Well...I took the test.

Started by savvysearch
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savvysearch

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I don't know what to think. I'm just numb because the DAT kicked myASS. My scores are very, umm...average. For math, I am just amazed anyone can get through that whole thing in 45 minutes. I started guessing on the last 6 questions.

Academic avg: 18
Total Science:18
Bio: 18
GChem: 17
OChem: 18
Reading:18
Math:17
PAT: 18
 
i hear ya! Your scores weren't horrendous, though, so dont be to bummed. The math was especially a booger. I had 20 questions with about 10 minutes to go. For the last 10 questions, i remembered the letter of the day on sesame street that morning was B, so that was my answer for the last 9 and I didn't have time for an answer to the last question. Talk about a tactical mistake from Hell! I scored a pathetic 15! but, according to my schools pre dent/pre med advisor, that shouldn't be too big of a deal. Take comfort in the fact that others have gotten in with similar scores, and make sure to do lots of stairmaster and pushups. That way, you will be too tired to fret about it much.
Best of Luck-

Percocet, releiver of pain
 
your scores are decent. i'm sure you will get in somewhere as long as you have good gpa.
 
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No worries....
Is your application in already? your scores are as you said, high average, but not bad at all... if you have a 3.2+ GPA you are for sure in!!!

Comet
 
17 in math is good. As long as you stay above the 16 territory, you're in good shape. With good gpa, and good personal statement, you'll get in
Is your application in yet?
😀
 
No. Im not applying this year. Im applying next year. I think it's probably too late for me to apply for this year. Or maybe I should apply to a couple choice schools this year, just to see if Im lucky?

Now after being shell-shocked, reality is kicking in and now Im nervous about my chances of getting accepted into dental school. My gpa is only 3.0 with one more semester left to raise my gpa.


I'm debating with myself whether or not I should take the DAT again. That test and the experience of studying for it took so much out of me.

The day before the test is the worst. I lied in bed for 7 hours trying to get to sleep! When people say "get a good night's sleep before the exam," Impossible!
 
I studied the Kaplan book for 21/2 months during summer and then my studies halted for 31/2 months when school started. Then I picked up studying again for 3-4 weeks during Winter/Interterm break before taking it.
 
savvy,

If your GPA is somewhere around the 3.0 range, then I feel you have a great chance of getting into a dental school IF you send out your application immediately/ ASAP/ now/ pronto !!!

Scoring an 18 is pretty good and many of my friends have gotten into schools with 17's. Congrats and remmeber to have a sense of urgency while applying.

Wish you the best !
 
You can try for a couple of schools this year if you gpa is good. But beware if you do not get accepted then the schools will target your DAT and my want you to retake. Then next year you will have to submit an new application, and those schools that you applied this year will expect you to retake the DAT's and those schools you didn't apply this year will wonder why you didn't get in and then you will have to mention your DAT's and that might hurt you.

I would apply next year. Unless you have a 3.4+ Gpa then I think you have a solid shot. But remember each year dentistry is getting more and more competitive. An 18 was the average last year and this year. Who knows if that will remain the average next year.

Keep that in your mind. Now you have taken the DAT's I would spend time contacting the schools and showing your interest. You have a complete app almost, the numbers anyways. I hope your gpa is good, cuz you have to have either your DAT or gpa higher than the schools average. having both scores higher is the best.

Good luck to you,

DesiDentist

PS: If you could post your stats, and experiences, majors etc. that would help us posters give you better picture. However, your DAT scores alone will not help us give you better advice other than "it is possible" of course it is possible with a 3.9 gpa, but how about a 2.8? My word of advice to applicants is the following: If your gpa is between 2.7 - 3.0 you should aim for the 20's across, 3.0 - 3.3 aim for 19's, and 3.4 + you should hit 18 and above and you should have no problems.
 
The only bummer with study over the summer and not taking the test, then study again in the winter is that your learning curve goes down, and you are not on the peak on your test day.
If you want to take the test again, you should if you have 3.0 (you won't get in any CA school with teen scores and 3.0 GPA, forgive me for telling the aweful truth, but this is from my own experience) and you can take the test at the end of summer (indicate that you'll retake the test on your aadsas application when you submitted it in June).

This time, try to bring your learning curve up to the peak on test day, practice the topscore 2 months before you sit in for the real thing.
Happy studying
Tink
 
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