Taking DAT "early?" Am I doing the right thing...

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

Blee_Happy_Pre!

never too late
10+ Year Member
15+ Year Member
Joined
Sep 12, 2004
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Hi! I am a newbie here, having been lurking and enjoy this site very much.

I was set to begin my junior year this fall but unfortunately had to have unplanned major surgery two weeks ago, not allowed to drive or do stairs for weeks, so I decided to lay out this semester. My problem is this: I am afraid that I will forget too much even with studying of my year of gen chem and bio, math, etc. I will take a gen ochem in spring and trig and that will be enough to prepare for the DAT and take it next summer BUT... I won't be applying until the next year.

Is this a good plan? What do you think the adcomms will think of this.

I have a 3.2 overall with 140 credit hours (I already have an associates degree from years ago), 3.8 since I started pre dental, and a 3.6 science. I plan on studying my butt off for this DAT and get in the 20s. Will this all be for nothing if they won't even accept a year-old DAT score?

Also, what do you think about applying a year early? What are the chances one could skip their senior year and get right into d-school?

I think I have a pretty good excuse for laying out a semester, and I have been shadowing more, taking a studio art class, things like that.

Your opinions would be appreciated!
 
Well, while some schools do not REQUIRE you to have a bachelors degree upon entry it is very highly recommended. I would say very few go this route. As far as taking the DAT next summer (which would essentially be in the middle of you junior year), I don't see anything wrong with that other than the fact that you wouldn't have taken the 2nd semester of orgo which is on the DAT. As far as the scores expiring, I have heard that they are good for anywhere from 2-5 years. I would ADA to confirm, but even if it is 2 years, that would be good enough for you. Hope that helps
 
Blee_Happy_Pre! said:
Hi! I am a newbie here, having been lurking and enjoy this site very much.

I was set to begin my junior year this fall but unfortunately had to have unplanned major surgery two weeks ago, not allowed to drive or do stairs for weeks, so I decided to lay out this semester. My problem is this: I am afraid that I will forget too much even with studying of my year of gen chem and bio, math, etc. I will take a gen ochem in spring and trig and that will be enough to prepare for the DAT and take it next summer BUT... I won't be applying until the next year.

Is this a good plan? What do you think the adcomms will think of this.

I have a 3.2 overall with 140 credit hours (I already have an associates degree from years ago), 3.8 since I started pre dental, and a 3.6 science. I plan on studying my butt off for this DAT and get in the 20s. Will this all be for nothing if they won't even accept a year-old DAT score?

Also, what do you think about applying a year early? What are the chances one could skip their senior year and get right into d-school?

I think I have a pretty good excuse for laying out a semester, and I have been shadowing more, taking a studio art class, things like that.

Your opinions would be appreciated!

You?ll be fine. Especially after you explain your circumstance in each school?s application. If you score in the 20?s and pick your schools wisely, you?ll have nothing to worry about.
 
Top