DAT vs. MCATS

[korndoctor]

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is the DAT easier than MCATS? that's the feeling i get after shadowing both MD's and Dentists.

 

[DrTacoElf]

Yes DAT is easier especially in the reading section. The DAT might be considered harder than the MCAT in one area Perceptual Ability (the MCAT doesn't have this). Anyway I have taken both and on a scale of 1-10 (10 being very hard) I would say the mcat is a 8.5-10 and the dat is a 5.5-7.

 

[busupshot83]

is the DAT easier than MCATS? that's the feeling i get after shadowing both MD's and Dentists.

I've taken the MCAT, DAT, and LSAT... here's what i concur:

MCAT > LSAT > DAT

 

[mcshow2]

Hey this is a damn dental forum. The DAT is the hardest and we are the smartest! 😉

 

[howui3]

If you study, the DAT is easier then the SAT!

The MCAT has all those passages for all the sections, essays, and the verbal is WAY WAY harder!

 

[supraman]

If you study, the DAT is easier then the SAT!

The MCAT has all those passages for all the sections, essays, and the verbal is WAY WAY harder!

Oh yea, "seperates the men from the boys"

 

[coolslugs]

and no physics for the DATs

 

[savvysearch]

One major reason why dat is easier than mcat: PHYSICS!!! 😱

 

[KTDMD]

DAT is doable only if you put in the effort to study all materials specified by the ADA's scope of examinations and be able to nail the PAT via another set of stringent practices.

MCAT, on the other hand, tests candidates mostly on their analytical and at times lateral thinking skills in extracting critical info from the passages presented with great speed and accuracy. Studying as detailed as you would be doing so for the DAT would not guarantee you good scores from there. And ironically, those minimally prepared and yet sit for the MCAT with open mind often surprise themselves with unexpectedly good scores...

They are generally two different ball games!

 

[howui3]

DAT is doable only if you put in the effort to study all materials specified by the ADA's scope of examinations and be able to nail the PAT via another set of stringent practices.

MCAT, on the other hand, tests candidates mostly on their analytical and at times lateral thinking skills in extracting critical info from the passages presented with great speed and accuracy. Studying as detailed as you would be doing so for the DAT would not guarantee you good scores from there. And ironically, those minimally prepared and yet sit for the MCAT with open mind often surprise themselves with unexpectedly good scores...

They are generally two different ball games!

Have you taken the MCAT?

Maybe with an open mind and good reading skills you can do well on the Verbal section of the MCAT. But for Biological and Phyical science sections I would disagree with you. From personal expericen, you need to know physics equations that you have to combine with passage info to answer questions, the same goes for bio concepts, ochem reactions, and gchem laws, equations, and properties. Good luck taking the test and thinking laterally with minimal preparation.

 

[KTDMD]

Have you taken the MCAT?

Maybe with an open mind and good reading skills you can do well on the Verbal section of the MCAT. But for Biological and Phyical science sections I would disagree with you. From personal expericen, you need to know physics equations that you have to combine with passage info to answer questions, the same goes for bio concepts, ochem reactions, and gchem laws, equations, and properties. Good luck taking the test and thinking laterally with minimal preparation.

I've not taken the official MCAT, but, I did try the free MCAT Practice 3R online out of curiosity, and that being done shortly after I had completed the basic science classes. I got a diagnostic scores of 11 PS, 10 BS, and 8 VR (I truly ran out of time for this section and am grateful it's not like that in the DAT) And yes you need to know your basics equations and concepts well but not to the extent of hard memory like you would do so for your DAT. There seems to be many BS and PS passages that are experimentally based and I believe your past understanding of lab work counts a lot in getting these nailed.

That's just how I feel about these two different set of tests, and may differ from other's opinions. I wish you great success in your upcoming dental endeavors... 🙂

 

[howui3]

I've not taken the official MCAT, but, I did try the free MCAT Practice 3R online out of curiosity, and that being done shortly after I had completed the basic science classes. I got a diagnostic scores of 11 PS, 10 BS, and 8 VR (I truly ran out of time for this section and am grateful it's not like that in the DAT) And yes you need to know your basics equations and concepts well but not to the extent of hard memory like you would do so for your DAT. There seems to be many BS and PS passages that are experimentally based and I believe your past understanding of lab work counts a lot in getting these nailed.

That's just how I feel about these two different set of tests, and may differ from other's opinions. I wish you great success in your upcoming dental endeavors... 🙂

Thanks, you too! 🙂

 

[Kniles5]

the MCAT is 8 hours long!!! OUCH!