I am attending the Baylor College of Dentistry summer program right now. The summer programs are geared towards minorities, but there are students here who aren't minorities. The DAT Prep is very extensive, more extensive than Kaplan's normal DAT course. However, everyone was advised to began studying a least a month before the summer program began.
Here at Baylor there is one course in particular, intro the human body (anatomy), that is taught by a Dr.Miller who teaches biochemistry to the dental students. It is said that if you earn an A or B in that course, you will be in good shape in dental school. Of the 39 students that participated in last year's summer program, 15 were admitted into the dental school itself the next year, which means that the summer program is basically an 8wk interview process. Everything here is graded.We are in the first week, and I have received two grades already. There are students from all over, NY, Puerto Rico, LA CA, and of course, TX.
Baylor's summer program is touted as one of the best in the country as is the school. They expect everyone in the program to earn a 20 AA, while the PAT is not scrutinized as much, but you are still expected to do your best on that section. For me, the labs are the hardest thus far, because I haven't had much experience. In fact, monetary awards are given in addition to the $2200 stipend and room and board monies for students who are most improved, and make the highest score on the DAT. The program is very strict. It is supposed to be a model of dental school, so we are there from 8am to 5pm and sometimes longer. The days are long, but rewarding. I must admit that I feel somewhat in awe of the place and the professionalism. Since I have never participated in a summer program before I didn't know what to expect. Being at Baylor, as raised my expectations of myself and what I thought it takes to be a dentist. I feel that I will be better prepared for dental school whether I attend Baylor or some other program. God Bless and take care.