Submitting DAT last?

[smatic]

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First of all, I'm sure there are similar threads to this so I apologize for clogging up the forum. But if I could get opinions for my specific situation, that would be fantastic 🙂.

My info:
Currently a Junior in undergraduate studies
Biology major
3.718 overall GPA
So far around 300 community service hours (includes volunteering and shadowing in dental, medical, and non-health related areas. Majority is dental however).
1 LOR from a Dentist
2 LOR's from science professors
Main goal is to get into a Texas school, but open to others as well.

I'm going to apply this cycle and I anticipate being able to submit everything (but the DAT) fairly soon after the opening application day. I'm taking the DAT in mid-August and I set that date for myself because standardized testing isn't my strong suit and I just haven't felt ready to take it.

Let's assume I get a 20 on the DAT (which I think is achievable for me with my study plan in place). If everything is submitted soon after the first day but my DAT score gets sent soon after I get my score (around mid-August), do I still stand a chance? If I still stand a chance, am I putting myself at a big disadvantage by doing this? Also, how are my non-DAT related stats looking?

Thanks!

 

[RamsFan1991]

I took the DAT on August 12th, 2014 and my application wasn't considered complete until September 5th I think. That put me in 12th batch and I think it's a large reason why I wasn't offered as many interviews as I had hoped. I would suggest having your DAT finished sometime in June and your application in by the last week of June so it is complete and in the first batch.

 

[OrthoFriendly]

I'd have to agree with RamsFan. Your chances of getting interviews (and an acceptance Dec. 1st) are much greater when you get everything in sooner. Personally I took my DAT in July and had everything in by August. I wouldn't take it any later than July since you have to factor in the time it takes for AADSAS to get your official score report - which could be up to 6 weeks during the busy summer months when everyone is applying.

Hope this helps!

 

[youraverageasia]

I took the DAT on August 12th, 2014 and my application wasn't considered complete until September 5th I think. That put me in 12th batch and I think it's a large reason why I wasn't offered as many interviews as I had hoped. I would suggest having your DAT finished sometime in June and your application in by the last week of June so it is complete and in the first batch.

Does it still take that long for school's to process your score, even if you do the option of having your scores sent directly to the schools?