PAT Score Issue

[jojo88]

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I have heard that this years PAT on the DAT is a little "off" and that this years average is down. I was told the dental schools are aware of this and are taking it into consideration. Has anybody heard this sort of thing?

 

[DesiDentist]

The PAT is an "iffy" section, however I really doubt that it would be "off." Most people who have recently taken the DAT on SDN are doing pretty decently on it (19+). In my opinion, if you get less than a 16 on the PAT, I would strongly consider retaking it, that would be after evaluating your other DAT scores and grades.

Regards,

DesiDentist

 

[ecdoesit]

I just took DAT last monday.
I got a 18 on PAT.

I have a concern about the computer that I was using.
For the angle ranking part, the lines are not straight, but divided into increment. I am wondering if this is normal. I have already reported to DAT. If it is normal, could you share your advice how to study for this part?

Also, for the hold punching, there is at least one question that the hole is right in the middle of the four circles. It is the weirdest thing I have seen. Anyone encounter this?

For PAT, just be ready to expect anything.

 

[Brand]

The actual PAT test is MUCH harder than any practice tests out there. The angle rankings, like was said in other post, are messed up by the resolution of the monitors. Also, I thought the hole punch section was the easiest thing on earth, until I took the actual DAT.

The only comfort is knowing that everyone has the same problems.

 

[ecdoesit]

Brand,

Just want to confirm that you and I are not taking in the same center with the same messed up computer.

Do you happen to take the test in San Diego?

 

[kevinacko]

i've heard the same thing about the pat being off from my pre-dental committee. they had a number of students complain about it, including myself. i thought the figures were not as clear as they should have been (i.e. not enough pixels) so it was hard to discern the difference between many of the options. i took the kaplan course and consistently got 20+ on the practice tests but only got an 18 on the actual exam. i took my dat in philly.

 

[ItsGavinC]

Actually, all those pixels being off on the angle part can make it easier to differentiate between close angles.

The pixelation issue doesn't alter any other section, and the PAT has been like that since it became available on computer. It certainly isn't anything new.

The point is that your scores can be compared against the scores of everybody else who is in the same boat. It has nothing to do with specific computers or different testing centers.

 

[Bickle]

How important is the PAT portion of the DAT? Compared to your academic average is it more , less, or just as important?

 

[ItsGavinC]

It depends on the school. Some schools view it highly, while others view it only as a sidenote when seen next to the academic average.

 

[ecdoesit]

For school such as UCLA, UCSF, USC, and University of Maryland.
Do they stress on high PAT such as 20 or above?

 

[StarGirl]

go to the school web sites and check out their averages... some school stress highly on the PAT while others don't care much 🙂

 

[NewNameForGoogleBot]

Don't worry about the angle ranking. There are lots of points on the PAT. Similarily, don't worry about the really hard questions in other sections. Mark them and come back. Just move quickly and scoop up all of the easy ones. I think as long as you get above a 17 or 18, schools are happy. You probably get a marginal bonus if you are 20 or over, but not that dramatic.

 

[ehop24]

ultimately the pixelation didnt mess the section up, but it sure threw me off at first. i was ticked. i mean, can they not set a standard for resolution on the dat?

it really is disconcerting to have those stairstep lines when you know the lines are supposed to be straight.

as for the PAT being "off", what are we talking about here? one point? two maybe? a good nights sleep can make up that difference very easily. and i will agree that it is significantly harder on the actual dat then it is in practice. dont know why.