Take it now or wait?

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Hey guys,

Right now I'm a sophomore (going for the 08 cycle), but I finished gen chem, bio, and orgo req's. Do you think I should try hard core studying this summer (Kaplan course and all) and just take the DAT in August? I only think I should wait til next year 'cause I want to get really familiar with the PAT... I've looked at those questions and it looks like it'll take me awhile to wrap my brain around those. I was going to look at the questions any way this summer (albeit in a less hardcore manner), and I also wanted to spend time shadowing and whatnot. What do you guys think I should do?

Thanks~!

 

[Chrono1984]

If all that is holding you back is the PAT, than I would take it. It took me about 3 months of practice to get the PAT down cold - and that was while doing massive review on all other DAT areas.

My only warning would be your potential lack of biology class exposure. I took histo, biochem, vert bio all my junior year..and they greatly aided in making biology a much smoother ride on the DAT.

However, you should be allright assuming you have taken the basics.

Good luck.

 

[earthcap]

Hey guys,

Right now I'm a sophomore (going for the 08 cycle), but I finished gen chem, bio, and orgo req's. Do you think I should try hard core studying this summer (Kaplan course and all) and just take the DAT in August? I only think I should wait til next year 'cause I want to get really familiar with the PAT... I've looked at those questions and it looks like it'll take me awhile to wrap my brain around those. I was going to look at the questions any way this summer (albeit in a less hardcore manner), and I also wanted to spend time shadowing and whatnot. What do you guys think I should do?

Thanks~!

I agree with Chrono1984. I would go ahead and take it if PAT is the only concern. But just like what Chrono said, advanced science classes I took (anatomy, cell bio, biochm, vert zoo, genetics, and even parasit and etc) really helped me as I studied for the test. But if gen. bio covered all the basics (by that I mean thorough cell bio, little bit of invert, vert, classification, evolution, ecology, and some anatomy and physiology) then I see no reason for waiting. Hope this helps!

 

[wigglytooth]

I agree with Chrono1984. I would go ahead and take it if PAT is the only concern. But just like what Chrono said, advanced science classes I took (anatomy, cell bio, biochm, vert zoo, genetics, and even parasit and etc) really helped me as I studied for the test. But if gen. bio covered all the basics (by that I mean thorough cell bio, little bit of invert, vert, classification, evolution, ecology, and some anatomy and physiology) then I see no reason for waiting. Hope this helps!

Thanks for the input. I'll have to review the minute details of intro bio 'cause of AP cred (and the semester of intro bio I took in college didn't cover everything basic and even went into some advanced detail about development, etc.), but I did basically read the whole Campbell book in high school and have my old notes from the class. I also took a college course that covered cell bio and a little biochem.

So to clarify, do you think I should invest in the Kap course now? If I take the online course, would I be able to keep the materials if I "don't feel ready"? Will I have time for shadowing??

 

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[wigglytooth]

Ok, so I am leaning towards taking it at the end of August... BUT since I am not applying this semester, must I send out my scores to schools now, or will my scores be held for me so that I can send them out next year? I read that part of the fee to take the DAT covers sendiing out scores, so will I have to pay extra if I hold the scores until next year?

If someone could at least point me to way to contact someone who would know the answers, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks!!

 

[Gasedo]

Ok, so I am leaning towards taking it at the end of August... BUT since I am not applying this semester, must I send out my scores to schools now, or will my scores be held for me so that I can send them out next year? I read that part of the fee to take the DAT covers sendiing out scores, so will I have to pay extra if I hold the scores until next year?

If someone could at least point me to way to contact someone who would know the answers, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks!!

From ADA:

“Although the DAT scores are the property of the ADA, test scores will not be released without specific written authorization by the test examinee. Test scores will be kept on file indefinitely, thereby making it possible to send scores to other programs in the future when requested by the test examinees”.

Also:

“The examination fee is $170. This fee includes the submission of official transcripts of scores to 5 dental schools, a personal copy of scores, and a copy of scores for the pre-dental advisor. The 5 official transcripts are included only if they are indicated on the original application form. All requests for official transcripts of scores received AFTER THE TIME OF APLICATION require a $15 charge per transcript”.

Call this number 1-800-232-2162 to get the booklet free of charge which includes the application, and you will also find more helpful info in there.

 

[wigglytooth]

From ADA:

“Although the DAT scores are the property of the ADA, test scores will not be released without specific written authorization by the test examinee. Test scores will be kept on file indefinitely, thereby making it possible to send scores to other programs in the future when requested by the test examinees”.

Also:

“The examination fee is $170. This fee includes the submission of official transcripts of scores to 5 dental schools, a personal copy of scores, and a copy of scores for the pre-dental advisor. The 5 official transcripts are included only if they are indicated on the original application form. All requests for official transcripts of scores received AFTER THE TIME OF APLICATION require a $15 charge per transcript”.

Call this number 1-800-232-2162 to get the booklet free of charge which includes the application, and you will also find more helpful info in there.

Estupendo! Muchas gracias 😍