When to take the DAT

[mc1459]

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So I was planning on taking the DAT in 2 weeks, but I'm really not feeling prepared simply because my other classes have been really demanding, especially immunology! I was thinking of moving it to sometime in April, but I want to make sure that I have enough time to retake it again if I need to. What is the latest you should take the DAT when you are applying? I've got pretty average stats: GPA 3.62 and science GPA of about 3.4ish so I know I need to do really well on it. Thanks!

 

[syn_apse]

the best time to take the DAT is when you are absolutely ready for it. the normal timetable for applicants is to take it over the summer (june-august).

and if you haven't gotten the memo already, the most important thing you can do is to submit your AADSAS asap (may or june).

 

[GoDucks69]

It would be better to take your time and do well the first time rather than rush it and force yourself to take it twice. I would study into the summer and be very prepared for the test and do well the first time.

 

[Lefty7]

Just to echo what was stated above. Wait until you're ready... but much more importantly: submit your AADSAS early! The earlier you do it (like the first week) will make a huge impact on where you get interviews and where you get accepted. That was probably the most important thing this last year for getting in to school. Dat scores are big too, but believe me, it's much better to have an acceptance in hand on Dec. 1 and then hold out for your top pick than to delay submitting it and be sweating it out in february and march.

 

[mc1459]

Thanks! I don't know too much about applying, but the one thing I have learned here is to submit your application pretty much as soon as it comes out! I also know that it can take awhile for it to be processed and sent out to schools, so I assumed I'd be alright if I have to retake it in July-but I just wanted to make sure.

 

[PDizzle]

Well, if you take it in April and submit your app in late May, you can retake it ,if neccessary, in July which is for the most part considered pretty early. AADSAS will not hold up your app for a DAT and you send DAT's directly to schools, which is pretty quick. (just so you know, AADSAS takes 10 times longer to do stuff then any other organiazation on earth ) You will still be pretty early, even if you take the DAT for the first time in July.

Having said all that, wait until you are prepared even if you have to push back the DAT into summer. (that's what I did, I pushed it back to Aug 10th). Having your app in early is sooooo important but smok'n the DAT on the first go-around is also pretty sweet! Plus it will save you a couple of benjamins!

 

[marinojones]

I am also planning on taking the DAT for the first time this year.
I have never applied, so I dont know how long it takes to actually get the application entirely filled out and submitted because on these forums, it seems soooooo important to have it submitted early!
How early is early? How long does it usually take to submit?
When should you take DAT, when youre ready, to have a good shot at submitting the application early enough?
When you first take the DAT, do you have to list the schools in which to be sent? I am confused as to the time table and process for the application and DAT. 😕
help a little please. 👍

 

[howui3]

I am also planning on taking the DAT for the first time this year.
I have never applied, so I dont know how long it takes to actually get the application entirely filled out and submitted because on these forums, it seems soooooo important to have it submitted early!
How early is early? How long does it usually take to submit?
When should you take DAT, when youre ready, to have a good shot at submitting the application early enough?
When you first take the DAT, do you have to list the schools in which to be sent? I am confused as to the time table and process for the application and DAT. 😕
help a little please. 👍

The application is very easy - the personal essay takes the longest to make. So start working on it now, write and rewrite it then when the application becomes available you can quicky finish it.

Filling in all the classes you took and the grades you got in them is a pain and takes a little bit of time.

Keep this in mind, when you e-submit your application to AADSAS it takes them about 2-4 weeks to verify your GPA. They compare the transcripts you sent to the grades you filled in on the application. Then it will take another 3-6 weeks for the application to be mailed out. It will be available online for schools but most will wait for the paper one to begin the reivew process.

So if you submit it the first week it becomes available you have about a month window to take the DAT. The ADA (the ones that sent out the DAT reports) usually take about a week to get your scores mailed.

As for designated schools: You get to designate 5 schools for free. So the report to those schools goes out free of charge, for the rest of the schools you have to pay $10/school and you can find the form or do it online at:

https://www.ada.org/prof/ed/testing/dat/online/index.asp

then click on request test reports.

if you have any questions feel free to PM me.

good luck.