DAT and MCAT?

[dinnerplate]

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Hi guys,

I'm considering writing the MCAT in addition to the DAT. I have wanted to be a doctor for a long time, but within the last 2 years I have been shadowing dentists, ortho's and really feel more strongly towards this (as a lifestyle, as a profession, etc.) than towards being an MD.

I have been encouraged to write the MCAT as a "Plan B" and to "keep my doors open," but I'm very set on Dental. Apart from keeping my doors open, would the MCAT be a good idea as preparation for the DAT? It's a harder exam (I've heard), but reviewing some of the basic science materials for the MCAT may be beneficial, as well as experience with being put in a high-pressure testing situation.

What are your guys' thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[FeralisExtremum]

I previously studied for the MCAT before my interests moved on to dentistry. You could study for both because the science sections largely overlap, but keep in mind the MCAT has a physics section whereas the DAT has a math section. For that reason alone I'd say studying for the DAT after one has studied for the MCAT is probably easier than the reverse since learning basic math is a lot easier than having to learn physics all over again.

That said, I'd suggest you focus on one test at a time. If your interest is really dentistry, then focus on the DAT for now.

 

[wo5678]

It is a different exam. I don't think it prepares you for it. And it takes like 6 months to study for it if you want to do well. It is a big waste of time if you don't need it. Also, adcoms might ask why you took the MCAT and question your devotion to dentistry.

 

[LeoK]

It is a different exam. I don't think it prepares you for it. And it takes like 6 months to study for it if you want to do well. It is a big waste of time if you don't need it. Also, adcoms might ask why you took the MCAT and question your devotion to dentistry.

6 months? If you are studying during school years then maybe.. but personally if one studies more than 4 months for one typical exam, I would say one needs to change the study habit or something.

But I am totally agree with wo5678 about the changing from medicine to dentistry. School would ask and look for the solid reason for that.

 

[AM4EVA]

6 months? If you are studying during school years then maybe.. but personally if one studies more than 4 months for one typical exam, I would say one needs to change the study habit or something.

But I am totally agree with wo5678 about the changing from medicine to dentistry. School would ask and look for the solid reason for that.

Gotta play the devil here...but why will adcoms question the change if they dont know about the change???
Meaning why is there a need to explain that part to them...listen once YOU have devoted quality time into these clinical/shadow experiencec it will be YOU who will have decided which path will be more appropriate for you to take
Not the adcoms...remember folks while adcoms play a huge part in our immediate future endeavors such as getting in this cycle amd what not it will be US that will be practicing be it a physician dentist whatevery etc etc....my point is that oncd YOU have convinced YOURSELF of whatever professional YOU want to be... only then will YOU have the confidence and courage to go and tell the adcoms that you belong there...and honest there just is no better solid reason then that. i do not believe that one.needs to let adcoms know precisely detailing these baby steps that have led him or her to this stage
Good luck on whatever you decide🙂


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[Ferneezy]

I have been encouraged to write the MCAT as a "Plan B"

just curious...who has been encouraging this?

 

[dinnerplate]

just curious...who has been encouraging this?

Family, friends, etc. After 10 years of saying you want to be a doctor and then switching, I can see where they're coming from in terms of looking out for me (not that I agree, but I do appreciate that they care).

Thanks for the responses guys, they've been a phenomenal help 🙂

 

[yappy]

What are your plans? If you plan on applying to dentistry, as that is your strongest interests, then I would just focus on the DAT. You can always take the MCAT if you apply to med schools the next year.

I would not attempt to apply to medical and dental schools at the same time. In many cases you might be applying two programs at a single institution. I think that by applying to both you're going to diminish your chances if the AdCom think you're undecided about dentistry or medicine.

If you're only going to apply to one program - one year at a time - why not just take the test before the application cycle?

 

[BestDoctorEver]

Hi guys,

I'm considering writing the MCAT in addition to the DAT. I have wanted to be a doctor for a long time, but within the last 2 years I have been shadowing dentists, ortho's and really feel more strongly towards this (as a lifestyle, as a profession, etc.) than towards being an MD.

I have been encouraged to write the MCAT as a "Plan B" and to "keep my doors open," but I'm very set on Dental. Apart from keeping my doors open, would the MCAT be a good idea as preparation for the DAT? It's a harder exam (I've heard), but reviewing some of the basic science materials for the MCAT may be beneficial, as well as experience with being put in a high-pressure testing situation.

What are your guys' thoughts?

Thanks!

From talking to people who took both, I heard the MCAT is somewhat more challenging. Keep in mind these are anecdotes. Find out what you want to do first by shadowing many type of physicians/dentists and focus on one test.

 

[ushaseos]

If adcoms feel that you were even remotely interested in Medicine they will black list you. From my own experience, I can tell you that if you're serious about medicine take the MCAT and forget the DAT. If you want to do dentistry don't take the MCAT and keep med stuff off the resume. I ended up getting accepted but a good number of places didn't even call me for an interview, despite have stellar stats and ECs.