When should I take the DAT?

[Red Stapler]

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I know conventional wisdom suggests that one should take it in their junior year, but I have a bit of a scheduling predicament...

I was exempted from taking Basic Biology and both General Chemistries because of solid scores on the AP tests.

As a freshman, I'm already going to be taking Organic Chemistry. So, my question is, do I take it during the summer after freshman year? Or do I wait until after my Physics classes? The latter doesn't seem necessary, but I don't want to bomb the DAT... Any suggestions?

 

[voager]

Usually DAT scores are valid for 3 years..in texas they are for 5 years....and some school prefer to have only two years old DAT score... think about when you are applying? your are the best judge of your capabilities ...if you think you will make it the first cycle if you apply in your junior year then take it in spring / summer of junior year or come up with schedule so when ever you apply the score is not older than two years...also they are making some changes to test in 2014.

 

[Red Stapler]

I'm planning to apply during the summer of my junior year(hoping to be a part of class of 2020). I don't want to delay my application waiting on a score, but at the same token, I don't want to bomb it because I waltzed into the prometric center without a clue as to what I was doing.

The pluses of testing in the summer after this year is that O-chem would be fresh in my head and I'd have plenty of time to retake it.

A detriment to this is that I really only want to pay for a 320 dollar test once. I've saved enough money for two attempts, but ideally that could be a start to the money I need to apply instead of scrambling for cash.

Thanks for your response!

 

[voager]

Well if you are confident then go ahead and take it...for most schools It is recommended that DAT not be more than three (3) years old...also you can take it only 3 time (total) ...and you really don't want to take it second time ..so I agree if you have stuff fresh in mind then go ahead and take it the summer before as you mention ...that will give at least two years for schools requiring DAT taken in last two years.

Also make sure you chose schools when submitting application to ADA (for DAT)...because after DAT each time you send score to new Dental school it will be $30/score...so may be research where you want to apply ...school website are the best source of information.

Regarding saving money dental school application can be very expensive...if you are Texas resident and applying to only Texas school then it will be $95 for all three schools ..or a little higher ...while AADSAS is approx. $80 per school ...plus some schools have secondaries ranging from $35-$75...and if you have to travel for interview then flight + hotel..+ rental.....just giving you an idea what you are looking at in next three years.

 

[Red Stapler]

I know I want to apply to my state schools(sadly, I'm not a TX resident). I'll have to do more research for what other schools I'd want to apply to(the norm seems to be 10-15, and my state only has 2).

Is there a limit as to how many schools they allow you to send your scores to? I know that AP tests limit you to five.

 

[voager]

There is no limit ...you can chose all schools if you want to but i think a little research will help you to make that list shorter...also DAT fee is just one fixed amount and doesnot depend on how may schools you chose to send your score.

this post will give you a break down of what schools worth applying.
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=635046