There is no magic formula for getting a high score on the Dental Admission Test (DAT), but there are things you can do to set yourself up for success. The following tips are intended to help you fully prepare for the DAT so that you can feel relaxed and confident on test day.
Retaking the DAT can be a rollercoaster of emotions and stress when you’re not sure how to react or prepare after receiving an unexpected score. I remember the moment after my first attempt, crying in my car and not knowing what to do. I applied to dental schools earlier that summer, hoping my DAT score would be strong enough for consideration, but it didn’t make the cut. All my plans, hopes and dreams for the next year felt crushed in a single second, and I felt so much regret, grief and disappointment for some time.
Originally developed in 1945, the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) was designed to measure general academic ability, comprehension of scientific information and perceptual ability of future dentists. Since then, hundreds of thousands of dentists have survived this test, and you will too! Here are three things to make sure you do before taking the test.
Studying for the DAT may seem like a daunting task at first, but with a study plan tailored to your availability, goals, strengths and weaknesses, you can achieve your target score. A quick Google search will reveal several DAT study guides and could be a good tool to help you construct your own. These are our study plans, which show you that there are different ways to prepare for the exam. It’s important that you customize a schedule that works best for you.
Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of taking the DAT? Not sure where to begin studying? You might be wondering how on earth you are going to study for a five-hour exam that tests your knowledge on content you probably haven’t encountered in years (or at all, in the case of spatial knowledge). The Dental Admission Test (DAT) can appear daunting at first, but luckily, there are a variety study materials that are tailored to different learning styles and starting background knowledge to help you achieve your dream DAT score.
Preparing for the DAT can be one of the most exciting, yet challenging times during a predental’s journey to dental school. You may become overwhelmed trying to find the best study materials or choosing a DAT preparation course. What most students do not realize is that success comes from not only how you utilize materials, but your time as well. One effective strategy is to adopt the mindset of an athlete training for a major event, such as a marathon.
Originally developed in 1945, the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) was designed to measure general academic ability, comprehension of scientific information and perceptual ability of future dentists. Since then, hundreds of thousands of dentists have survived this test, and you will too! Here’s three things to keep in mind as you prepare:
