Very disappointed with my scores :(

[gig1dent]

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Hello,
I'm very disappointed with my DAT scores 😢
AA: 18, TS:18
I have a B.S in Biochemistry my oGPA is 3.2 and my sGPA is 3.0.
I want to apply to USC, Midwestern, Nova, LECOM, NYU, UNLV, VCU and BU.
Should I apply to dental schools this cycle? What are my chances?
I'm afraid if I retake the DAT I would get lower scores!
In addition, I don't want to do a post-bac only because what if I do it and then apply and I don't get accepted, then I would have waisted time and money!

What do you guys think?

 

[StudentDoc1234]

Sorry to say but do not apply without retaking it... how long did you study and what were your materials?

 

[Jackthesparrow]

Sorry to say but do not apply without retaking it... how long did you study and what were your materials?

What he said... sorry

But do tell us how you studied, its definitely possible to improve the score.

 

[Chga]

Look over some of the other DAT taker's reviews and guides. Study hard and take it again, I am sure you can improve.

 

[gig1dent]

I studied for almost 2 months. I used Cliff AP bio, and Chad's for chemistries, then I practiced using DAT bootcamp, Datqvault (only for bio) and I went through destroyer once for all the subjects.
I don't know what else to use or how to prepare differently.

 

[w4nt2baDDS]

Were you scoring higher on practice tests leading up to the real DAT? Did test anxiety or nerves get the better of you?

 

[gig1dent]

If I would to retake it would be in mid of August, would that be too late to apply?

 

[StudentDoc1234]

I studied for almost 2 months. I used Cliff AP bio, and Chad's for chemistries, then I practiced using DAT bootcamp, Datqvault (only for bio) and I went through destroyer once for all the subjects.
I don't know what else to use or how to prepare differently.

How were you doing on Bootcamp, were you getting good scores and felt like you were understanding the reasoning behind each question? The reason I ask is because it does seem like sufficient amount of material, but maybe you just needed more time for it to stick.

 

[Chga]

There are multiple things you can improve on.
1. Go over Destroyer multiple times, NOTICE the topics that repeatedly give you trouble and refer to the textbook for those topics. Also, UNDERSTAND why other choices are wrong.
2. Most people get worn out after an hour or two inside the testing center (they have not trained their brain for full length test). Practice only full length tests (Topscore, DAT Achiever). These tests are pretty difficult, but if you can make an 18 there, youll be fine on the real DAT.
3. You didnt mention Feralis Notes for bio, I highly recommend it.

 

[StudentDoc1234]

If I would to retake it would be in mid of August, would that be too late to apply?

I don't think it would be late... regardless the risk is much higher if you apply early with these scores as opposed to applying with higher scores later in the cycle.

 

[gig1dent]

I was scoring average of 18 -19 on practice tests, except for PAT I was scoring average of 17. However, from the breakdowns I read it seemed like people scored lower on their practice tests, so I figured I would too.
I did go over all the wrong answers thoroughly and I studied the topics that I got wrong. To be honest, my test was very hard compared to bootcamp.

 

[gig1dent]

I know that both my GPA and DAT are low, but if I retake the DAT and get AA 21 or more do you guys think I would have a chance if I apply in mid August?

 

[MichiganStudent93]

How was the test in comparison to the practices? I am just curious, especially for the sciences.
Thanks!

Also, I am not sure what really constitutes as a "good" score, i'm assuming 20+, however, I know numerous people who got at least 3-4 interviews last cycle with 19's. Although, if i were in your shoes, then i'd probably retake, because their GPA's were on the high end.

 

[100%permwinner]

Hello,
I'm very disappointed with my DAT scores 😢
AA: 18, TS:18
I have a B.S in Biochemistry my oGPA is 3.2 and my sGPA is 3.0.
I want to apply to USC, Midwestern, Nova, LECOM, NYU, UNLV, VCU and BU.
Should I apply to dental schools this cycle? What are my chances?
I'm afraid if I retake the DAT I would get lower scores!
In addition, I don't want to do a post-bac only because what if I do it and then apply and I don't get accepted, then I would have waisted time and money!

What do you guys think?

 

[100%permwinner]

I feel it is necessary to take the exam again. Spend more time on topics you have most difficulty with. Destroyer has numerous questions in biology, chemistry, and math to practice. When you get a question wrong, copy the question and its correct answer for your record. You can see what to memorize and study. For the next time, aim above 20 to be competitive.

If time allows, try to improve your science and overall GPA too. Taking some upper level science (i.e. biochem, microbio, anatomy) and doing well is beneficial to your application. Hopefully a few courses will raise your GPA to 3.4 or higher.

 

[matardug]

My vote is to apply and retake in mid august (Thats when I took mine and I had 4 interviews) Put as much time as you possibly can studying this summer for it or it will all be a waste of money. I think it will be tough to get into school with your GPA, but you wouldn't be the first to overcome a low gpa. One time for destroyer isn't enough, go through it as many times as your need to retain the information.

 

[DAT Destroyer]

Hello,
I'm very disappointed with my DAT scores 😢
AA: 18, TS:18
I have a B.S in Biochemistry my oGPA is 3.2 and my sGPA is 3.0.
I want to apply to USC, Midwestern, Nova, LECOM, NYU, UNLV, VCU and BU.
Should I apply to dental schools this cycle? What are my chances?
I'm afraid if I retake the DAT I would get lower scores!
In addition, I don't want to do a post-bac only because what if I do it and then apply and I don't get accepted, then I would have waisted time and money!

What do you guys think?

Hi gig1dent,

I know how disappointed your are with your scores, but don't beat yourself up. The DAT is a very challenging test and unfortunately sometimes retakes are necessary.

Your DAT scores were not horrible and it is NOT impossible for you to raise those scores. You can do it! Take a break and reevaluate you study plan and DEFINITELY spend more time on the Destroyer.

Wishing you the best and feel free to private message me.

Nancy