Will my PAT score kill my chances?

[trinstudent]

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Hi guys, so I just finished my DAT today and did pretty well:
QR: 19
RC: 24
Bio: 23
GC: 20
OC: 17
TS: 20
AA: 21

But my PAT was a measly 14 🙁. My parents are both general dentists and both indicated that the PAT isn't that important and that you will learn what you need in school with regards to anything related to the perceptual ability. Both my cumulative and science GPA's are around a 3.3 although I go to a school that is historically known for having low GPAs and I have a good upward trend along with very solid ECs and research.

Will this PAT score kill me though? Will the fact that I can't retake until early September put me way behind in terms of the application process? I was thinking about applying now and retaking in September and then giving schools an "update" - would this be a good idea?

Thanks!

 

[jjjjjeeeeefffff]

i believe some schools have a cutoff minimum score of 17

 

[lmaozedong1]

Yes, it's going to really hurt your chances. Your parents are right in the fact that you'll learn it all in Dental School, but that's really low for PAT. Your GPA is also on the low end, so I'd retake if I were you. Just my two cents.

 

[Maygyver]

Yes. A 14 must be under 50%.

 

[trinstudent]

Yes. A 14 must be under 50%.

]

It's the 10th percentile haha. Needless to say I wasn't happy with myself for that one. . .

 

[rjpeters]

I've been told that the PAT score is one of the most important ones dental schools look at when inviting applicants to interview. I would say a 14 will hurt you in the long run.

 

[321931]

Hi guys, so I just finished my DAT today and did pretty well:
QR: 19
RC: 24
Bio: 23
GC: 20
OC: 17
TS: 20
AA: 21

But my PAT was a measly 14 🙁. My parents are both general dentists and both indicated that the PAT isn't that important and that you will learn what you need in school with regards to anything related to the perceptual ability. Both my cumulative and science GPA's are around a 3.3 although I go to a school that is historically known for having low GPAs and I have a good upward trend along with very solid ECs and research.

Will this PAT score kill me though? Will the fact that I can't retake until early September put me way behind in terms of the application process? I was thinking about applying now and retaking in September and then giving schools an "update" - would this be a good idea?

Thanks!

Definite retake. The 14 will get auto-screened and you'll get auto-rejections from most schools.

 

[bing12]

what state are you from?

 

[Double Bonded]

Hi guys, so I just finished my DAT today and did pretty well:
QR: 19
RC: 24
Bio: 23
GC: 20
OC: 17
TS: 20
AA: 21

But my PAT was a measly 14 🙁. My parents are both general dentists and both indicated that the PAT isn't that important and that you will learn what you need in school with regards to anything related to the perceptual ability. Both my cumulative and science GPA's are around a 3.3 although I go to a school that is historically known for having low GPAs and I have a good upward trend along with very solid ECs and research.

Will this PAT score kill me though? Will the fact that I can't retake until early September put me way behind in terms of the application process? I was thinking about applying now and retaking in September and then giving schools an "update" - would this be a good idea?

Thanks!

Did you prepare for this section at all?

 

[trinstudent]

what state are you from?

I'm from RI - so no in-state school.


And nope - didn't really prepare for the PAT too well. All I did was the Kaplan practice problems.

Thanks for the advice guys.

 

[Sunspear]

Just out of curiosity, what school did you go to?

 

[bing12]

ithe ADEA guide to Dental schools 2008.
Schools that did not weight PAT as heavily as others were:

1) UMDNJ ( Somewhat important=PAT)
2) NYU ( Somewhat important)
3) UPENN ( somewhat unimportant)

look into it more

 

[dentalWorks]

Hi guys, so I just finished my DAT today and did pretty well:
QR: 19
RC: 24
Bio: 23
GC: 20
OC: 17
TS: 20
AA: 21

But my PAT was a measly 14 🙁. My parents are both general dentists and both indicated that the PAT isn't that important and that you will learn what you need in school with regards to anything related to the perceptual ability. Both my cumulative and science GPA's are around a 3.3 although I go to a school that is historically known for having low GPAs and I have a good upward trend along with very solid ECs and research.

Will this PAT score kill me though? Will the fact that I can't retake until early September put me way behind in terms of the application process? I was thinking about applying now and retaking in September and then giving schools an "update" - would this be a good idea?

Thanks!

IMO, you should retake.

I agree, the PAT isn't a very important section, but you need to reach a specific number for it to not hurt you. I think anything in the 19+ range is perfect. 17+ and your maybe pushing it, below 17 = retake.

 

[John Durian]

It might not be that important in the real world or in dschool, but it's pretty important to get in. Re-take.

 

[trinstudent]

Just out of curiosity, what school did you go to?

Trinity College in Hartford, CT.

 

[7 Iron]

Definitely retake. Sorry =(