The DAT Basics | Special Feature: Aida Shadrav

You have shadowed multiple dentists, taken the prerequisite courses, and have finally confirmed  that dentistry is the career you intend to pursue. Congratulations! Now, it is time to get prepared for the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). 


Here is a brief overview of the exam:


  1. Survey of Natural Sciences (100 questions, 90 mins)

    1. Biology (40)

    2. General chemistry (30)

    3. Organic chemistry (30)

  2. Perceptual ability (90 questions, 60 mins)

  3. Reading comprehension (50 questions, 60 mins)

  4. Quantitative reasoning (40 questions, 45 mins)

 

You will have an optional 15 min break in between the perceptual ability portion of the exam and the reading comprehension. I strongly recommend that you take advantage of this break, walk around the building, and shake off the tension in your body, maybe hum your favorite song to yourself as you stretch out your legs. Make sure to eat sweet treats such as dates, almonds, raisins, and fruits. They will give you energy to go through more questions!


Once you are done with the exam, you will receive the score right away. For some this will be a very happy moment and they will walk away satisfied. For others, they may not like the score, and that is OKAY. What is important is developing a strategy and practicing harder, or in a different way, for the next DAT exam. Take it as a learning experience, reflect on it, grow from it, and move on to succeed. 


The DAT is not a pass/fail exam, you will get a score from 1 (lowest) to 30 (highest). Unlike the SAT, unanswered questions do not deduct extra points so answer each and every question!


When it comes to reporting your score, I recommend reporting it to schools participating in the AADSAS because the fee is already included in the registration. However, if you would rather pay the additional fee after you receive your score, that is also a possibility.


It may seem like a tedious road ahead of you, but with the right mentality, work ethic, and support, you will get to your destination. I wish all pre-dental students the best of luck! 


Written By: Aida Shadrav

- If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me @dr.oralhealth on instagram or my email: dr.oralhealth2021@gmail.com

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