Dates of DAT

The DAT is administered on computer, so it is offered almost any day of the week. It is advised you take it during the Spring of the year before you enter dental school (e.g. take it Spring 2002 if planning to enter dental school Fall 2003). To register, pick up an application packet from your university's dental school or call the DAT program @ 312-440-2689.

As a rule of thumb, get all your application materials in as early as possible. You can submit the AADSAS as early as June 1st of the year prior to entering dental school (e.g. June 1st, 2002 for class entering Fall 2003). You can file the AADSAS electronically or by paper. I think the web site to obtain it is <a href="http://www.adea.org" target="_blank">www.adea.org</a>

Hope this helps. Good luck!

 

NUgirl,

Welcome! To register for the DAT, you need to fill out an application form and enclose the appropriate fee (varies depending on how many schools you want to receive your scores). Registration packest can be obtained through your predental advisor on campus, or requested through the ADA website.

After mailing in your registration, you will be contacted (2-4 weeks later) and given a phone number which you will need to call. Calling the phone number will put you in touch with the testing service, which will then schedule you for your DAT test.

The test is taken on computer at Sylvan Learning Centers. You can register for any day of the year, unless it is a major holiday, or the day is full. You will receive your scores before you leave the testing center.

AADSAS, the predental information collecting service, begins accepting applications on June 1st. It's best to get your application turned in as close to this date as possible, although many applicants are still somewhat successful when applying in November-December (although application this late makes the entire process even more of a crapshoot). Having your application in near June 1st will aid you if you are applying to schools with a rolling addmissions policy, but applying early will greatly increase your chances for interviews and acceptances, regardless of the school's admission policy.

Given the June 1st date, most candidates will take the DAT during the spring or summer months. Note that you can still complete your AADSAS application, even if you haven't taken the DAT yet.

Hopefully this makes some sense to you. Here are some important web sites:

DAT registration info: <a href="http://www.ada.org" target="_blank">www.ada.org</a>
AADSAS application (app for 2003 class is available beginning May 15th): <a href="http://www.adea.org" target="_blank">www.adea.org</a>

 

eschou01,

Thanks for beating me to the punch!

NUgirl,

As you can see, you'll find plenty of help around here!