MCAT/DAT similarities or differences

[mmapcpro]

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[pixies_fan]

you need to know physics for the MCAT (no physics on DAT!!!!)

 

[Bickle]

You need perceptual ability for the DAT, which isnt on the MCAT.

 

[Bickle]

If I were you, I would go for my first choice and forget about the other. Put 100% into what you really want to do, instead of spliting your time between two fields.

 

[dr_benj]

I think you will have considerable difficulty taking both exams near one another. The MCAT is completely different than the DAT. You need a different mindset for both. I agree that you should just pick your first choice and go with it. It sounds to me like dental school is a back up plan.

 

[ecdoesit]

I agree with Dentaldream, though I assume mmapcpro is still deciding which field to get into.

Personally, I took MCAT(last year) and DAT(this year). MCAT deals with ability to think a lot more than DAT (except for the PAT portion) In MCAT, they give u long passage and ask you questions from there. Sometimes you have to recall facts from your classes in order to find the answer. And the questions are quite tricky.

This year, I actually studied MCAT and DAT at the same time.
I basically treat DAT as MCAT and review and memorize most of the science stuff. I think the mentality and stress helped me a little to stay focus. Then after I got my DAT score(22AA/18PAT) back, I m exhausted and decided not to take MCAT =) And put my mind on just dental school ever since.

Like I have said, DAT questions are straight forward. Bad news is that either you know or you dont. For mcat, i feel like

The length is another issue.
DAT ~4 hrs. in prometric center, there are people taking other tests including the LSAT and GRE who students will type in the middle of your exam. Get ready to use headset(which they provide)
MCAT, i stayed in a huge lecture room and it took 10 hours.
Be sure to go to the gym before the test and train your back muscle.

 

[Bickle]

I think its great to have a backup plan. But before you work on that back up, be sure to put all of your effort and resources into your first choice. So, in my opinion, when you are studying for the DAT, I dont think you should be wondering if this stuff will show up on the MCAT. Focus on your 1st choice and see if you're successful, if not, you have a backup you can fall on.

Although, I'm not sure if Med will be a feasible backup. If dental schools dont accept you, I doubt many med schools will.

Whatever you decide, Good Luck

 

[KMF]

I know a few people who studied for the MCAT and then ended up taking the DAT. The two people I know who did that got 25's across the board. So maybe studying for the MCAT is enough for the science portion of the DAT? Then maybe practice the PAT portion on your own.

 

[dr_benj]

Welcome to life as a pre-dent Scott. Glad to hear your decision. Let us know if we can help you out with anything.