Trying to get through it

[lespaul]

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Hello everybody. I am an undergraduate and applying for the 2008 cycle. Just took my DAT and got a rather unpleasing score. I wanted to know how many of you have taken the DAT more than once and how did you prepare for the second time around? Were there any changes in studying material or habits? Are there any suggestions that can be given to me about making myself a stronger canidate by that I mean going directly to the school and speking with admissions to show them the love I have for the field and that I am more than willing to retake it? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[vize]

Although I only took the DAT once, I may be able to offer some advice. In terms of your score, how unpleasant was it? Less than 18? If not, then don't be so quick to retake it. If it is, then retaking it may be the best option. Networking is always going to be something that's helpful, but unless you're talking with some of the top people it's not going to override your total application. The ADCOMs assess how much you want to be in their dental school and whether you'll be able to succeed, based on your application. So I don't think you can really show it better by telling them in person.

If you're retaking the DAT, use study materials from all different sources. I used the Kaplan book, practice tests, flashcards, and practice exams from different sources other than Kaplan (Topscore, etc.). To make your application stronger, I suggest research experience or maybe go to a 6-8 month program which will give you a dental radiology/assistance degree. Best of luck.

 

[lespaul]

My AA and TS came to an 18. I just feel like things are gettting extremely competitive. I have worked for a dental school for almost 4 years and have had a lot of experience in the field. I really liked the idea you threw out there about taking a radiology course and becoming registered. Thanks a lot!!!👍

 

[VilleDent]

I'll tell you what I did. I took my DAT the first time and scored a 16 because I really underestimated it. I knew it probably wouldn't be good enough so I took the year and studied extremely hard and smart. Like vize, I did the Kaplan books, notecards, and studied any practice test I could find. I couldn't find a job directly related to dentistry so I worked at a cancer center. It was still relevent to healthcare, dealing with people, etc.

I retook the DAT and scored a 22, with a 27 on one part. It's possible, but you just have to tell yourself that you're willing to put in the time. It's definitely worth it in the end, I just started school this month. All the best.

 

[rose786]

I'll tell you what I did. I took my DAT the first time and scored a 16 because I really underestimated it. I knew it probably wouldn't be good enough so I took the year and studied extremely hard and smart. Like vize, I did the Kaplan books, notecards, and studied any practice test I could find. I couldn't find a job directly related to dentistry so I worked at a cancer center. It was still relevent to healthcare, dealing with people, etc.

I retook the DAT and scored a 22, with a 27 on one part. It's possible, but you just have to tell yourself that you're willing to put in the time. It's definitely worth it in the end, I just started school this month. All the best.

Did you really study for the DAT for a whole year?

 

[VilleDent]

Ok, maybe not the whole year, but probably for a good six months solid before I retook it. Every other night for about 2 hours with weekends off was my plan and I stuck to it pretty solid. It honestly comes down to how bad you want it. It's all memorization after a while and that memorization is doing great in gross anatomy right now. 👍

 

[I'mFillingFine]

Did you already release your scores to the schools? I don't remember, but when can you re-take the DAT if you were interested in applying this year? Also, is all the rest of your application in?

Your score certainly isn't horrific, and if you can still take the DAT a few weeks down the road, it is definitely worth putting those several weeks into studying and still applying this year. Honestly, though a radiology certification or working as an assistant will help you to have a realistic idea of what to expect, it will not make up for a major piece of your application. Also, if you DO get in this year, that will be a whole year that you didn't really have to take off.

And honestly, if you study like hell for 3-4 weeks, you're probably putting in the same amount of effort most applicants do over 6 months (villedent excluded, I'm sure.)

I used TopScore and took all the exams, and I also got two different books (I think Kaplan and Barron?) and read them through. You can absolutely do that in a few weeks. TopScore was the most helpful, since it scared the crap out of me and I reviewed all the questions I got wrong...that's the best way to study, since I believe they use real DAT questions.

Good luck! If the rest of your app is good, don't waste the year!

 

[anoose007]

I Know exactly what your going through, because I've taken the DAT on october of last year and I got a 15👎; I totally underestimated it and as everyone has mentioned to use more than one resource- at the time I only used a few sources, but my main book was that stupid piece of junk(in my opinion) kaplan Blue book.

I'm going to retake the DAT on the 11th of August, but this time around I've pretty much covered material from Mcat Exam Krackers (BIO,CHEM,ORGO) Mcat Princton Review (BIO,CHEM,ORGO, RC) I've been taking practice exams using the DAT Acheiver. All those are really good study material, and I must say that ONLY USE KAPLAN DAT BOOK for chapters 13,14,15, those are not covered on the MCAT books, and you need to know them, esp. classifications and kingdoms. (I was fooled by the BIO in DAT book and it turns out theirs more you need to know than whats on their)

Now, the bad news for us who are applying for this year is that we have it harder than those who applied and gotten accepted from previous years. I heard from the lady of admissions for one of the schools i'm applying to that they will be increasing their level of expectations and achivements for those who are applying this year and so on.. She said " If the new coming class and the rest of the D1-4 was to apply this year..half of them wouldnt be accepted".!! 😱(its seems that the competetion has gotten worse, and from what I keep hearing is that 17's,18's wont get you in anymore, but I really dont care I'll still apply and see what happens)

Interms of the DAT, speculations say that R.C has gotten harder with questions are asking you to Define the point of the author at this such peragraph, also whats the the authors tone, and its seems that students are runing out of time in that area.

But I'll defintily fill you in when I take it on the 11th and I hope all my hard work will pay off.

B.S in Biology
GPA: 3.5
200 hours volunteer at Dental office.

 

[lespaul]

ImFillingFine ---- love that screen name. I submitted the application with the scors i mentioned and i did not fill in the section where it said re-take. 🙁 Shoudl i call and tell them to hold my application until the new scores are in or will they review the application twice?

anoose007 ----- The lady that you spoke with might have not taken into account the big picture. This is my own though let me know what you think. Since the DAT has gotten harder (much harder) there are naturally going to be lower scores. My friend took the DAT last year got an 18 retook it this year with the new format and got a 15. Another friend who has taken a few upper tier bio classes got a 20 on bio but an overall 17 and hes a smart guy. This being said i believe its going to be the ones that took the DAT last year (old format) who go 20+ and did'nt get anywhere (sounds crazy but its the truth) last year who will have a good chance this year. I guess were going to have to wait and see what the 2008 entering stats express. I believe were just kinda stuck/floating due to the new test format. But all and all its nothing that a bunch of studying cant take of right? lol

 

[Daurang]

If you have a sister/brother/bf/gf who is currently or have attended certain private schools, your chance of getting is high. I knew of an individual two years ago who couldn't get past 15 on the DAT on three tries but got in anyway because of the family factor. Knowing the right people does help quite a bit so don't despair.

 

[I'mFillingFine]

I heard from the lady of admissions for one of the schools i'm applying to that they will be increasing their level of expectations and achivements for those who are applying this year and so on.. She said " If the new coming class and the rest of the D1-4 was to apply this year..half of them wouldnt be accepted".!! 😱(its seems that the competetion has gotten worse, and from what I keep hearing is that 17's,18's wont get you in anymore, but I really dont care I'll still apply and see what happens)

I just want to say that although I am in no way questioning the admissions department at the school you're speaking of, schools say this every year. Same words...every year. 🙂 They said it when I was interviewing, last year, and now apparently this year. Just keep your head and plow away and do your own thing. Since you cannot control what happens on their end, the best you can do is send in a kickass application, be amazing at your interviews, and try to not go insane. Good practice for dental school!

To the OP, I believe you can call the schools and say that you're re-taking the DAT (tell them your new test date so they know you're serious.) Ask them what their procedure is for such requests.