Take DAT now but apply 1-2 yr(s) later

[herkulis]

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Is there anyone here or that you know of actually takes DAT this year but plans to apply to dental schools 1-2 yr(s) later? I am curious because I might have to do just that for financial reason before applying. My situation is that I have time to prepare for, and take, the DAT now rather than later, hence my decision to take it now instead of doing it just before applying. Would the dental schools question applicants who delay the application process after taking the DAT like myself? Thanks for all inputs.

 

[EnamelCoating]

Your DAT score is only valid for so long. (3yrs? I made it up, someone correct me.) Why not just spend those 1-2 years and study up. You might score higher then rushed now due to money. Beside, i'm sure a buck a day here and there saved for a year is more than enough for the DAT a year or two from now.

 

[Sephisabin]

Enamel is correct... Officially, your DAT score is only valid for 3 years, but most schools actually limit it to 2 years... you should definitely wait to take it if you don't plan to apply for 2 years...

 

[joonkimdds]

I guess it's better to take it now than later since it gets harder.

 

[dru180]

Joonkimdds...Respectfully, that makes no sense. Why would it get harder as time goes on, and furthermore, even if it did, it gets harder for everyone, so it wouldnt really matter anyway.

herkulis- I would say your decision depends on the quality of the rest of your application. If you have excellent stats, and are almost sure that you will get in your first year, take it now if you think its beneficial to your situation and you think you can get a good score. If your stats are average or mediocre, wait to take it because, as others have pointed out, your score is only good for 3 years and you run into the risk of having to take it again.

good luck!

 

[joonkimdds]

Joonkimdds...Respectfully, that makes no sense. Why would it get harder as time goes on, and furthermore, even if it did, it gets harder for everyone, so it wouldnt really matter anyway.

They are adding more chapters in bio section that were not there before. And it's not my opinion that it's getting harder. ppl who took it more than twice said it.


It's true that it gets harder for everyone. But if TC takes DAT this yr and apply 2 yrs from now, he has upper hand than those who take DAT after 2 yrs and apply for the same cycle. But then again, they got 2 more yrs to study that the TC.

joonkimdds

 

[Sephisabin]

If he takes it now and applies 2 years from now, he'll have to take the test again anyways... PLUS... if it does get harder and his scores decrease, that is not going to look good.

 

[allstardentist]

I took the DAT a year before i applied. I actually still think it was a great idea because you can focus on your actual application and the personal statement without worrying about your DAT when applying. I just got it out of the way since I had taken all the pre-reqs. It all depends on the situation, i guess.

 

[blankguy]

Take it the year before you are applying. Taking and waiting 2 yrs is cutting it close. Schools may ask you to retake since it will expire.

 

[SanOnofre2002]

Schools will not care of the exact time difference b/n taking the test and applying, provided it falls within their limit. Things may have changed, but last year it seemed that the vast majority of schools had limits of three years or more. Only a small handful had it set at 2 years. Stay within the two year timeframe to keep all of your options open. Taking it anytime within that period will not affect anything.

 

[angrypredent]

Let's say I signed up to take the DAT at the end of my freshman year. Will my score still be valid when I apply as a sophomore/junior?

Feedback would be appreciated.

 

[Neuro178]

I wouldn't suggest taking the DAT right out of freshman year because you probably haven't had ochem 1 & 2, you may need more bio classes, etc. You need to complete the prereqs first - it makes it much easier.

I'm a rising junior, and I'm taking it at the end of this summer. That way the scores will only be about a year old, I'll be able to take the DAT again if needed, and most of my bio/chem classes are fresh in my mind.

So if you can wait a year, I would advise it!

 

[Sephisabin]

You need to take a year of ochem, a year of gchem, a year of bio and if possible, physiology before taking the test. I'd advise against taking it until you've done all those classes. Just for the record, I applied to 15 schools and all but 1 required that the DAT be taken less than 2 years from the date of application.

 

[dru180]

Joon Kim. I didn't know that they were adding a section, but i dont think that will necessarily make it harder. Im not really trying to prove a point anymore, but take a look at this link. You might find it interesting. Maybe that it will clear up what I was trying to get across. Cheers.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=453723