Submitting Application to Schools BEFORE Taking DAT

[hypemachine]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Hi everyone,

I know there are a few threads that address my question but I haven't gotten a clear answer, so I'm hoping for one here. I'm planning on taking the DAT late July, and most people (including my health committee) strongly suggest I submit my applications in the first week of July.

Given that my DAT score will play a significant role in what schools I apply to, I wasn't sure how to approach this. One strategy I've heard is to apply to 1-2 schools initially (i.e. first week of July) just so AADSAS will begin processing my GPA, etc; then apply to the rest of the schools based on my DAT score. Another strategy I've heard is to apply to all the schools I know I'm applying to, then consider any additional schools based on my DAT score.

So my questions are:
1) What are your opinions on each strategy?
2) Which strategy is more effective in terms of not wasting money on pointless applications and in terms of not hurting my admission chances?
3) If I go with the first strategy, are my chances hurt for the schools I apply to a bit later?

Thanks in advance, guys.

 

[MikeyD914]

i dont think it even matters. i just applied to 12 schools today with my last years DAT score and i will be retaking the test august 15th

 

[Ari Rezaei]

Hi everyone,

I know there are a few threads that address my question but I haven't gotten a clear answer, so I'm hoping for one here. I'm planning on taking the DAT late July, and most people (including my health committee) strongly suggest I submit my applications in the first week of July.

Given that my DAT score will play a significant role in what schools I apply to, I wasn't sure how to approach this. One strategy I've heard is to apply to 1-2 schools initially (i.e. first week of July) just so AADSAS will begin processing my GPA, etc; then apply to the rest of the schools based on my DAT score. Another strategy I've heard is to apply to all the schools I know I'm applying to, then consider any additional schools based on my DAT score.

So my questions are:
1) What are your opinions on each strategy?
2) Which strategy is more effective in terms of not wasting money on pointless applications and in terms of not hurting my admission chances?
3) If I go with the first strategy, are my chances hurt for the schools I apply to a bit later?

Thanks in advance, guys.

You should talk to your pre-health advisor first. But you can apply to all the schools you want, say you take the DAT later, and they won't review your file until they have all of your DAT scores. I applied without my DAT done to get my app finished and approved. Some schools will accept your unofficial score report, others will wait until they receive the score report from AADSAS.

You need to apply to only one school to get your application submitted and approved. You can apply to any other schools you want after you take the DAT and they'll get your application within a week I believe (don't quote me on this). Definitely apply now though.

 

[dental24]

Honestly, I really think if you submit your app by July and take the DAT by late July early Aug you should be FINE!

Obviously its strongly rec that early app submission and DAT increase chances. But for your situation, just nail the DAT and turn the app. If youve got the stats you should get an interview. I took the DAT in Sep last year and got 2 interviews. I'm reapplying and will retake the DAT by early Aug and plan on submitting my app by mid July.

gluck