When to take the DAT?

[dental555]

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I have about a 3.6 cGPA, and like 100 shadowing and volunteer hours. I have yet to take the DAT but figure Im probably a borderline applicant so a good DAT score is imperative. I'm planning on using the stickied study guide, I already have the materials. It's an 8 week program, and it's the spring semester of my junior year. I was thinking about studying for it during the school year but I also have school, a job, and volunteering, so it would. E tough to study for during the semester. If I instead started studying for it right after school gets out in late May, I could be ready to take the DAT by mid July. Is that too late to be taking it since its best to apply as early as possible? Or maybe should I begin studying lightly now so instead of the full 8 week program in the summer I just need to do 4 or 5 weeks? What did you guys do, and what do you think I should? I'm leaning towards light studying now and 4 weeks of intensive in the summer.

 

[wizi]

Its best to take your DAT before June 1st. I would say around May.

If you take your DAT in mid-july then it takes aadsas a few weeks to process it. Your app won't be completed until mid-August --> You are not late BUT not considered early.

Take your DAT as soon as you can but if you are not ready, dont take it.
Hope that helps.

 

[dental555]

Hmm that makes sense. It's gunna be tough to study intensively during school. Maybe if I take it light during school and pick it up in summer I'll be table to take it in mid June, be done by mid July. Still not as early as I'd like though. Maybe I'll just give studying now a shot and see how much I can do. I just wish I didn't need to fulfil work and volunteer obligations at the same time as school.

 

[tehassan]

I just posted this question on another thread. My intention was to put in my AADSAS app on June 4th. I'm taking a Kaplan course from May 29 to July 2nd. I was planning on taking the DAT mid August. My concern is that if I take it end of July, I won't be early (even though the actual application is in) and I'll only have given myself ~3/4 weeks to study, versus taking it in the middle of August. Anyone else experience this?

 

[Helms99]

Light study now and 8 weeks of intensive study in summer😛.

Seriously, just start studying a bit now and see where you stand. It's more important to get a higher score I think than be a few weeks early with score.