Hey guys, I took the DAT in June of last year and did very well on it. Interviews are winding down for me so I thought I should share my knowledge of the DAT with you guys. Warning: this post is really long!
My DAT study guide
Here is a comprehensive guide on how I studied for the DAT. I'm no science genius, but I did very well on the test (25AA, 24TS, 21 PAT) and my test score went a long way in scoring me interviews (I had 12 total). Hard work and discipline are the keys to doing well on this test. The material is not rocket science and if you put time into studying and make effective use of your time, you will do well on it. I did not take a review class and I feel that if you are disciplined and can study on your own, it is not necessary to take a class.
Here are the materials I used:
Kaplan Blue Book:
Great summary of the science knowledge you need to know, also includes a CD with a couple of practice tests. I found that the Kaplan tests were the most accurate representation of how difficult the actual exam was.
Cliff's AP Bio:
Great resource for the Bio section. Learn the concepts that this book covers as best you can!
Examcrackers:
I was initially applying for Med School so I bought a copy of this. It was fairly helpful for understanding key concepts but leaves out a lot of knowledge that you will need for the DAT. I probably wouldn't use it if I had to study for the DAT again.
Crack DAT PAT:
Essential tool for the PAT, use this to practice as much as possible.
Crack DAT Math:
Good simulation of the QR section because it is computer based and has the built in calculator.
Topscore:
The 3 topscore practice tests were also very similar to the actual test so investing in this is well worth it.
Achiever:
Hmmm I'm actually not sure how much this helped me because these practice exams are total overkill! I was scoring 18's and 17's on them and was totally freaked out when I saw my scores. The real test is waaayyy easier than Achiever because the Achiever questions are much trickier and the real test is more straightforward. That being said, if you have the extra time, I would still spend some time doing these tests. If nothing else, it will motivate you to study harder by destroying your self-confidence.
DAT Destroyer:
When I got this, I thought I totally got ripped off because it looks like a notebook that someone Xerox copied at Kinko's. However, this book is the single best resource out there for the DAT. Make sure you do every problem in here multiple times and review the detailed explanations to every question you get wrong. And no, I don't work for Dr. Romano.
The Breakdown section by section:
PAT: 21
Crack DAT PAT is the most important tool you will use for this portion of the exam. Every section of the PAT on Crack DAT PAT is similar to the actual test except angle ranking. Be aware of the time remaining for this section because some parts will take longer (Top Front End). You will have to make up for extra time you spend on the more difficult parts of the PAT by working faster on the easy parts (Hole Punches, Cube counting).
Angle Rankings
For angle rankings, I found that the CD from the Kaplan blue book was quite helpful because Crack DAT PAT angle rankings were way too easy. I HATED this section because I really couldn't differentiate the angles very well and had a tough time improving on it. The best method for tackling angle ranking is by using the Hill Technique (I won't go into this here but I'm sure you can find it by doing a google search).
Keyholes
Process of elimination is the best method for this section. I found it was much easier to eliminate shapes that don't fit into the holes than to guess which one was the correct answer. Be wary of answers that are too obvious and also pay attention to the size of the shape. Some may seem to fit but are actually too large to go through the hole.
Top Front End
Process of elimination also works very well here. There are some obvious incorrect answers in this portion of the exam. Unfortunately I don't have a great strategy here other than practice as much as possible and try to visualize the sides of the shapes.
Hole Punches
Make a 4 x 4 matrix on your scratch paper of 16 total blank squares. Then starting with the last fold put an x in each square that has been hole punched. From there move to the 2nd to last fold and visualize what other holes will be punched when you unfold the paper. Repeat until you reach the first fold. This was the easiest section of the PAT exam for me.
Cube Counting
Make a table on your scratch paper like this:
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Count the total number of cubes and write this number down. Then quickly count the number of cubes with 0 sides exposed and fill in the right column. Then move on to count the number of cubes with 1 side exposed, etc. When you are done, make sure that the total number of cubes you wrote down initially matches the sum of the number of cubes in the right column. If the numbers don't match and you still have time, start over.
Pattern Folding
This is pretty straightforward, I don't have any advice for this section other than try to visualize the folding and eliminate any answers that don't match.
QR: 21
Crack DAT Math is the best program out there for this section because it has the built in calculator. There are some formulas that you need to know such as the trigonometric identities (sin, cos, etc) but practice problems are the most important for this part because it is mostly algebra. I was actually scoring close to 30 for this section on my practice tests and was disappointed in my score here. Note that this is the last part of the exam so you may be tired when you reach this section.
RC: 30
This is really a crapshoot. I don't know how I got a 30 because the highest I got on my practice tests was a 21. I just happened to get easy passages on the real test. The search and destroy method was useful here. While reading each passage, write down keywords as well as the line in which they appeared on your scratch paper. Then move on to the questions, usually the same keywords will appear in the questions. Go back to the passages and look up each answer. This is the hardest section of the DAT to improve on so I would read enough passages so that you're comfortable but don't spend too much time on it.
Biology: 24
Memorization is key for the Bio section as most questions are either you know it or you don't type of questions like "What Phyla does xx organism belong to?". I used a crapload of study materials for this section (Examcrackers Biology, Kaplan Blue Book, DAT Destroyer, Cliff's AP Bio etc) and made a detailed outline of the key concepts that I wrote in my own words. Cliff's AP Bio is the best resource for this part of the exam, memorize it cover to cover! I probably spent the most time studying for the Bio section because there was so much to memorize. Doing practice problems from DAT destroyer, Kaplan, Topscore and Achiever are also very helpful.
General Chemistry: 23
Practice problems are the key to doing well on this section. I probably finished the Chem section of DAT destroyer at least a dozen times. There are only a few types of problems that show up in the actual test and knowing how to spot these types of problems and remembering the step by step solutions are essential. DAT destroyer is the best source of practice problems but Topscore and Achiever are also good.
Organic Chemistry: 26
The same tips apply to the Orgo section. One helpful tip here is to memorize the major reactions. DAT destroyer has a helpful mini map of them. Know the reactants and products as well as the mechanisms.
General Tips:
1) Do practice problems! I can't emphasize how important this is. You will see the same types of problems on the real DAT as your practice tests. Doing practice problems over and over will improve your speed and help you avoid careless mistakes.
2) Always review the questions you got wrong and know why you got them wrong. Don't just do practice tests and not review your incorrect answers.
3) Write an outline for the Bio section and memorize it.
4) Spend the first 3-4 weeks of studying reviewing your science knowledge (Bio, Chem, Orgo) and try to take your first practice test when you are done reviewing. Don't be discouraged if you score very low on your first practice test. You are not accustomed to the pace and types of questions covered on the test yet. Review your first test and see what problems you got wrong and figure out why you got them wrong. Research concepts that you don't understand well. Then move on to DAT Destroyer and do all of the problems in it. Repeat the cycle of reviewing science material then taking practice tests. If you don't have time to take a full test, take individual sections of the test (the computerized practice tests allow you to do this easily).
5) Spend the last month doing a full practice test everyday and review your wrong answers.
6) Try to spend at least 2-3 months total studying for this test and set aside 2 weeks where you have no other obligations right before the exam so you can cram and practice as much as possible. I personally spent 3-4 hours per day in months 1 and 2 and probably 6-7 hours per day the last month studying for the DAT.
7) Take your test before June if possible. It took AADSAS about 1 month to receive my official scores and send them to schools. I would say that you definitely need to take the test by July at the latest to have your scores in by August and be considered an early applicant. Remember that the dental school application process is rolling admissions so the earlier you apply the better.
8) Don't take the DAT if you are not ready, postpone it if necessary. If you aren't scoring 20's and 19's on every section of Topscore and KBB a week before the exam, push the test date back.
That is all, good luck studying!
My DAT study guide
Here is a comprehensive guide on how I studied for the DAT. I'm no science genius, but I did very well on the test (25AA, 24TS, 21 PAT) and my test score went a long way in scoring me interviews (I had 12 total). Hard work and discipline are the keys to doing well on this test. The material is not rocket science and if you put time into studying and make effective use of your time, you will do well on it. I did not take a review class and I feel that if you are disciplined and can study on your own, it is not necessary to take a class.
Here are the materials I used:
Kaplan Blue Book:
Great summary of the science knowledge you need to know, also includes a CD with a couple of practice tests. I found that the Kaplan tests were the most accurate representation of how difficult the actual exam was.
Cliff's AP Bio:
Great resource for the Bio section. Learn the concepts that this book covers as best you can!
Examcrackers:
I was initially applying for Med School so I bought a copy of this. It was fairly helpful for understanding key concepts but leaves out a lot of knowledge that you will need for the DAT. I probably wouldn't use it if I had to study for the DAT again.
Crack DAT PAT:
Essential tool for the PAT, use this to practice as much as possible.
Crack DAT Math:
Good simulation of the QR section because it is computer based and has the built in calculator.
Topscore:
The 3 topscore practice tests were also very similar to the actual test so investing in this is well worth it.
Achiever:
Hmmm I'm actually not sure how much this helped me because these practice exams are total overkill! I was scoring 18's and 17's on them and was totally freaked out when I saw my scores. The real test is waaayyy easier than Achiever because the Achiever questions are much trickier and the real test is more straightforward. That being said, if you have the extra time, I would still spend some time doing these tests. If nothing else, it will motivate you to study harder by destroying your self-confidence.
DAT Destroyer:
When I got this, I thought I totally got ripped off because it looks like a notebook that someone Xerox copied at Kinko's. However, this book is the single best resource out there for the DAT. Make sure you do every problem in here multiple times and review the detailed explanations to every question you get wrong. And no, I don't work for Dr. Romano.
The Breakdown section by section:
PAT: 21
Crack DAT PAT is the most important tool you will use for this portion of the exam. Every section of the PAT on Crack DAT PAT is similar to the actual test except angle ranking. Be aware of the time remaining for this section because some parts will take longer (Top Front End). You will have to make up for extra time you spend on the more difficult parts of the PAT by working faster on the easy parts (Hole Punches, Cube counting).
Angle Rankings
For angle rankings, I found that the CD from the Kaplan blue book was quite helpful because Crack DAT PAT angle rankings were way too easy. I HATED this section because I really couldn't differentiate the angles very well and had a tough time improving on it. The best method for tackling angle ranking is by using the Hill Technique (I won't go into this here but I'm sure you can find it by doing a google search).
Keyholes
Process of elimination is the best method for this section. I found it was much easier to eliminate shapes that don't fit into the holes than to guess which one was the correct answer. Be wary of answers that are too obvious and also pay attention to the size of the shape. Some may seem to fit but are actually too large to go through the hole.
Top Front End
Process of elimination also works very well here. There are some obvious incorrect answers in this portion of the exam. Unfortunately I don't have a great strategy here other than practice as much as possible and try to visualize the sides of the shapes.
Hole Punches
Make a 4 x 4 matrix on your scratch paper of 16 total blank squares. Then starting with the last fold put an x in each square that has been hole punched. From there move to the 2nd to last fold and visualize what other holes will be punched when you unfold the paper. Repeat until you reach the first fold. This was the easiest section of the PAT exam for me.
Cube Counting
Make a table on your scratch paper like this:
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Count the total number of cubes and write this number down. Then quickly count the number of cubes with 0 sides exposed and fill in the right column. Then move on to count the number of cubes with 1 side exposed, etc. When you are done, make sure that the total number of cubes you wrote down initially matches the sum of the number of cubes in the right column. If the numbers don't match and you still have time, start over.
Pattern Folding
This is pretty straightforward, I don't have any advice for this section other than try to visualize the folding and eliminate any answers that don't match.
QR: 21
Crack DAT Math is the best program out there for this section because it has the built in calculator. There are some formulas that you need to know such as the trigonometric identities (sin, cos, etc) but practice problems are the most important for this part because it is mostly algebra. I was actually scoring close to 30 for this section on my practice tests and was disappointed in my score here. Note that this is the last part of the exam so you may be tired when you reach this section.
RC: 30
This is really a crapshoot. I don't know how I got a 30 because the highest I got on my practice tests was a 21. I just happened to get easy passages on the real test. The search and destroy method was useful here. While reading each passage, write down keywords as well as the line in which they appeared on your scratch paper. Then move on to the questions, usually the same keywords will appear in the questions. Go back to the passages and look up each answer. This is the hardest section of the DAT to improve on so I would read enough passages so that you're comfortable but don't spend too much time on it.
Biology: 24
Memorization is key for the Bio section as most questions are either you know it or you don't type of questions like "What Phyla does xx organism belong to?". I used a crapload of study materials for this section (Examcrackers Biology, Kaplan Blue Book, DAT Destroyer, Cliff's AP Bio etc) and made a detailed outline of the key concepts that I wrote in my own words. Cliff's AP Bio is the best resource for this part of the exam, memorize it cover to cover! I probably spent the most time studying for the Bio section because there was so much to memorize. Doing practice problems from DAT destroyer, Kaplan, Topscore and Achiever are also very helpful.
General Chemistry: 23
Practice problems are the key to doing well on this section. I probably finished the Chem section of DAT destroyer at least a dozen times. There are only a few types of problems that show up in the actual test and knowing how to spot these types of problems and remembering the step by step solutions are essential. DAT destroyer is the best source of practice problems but Topscore and Achiever are also good.
Organic Chemistry: 26
The same tips apply to the Orgo section. One helpful tip here is to memorize the major reactions. DAT destroyer has a helpful mini map of them. Know the reactants and products as well as the mechanisms.
General Tips:
1) Do practice problems! I can't emphasize how important this is. You will see the same types of problems on the real DAT as your practice tests. Doing practice problems over and over will improve your speed and help you avoid careless mistakes.
2) Always review the questions you got wrong and know why you got them wrong. Don't just do practice tests and not review your incorrect answers.
3) Write an outline for the Bio section and memorize it.
4) Spend the first 3-4 weeks of studying reviewing your science knowledge (Bio, Chem, Orgo) and try to take your first practice test when you are done reviewing. Don't be discouraged if you score very low on your first practice test. You are not accustomed to the pace and types of questions covered on the test yet. Review your first test and see what problems you got wrong and figure out why you got them wrong. Research concepts that you don't understand well. Then move on to DAT Destroyer and do all of the problems in it. Repeat the cycle of reviewing science material then taking practice tests. If you don't have time to take a full test, take individual sections of the test (the computerized practice tests allow you to do this easily).
5) Spend the last month doing a full practice test everyday and review your wrong answers.
6) Try to spend at least 2-3 months total studying for this test and set aside 2 weeks where you have no other obligations right before the exam so you can cram and practice as much as possible. I personally spent 3-4 hours per day in months 1 and 2 and probably 6-7 hours per day the last month studying for the DAT.
7) Take your test before June if possible. It took AADSAS about 1 month to receive my official scores and send them to schools. I would say that you definitely need to take the test by July at the latest to have your scores in by August and be considered an early applicant. Remember that the dental school application process is rolling admissions so the earlier you apply the better.
8) Don't take the DAT if you are not ready, postpone it if necessary. If you aren't scoring 20's and 19's on every section of Topscore and KBB a week before the exam, push the test date back.
That is all, good luck studying!
