What should I do???

[DMD4ME]

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Hi all...and congratulations to those that have been accepted to a dental school. 👍

I am a junior now and am going to apply to dental schools this upcoming cycle.
I just took the DAT and got the following:
PA: 19
QR: 16 🙁
RC: 23
Bio: 19
GC: 18
OC: 18
TS: 18
AA: 19

I know this is low compared to other sdn-ers here but its the highest score I have received compared to Kaplan tests and Topscore pro. My BCP gpa is a 3.13, science gpa=3.34, nonsci gpa=3.79, and a overall gpa=3.46.

I know my stats are average if not slightly below average. I am working on getting the gpa higher this semester. my concern at the moment is...would it make-or-break my application if I do not take the college physics courses till my senior year? I was an engineering major my freshman year so I took University Physics (with calculus) but received poor grades (C- and a C) in them (hence me still wanting to take College physics I and II). Should I put College Physics I onto my schedule for this semester since it will be the last semester before applying? My schedule is gonna be pretty intense this semester (Orgo II-retake, Physiology, Endocrinology, a business class, and engineering class) and wasnt sure if I should swap a class for Physics 1 or just take both my senior year to hopefully ensure a better grade in them.

Any opinions/thoughts?😕

 

[Ryltar]

Your scores are above average, but IMO need to be slightly higher for your GPA. It's only January, so you still have time to retake the DAT. Your RC score is pretty high, but your total science is a bit low and it looks like you may need to study from other resources, such as DAT Destroyer, Cliffs AP Biology, etc.

 

[NCarolinaDent]

In my experience with Kaplan, the organic and gen chem materials will get you in the 20s. Keep retaking the orgo and gen chem subject tests. I took each one like 7 times. I also took all the full length tests and reviewed every science question on them twice. If you can do this and understand how to answer each question on the subject tests then you will be fine for orgo and gen chem. I had to take the DAT twice, and both times I followed this strategy for the organic and general chemistry sections, performing well on those sections both times.

However, Kaplan does not prepare you well for biology or the perceptual ability in my opinion. You need better preparation than Kaplan can offer for these sections.

 

[dent2014]

In my opinion, your DAT scores are not too bad, enough to get some interviews. Just work hard on increasing your GPA. Are you active in any extracurriculars? Shadowing experience? Work on becoming more well-rounded. If needed, you have plenty of time to re-take your DATs. Best of luck.

 

[DMD4ME]

Thanks everbody for your advice...🙂

I will try to take the DAT again if I have time over the summer since I have to put full attention to my school at the moment so I can higher up my gpa.

However, do you think waiting to take physics I and II till my senior year will hinder my application since all the dental schools will see are my Cs in University Physics w/ calc? 😕

dent2014 - yes I do have ec's and I am active on active as well as the predental club. I have also shadowed my hometown detist and a dentist near my campus over the span of 2 years. I am hoping to bring my bcp gpa to a 3.3 or higher this semester.