Canadian DAT Score Dilemma on AADSAS

[Swollof]

Hey,

 

I'm a Canadian applying to US dental schools for the 2011 cycle and I'm facing a dilemma of whether to report future test scores or not.

 

I took the Canadian DAT last november and I did alright so I'm going to submit those scores, but I would really like to write the test again this November.

 

The only problem is that AADSAS wouldn't receive my second scores until December and I fear that schools will completely ignore my application until they receive my new scores, and by then many places will already be filled.

 

On the flip side, if I don't report that I'll be taking the test again, I fear that I might get rejected and never have a chance to show them my second set of DAT scores (assuming I improve on the test).

 

Any tips on what to do?

 

Thanks

[Intrepid]

I suggest calling the schools that you're most interested in applying to and describing your situation to them.

 

You want to make sure that by reporting taking the test again, that it doesn't preclude you from getting an interview this summer or fall (based on your current stats). If you can only interview after December, then your chances for admission will diminish due to the relative lateness in the cycle. Also ask if there are conditional acceptances based on the receipt of new DAT scores.

 

Hopefully this helps. It's unfortunate that the Canadian DAT is only administered twice a year (Prometric test centers can schedule the American DAT for anytime provided that attempts are at least 3 months apart).

[ca7846]

When I was applying last year, I was having same trouble.

 

I called all the schools that I have applied and found out that they do start reviewing your files even though you will be writing another DAT. There can be some that might not review them before final DAT score, so I recommend you to phone them.

 

Just for you information, I reported that I won't be writing new DAT but actually wrote it again. I could have reported them my new score but I didn't because I knew it wouldn't make any difference.

 

You can do the same. report "no" to future DAT score and write it. If you want, you can still send your future score. However, I doubt that it will make much difference. If you have any other question, post another reply.

[stresso]

You should definitely report your scores now since most schools send out most of their acceptances for Dec.1

[Swollof]

Son of a gun! There's so much strategy involved the admissions process, especially when applying to a rolling admissions like in the States.

 

I think that I will NOT report that I'm taking the DAT again, hope that I don't get rejected from schools too early, and then send out my future DAT scores to all the schools that are still considering me once I've written it.

 

It's just too big of a risk to report that I'll be taking the test again only for schools to put my application on hold until December while they start giving out acceptances.

[opal187]

If you don't mind me asking, what are your DAT scores?

It could be a disadvantage for you to not report you're writing it, if you didn't do that great.

 

The schools that take in the largest number of CDNs, namely BU and NYU, don't have a problem with this - I know this from my own experience. I wrote that I was writing it again, and for me, my improvement was a topic of interest at my BU interview.

 

Good luck!

[Swollof]

My scores were decent (TS - 19, AA - 19, PA - 21) but I think I can certainly improve. In fact, after thinking about it again, I think I will report that I'm taking the test again. Can't really hurt. Thanks, Opal187

[stresso]

My scores were decent (TS - 19, AA - 19, PA - 21) but I think I can certainly improve. In fact, after thinking about it again, I think I will report that I'm taking the test again. Can't really hurt. Thanks, Opal187

 

Those scores are not bad. And sending in scores late can hurt...some schools send out rejections by the end of August. Why don't you report these scores, and send them updated scores later?

[Swollof]

That's exactly what I'm going to do.