Was going to retake DAT, but decided to reapply. Please advise.

[Chrono]

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Hey guys,

I took the DAT in October 2009. It didn't go well at all. I was going to retake it in January 2010, but some things came up and I didn't. I'm going to take the DAT in May and reapply in June this year.

I paid $3000 in fees last year to schools. I told them all to hold my app and wait for January retake scores. So now that I've decided to reapply and take the test in May...should I withdraw my apps from the schools....or just let it go through? I'm just going to get a bunch of rejections with my current score....I'm wondering if their's a chance I can get any of my app money back from schools? The thought of paying all that cash again is rather painful.

Gpa: 3.3
s/gpa:2.9

I realized recently that taking a semester of post bacc classes (combined with a good DAT score) would really help my app...but this semester is already underway and the application opens in june. Should I just focus on DAT entirely and not take any extra science classes to boost gpa at this point?


Please advise guys...what should I do?...thanks.

 

[Predoctalk]

Hey guys,

I took the DAT in October 2009. It didn't go well at all. I was going to retake it in January 2010, but some things came up and I didn't. I'm going to take the DAT in May and reapply in June this year.

I paid $3000 in fees last year to schools. I told them all to hold my app and wait for January retake scores. So now that I've decided to reapply and take the test in May...should I withdraw my apps from the schools....or just let it go through? I'm just going to get a bunch of rejections with my current score....I'm wondering if their's a chance I can get any of my app money back from schools? The thought of paying all that cash again is rather painful.

Please advise..thanks.

They have likely already processed your application and the fee is non-refundable. At least next time you will have your DAT scores before you choose which schools to apply to. You will have a better idea of your chances and the 3 k will be well worth it if you are accepted! Good Luck

 

[coolslugs]

Hey guys,

I took the DAT in October 2009. It didn't go well at all. I was going to retake it in January 2010, but some things came up and I didn't. I'm going to take the DAT in May and reapply in June this year.

I paid $3000 in fees last year to schools. I told them all to hold my app and wait for January retake scores. So now that I've decided to reapply and take the test in May...should I withdraw my apps from the schools....or just let it go through? I'm just going to get a bunch of rejections with my current score....I'm wondering if their's a chance I can get any of my app money back from schools? The thought of paying all that cash again is rather painful.

Please advise..thanks.

It's too late for dental schools to consider you for this cycle, especially if your application is on hold all this time with a low DAT score.
My advise would be to concentrate on studying for the DAT and do well on the exam in May before you apply. Make sure you are ready before you take it. Also, apply asap for the next cycle. As for the $3000, it may seem like a lot of money now, but it is a small amount compared to what you will put into your dental education.

 

[Erhatstil]

i don't think you'll get money back by withdrawing. at this point your best bet is a retake in may and a plan to reapply. i suppose theres also the (small) possibility that if you haven't been rejected by all the schools youve applied to, your new DAT score could get you a late interview. but that depends how long you wait to take it.

 

[doc toothache]

Your fate was likely to have been sealed at the time you asked them to put your application on hold, if not sooner.

 

[Chrono]

bump.

 

[subdoc]

Not a chance to get your money back; however, it would be sweet if some of them did! Purely the price to play.

Next cycle you should have your ducks in a row better. Applying to several schools can be a lesson in admin, and it looks like the experience did not go so well for you.

When you didn't take the $300 test in January you pissed away $3000. Maybe some of your post-bacc classes you take should include some econ/business courses.

 

[Chrono]

Guys - Should I call all the dental schools and withdraw my app for this cycle as I'm reapplying this June and re-taking DAT in May?

Do dental schools give re applicants a "better chance" than first time applicants? Is it easier to get in as a re applicant then a first time applicant?

 

[spud daddy]

Don't bother withdrawing and no, it is not easier for a reapplicant to get accepted but I believe it does show dedication.