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.
Many students planning on taking the DAT on the way to dental school prefer to use DAT Bootcamp. But a significant number of students rave about the effectiveness of Crack the DAT, or just CrackDAT for short. That’s especially true considering how CrackDAT is a lot more affordable. But which one is best for you? To help you answer that question, let’s compare these DAT online prep courses according to … Read more
Preparing for the Dental Admission Test (DAT) can be a daunting task, as it requires extensive knowledge and strategic study approaches. Many test-takers turn to professional test preparation services like Kaplan DAT Prep to enhance their chances of success. However, before investing your time and money in such a program, it’s crucial to evaluate whether Kaplan DAT Prep is truly worth it. This article will examine the features, benefits, and … Read more
A big dazzling smile would boost anyone’s personality, and being a dentist, you can ensure your patients go back with a bright smile reflecting pearly white and healthy teeth. Are you ready to unlock the secrets to becoming a superhero of smiles? But what is the process of becoming a dentist as a US citizen? Becoming a dentist is not a piece of cake or everyone’s cup of tea. There … Read more
Navigating the complexities of the DAT can be challenging because of the numerous materials of content to cover, time limits, and the pressure to do well. Today, we delve into the complexities of the DAT and shed light on essential factors to help aspiring dental students in passing this difficult exam. Factors Influencing DAT Difficulty The DAT’s level of difficulty can vary greatly, depending on a variety of elements that … Read more
If you are torn between taking the Canadian DAT or the American DAT, this article highlights the differences between the two. Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) is administered by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) while Dental Admission Test (DAT) is administered by the American Dental Association (AMA). Both these tests are fully regulated by both parties. The Similarities of Canadian and American DAT Although they have their respective strengths and specialization, … Read more
In many cases, determining the best DAT practice tests can seem difficult, but this shouldn’t have to be the case. Indeed, there are numerous different DAT practice tests on the market. But, after already spending out over $500 on your DAT entrance examination entrance, keeping the costs down for your practice tests is pretty important – and so, you’ll want to make sure you’ve chosen practice tests that offer brilliant … Read more
Before taking part in the DAT, it’s important to ensure you’ve prepared thoroughly for each section. With this thought in mind, taking the time to prepare for the DAT reading comprehension section is crucial. Indeed, this aspect of the assessment is often considered relatively difficult due to the complex nature of the passages. As such, knowing how this section works in advance can be highly important to optimize your overall … Read more
When it comes to the DAT, knowing the different sections, how each works, and what’s covered is crucial. However, this can seem a little difficult for many people – which is where our experts are on hand today to help. Without further ado, we’re looking at some of the key things you need to know about the breakdown of DAT sections. We’ll also look at some helpful ideas, tips, and … Read more
Are you feeling nervous about the DAT Quantitative reasoning section? Don’t fret because, with the right preparation, you can ace this section effortlessly and boost your overall DAT score. To help you succeed we have put together the structure of this test and various tips that will guide you toward your success. Read on and improve your understanding of concepts and how to manage time effectively. What is DAT Quantitative … Read more