How to Succeed on the Dental Admissions Test

The Dental Admissions Test is the standard admissions test required by dental schools in the United States. It is taken by all prospective dental school candidates. It is important to do well on the test, as it is considered one indicator of how well a student is prepared for dental school and if the candidate has the abilities required to succeed in a dental program.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Complete the required courses for dental school. All Dental Admissions Test applicants must complete at least one year of college education that includes courses in biology and organic chemistry before taking the test. Most complete 2 or more years of college. However, examinees are urged to take the test long before they plan to enroll in dental school.
2. Study over a period of time rather than cram at the last minute. Tailor your college classes to include coursework that is relevant to the DAT. In addition to college-level coursework, enroll in an DAT preparation class or purchase a DAT preparation book to work through in your free time to help you prepare for the test.
3. Understand the format of the test. There are four sections. The Natural Science section lasts 90 minutes and has 100 questions. The Perceptual Ability section lasts 60 minutes and has 90 questions. The Reading Comprehension section lasts 60 minutes and has 50 questions. Finally, the Quantitative Reasoning section lasts 45 minutes and has 40 questions.
4. Take practice tests and assess your performance. Tailor a study program that addresses your weak areas. To improve your weak areas, enroll in a "refresher" course at school, take a DAT prep class or by seek individual tutoring.
5. Eat a well-balanced meal and get plenty of rest the day before the test. While this may sound like common sense, nerves, stress and last-minute cramming often prohibit this from happening.
6. Use stress relieving techniques to relax if you feel overly anxious before the taking the DAT. Breathe slowly and deeply. Meditate in order to focus your energy and calm anxiety before the test.
7. Read the directions to each section of the test thoroughly.
8. Rephrase difficult questions by singling out keywords and phrases.
9. Use all of the allotted time to take the test. Answered each question completely.

Tips & Warnings

• The Dental Admissions Test scores are based on how many correct answers you give. There is no punishment for incorrect answers. It is better to guess at a question you are unsure of rather than leave an answer blank.