DAT: When to take it?

[BGDental]

Hello!

I'm a biology undergraduate going into my junior year. I was wondering when the typical pre-dental student finds it best to take the DAT. I'm torn because I would like to start studying over the winter break and take it before the spring of my junior year starts. However, lots of people have told me that it is too early, and I should wait until the summer between junior and senior year.

I have already taken Organic chemistry I and II, Biology I and II, and General Chemistry I and II (all the required pre-dent courses).

Do you find that there is greater success on the DAT when waiting until the summer? I would like to avoid studying for the DAT WHILE taking college classes...

 

[TedyBearSuicide]

Hello!

I'm a biology undergraduate going into my junior year. I was wondering when the typical pre-dental student finds it best to take the DAT. I'm torn because I would like to start studying over the winter break and take it before the spring of my junior year starts. However, lots of people have told me that it is too early, and I should wait until the summer between junior and senior year.

I have already taken Organic chemistry I and II, Biology I and II, and General Chemistry I and II (all the required pre-dent courses).

Do you find that there is greater success on the DAT when waiting until the summer? I would like to avoid studying for the DAT WHILE taking college classes...

Advantages of taking it early:
-Science material is fresh in your head
- Waiting period is 90 days until you can retake the test. So if you take it for the first time in March, you can retake it in June and still be the first in the application cycle (applications start in June)

How long is your winter break? Will you be able to practice the PAT, QR, and RC during this break?

 

[Onix]

Nobody can tell you when to take it exactly. Take it when you are the most ready for it.

 

[Danny289]

Nobody can tell you when to take it exactly. Take it when you are the most ready for it.

Best advice

 

[DrKumar43210]

.

 

[sugarsting]

Don't wait until next Spring/Summer to take it. What are you waiting for? I'd say study now until the end of August and take it right before school starts. If that fails, study over winter break and retake it at the end of winter break. This way you know you will be able to apply early next cycle between your junior/senior year and go right into dental school after undergrad without taking a year off...I'm assuming this is your goal.

 

[cmcner]

There is such a thing as too early, because several dental schools will only accept scores that are up to three years old. So if you plan on taking a year off, or need to raise your GPA your DAT scores might become invalidated at several of your top choices. It's just something to look at carefully.