PAT score

[wise146]

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I think too many people here are worried about PAT scores. I got a 14 twice on that section but my GPA and other scores are very good. Schools know how difficult the computerized DAT is and many schools are willing to overlook that score if you have done well in science lab classes to prove your manual ability is fine. Anybody else have thoughts on this..........

 

[dr_benj]

doing well in lab classes means you have good manual ability???? I don't really see the correlation unless all dentistry involves is pouring liquid from one beaker into another.

 

[wise146]

i don't think getting an A in biochem lab means all you can do is pour water into a beaker

 

[JavadiCavity]

The PAT is important or it wouldn't be on the test. The reason so many applicants don't score above 20 is because of the lack of practice problems available. I searched Amazon, B&N, and other retailers to find as many practice problems as possible, and I'm sorry to report that I found hardly any currently available. If anybody has any leads for me, I'd appreciate it. All I was able to find was Kaplan, TopScore, and Barrons. Kaplan has 90 practice problems, 15 for each section of the PAT and then 3 practice tests. Barron's has some (I'm not sure on the exact amount) but from what I can tell, it didn't feel like enough to adequately prepare me.

Fortunately, a book will be released early in 2004 that will contain over 500 PAT practice problems. I'm sure the more practice we get looking at angles, hole punching, paper folding, etc. the better the chance at scoring well on the real deal. According to Kaplan, you can miss almost 50% of the PAT problems (that's 45 out of 90) and still score a 17 or 18! Imagine if you could get 10 to 15 more correct (that's only 1.5 to 3 more per section)! You'd probably score close to a 20.

 

[dr_benj]

Originally posted by wise146
i don't think getting an A in biochem lab means all you can do is pour water into a beaker

Whether it be biochem, anatomy, or physics lab, I don't think any of them prove manual ability. A simple art class would do more to show manual dexterity than a science lab.

 

[dudelove]

I never really saw a purpose to the PAT. If you wanted to test out manual dexterity and artistic skills, carving would make more sense to me. I wonder why medical residencies for neurosurgery and cardiovascular surgery don't require something like the PAT to test for manual dexterity. You'd figure those fields would really need some major manual dexterity.

 

[critterbug]

Originally posted by dudelove
I never really saw a purpose to the PAT. If you wanted to test out manual dexterity and artistic skills, carving would make more sense to me. I wonder why medical residencies for neurosurgery and cardiovascular surgery don't require something like the PAT to test for manual dexterity. You'd figure those fields would really need some major manual dexterity.

Simple. Because manual dexterity is a skill that can be practiced and perfected. Some might be slower than others at learning it, but unless you have some kind of brain disorder that hinders your eye hand coordination, I'm sure anyone can learn the hand skills as long as one practices enough. However, I know that some will be inherently better than others, but all should be able to pass the boards as long as one practices enough.

Here in Texas, and especially Baylor, they don't even look at the PAT score. They claim that from *their own* observations and studies, GPA tends to correlate more with how well a student performs on the boards (both I and especially II) than the PAT score.

 

[vondy60]

JavidiCavity

What is this PAT book coming out in 2004? Who is putting it out and how did you find out about it? I want to keep a watch out for it.

 

[JavadiCavity]

It's put out by a company called EggHead Ideas or something similar to that. Supposedly it will be available during Feb or Mar (at the latest) in 2004. I heard it will only be available for purchase via the internet. They also expect it to be very reasonably priced. I'm very anxious to get my hands on a copy of it. Having 500 practice problems to work with will be a big help when I'm studying. If you'd like me to keep you posted on info, let me know. I can PM you when I hear more specifics on the book.

 

[3rdMolarRoller]

When you guys start D-school you will see why you took the PAT section.

When you are waxing, you have to look at so many different angles and shapes.

We just did amalgam fillings and you have to be able to get the occulsal side just right or the patient will have problems closing their mouth...so many more examples to tell of

It is key to be able to see distinct angles and shapes. So you need both the manual dexerity and the ability to see what you are doing.

PAT is very applicable

 

[toothache]

I heard you can suck with manuel dexterity, but with practice any can do it, even if you can't even tie your own shoelace.

 

[critterbug]

Originally posted by toothache
I heard you can suck with manuel dexterity, but with practice any can do it, even if you can't even tie your own shoelace.

Exactly my point. Like I side, some will inherently be better than others and will learn faster. But I really believe with enough practice, anyone can train themselves the handskills necessary to succeed.

 

[critterbug]

....it's the critical thinking skills and communication skills that are a little harder to train 😉

 

[toothache]

i agree if you😉