when do i take the dats?

[dr1989]

---

Members do not see this ad.

this spring semester will be my last at my cc before transferring to finish up my remaining 2 years at a university.

with my spring semester completed, i will have had all my bio, chem, and physics completed: o-chem i will finish in the summer before starting fall at the university

so if in theory, i have ~2 yrs before applying to dental school, *i would like to think i can finish faster, should i start prepping for the dats now? and is there a specific time they give the dats? also, if i do bad the first time and repeat it again, do they take the second score or the better one? and how does it get reflected on admissions?

thanks guys!

and i know its alot and i could probably find it on google, but id rather have your viewpoints on this, since you all have probably been in my shoes and know how to approach this-im really thrilled to start this process soon! its winter break, but im already prepping for next semester! 😀

 

[jroque3313]

I share common experiences with you so I totally can relate to your situation. First off do not take the DAT until you feel completely comfortable with the material. It's alot and its going to take some discipline on your part to do well. The reason I say this is because some schools average your DAT scores out if you take it multiple times. Ideally you want to take it once and get it over with. I also completed all my pre-reqs at CC and transfered. I took the DAT this past summer. I have one more semester left and graduate spring 2010.
If you want to begin preparing for the DAT's now thats fine but...I really don't see how someone can focus doing that and transfering to a 4 year university. I know I had the same intentions at the time but it didn't work out that way. The classes are harder (since I am assuming you will be taking all upper level science courses biochem, genetics, microbio etc. etc.) In my opinion those classes helped a little with the DAT prep but its not like if you don't take them you won't do fine. I know alot of people that take it after ochem and do in the 20's. Ask around for the most efficient way to study for the DAT. I took the Kaplan course. I would not recommend it looking back at it.....the material they give out should be something you should try to get your hands on instead. The DAT is given year round. My suggestion for you is too take it easy and get used to the university before you start prepping for one of the biggest tests of your life. Maybe take the summer off to really prep (this is what I did) ohhh and its also important as a CC transfer to continue to do well upon transfering....idk your GPA and all but if your in the high 3 which I am assuming you are (CC isn't that bad) and you transfer and start getting C's (this is going to be an issue) take some tough classes early show some competency study hard for DAT and see what happens.....best of luck in your endeavors.

 

[SiemReap]

Take as soon as you feel prepared. Generally this is after you have finished your pre-reqs and given yourself sometime to review. I would say at least 3 weeks is sufficient time. If you feel you need a class to motivate you, take the kaplan review. Many dont take it and do fine, myself included. I would advice you to take it as soon as you feel prepared--> so as to give yourself at least one chance to retake before you submit your applications. I.e., i took mine in january the year applied. That way, if need be, i could retake in may before I submitted my app. Many people wait until May or June to take the DAT for the first time, personally i think thats crazy talk.

 

[Sauce]

I took it in mid to late June after I had already applied. This was a little gutsy but I had a pretty tough semester before that and wanted to study hard. I studied everyday like it was my job for All of May and June right before hand. You only want to fight that dragon once so make sure you are ready because it would suck to have to take it multiple times. Plus it is expensive.