Took the DAT today, did terrible

[bmoncr13]

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pa=12
qr=13
rc=16
bio=15
gen=16
org=17
total science=16

Academic Average is a 15;

My gpa from undergrad is 3.00 cumulative; 3.1 as biology major

I already want to take it over again. Should I even continue to apply this cycle.

How long do you think I need till I take the test for a 2nd time.

(By the way I hardly studied for the qr and pa sections as you can tell by my scores I signed up for this day back in May, thinking that I had enough time to get to it by this time)

 

[CraigHack]

Should you apply? Rarely do folks on SDN tell people "no", but personally, I think it'd be a waste of money with those stats.

You'll have to wait 3 months before you can retake the DAT. You should wait as long as you need to to do it properly next time. Only you can judge how long that will be. There is plenty of good information on studying for the DAT available in that section of the forums.

Your GPA is below average, so you'll have to take more classes to raise it, or kill the DAT on the next go-around, or preferably both. You're in a pretty deep hole right now, so it's time to get serious about this, or start planning on another career.

 

[catman856]

i suggest to study more

 

[FancyFloss]

pa=12
qr=13
rc=16
bio=15
gen=16
org=17
total science=16

Academic Average is a 15;

Many schools have a cutoff of about a 15 -17 for all sections so your application may get rejected right off the bat. Check out the schools cutoff's and then decide for yourself if you should apply. Definitely retake it though to make yourself more competitive with those GPAs.

Next time study the other sections too, never neglect the other sections!

 

[tooth knockn]

pa=12
qr=13
rc=16
bio=15
gen=16
org=17
total science=16

Academic Average is a 15;

My gpa from undergrad is 3.00 cumulative; 3.1 as biology major

I already want to take it over again. Should I even continue to apply this cycle.

How long do you think I need till I take the test for a 2nd time.

(By the way I hardly studied for the qr and pa sections as you can tell by my scores I signed up for this day back in May, thinking that I had enough time to get to it by this time)

Bro apply to your top 5 favorite DS, if you got the money.

Obviously, do not expect an acceptance, but worth the crap shoot.

You be the luckiest applicant in the WORLD if you get accepted.

What was your study material?

How did you study?

Did you do all your pre-reqs for DS?

Do you have professional experience, in dentistry ?

 

[bmoncr13]

Bro apply to your top 5 favorite DS, if you got the money.

Obviously, do not expect an acceptance, but worth the crap shoot.

You be the luckiest applicant in the WORLD if you get accepted.

What was your study material?

I watched chads videos for organic and general chemistry and did the quizzes at least twice for each section. I did 100 questions from the destroyer from gen chemistry and organic chemistry. I also did five quizzes from the cliffs ap bio book along with reading the chapters. I started to run out of time so I did not do all of what I thought I was going to. I definitely need a more effective study plan especially since I will be working soon and won't have time to waste.

How did you study?
I tried to study everyday for at least 3 hrs.

Did you do all your pre-reqs for DS?
Yep. Graduated from undergrad in spring 2014.
Do you have professional experience, in dentistry ?
I got around 80 hrs of shadowing dentists.

 

[matty675]

.

 

[qwerty934]

I honestly think with his/her stats, it's not even worth a shot. I'm sorry to tell you this, but I highly recommend going for masters/post-bac and retake DAT and reapply next cycle. it's a waste of money if you apply this cycle

 

[Screwtape]

Look into other careers.

 

[rodneymoss]

If you are a minority, I would say apply to howard or meharry. its worth the shot!! your PAT score concerns me, but other than that I think youll have a chance at the 2 schools i mentioned. IMO, youll be waisting your money applying elsewhere unless you know people, who know people, who know ppl. hah..

Keep your head up.. Study for 2-3 months and destroy it. have FAITH.

 

[bmoncr13]

Look into other careers.

Nah not a option sir. Thanks for the support though.

 

[FancyFloss]

Nah not a option sir. Thanks for the support though.

If you are that serious about dentistry with these grades, do what every advisor has ever suggested: Take post-bach classes at a nearby college and study your @$$ off for your DAT retake. No excuses from here on out.

 

[bmoncr13]

If you are a minority, I would say apply to howard or meharry. its worth the shot!! your PAT score concerns me, but other than that I think youll have a chance at the 2 schools i mentioned. IMO, youll be waisting your money applying elsewhere unless you know people, who know people, who know ppl. hah..

Keep your head up.. Study for 2-3 months and destroy it. have FAITH.

The reason my perception portion is so low is because I really did not understand fully what I was doing. I did not really study for that part. Big mistake but I already decided to take it again. I just wanted SDN's advice on if I should apply or not.

I am a URM (black) and but an ideal situation would be to go to school in either georgia or mississippi as I have residency in both areas and would save me money during school to go to school there. So I ultimately do not have interest in meharry or howard.

 

[ckgibbs115]

You had 8+ weeks to study for it. What happened? Were you working full time or something?

I would have doubled up on everything you studied. 100+ questions in destroyer isn't much. You should be going over those questions so much you know the answer before even reading it, but still understand the concepts. Chads videos are great but I would say watch them a minimum of twice unless its the earlier easier concepts.

 

[bmoncr13]

If you are that serious about dentistry with these grades, do what every advisor has ever suggested: Take post-bach classes at a nearby college and study your @$$ off for your DAT retake. No excuses from here on out.

Understood and appreciate the advice.

Also, if you or could anybody tell me the best software for mock DATs. I basically want to be able to the closest thing to the DAT over and over again at my house.

 

[customx]

Look at the ultimate breakdown thread posted by Glimmer. That has all the info regarding best resources you will ever need.

 

[bmoncr13]

You had 8+ weeks to study for it. What happened? Were you working full time or something?

I would have doubled up on everything you studied. 100+ questions in destroyer isn't much. You should be going over those questions so much you know the answer before even reading it, but still understand the concepts. Chads videos are great but I would say watch them a minimum of twice unless its the earlier easier concepts.

Yeah. I work full time and didn't really start doing full blown test questions everyday till the maybe 30 days before.

I'm trying to come up with a proper studying plan because I realized that stuff does not stick from watching videos and taking quizzes from chads.

Due to my available time to myself to study efficiently and balance life and work it was simply too much.

I never been the type to study for 6+ hours STRAIGHT. I always have sometime to break between but I realized I need to be more strategic this go round. I know that

I am dental school material I just underestimated/rushed myself with this one.

 

[FancyFloss]

Also, if you or could anybody tell me the best software for mock DATs. I basically want to be able to the closest thing to the DAT over and over again at my house.

I only own Kaplan materials and Chad's videos/quizes so I can personally tell you that Kaplan has 5 online tests with their program ($1200 <-- not worth the price if you just want the tests). If you google around a bit you can find some books at Barnes and Noble that come with CDs that have a few exams on them. Look into Bootcamp as well, they have a few exams.

 

[bmoncr13]

Appreciate the feedback everyone. I do not take SDN for granted. Once I get into have more personal experiences with the dental field I will be sure to be on here to

provide for those that will be in my position in the future.

 

[FancyFloss]

Appreciate the feedback everyone. I do not take SDN for granted. Once I get into have more personal experiences with the dental field I will be sure to be on here to

provide for those that will be in my position in the future.

Give back to the community! Power to the people!

 

[ayados16]

Understood and appreciate the advice.

Also, if you or could anybody tell me the best software for mock DATs. I basically want to be able to the closest thing to the DAT over and over again at my house.

DAT Bootcamp is definitely the best program to use if you want practice exams very similar to the actual DAT.

 

[bmoncr13]

DAT Bootcamp is definitely the best program to use if you want practice exams very similar to the actual DAT.

Is it "overkill" like the DAT ? Im trying to 20s on my sections here

 

[FancyFloss]

Is it "overkill" like the DAT ? Im trying to 20s on my sections here

Read some breakdowns people have posted. Nearly all of SDN swears by Chad's and Bootcamp. Look into Cliff's AP and maybe Barons as supplement material in addition to these. Don't limit yourself to just taking practice DAT exams, those only get you used to the format of the exam. Invest in study materials and take notes on what you read/watch so you become familiar with the content covered by the exam.

 

[customx]

Is it "overkill" like the DAT ? Im trying to 20s on my sections here

I'll assume you meant to ask whether it's "overkill" like Destroyer. Bootcamp is very representative of the actual exam IMO.

Based on my assumption of what you meant to say, you may think that Destroyer is overkill, but I believe that it prepares you so well for the exam that the DAT questions almost seem easy. Destroyer does ask some ridiculous questions, but it really tests your ability to understand the material fully. Being able to answer 4-5 questions more correctly because of Destroyer or Chad's can often boost your score by 2-4 points, making all the difference between an average 18 into a 95th percentile 22.

 

[shyfox9p]

3hr/day is not gonna cut it. I've dedicated 11 weeks to this exam averaging about 10hrs a day. Unless you have the background (you aced orgo, gen chem, bio, etc.) you should spend about 100hrs studying for this exam.

 

[catman856]

3hr/day is not gonna cut it. I've dedicated 11 weeks to this exam averaging about 10hrs a day. Unless you have the background (you aced orgo, gen chem, bio, etc.) you should spend about 100hrs studying for this exam.

woah!

 

[youngy]

You might want to raise it up to at least 17~18's or even higher across the board to be considered.
And maybe take some classes to raise your GPA if possible.

 

[beachbum627]

Many schools have a cutoff of about a 15 -17 for all sections so your application may get rejected right off the bat. Check out the schools cutoff's and then decide for yourself if you should apply. Definitely retake it though to make yourself more competitive with those GPAs.

Next time study the other sections too, never neglect the other sections!

Do you know which schools require what minimums? Or where I can find that information?

 

[Glimmer1991]

I would not apply this cycle.

The link to the ultimate breakdown collection is in my signature. I suggest you read all of them, and then go from there. Figure out what materials to use, and then figure out how other people studied for the test.

I'd dedicate a solid 2-3 months to this test. 4-5 hours a day. It stinks, but it pays off.

 

[FancyFloss]

Do you know which schools require what minimums? Or where I can find that information?

Check the schools individual websites or call the admissions office. It varies between schools so stay on top of that.

 

[BabyShades]

If I was in your shoes, then I would apply this cycle. However, you have to do it exactly like this.

1.) I am not too sure how late it is to do a post-bach or a master program, but you really need to increase your GPA. So, enroll in a college for the fall and spring semester. I recommend to not work as full time either.

2.) Sign up for a DAT with a retake around november-december before the new biology 2015 comes around. Once the new biology section comes around, there will be no representative practice materials for it until after ~6 months.

3.) Academic update at the end of this year with your new GPA and new DAT.

4.) Hope for post-december interviews and ultimately an acceptance. However, expect for the worst.

5.) If you do not get accepted, you now have one year of 4.0 across all science courses and a stellar DAT under your belt. Continue with the post-bach program or master until you receive your acceptance. Dental schools love continuing education, whether you are a 3.0 or a 3.7.

6.) Get ready to apply the next cycle if you are not accepted, get great letter of recs (KNOW YOUR PROFESSORS) and write the best personal statement ever.

7.) If you do not have a 4.0 or even a high 3, or a stellar DAT. Then, I honestly don't know how else to advise you.

These steps will test your will and determination, and overall how badly do you want to become a dentist.

 

[DentalLonghorn2014]

If I was in your shoes, then I would apply this cycle. However, you have to do it exactly like this.

1.) I am not too sure how late it is to do a post-bach or a master program, but you really need to increase your GPA. So, enroll in a college for the fall and spring semester. I recommend to not work as full time either.

2.) Sign up for a DAT with a retake around november-december before the new biology 2015 comes around. Once the new biology section comes around, there will be no representative practice materials for it until after ~6 months.

3.) Academic update at the end of this year with your new GPA and new DAT.

4.) Hope for post-december interviews and ultimately an acceptance. However, expect for the worst.

5.) If you do not get accepted, you now have one year of 4.0 across all science courses and a stellar DAT under your belt. Continue with the post-bach program or master until you receive your acceptance. Dental schools love continuing education, whether you are a 3.0 or a 3.7.

6.) Get ready to apply the next cycle if you are not accepted, get great letter of recs (KNOW YOUR PROFESSORS) and write the best personal statement ever.

7.) If you do not have a 4.0 or even a high 3, or a stellar DAT. Then, I honestly don't know how else to advise you.

These steps will test your will and determination, and overall how badly do you want to become a dentist.

Just a note. The ADA told me the DAT bio wont change until after Jan 2015. 🙂

 

[DentalDoge]

Id suggest what @BabyShades is saying. Bar from applying this cycle.

Stats like yours need to be early to even have a fraction of a chance. Say you take your DAT Nov-Dec, the scores wont be in until Jan. By then, you are already at the back of the bus, with noncompetitive stats.

Waste of money imo.

Save your money, take post-bac, boost your GPA, study hard and retake DAT. Go for next year.

 

[WutzUpDoc]

If I were you, I wouldn't apply. If you are serious about dentistry, like I think you are, make a comeback. Check out other's advice and resources for studying, but find the best way that YOU learn. I am a teacher and let me state the obvious: everybody learns differently. Find your strengths and weaknesses and make sure that you actually grasp what you are learning. Check you are learning through tests or other mini quizzes.

Also, I'd advise to cut down on work somehow for a short period of time. If you need extra time, take it.

 

[Sonya0810]

Don't be upset, though! If u really want it, you can do it! Believe me, i am also a full time student with full-time job. Don't panic, take some break and begin studying. Appling this year is a waste of money and time. Take some additional classes to raise GPA and study like crazy for DAT untill April- May! Make sure u do tons od practice problems, do not rely on memorization or just videos. Chad is great, Bootcamp is best representative, for QR- math destroyer only. Redo the problems 100 times to know them by heart. And be ready to apply next cycle! Don't be upset, just put in all your hard work and u'll see how it will pay off!

 

[free99]

I wish ADEA published something like this, for situations like this, just to give you an idea of how slim a chance there actually is.

https://www.aamc.org/download/321518/data/2013factstable25-4.pdf
https://www.aamc.org/data/facts/app...mcat-gpa-grid-by-selected-race-ethnicity.html

You could throw money at this application cycle, but I don't think it's well spent. Save the $, invest in post-bacc courses and DAT retake prep. I think with a DAT retake score above 20 and a year of 4.0 post-bacc courses (16-30 credits) might do it.

 

[Bottle]

Unless you are a minority, I suggest that you apply next cycle. Use that extra time to swallow up any DAT material & do more EC. I really don't think there is a chance with that GPA & DAT.

 

[pinkster]

I have a few DAT books laying around that you could use. Destroyers that are a couple years old, a print out of Feralis notes, and a couple other things. Feel free to PM me if you would like me to send you anything. Good luck and study hard for this next attempt!

 

[periopocket]

apply to Howard or meharry u may have a small chance since Urm ! Study for DAT retake and do 1 year post bac

 

[megajoules]

.

 

[Roosevelt]

If you are a minority, I would say apply to howard or meharry. its worth the shot!! your PAT score concerns me, but other than that I think youll have a chance at the 2 schools i mentioned. IMO, youll be waisting your money applying elsewhere unless you know people, who know people, who know ppl. hah..



Keep your head up.. Study for 2-3 months and destroy it. have FAITH.

I know it's not intentional .. But it's like oh you are a below average applicant? Oh hey apply to the only two predominantly black institutions! They will take you! Ugh.. Good luck to you bmcr13 I'd apply broadly .. That is all..

 

[csudental]

NO NO NO apply= wasting your moneyno dental school will accept anyone with this DAT score. take again your DAT and raise your GPA

 

[dentalWorks]

pa=12
qr=13
rc=16
bio=15
gen=16
org=17
total science=16

Academic Average is a 15;

My gpa from undergrad is 3.00 cumulative; 3.1 as biology major

I already want to take it over again. Should I even continue to apply this cycle.

How long do you think I need till I take the test for a 2nd time.

(By the way I hardly studied for the qr and pa sections as you can tell by my scores I signed up for this day back in May, thinking that I had enough time to get to it by this time)

Even if you scored respectable 20s' across the board,you'll still have a hard time.... the GPA and science GPA are low

 

[rodneymoss]

I know it's not intentional .. But it's like oh you are a below average applicant? Oh hey apply to the only two predominantly black institutions! They will take you! Ugh.. Good luck to you bmcr13 I'd apply broadly .. That is all..

Im sorry Roosevelt you took my post in that way.. but I completely understand how you would assume that. However, the OP's AA is 15.. TS:16, with GPA of 3.1. I feel that if he applies abroad.. he'll just be waisting MONEY. Statistically, meharry and Howard accept students with below average scores/GPA, hence the reason I think he should apply if hes in fact a Underrepresented minority (URM). Im african american, so my post was in no way attempting to demean Howard and Meharry as an institution. Also, correct me if Im wrong but i think Howard dental school has an evenly dispersed numbers of URM. Anywho, Apply smart OP, that is all...

 

[2THDDS]

not trying to beat a dead horse, but I can't help but to wonder if you really put in enough time studying for DAT, and if you did, I wonder if those time were efficiently used with good prep materials.
If you were able to pull a 3.0 ~ 3.1 GPA, DAT isn't something that is unconquerable.

Do give bootcamp, qvault, dat destroyer a try. It could do you a wonder.
Good luck to all of us!