What do I do?

[BTR1208]

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im supposed to be retaking my DAT in 5 weeks. I took it back in December, scored a 19AA. I want a better score and have a good grasp on everything just need to work through destroyers and nail everything down. Was planning 8hrs a day and aiming for a 25aa

Anyway, my fiancée is dealing with a likely MS diagnosis. MRI today will tell us more. I just cannot focus knowing that her (our) life as we know it may never be the same. She is scared to death and so am I. Should I take off this week until we know a diagnosis and be there for her?? Then, hoping a negative diagnosis for MS, hit it hard for 4 weeks before my exam?? I don't know what to do. I also know I can't focus with so much in the air.

 

[Advance]

Take the week off. If you can't focus on the material there's no point in studying.
I hope you hear good news though.🙁

 

[sumin5924]

Why don't you study and take the DAT in late spring/early summer...you're applying this upcoming cycle, right?

 

[fogorvostan]

Take a week off. If worse comes to worse, you can always reschedule your testing date. I got sick with the flu and lost over a week of studying right before I was scheduled to take it. I just ended up pushing my date back.

 

[doktorinprogres]

you can only test 3x in your lifetime

This part isn't true. It's just that after the 3rd time you must apply for permission to take the DAT again. Doesn't look great to admissions though...

 

[TheWanderlust]

I believe in quality studying, not quantity. If you're going to be unable to focus, don't do it. Take care of your family first and then tackle it 100%

Hope everything turns out okay!

 

[BTR1208]

Thank you everybody for the kind words. We will find out more today as we get the results from the MRI.

Just very unfortunate timing.

My first DAT in December was:
AA 19
TS: 18
21 PAT
22 RC
18 QR
17 BIO
20 GC
19 OC

I know I can do better IF i have the time and ability to focus.. (Ie. not dealing with these health issues). I was working full time and taking classes last time I studied. I want a 25AA and know I can do it if I can put my focus to it. I am so worried and scared right now that it would be a waste.

Regardless, if it ends up I cannot retake before the upcoming cycle, would it be worth applying with these scores?

I have a 3.75 sGPA, 3.65 oGOPA. Tons of work experience, lots of volunteering, good LOR's.


However, hoping for good news today and will get back to the grind tomorrow 🙂 Just wanted to get a feel for the chance I can't retake before this cycle.

 

[BTR1208]

I'm leaning towards advising you to do a retake (at the right time), because you seem like a motivated applicant, and I would hate for you to look back and say, "I wish I had tried harder when I know I could do better."

To answer your question, it would depend on what your overall and science GPAs are.

I hope you guys hear good news today.

Thank you! And ya I feel the same. My GPA's are 3.75 science, 3.65 overall.

I feel I would most likely get in somewhere but if I didn't I'd be kicking myself for sure.

 

[FeralisExtremum]

I agree that you should retake when you can truly set aside the time to focus on it. I don't think jumping from a 19 to a 25 AA in 5 weeks is realistic, especially under the circumstances.