What does everyone think about taking th DAT after applying to schools. I'm doing this out of necessity, not by choice. And I won't be taking the exam until mid August. I plan on applying to schools soon after June 4th and just having my DAT scores sent when I take it. What does everyone think about this? It's risky in that my application will likely not even be considered until late August, but interview spots aren't filled yet so isn't this OK?
Taking the test after applying to schools
- Thread starter petro244
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No it's not risky, and it doesn't matter if it is, if you're going to apply and that's when you can take the test, then you're just doing what you gotta do when you can do it.
The only issue is that you'll be considered after other applicants, so it's possible (unless you have incredible scores) that you won't be in that first Dec 1st acceptance group. This isn't an issue though, as people get acceptances to every dental school post december 1st anyway.
Keep in mind the time frame for when your schools may receive your scores:
So, AADSAS gets it 3-4 weeks after you take it (though this is approximate as you note they only get scores on a weekly basis, not immediately after the ADA verifies your scores). Then one additional week for your schools to get the scores from AADSAS.
The only issue is that you'll be considered after other applicants, so it's possible (unless you have incredible scores) that you won't be in that first Dec 1st acceptance group. This isn't an issue though, as people get acceptances to every dental school post december 1st anyway.
Keep in mind the time frame for when your schools may receive your scores:
So, AADSAS gets it 3-4 weeks after you take it (though this is approximate as you note they only get scores on a weekly basis, not immediately after the ADA verifies your scores). Then one additional week for your schools to get the scores from AADSAS.
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I think you should be fine provided you do well on the DAT which I'm sure you will 😉
I have a friend that applied in late August this past cycle and she got into multiple schools!
You won't be in the first group of applicants to apply but you surely won't be in the last!
It's perfectly fine to take the DAT after you've applied. August is probably the latest you want to take it, though. I have spoken to NSU's deans about this, and they would suggest faxing a copy of your scores to the schools you applied to after you take the test. Even though it won't be the "official" document they need, at least they have a heads up as to what your score is. Good luck!
