to retake DAT or not?

[dentalchick2016]

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What is worse? To retake the DAT and get similar or worse scores, or to not retake at all? I feel uber sick to my stomach all last week from some bug or something and can't focus on studying for my DAT which is supposed to be this coming Saturday. I also dont want to retake it and do bad...again. have had zero prep time the last few weeks b/c I got two new jobs and started the fall semester courses....needless to say, its been rough. Advice please?

 

[jhc83]

If you dont feel ready, you should postpone the test date.
Since you are retaking it, you obviously want to do better than the first time.
Btw, what was your scores from the first time?? (just curious as to why you are retaking)

GL!!!

 

[BrutalViking]

If you had "zero prep time" then you'll do bad. If you do bad, you'll have to retake which means a 3 month wait which means you can't apply this cycle. You are already "somewhat" late into this cycle THUS either take it soon and do well or simply apply next cycle. Keep in mind, some school have deadlines for accepting applications. I personally advise, considering your situation, to wait for the next cycle.

 

[dentalgirl16]

If you can, try to postpone the DAT until you feel better. You really want to avoid retaking the DAT.

 

[jeffity]

Does everyone have you on hold for new scores? You could just shake the bug and rock your interview(s) and call it a day.

 

[dentalchick2016]

If you can, try to postpone the DAT until you feel better. You really want to avoid retaking the DAT.

ya, I agree. I really dont know why I cant seem to feel better, but not being able to prep consistently or well over the last few weeks makes me feel worse and more unconfident. I dont want to take this test a second time, possibly do worse and still have to take it a 3rd time....which by that point makes me have to wait for next cycle. I've already applied on June 21st, my top schools know I'm supposed to be retaking it, but how bad would it look if I didnt retake it at all and just sit tight with my current scores...17AA/17TS/18PAT/15gc/17oc/22rc/15qr. I dont think I can do any better at this point on gen chem b/c its been 4 years since I took it and a lot of things have happened in between that have made me put remembering that on the back burner. I have 3.69science gpa. i already have been told "these stats dont line up with eachother...grade inflation...blah blah blah" ...so I dont want to hear any of that again, spare me please.

 

[periopocket]

If you already have an interview, which I believe you do, and you are not confident to retake the DAT, maybe focus on killing the interview, see what happens this cycle, prep hard and retake only If you have to?

 

[dentalchick2016]

If you already have an interview, which I believe you do, and you are not confident to retake the DAT, maybe focus on killing the interview, see what happens this cycle, prep hard and retake only If you have to?

thats exactly what I'm thinking. I'm trying to focus on too many things I think, which is adding to my stress and queasiness. My #1 priority right now is pulling off good gpa so I can graduate in december and prepping for my interview at creighton. i'd be ecstatic if I got accepted there!

 

[Dentalkid434]

It seems like you are not ready. Honestly, I would advise against postponing, but in your case it may be beneficial as long as you do not slack and keep reviewing! - That is key!

 

[azimmer]

I retook my DAT and did better; I didn't really study the last 2 weeks before it because of personal issues here are my scores:
first attempt - 18/20/17/20/18/15 (19 AA and 15 PAT)
second attempt- 19/18/21/22/18/19 (20 AA and 19 PAT)
I hope this helps you! Don't worry I was freaking out that I would do worse too. I literally had an emotional break down the night before haha but I guess I pulled it together!
Best of Luck!

 

[dentalchick2016]

I retook my DAT and did better; I didn't really study the last 2 weeks before it because of personal issues here are my scores:
first attempt - 18/20/17/20/18/15 (19 AA and 15 PAT)
second attempt- 19/18/21/22/18/19 (20 AA and 19 PAT)
I hope this helps you! Don't worry I was freaking out that I would do worse too. I literally had an emotional break down the night before haha but I guess I pulled it together!
Best of Luck!

thanks for the positive note! =) Glad it worked out for you

 

[drill-and-fill]

What is worse? To retake the DAT and get similar or worse scores, or to not retake at all? I feel uber sick to my stomach all last week from some bug or something and can't focus on studying for my DAT which is supposed to be this coming Saturday. I also dont want to retake it and do bad...again. have had zero prep time the last few weeks b/c I got two new jobs and started the fall semester courses....needless to say, its been rough. Advice please?

There's no point in retaking the DAT if you're gonna do just as bad as the last time; only take it if you truly feel that you're more prepared than the last time and you're ready to ace it. You only have three chances to take the DAT before you have to ask for permission to take it again, and at that point the dental schools are going to start questioning your ability to succeed in dental schools, so make sure you're absolustely ready before retaking it... just my two cents.

 

[toyotasupra]

Schools, not just dental schools will frown upon you if you retake and don't improve. That means:

A: Incompetent.

B: Lack motivation.

I would advise against taking the DAT if you already feel like you are going to do bad. You really only have 2 chances to take the DAT. Most dental schools require an essay explanation if you take it 3+ times.