Took DAT Yesterday...Need Advice

[judiciousjim]

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Hi guys,

I took my DAT yesterday and need some advice about what to do next. My scores are as follows:

Biology: 21
Chemistry: 21
Organic Chemistry: 20
Reading Comprehension: 19
Quantitative Reasoning: 22
PAT: 16 🙁
Total Science: 21
Academic Average: 21

I know that my PAT score is really really low. My mind pretty much blanked out during that section and I ended up running out of time and having to skip at least 5 questions. I am contemplating taking the test again to improve on the PAT and possibly on some of the other sections but that will have to be in 3 months. My original plan was to start and send my applications as soon as they come out (June 1st I believe) when my admissions chances are the highest. Can I send out my application and tell them I am going to take the DAT in about 2-3 months and then just update my scores when I retake the test. Would this hurt my chances of admission?

Thanks and I would really appreciate any advice I can get!

 

[kov82]

did you use crack the pat at all?

 

[judiciousjim]

Yeah and I was getting 20s and 21s on them. I guess I panicked on the real test. The angle ranking on the real DAT was really hard; I thought I was going to pull my hair out. The cube counting, hole punching and keyholes were doable. However, I just couldn't do the TFE or paper folding for some reason. Is there anything I can do to improve on those two PAT sections?

 

[Valigator00]

Hi guys,

I took my DAT yesterday and need some advice about what to do next. My scores are as follows:

Biology: 21
Chemistry: 21
Organic Chemistry: 20
Reading Comprehension: 19
Quantitative Reasoning: 22
PAT: 16 🙁
Total Science: 21
Academic Average: 21

I know that my PAT score is really really low. My mind pretty much blanked out during that section and I ended up running out of time and having to skip at least 5 questions. I am contemplating taking the test again to improve on the PAT and possibly on some of the other sections but that will have to be in 3 months. My original plan was to start and send my applications as soon as they come out (June 1st I believe) when my admissions chances are the highest. Can I send out my application and tell them I am going to take the DAT in about 2-3 months and then just update my scores when I retake the test. Would this hurt my chances of admission?

Thanks and I would really appreciate any advice I can get!

I personally would not retake DAT because of one bad section. Just make sure you are able to explain the 16Pat to the comittee. Apply early and good luck!!

 

[roxana]

I think you would be fine ,good luck

 

[DrReo]

Look at predents, there are a few people with 16 PAT. Apply early, this is key. Submit first week of June. Finally, make sure the school doesn't have a cut off at 17 for any scores.

 

[UCfan]

I totally agree with Dr. Reo. DO NOT APPLY SCHOOLs which apply cutoff (save your money). I think that these scores put you in DS. Good luck 👍.

 

[jay47]

Hi guys,

I took my DAT yesterday and need some advice about what to do next. My scores are as follows:

Biology: 21
Chemistry: 21
Organic Chemistry: 20
Reading Comprehension: 19
Quantitative Reasoning: 22
PAT: 16 🙁
Total Science: 21
Academic Average: 21

I know that my PAT score is really really low. My mind pretty much blanked out during that section and I ended up running out of time and having to skip at least 5 questions. I am contemplating taking the test again to improve on the PAT and possibly on some of the other sections but that will have to be in 3 months. My original plan was to start and send my applications as soon as they come out (June 1st I believe) when my admissions chances are the highest. Can I send out my application and tell them I am going to take the DAT in about 2-3 months and then just update my scores when I retake the test. Would this hurt my chances of admission?

Thanks and I would really appreciate any advice I can get!

Don't worry about that at all. The average PAT score for the nation for matriculating students is prolly around 18. 21+ scores are top notch, and you'll get in somewhere I'm sure.

 

[jaypea65]

I can tell you from experience that Creighton requires a 17 or greater on PAT. I guess it depends on the school.

 

[nze82]

You should probably retake the DAT. That PAT score will hurt you!!!!
I'm not quite sure which schools you'll be applying to, but to name a few, schools like UCSF, UCLA, and Pacific will pretty much not consider your application when they see that PAT score.
If you go to their websites, they've specifically mentioned that they care about this score very much.

You've mentioned that you used CRACK DAT PAT and you got scores in the 20-21 range. So, you're definitely capable of getting a higher score if you retake the exam, not to mention, this time you'll take the exam with much more experience in terms of time management.

Someone mentioned that you shouldn't retake the DAT just because you have one bad score. That would have been a true statement, if your low score was your QR score, which no one cares about!! But when it comes to PAT, you want to score at least a 20!!

I'm pretty sure you can go ahead and apply with these scores on June 1st; then retake the DAT and report your new scores midway through the cycle. You can even call the schools and inform them that you're aware of your low PAT scores and you're planing to retake the exam to improve it. I'm pretty sure most schools will appreciate an applicant who doesn't give up the first time he/she fails, and tries to improve his/her scores rather than leaving it up to chance.

Waiting three months from now to retake the exam is not late, provided you will improve your scores. I know people who took their DAT during mid august, and still got into decent schools!

Best of Luck!