What is the DAT?
The DAT has a maximum score of 30, with test takers attaining an average score of 17 as a whole. A 17 score may not be enough however, as some dental schools require a higher DAT score. Harvard dental students, for example, have an average DAT score of 23.5.
You have to take the DAT seriously, as it’s not a test which you can take without proper preparation. It’s not just because it will cost you $445 to take the test. The DAT comprises 280 questions covering the following:
40 questions on Biology, covering topics such as genetics, molecular biology, and function of systems
30 questions on Organic Chemistry, covering nomenclature, aromatics and bonding, and the chemical and physical properties of molecules
30 questions on General Chemistry, focusing on solids, liquids, and solutions
90 questions on Perceptual Ability, and with 15 questions for each section such as 3D form development, cube counting, paper folding, angle discrimination, view recognition, and apertures
3 reading passages and 50 questions on Reading Comprehension, checking your comprehension and your ability to analyze the scientific passages
40 questions on Quantitative Reasoning, testing your application of algebraic concepts, conversions, and numerical solutions to solve mathematical problems
The whole test will require 4 hours and 15 minutes. Obviously, this isn’t your usual school quiz.
You will have to prepare properly for this test, and for that you will need a proper DAT prep course. This leads us to the DAT Booster, which is one potential prep course you can take for the DAT. But is it right for you?
The DAT, or the Dental Admission Test, is a test you have to take if you plan on being a dental student. Dental schools take your DAT score into account, along with your GPA and other factors. And it’s a fairly significant consideration when it comes to your admission to a particular dental school.
The test is rather arduous, as it gives you 4 hours and 15 minutes to answer 280 questions. The DAT subject coverage breakdown is as follows:
40 Biology questions, on the function of systems, molecular biology, and genetics
30 Organic Chemistry questions, covering the chemical and physical properties of molecules, aromatics and bonding, and nomenclature
30 questions on General Chemistry, focusing on solids, liquids, and solutions
90 questions on Perceptual Ability, with 15 questions these sections:
3D form development
cube counting
paper folding
angle discrimination
view recognition
apertures
50 Reading Comprehension questions after 3 reading passages, focusing on your ability to understand and analyze the scientific passages
40 questions on Quantitative Reasoning, checking your use of algebraic concepts, conversions, and numerical solutions to solve mathematical problems
The DAT has a maximum score of 30. The average score of test takers here is 17, which may be enough for some dental schools, but elite dental schools may have more stringent DAT score requirements. At Harvard dental school, the average DAT score of the accepted students is 23.5.
This is a test that you need to prepare for, as it may very well decide your future career as a dentist. In addition, you’re paying $445 each time you take the test. So, if you’re determined to get into the dental school that you really want, you will need to study for the DAT properly.
And that means you should try out a proper online DAT prep course. Which brings us to two top choices: DAT Bootcamp or DAT Booster. Many lists of the best DAT prep courses generally include both options, and they’re often regarded as the top-of-the-line DAT prep courses.
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