Hello, Im new to this thread. When Do I take the DAT?

[john333]

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Hello everyone. I happened to stumble upon this forums and I think it's really great! However, I'm still confused on when to take the DAT test.. I am currently a sophmore in the spring term.. When do most people take the DAT exam?? I am hearing mixed answers.. Whats the ideal time most people prepare for it and take it?

I'm sorry Im a bit new to this thing. Help would be greatly appreciated. Also.. Will I have a decent shot at getting in with around a 3.5 GPA?

 

[Hawkteeth]

Yes you will have a decent shot with a 3.5 but do yourself a favor and make sure your science GPA is as high as you can. As for the DAT, I suggest two months committed to the test, nothing else. That means no job and no school so take it in the summer. I would take it this summer which would allow you to retake it next summer if necessary.

 

[KittySquared]

If you want to apply this summer, RIGHT NOW is a good time to start studying and taking it early June. If you have a decent science background, there's no reason why 1.5 months isn't enough in getting you some decent scores.

I took mine the previous year prior to applying, and finished some pre-reqs and then applied the following summer. The scores are usually good for 2 years, and 3 years for some schools like UMich.

 

[telemonster]

Most of my classmates took it the summer after sophomore year, immediately upon completion of ochem II. Most took about 2 months or so, took it in the middle of the summer.

That will give you time for a re-take if necessary.

 

[john333]

Thank you guys for answering! Wait so most people apply to dental schools in their junior years?? And my science GPA is actually around 3.3ish 🙁 so you guys recommend me studying over the summer and taking it in June? And do you guys have any recommendations on what to use to study? I am thinking of doing the Kaplan's program. Thank you guys again for the help! One last question haha, I should take biochem right? Since i heard alot of dental schools require it nowadays..

 

[Hawkteeth]

Thank you guys for answering! Wait so most people apply to dental schools in their junior years?? And my science GPA is actually around 3.3ish 🙁 so you guys recommend me studying over the summer and taking it in June? And do you guys have any recommendations on what to use to study? I am thinking of doing the Kaplan's program. Thank you guys again for the help! One last question haha, I should take biochem right? Since i heard alot of dental schools require it nowadays..

Do NOT do Kaplans program for the love of god!!!! Sorry about that... I did Kaplan and they don't teach you anything more than whats in there book (maybe some dumb test day strategies). Here is what I used and recommend.

Chads for Orgo, Gen Chem and Math
Cliff's AP Bio (I also used Kaplan Book)
DAT Destroyer
Math Destroyer (totally worth the extra $$, but hey your saving an extra $1000 by not taking Kaplan so go for it!)
DAT Achiever (not the best but use a DAT simulation program of that sort, these are especially good for RC and PAT practice)

I made notes using Chads outlines and supplemented them with stuff from Kaplan's book he didn't cover. For bio I made notes by combining Cliff's and Kaplan, both had some stuff the other didn't. Take good notes and use these as your main study materials after you go through the material once.

 

[Glimmer1991]

I took the DAT the summer after my sophomore year and am SO glad I did! I am applying this June. If you want suggestions about what and how to study, check the links in my signature. Let me know if I can help with anything else!

 

[dantemac]

My strategy was, in the same year I applied:
-Take it in January with a month of studying since Christmas break (see if I could do well, and I did)
-Take it June with a few more months of studying to improve greatly

 

[ATG20]

Thank you guys for answering! Wait so most people apply to dental schools in their junior years?? And my science GPA is actually around 3.3ish 🙁 so you guys recommend me studying over the summer and taking it in June? And do you guys have any recommendations on what to use to study? I am thinking of doing the Kaplan's program. Thank you guys again for the help! One last question haha, I should take biochem right? Since i heard alot of dental schools require it nowadays..

Most people apply in June following their Junior year, so right before you enter senior year. This puts you on track to enter once you graduate college. I took my DAT during the school year, and studying for it was no picnic. Give yourself a solid 2 months without school to study. I spent a good 5-6 hours a day pouring over books. That's hard to do while in school. Idk when your summer is (May-June?) but schedule your DAT now so that it's at the end of summer.

Kaplan's program is overpriced and not very helpful. My classmates took that and it filled them with confidence (I think the instructors make you think you're ready) but come test day, they didn't do well. There's no substitute for buying some good study guides(and mock exams) and putting in the hard work yourself. Start skimming materials for a month before you actually study for 2 months. Some people go overboard and try to study for 3+ months, but any benefit is marginal because you begin to forget things after a while.

Most schools require at least a quarter or semester of biochem. Some require a psychology class also. Off the top of my head, those seem to be the "extra" classes that are now required. A few require anatomy, but I didn't apply to those schools (only 3 actually require it I believe).

 

[Glimmer1991]

A handful of schools also apply microbiology.

 

[ATG20]

A handful of schools also apply microbiology.

👍

I knew I was forgetting one of those 'recommended' courses that have now become required at some schools. Microbio, biochem and psych should cover you at most schools. If you have the desire or room for it, take anatomy. I didn't take it, and I didn't feel restricted when applying.

 

[Glimmer1991]

👍

I knew I was forgetting one of those 'recommended' courses that have now become required at some schools. Microbio, biochem and psych should cover you at most schools. If you have the desire or room for it, take anatomy. I didn't take it, and I didn't feel restricted when applying.

LOL, why did I say apply instead of require? 😛

Anatomy is a great class that will help you a lot on the DAT, so I also recommend taking it. Chapel Hill requires it, too.

 

[john333]

Thank you guys for the feedback!! and damnn i was about to sign up for kaplan but I guess I shouldn't considering the bad reviews aha.. I need to find me a good list of books to get for each section 🙂 and also. is chad's video and like crack the DAT things helpful as well? I didnt take psych, micro bio or anatomy yet. I will make sure I do in my junior year though. Can anyone recommend me their breakdown of the DAT or like a good studying schedule they followed? Thanks alot.

 

[two thirty]

Thank you guys for the feedback!! and damnn i was about to sign up for kaplan but I guess I shouldn't considering the bad reviews aha.. I need to find me a good list of books to get for each section 🙂 and also. is chad's video and like crack the DAT things helpful as well? I didnt take psych, micro bio or anatomy yet. I will make sure I do in my junior year though. Can anyone recommend me their breakdown of the DAT or like a good studying schedule they followed? Thanks alot.

Head to the DAT Discussion board. There's plenty of breakdowns there.