Did the QR section just ruin my whole DAT score??? Should I apply or retest??

Question

I was wondering what people thought of my DAT scores and GPA.

Should I retake the DAT??? I really don't want to but I will if I have to. Here are my stats:

Perceptual Ability:                   18
Quantitative Reasoning:           16
Reading Comprehension:         20
Biology:                                  18
General Chemistry:                  20
Organic Chemistry:                  23
Total Science:                         20
Academic Average:                  19

GPA: 3.5 bio major

My advisor said the 16 on the QR section will really hurt me in applying. I really don't want to retake the DAT but I was wondering what everyone else thought? I know it really depends on the school. I was hoping to get into USC or OHSU or UC Irvine. SHOULD I RETAKE THE DAT?

THANKS for any feedback!

Answer 1

The dental admissions boards do not look at QR as a major indicator of how well you will do in dental school and most applicants score lowest in the QR section. I would contact the admissions of the schools you want to attend and ask them if they think it is too low or if you need to retake the test to be considered a competitive applicant. Sometimes school advisors are motivated more by the percentage of students that are accepted to health professions schools than helping you as an individual. I had similar scores and was accepted by several schools so don't think you will be denied just because of one score.

Answer 2

no, you're good.

Answer 3

I also think you're okay. I would be more concerned with your PAT score. Still I think you should apply everywhere and make a good impression at your interview and prove to them that you want to be a dentist.