Hello, I hope all is well. I am a little bit nervous during this application cycle. I submitted my application at the beginning of August and worried about if I would be a good candidate for a few dental schools. So, my academic average was 18, but my AGPA was 3.95, my BCPM GPA was 3.97, and a post-bac GPA of 4.0. Guess the standardized exam didn't do me justice. A little background about me is that I served in the military for seven years and have done tours overseas. I am classified as a non-traditional student. I have volunteered and shadowed since retiring from the military (early retirement) and have joined several organizations during my post-bac. However, having a DAT score of 18 makes me think I will not look good enough for an interview. Also, the math section didn't do me any justice. Do you have any feedback? Great Video, by the way!
Hey Donte! First off, thank you for your service. Second, your academic performance is very impressive but what it may indicate to them is that your school is not as competitive in terms of grading and gives out easy As. However, if you did a postbacc at a different institution and got that gpa then it could do a lot to rectify that! However, to be completely fair about your DAT, if your AA is 18 likely you have some categories below the cutoffs of schools you’re likely applying to. Many schools have an official or unofficial cutoff of 16/17 but you can contact them individually to find out. Best bet would be to possibly plan for a retake? You can indicate on AADSAS that you’re taking the exam again even after you submit I believe. If that score is only one attempt, change up your study strategy and try again! Clearly you’re very smart and can handle school well so you just need to get to know the test better and work on pacing. It’s not an intelligence test for sure but they do use it as a heavy indicator of Boards performance so don’t underestimate it. Hope this helps!
@@SmilesPending Hey! Thanks for taking the time to respond to my message. So, I did complete a post-bac where I have received nothing but A's after retiring from the service. I believe the school I currently attend is pretty strict regarding the grading rubric. The issue I had on the exam was dealing with QR, and my score for Organic chemistry was pretty basic. All of the other subjects were placed at or above 20. I was planning on retaking the exam, but I wanted to ensure that I had a strong background in the subjects I lacked before retaking. Do you have any guidance on the math section? I went in prepared to answer tough questions, but guess what I had studied prior was a bit different from what was on the exam. On another note, I have only taken the DAT once.
Definitely do a retake! And let the schools know asap. Honestly I feel like bootcamp offers a pretty good review for QR but you have to make sure you know basic stats that’s on the test (combinations and permutations) and go back to your algebra basics and review some of the most common things like solving systems of equations etc. The best advice I can give is get used to doing quick math by hand because the calculator they provide is pretty slow and useless. The timing is usually what gets people
@@SmilesPending Hello! My apologies for the late response. So, I did utilize DAT Bootcamp for the first go-round, which helped tremendously when it came to certain subjects. I scored pretty well on the DAT Bootcamp math sections, but I think I fell short in believing in myself on the actual DAT. So as of now, I have ordered the DAT Math Destroyer book and Still have my notes from the DAT Bootcamp math exams and lessons. I will try to review those as soon as possible. On another note, do you think contacting the dental school will be an issue since the application cycle is still ongoing? Any feedback will be appreciated.
@@dontebutler2466 I don't think they'll have an issue if you just reach out to admissions and ask about the score cutoffs and also let them know that you're planning a DAT retake. All of this is pretty standard and lot of students do it all the time! You can also join the DAT admissions FB page where you can ask similar questions and talk to other people in the same position
Hi Regina, I’m not sure where you’ve seen a person get accepted to CDM with an 18 and from how long ago, but my score is actually on the low end compared to my classmates. Many have 25s, and one classmate had a 29AA (which is insane ofc, but nevertheless) And 18 may well be someone’s best score, but it’s also the 66th percentile or so? I wouldn’t want to give people unrealistic expectations about the current nature of applying to schools and how competitive it is. It’s a challenging exam and there are schools that accept students with an 18 AA, but Columbia isn’t one of them.
According to this website, in 2021 a 26 was considered 99th percentile. masterstudent.ca/dat-score/ Currently applying students are told a 21 and above is a competitive score but I’m sure as with any exam, standards are raised every year!
I know this doesnt relate to the topic but i thought your personality is very cute and we have the same beauty mark on the cheek too. I was arming high and looking for guidance. Thank you so much
What were the videos/website that you metioned you used for organic chem? I might have missed it but I dont see it written anywhere, thanks so much youre such an inspiration!
I used Chad’s videos for orgo and gen chem! I watched them on Course Saver bc they had quizzes attached to each video but I’m pretty sure you can find Chad’s videos for free online as well
Hello, Im a freshman in college and am really stressed about the DAT. Im hoping on taking it my junior year and start studying my sophmore year, is that realistic approach or should I just study for four months like you did?
Everyone is different! I think you have to find a balance based on how strong you feel you are in every subject tested on the exam. I would also avoid studying too early prior to the exam because you might forget the info you learned in the beginning by the time you take it. I think starting 3-6 months before the exam is a good timeline for most people
Hi! Love this video! I want to start studying but not sure when I’ll take the test because I haven’t taken some of those science class but want to get a feel for it. Can you have it longer than 3 months? Does price keep going up? Thanks 💕
The cool thing about bootcamp is you can start a 90 day subscription and if you decide you want to take the test say next year, you can ask them to pause your subscription and you’ll keep the same price + discount and all the remaining days! They don’t raise their prices too often but the do have to keep up with inflation etc and they’re always adding new things. it’s definitely more expensive than when I studied in 2019.
hi!! this video was soooo helpful, so thank you so much!!! Do you remember if you took all 10 practice tests that Bootcamp offers before taking the DAT? I have my date scheduled for next month. However, I feel like I will be in a time crunch, mainly because I feel like I will not be able to finish all 10 practice tests before my test date.
i did specifically plan it so I could take all 10 before my exam. it was actually one of my reasons for postponing my exam, but i was also not feeling prepared. if you feel like you're totally fine taking 5-6 tests that's totally up to you. I would start with test 10 and work my way backward since the first 4/5 exams are given to you in parts at the end of each chemistry, bio orgo topics so it's not a brand new test with questions you havent seen before. Do them in backwards order and see how you feel! By no means should you burn yourself out just to get all 10 done before your exam
Hey Jeya! I tried to start studying the spring of that year but it wasn’t really working so I decided to pause and restart 3 months before the exam. But over the summer I did do chem review with Chad’s videos so I would say it was about 4 months total and 3 months just using bootcamp☺️
Hey! So I got into my state school (Buffalo) but considering choosing Columbia. Would you say it's worth the cost difference to Columbia? I'm going to be responsible for 100% of my finances and was wondering if you have any advice.
Hey Sarah, it’s a good problem to have tbh! The cost difference between Buffalo and Columbia is absolutely SUBSTANTIAL. So a few things you have to consider are 1- whether you want to do specialty, 2- if pass/fail is important to you, 3- if you are very passionate about new dental technologies and innovation. The reason why I say this is because Columbia sets up their students for their residency pick of their choice, the pass/fail is really nice and not having rank takes so much pressure out, and also Columbia is really big about keeping up with the latest technology, like we learn to use Cerec for CAD/CAM tech and hardly cover amalgams because they’re really not the standard of practice. Buffalo still kind of teaches in the old school way, which is not necessarily a bad thing but they do spend like 2 years on amalgam restorations lol. I would definitely say the cost would make me thing twice though. Buffalo would be less than half the cost of Columbia.
@@SmilesPending Thanks for the response! I don't necessarily know if I want to specialize yet, would you say Columbia is on par clinically if I wanted to just do general/cosmetics? Or does most of your class end up specializing
About 30% of the class does general dentistry! We also have an aesthetics society and lots of events to give info about general dentistry, including different types of residencies for general dentistry, aesthetics specific residencies, etc (if you want to practice in NY for example)
Bootcamp had 10 full length tests and I took all of them! But I really don’t recommend doing practice tests unless you’re done reviewing the content bc it will kill your confidence
It’s okay!! You can stick with it and change up your strategy. If dentistry is your dream, don’t give up. Try joining study groups and try checking out DAT bootcamp, it honestly worked really well for me
Hello, I hope all is well. I am a little bit nervous during this application cycle. I submitted my application at the beginning of August and worried about if I would be a good candidate for a few dental schools. So, my academic average was 18, but my AGPA was 3.95, my BCPM GPA was 3.97, and a post-bac GPA of 4.0. Guess the standardized exam didn't do me justice. A little background about me is that I served in the military for seven years and have done tours overseas. I am classified as a non-traditional student. I have volunteered and shadowed since retiring from the military (early retirement) and have joined several organizations during my post-bac. However, having a DAT score of 18 makes me think I will not look good enough for an interview. Also, the math section didn't do me any justice. Do you have any feedback? Great Video, by the way!
Hey Donte! First off, thank you for your service. Second, your academic performance is very impressive but what it may indicate to them is that your school is not as competitive in terms of grading and gives out easy As. However, if you did a postbacc at a different institution and got that gpa then it could do a lot to rectify that! However, to be completely fair about your DAT, if your AA is 18 likely you have some categories below the cutoffs of schools you’re likely applying to. Many schools have an official or unofficial cutoff of 16/17 but you can contact them individually to find out. Best bet would be to possibly plan for a retake? You can indicate on AADSAS that you’re taking the exam again even after you submit I believe. If that score is only one attempt, change up your study strategy and try again! Clearly you’re very smart and can handle school well so you just need to get to know the test better and work on pacing. It’s not an intelligence test for sure but they do use it as a heavy indicator of Boards performance so don’t underestimate it. Hope this helps!
@@SmilesPending Hey! Thanks for taking the time to respond to my message. So, I did complete a post-bac where I have received nothing but A's after retiring from the service. I believe the school I currently attend is pretty strict regarding the grading rubric. The issue I had on the exam was dealing with QR, and my score for Organic chemistry was pretty basic. All of the other subjects were placed at or above 20. I was planning on retaking the exam, but I wanted to ensure that I had a strong background in the subjects I lacked before retaking. Do you have any guidance on the math section? I went in prepared to answer tough questions, but guess what I had studied prior was a bit different from what was on the exam. On another note, I have only taken the DAT once.
Definitely do a retake! And let the schools know asap. Honestly I feel like bootcamp offers a pretty good review for QR but you have to make sure you know basic stats that’s on the test (combinations and permutations) and go back to your algebra basics and review some of the most common things like solving systems of equations etc. The best advice I can give is get used to doing quick math by hand because the calculator they provide is pretty slow and useless. The timing is usually what gets people
@@SmilesPending Hello! My apologies for the late response. So, I did utilize DAT Bootcamp for the first go-round, which helped tremendously when it came to certain subjects. I scored pretty well on the DAT Bootcamp math sections, but I think I fell short in believing in myself on the actual DAT. So as of now, I have ordered the DAT Math Destroyer book and Still have my notes from the DAT Bootcamp math exams and lessons. I will try to review those as soon as possible. On another note, do you think contacting the dental school will be an issue since the application cycle is still ongoing? Any feedback will be appreciated.
@@dontebutler2466 I don't think they'll have an issue if you just reach out to admissions and ask about the score cutoffs and also let them know that you're planning a DAT retake. All of this is pretty standard and lot of students do it all the time! You can also join the DAT admissions FB page where you can ask similar questions and talk to other people in the same position
this is great! But keep in mind, someone's 18 might be a great score for them. And you can get into CDM with an 18 AA. Thanks for the suggestions!
Hi Regina, I’m not sure where you’ve seen a person get accepted to CDM with an 18 and from how long ago, but my score is actually on the low end compared to my classmates. Many have 25s, and one classmate had a 29AA (which is insane ofc, but nevertheless) And 18 may well be someone’s best score, but it’s also the 66th percentile or so? I wouldn’t want to give people unrealistic expectations about the current nature of applying to schools and how competitive it is. It’s a challenging exam and there are schools that accept students with an 18 AA, but Columbia isn’t one of them.
Thank you! My organic chemistry professor sucked that's the main section I'm worried about.
Make sure not to avoid that subject. Supplement with Chad's videos for orgo and give yourself the time to learn. You've got this!
22 was a 98th when you took it? Wow how times change. Nowadays a 26 is 98th...
According to this website, in 2021 a 26 was considered 99th percentile. masterstudent.ca/dat-score/
Currently applying students are told a 21 and above is a competitive score but I’m sure as with any exam, standards are raised every year!
13:30 I am boyfriend and I approve this message. Honestly your best video yet!
I know this doesnt relate to the topic but i thought your personality is very cute and we have the same beauty mark on the cheek too.
I was arming high and looking for guidance. Thank you so much
Aww you’re so sweet, thank you! Glad you found the video helpful 💗
What were the videos/website that you metioned you used for organic chem? I might have missed it but I dont see it written anywhere, thanks so much youre such an inspiration!
I used Chad’s videos for orgo and gen chem! I watched them on Course Saver bc they had quizzes attached to each video but I’m pretty sure you can find Chad’s videos for free online as well
Hello, Im a freshman in college and am really stressed about the DAT. Im hoping on taking it my junior year and start studying my sophmore year, is that realistic approach or should I just study for four months like you did?
Everyone is different! I think you have to find a balance based on how strong you feel you are in every subject tested on the exam. I would also avoid studying too early prior to the exam because you might forget the info you learned in the beginning by the time you take it. I think starting 3-6 months before the exam is a good timeline for most people
Hi! Love this video! I want to start studying but not sure when I’ll take the test because I haven’t taken some of those science class but want to get a feel for it. Can you have it longer than 3 months? Does price keep going up? Thanks 💕
The cool thing about bootcamp is you can start a 90 day subscription and if you decide you want to take the test say next year, you can ask them to pause your subscription and you’ll keep the same price + discount and all the remaining days! They don’t raise their prices too often but the do have to keep up with inflation etc and they’re always adding new things. it’s definitely more expensive than when I studied in 2019.
hi!! this video was soooo helpful, so thank you so much!!!
Do you remember if you took all 10 practice tests that Bootcamp offers before taking the DAT? I have my date scheduled for next month. However, I feel like I will be in a time crunch, mainly because I feel like I will not be able to finish all 10 practice tests before my test date.
i did specifically plan it so I could take all 10 before my exam. it was actually one of my reasons for postponing my exam, but i was also not feeling prepared. if you feel like you're totally fine taking 5-6 tests that's totally up to you. I would start with test 10 and work my way backward since the first 4/5 exams are given to you in parts at the end of each chemistry, bio orgo topics so it's not a brand new test with questions you havent seen before. Do them in backwards order and see how you feel! By no means should you burn yourself out just to get all 10 done before your exam
@@SmilesPending thank you! this helps sm!
Hey! I was just wondering did you only start studying 3 months before ur exam? Or did u start earlier?
Hey Jeya! I tried to start studying the spring of that year but it wasn’t really working so I decided to pause and restart 3 months before the exam. But over the summer I did do chem review with Chad’s videos so I would say it was about 4 months total and 3 months just using bootcamp☺️
So late to this video but where can I go to take the diagnostic test?
You can take one for free on DAT boot camp! And you’re not late at all, welcome! 😊
Hey! So I got into my state school (Buffalo) but considering choosing Columbia. Would you say it's worth the cost difference to Columbia? I'm going to be responsible for 100% of my finances and was wondering if you have any advice.
Hey Sarah, it’s a good problem to have tbh! The cost difference between Buffalo and Columbia is absolutely SUBSTANTIAL. So a few things you have to consider are 1- whether you want to do specialty, 2- if pass/fail is important to you, 3- if you are very passionate about new dental technologies and innovation. The reason why I say this is because Columbia sets up their students for their residency pick of their choice, the pass/fail is really nice and not having rank takes so much pressure out, and also Columbia is really big about keeping up with the latest technology, like we learn to use Cerec for CAD/CAM tech and hardly cover amalgams because they’re really not the standard of practice. Buffalo still kind of teaches in the old school way, which is not necessarily a bad thing but they do spend like 2 years on amalgam restorations lol. I would definitely say the cost would make me thing twice though. Buffalo would be less than half the cost of Columbia.
@@SmilesPending Thanks for the response! I don't necessarily know if I want to specialize yet, would you say Columbia is on par clinically if I wanted to just do general/cosmetics? Or does most of your class end up specializing
About 30% of the class does general dentistry! We also have an aesthetics society and lots of events to give info about general dentistry, including different types of residencies for general dentistry, aesthetics specific residencies, etc (if you want to practice in NY for example)
Hey can you make a video for international students who are trying to make it to dental school?
Can definitely try but since I’m not personally an international student I would ask my classmates who are for some advice they can share
Would you mind sharing the link to the anky flash cards you initially found ??
I’m not sure id still be able to find them but I highly recommend making your own bc it helped me so much when initially learning
hi how many practice tests did u take in the span of your studying
Bootcamp had 10 full length tests and I took all of them! But I really don’t recommend doing practice tests unless you’re done reviewing the content bc it will kill your confidence
@@SmilesPending how do u review the content and where
Can someone tell me where I can take a diagnostic test ?
Pretty sure you’re able to take one on DAT bootcamp for free without signing up
Sheesh!! I scored a 14 😥
It’s okay!! You can stick with it and change up your strategy. If dentistry is your dream, don’t give up. Try joining study groups and try checking out DAT bootcamp, it honestly worked really well for me
Can you mention some free resources aside from dat Bootcamp that I can use to take practice test
Chad’s videos were amazing for the chemistry reviews. I definitely learned orgo more from Chad than all my orgo classes in undergrad
Hi, what were your scores for bootcamp practice test?
They fluctuated a lot! First ones were around 19 AA, close to the end I was getting 24 or 25 AA and one 23 AA