental School nor is it a measure of your intellect or self-worth. It is just a hurdle you must cross to reach your professional goal.

 

[Msmouth]

You're above the national average, I think that means something! Best of luck!

 

[foreveros]

You had a bad day. so what just rinse and repeat it. look at it this way, at least now you will know how it is.
Good luck.