Very Low DAT Score - Can I get in Anywhere

[jabeck74]

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[Richnator]

I have a very low DAT score. I scored 18 in bio, 15 in Gchem, and 11 in Ochem 😡

Do I have any chances of getting in anywhere? My GPA is fairly decent at 3.4 overall and 3.4 science.

When did you get these scores? Is this from a recent DAT? If not, just retake it.

 

[jabeck74]

When did you get these scores? Is this from a recent DAT? If not, just retake it.

I took it in October of 2004. I need to go ahead and retake it I guess. But I am so horrible at Ochem. I don't think I will ever get it.

 

[howui3]

Many schools have a minimum score that you need to be considered. Even schools like Howard University has an average of 16 for AA.

With an 11 I don't think you will be able to get in, unless you can make a very, very large contribution to the University... 🙂

For O-chem, if you are not getting it, get some tutoring or just make a list of reactions and memorize them.

Good luck.

 

[jabeck74]

What's a good way to study for Ochem? Just memorize all the reactions? The whole subject is so overwhelming, I don't know where to start. I took the class, but don't remember much.

 

[tiny2533]

Look at the Kaplan Ochem section and know all the reactions in that book for starters.

 

[MelissaB]

O-chem can be a very overwhelming subject, but instead of looking at it like there are tons of reactions to memorize, try to group all the reaction into similar types. Basically, there are only a few mechanisms that you need to know - like SN1/SN2/E1/E2, or nucleophilic addition to the carbonyl carbon. You are always looking for a nucleophile and an electrophile b/c that's where the reaction will happen. Also, see if there's a leaving group. That's basically what my o-chem teacher told us on the first day of class. On the DAT, synthesis and predicting the products is much more important than mechanisms, so try to formulate rules (like Markovnikov, Zeitzev's) to help you to get to the answer more quickly.

 

[steve0036]

I would retake it. You might wanna get more than 19 on everything.

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21/22/21
Overall GPA: 3.84

 

[mochafreak]

Buy "organic chemistry I as a second language: translating the basic concepts" by David Klein...it should help you get at least a 15 without even studying Kaplan. Also use Examkrackers 1001 questions in Ochem for practice problems. But, absolutely get the Klein book first.

 

[syn_apse]

Dr. Klein was my orgo professor in college
I didn't know he had a book out
If it's anything like his lectures, buy it!

 

[joonkimdds]

Dr. Klein was my orgo professor in college
I didn't know he had a book out
If it's anything like his lectures, buy it!

is he really that famouse? i wanna buy that book then.

 

[mochafreak]

Dr. Klein was my orgo professor in college
I didn't know he had a book out
If it's anything like his lectures, buy it!

I'd say you were quite lucky to have him as a prof. My prof used a couple of his examples word for word (without referencing his source) so his book and teaching are obviously excellent. The first time I took ochem in '91-'92 I memorized everything and got B/B+. In 2003 I used the Klein book, understood everything conceptually, memorized very little, and got A's. 👍 👍

 

[syn_apse]

yeah, i was very lucky. my other orgo professor was Lawrence Principe, who might even be more well known than Dr. Klein. they were both great teachers -- you know, the passionate type that genuinely cares whether every student masters the material or not.

i hope i attend a dental school with similar faculty!

 

[ARguy]

yeah, i was very lucky. my other orgo professor was Lawrence Principe, who might even be more well known than Dr. Klein. they were both great teachers -- you know, the passionate type that genuinely cares whether every student masters the material or not.

i hope i attend a dental school with similar faculty!

Dude!! Where did you go to school??

 

[syn_apse]

johns hopkins -- where your best hasn't been good enough since 1876

 

[Richnator]

johns hopkins -- where your best hasn't been good enough since 1876

Great school. I wanted to go to undergrad. there before.