Submitt application w/o DAT or wait?? HELP

[Dawgs13]

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Hi all,

I am looking for advice. Here is my situation:

I applied to the 2018 cycle in August, which I do understand is on the late side. I applied to (12 schools) and only recieved 2 interviews. Which I can’t say I am completely shocked by since the fact I feel as though I look average on paper. (Regardless I will re apply this cycle)
I was a collegiate athlete, did a Biochem major with a 3.5 GPA and a science 3.3. My DAT was average also with an AA of 18. My experiences and achievements i believe are solid enough; (let me know if you disagree please!) I have now worked as a dental assistant for almost 2 years and have a substantial amount of volunteer hours ~400 and I run the family Farm when I’m not in the office. Have to take off weeks during harvest. However I could go on about my credientials but I’m not blind, I know my GPA, DAT and time were a main factor. I am planning on retaking the DAT been trying to work my butt off to take it by May 22 to have it in time for June 5th. However that may be a stretch to get the score I need.
I should have everything else to go been revising my Personal Statment, which if anyone is a grammar junkie or wants to read another one please please PM me I will take all the advice and constructive criticism I can get... I really do want to be great. Back on topic, I am going to switch up a few letters of recommendation and update my transcripts, experiences, and achievements since I have done new things since last application. So my issue is, I should have it all polished and ready to go on June 5th besides possibly not my DAT. So if it comes to May and I don’t feel like I’m going to score what I believe I need aka:22-23 range is it better to wait to submit everything together OR to submit everything (Minus my new DAT score) on June 5 and then take the DAT when I’m ready and let that trickle in later? The doctors I work with give me mixed advice and I’m looking for some advice from peers.

Thank u thank u.

 

[thenextcarnegie]

I think both your GPA's are fine. Since you are planning to take your DAT soon, I would just go ahead and study/work on that. I would advise you to apply (updated LOR's, applications, experiences etc) before retaking your DAT so that it is also set in stone. Then once your DAT is done you can update that as well. But the most important thing is to take your TIME on the DAT. Only take it when you are ready, don't rush it just to get your app in "early". Yes, it is important to submit an early app, BUT stronger scores are better than an early app in most cases. As long as everything is submitted by the end of June/early July you should be fine. Make sure when you do your application, that you do mention you are retaking the DAT. I would research what schools would look at your application, their specific due dates, etc. The ADEA guide really helps with that and should make you a stronger applicant. Hope that helps and if you need any further help, don't hesitate to PM me!

 

[Dawgs13]

Thank you for your advice! I agree on what you have said. Do you think it’s best to submit everything on June 5th then the DAT will get there after I take it? Or I wait till my official score is in then pay the 100$ for each application? I appreciate your time.

 

[artist2022]

Do you think it’s best to submit everything on June 5th then the DAT will get there after I take it?

Do this, as it may take a long time for your official scores to be uploaded. So, indicate you are retaking the DAT, submit on June 5th (pay all fees), upload your unofficial scores when you get them, and wait for your official scores to be uploaded.

I should have everything else to go been revising my Personal Statment, which if anyone is a grammar junkie or wants to read another one please please PM me I will take all the advice and constructive criticism I can get... I really do want to be great.

In regards to this, this is a list of readers for this cycle, so there are lots of people willing to read your PS!: ~*~*~*~*~Official Personal Statement Reader List 2018-2019~*~*~*~*~

 

[toothyprincess]

I submitted my 2018 cycle application before taking my DAT! This was per the recommendation of my pre-health advisor. I believe I had my entire application submitted within a week or two of June 1, 2017. I took my DAT on July 13th and everything was officially verified by July 22nd. Definitely submit without the DAT score (as long as you are confident, of course 🙂).

 

[Dawgs13]

I submitted my 2018 cycle application before taking my DAT! This was per the recommendation of my pre-health advisor. I believe I had my entire application submitted within a week or two of June 1, 2017. I took my DAT on July 13th and everything was officially verified by July 22nd. Definitely submit without the DAT score (as long as you are confident, of course 🙂).

Hi! And you got pretty good feed back from the schools? Also if you don’t mind me asking what we’re your scores/gpa? 🙂) I just want To kinda see if I’m even heading in the right direction with everything.

 

[toothyprincess]

Hi! And you got pretty good feed back from the schools? Also if you don’t mind me asking what we’re your scores/gpa? 🙂) I just want To kinda see if I’m even heading in the right direction with everything.

I believe so! I had 5 interviews with 3 acceptances and 2 waitlists! Waitlisted at my top choice so fingers crossed 🙂 I got a 20 AA. My overall GPA was around a 3.4/3.5 and my science GPA was a 3.3 I believe. Also should mention I applied to 15 schools and I believe this was crucial for me personally as my GPA wasn’t extremely high.

 

[Dawgs13]

I believe so! I had 5 interviews with 3 acceptances and 2 waitlists! Waitlisted at my top choice so fingers crossed 🙂 I got a 20 AA. My overall GPA was around a 3.4/3.5 and my science GPA was a 3.3 I believe. Also should mention I applied to 15 schools and I believe this was crucial for me personally as my GPA wasn’t extremely high.

Heck yes!! Good job, that is so awesome and makes me happy to hear. Okay well just got to bust some butt and see if I can do better this time around! I have one more interview but I’m not banking on anything. Got to plan for next year Incase. Good luck, I’m sure you’ll get in.

 

[toothyprincess]

Heck yes!! Good job, that is so awesome and makes me happy to hear. Okay well just got to bust some butt and see if I can do better this time around! I have one more interview but I’m not banking on anything. Got to plan for next year Incase. Good luck, I’m sure you’ll get in.

Kill that interview you got this!! And thanks so much 😍

 

[oceanicvibe]

Thank you for your advice! I agree on what you have said. Do you think it’s best to submit everything on June 5th then the DAT will get there after I take it? Or I wait till my official score is in then pay the 100$ for each application? I appreciate your time.

It costs $100 to send your DAT scores to each school youre applying to!?!?! wth

 

[artist2022]

It costs $100 to send your DAT scores to each school youre applying to!?!?! wth

It's $100 for submitting applications (the first application is $249, and every following application is $99). Sending your DAT is free as long as you selected at least one school at the time you paid for your DAT.