All About The DAT
Are you thinking about dental school for the future? If you are, you’re probably already wondering about what kind of steps you’ll have to take in order to get accepted.
To be accepted into any dental school in the country, you are required to take the DAT. The DAT is a standardized test that measures your aptitude for further education in the dentistry field. It allows admissions departments to compare students of different backgrounds and schools.
However, the DAT is no easy task. Just getting set up to take the DAT will take a good amount of time in preparation and will cost you a pretty penny. That being said, a great score will pay off twofold when you are well on your way to becoming a dentist. This guide will break down the DAT into sections on DAT fees, sections, testing day procedures, scoring, and other information pertinent to the exam.
Before applying to dental school and taking the DAT …
You must obtain a DENTPIN to apply to take the DAT and apply to dental school. Once you’ve received your DENTPIN and applied to take the DAT, you must take the DAT within a six month period; otherwise, you will have to submit a new application and fee in order to test. Visit Prometric to schedule an appointment to test.
Fees
The cost of the DAT is $430. If you wish to send your scores to schools not selected at the time of application, it is an additional $35 per school. The DAT is willing to audit your exam for 30 days after testing for an additional $65. If you choose to reschedule your testing appointment, those additional fees are as follows: 24 hours before to 5 business days prior to appointment, $100; 6 to 30 business days before,$60; 31+ business days before,$25.
Partial fee waivers
Partial fee waivers can cover 50 percent of the cost of the DAT. They are first come, first served beginning January 1 for the upcoming calendar year. They are awarded on financial hardship. These fee waivers are limited and will usually be gone within a few months after January. Testing fees are non-refundable.
Total time
The total time is 5 hours, but the actual test takes 4 hours and 15 minutes with 45 optional minutes in tutorials and breaks. The test contains six different sections of multiple choice questions.
Different sections
•Survey of Natural Sciences (biology, evolution, genetics)
•General Chemistry
•Organic Chemistry
•Perceptual Ability Test (Includes 6 parts: apertures, view recognition, angle discrimination, paper folding, cube counting, and 3D form development)
•Reading Comprehension (three passages and follow-up questions)
•Quantitative Reasoning
Testing Day rules
You must bring two forms of identification to the testing center: a primary, government issued ID and a secondary ID. Some forms of secondary ID (requiring only a signature) may be a debit card, school card, or library card. No personal items are allowed in the testing area. This includes items like books, notes, rulers, cell phones, handbags, food and drink. You may use a four function basic calculator only on the Quantitative Reasoning Test which will be accessed on the computer screen. You are only allowed to access your personal belongings during scheduled breaks. The testing center provides two note boards and two pens for you during testing.
DAT practice tests
A practice exam is provided by the DAT website. It is computer based and timed (4 hours and 30 minutes). Look under Test Preparation Material to purchase. The DAT does not support the usage of other commercial practice test, but some other options that may be helpful to you are Kaplan, DAT Q Vault, The Princeton Review, Course Saver, and The Gold Standard. However, do keep in mind that some of these reviews can run a high price, especially if they’re of high quality. It might be worth it to check out your university library and see what kind of DAT specific study materials they might already have.
Test Drive
The DAT also offers a service called Test Drive which is a 30-minute program designed to emulate testing day. This usually includes check-in procedures, introduction, and a 15-minute sample test.
Scoring
DAT Scores range from 1 to 30. A score of 17 usually signifies an average score. You will receive an unofficial score report after completing your test. Scores will be sent to your schools you’ve chosen approximately three to four weeks after the test date. You cannot choose which scores will be sent after you’ve marked them on your application and taken the test.
Retaking
Applicants must wait 90 days from their previous test date to take the test again. Applicants who wish to take the test more than three times must apply and explain their circumstances with evidence of intent to apply to dental school.
Applying to dental school and taking the DAT may be daunting, but with the right information and preparation, it will surely pay off in the end.