DAT Scoring... how is it scaled?

[Schnitzels]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

So... I am noticing that on my practice tests, even if I miss only 3 questions out of 30 on the Chem and Orgo sections, I am only getting a score of 21-23. How is this possible? How is the DAT scaled? What does it take to get a rockin' DAT score?!?

 

[cabbagebrain]

Take a peek at this:

http://www.ada.org/prof/ed/testing/dat/dat_estimate_score.pdf

 

[Toothguy80]

It's because Kaplan and Top Score are *****s....

 

[Schnitzels]

Thanks for the link. According to this scale, answering every question perfectly for Gen Chem only gives you a standard score of 28. In fact, according to their scaling system, it isn't possible to obtain a perfect score for either RC, Bio, or Gen Chem. WTF? Not that I am aiming for a perfect score, but I am finding it frustrating b/c even 90% accuracy on many of the tests places me only marginally above average. Arrrrggghhhh. 😱

Anyone else finding this frustrating?

 

[xtractime]

^
well although a 24 is not "marginally" above average, that is the trend now. if it was easy then everyone would apply to dental school. that's what it takes to get in now. and to the OP, that is correct about not being able to get a 30 on the DAT. that's why u never hear of people posting about the unprecedented 30.

 

[Streetwolf]

I'm almost certain that with a 100% in the TS you will get a 30 and with a 100% in PAT you will get a 30. All other sections depend on toughness. Either way, schools know that a 25 is a lot better than a 22 for example (though a 22 is still great).

 

[Schnitzels]

Interesting comments.

With only 3 questions wrong in Chemistry I scored a 21. If I had gotten only one more question correct, my score would have jumped to a 23 (according to Top Score). HUGE difference in perceived ability by the adcoms, but meerely one question's difference on the exam.

And Streetwolf... according to the scaling scheme in the aforementioned link, it is completely impossible to score a perfect 30 in some (not all) sections.

This makes me bow down to those scoring in the 24+ range.

 

[laundry]

Um...on the first chart, the RC part doesnt make any sense....

 

[sacjumpman]

So... I am noticing that on my practice tests, even if I miss only 3 questions out of 30 on the Chem and Orgo sections, I am only getting a score of 21-23. How is this possible? How is the DAT scaled? What does it take to get a rockin' DAT score?!?

On another note, if you're getting 21-23 on your practice tests (depending on which ones) you should feel like you're in very good shape. 👍