What if I mention in my app that I will retake DAT but don't retake it?

[I am dental S]

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Hey,
I apologize for bad phrasing/wording in the original post. To simplify the question, if i submit the application early(like 1st week of june) with average or below average DAT score and indicate in my app that I will retake my DAT. Will the admission committee review my app (since technically my app is 'complete') or will they just put it aside without reviewing (and wait for new scores)?
My understanding is they won't review my app and will wait for new scores. Please correct me if I am wrong. Thanks

 

[Soleus715]

I think your question doesn't really make any sense.. maybe I'm understanding it wrong.

You get to see your score right away after you take the DAT.
You can't submit your application until June anyways, so you'll know exactly what score you have as you start the application.
So, it wouldn't make much sense to ask if you are gonna state that you're gonna retake the exam if you don't even know your score yet.

To me it seems more like a confidence issue.. Study to get a 30 on the DAT and see what you come out with. Try your best, but if the score is lower than what you'd need then you can start figuring out where to go from there.

Retaking DAT in itself is a risky thing because statistically, most retakers do worse on their 2nd attempt. You'd have to be really really diligent in your studies to come out ahead. Just take it once and own it. That way you wouldn't have any need to mention a chance of retaking it on your app (which never looks good).

Good luck!

 

[pgex2t]

If I'm understanding your question correctly, you're asking if putting that you'll retake your DAT on your application would affect consideration towards your app as a whole regardless of whether or not you're actually retaking it?

I think you might be shooting yourself in the foot. Adcoms mildly interested in your app might put your app aside and wait for those new scores before giving further consideration. They won't interview you based on the assumption you'll score higher your second time. I think the only way to change the DAT part of your app is to write to the schools individually that you will not be retaking it.

 

[tarheel616]

This thread right here is why people hate SDN

 

[hellofuturedentists]

This thread right here is why people hate SDN

Yet here we are 😉

 

[I am dental S]

Thanks for all the feedback guys! I know it was a badly phrased post but I got my answer. Thanks again!

 

[JLT223]

Rule 1: don't lie.

 

[DENTALSCHNEEZ811]

I took the DAT the first time and got a 19, when i reapplied I submitted my app in June, but retook the DAT in July, I emailed most schools making sure they knew I was planning on retaking and to not consider my old scores. I ended up getting a 22 and then all the school started making decisions on my app.


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[doc toothache]

There is a high probability of cardiac arrest among adcoms for the collective holding of their breath pending a retake, which never came.