Rocked the DAT! Believe in yourself & so will u!

[dent555]

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The infamous breakdown, here it goes...

BIO 19 (83.5)
GC 21 (91.6)
OC 20 (84.4)
PAT 20 (81.0)
RC 21 (88.9)
QR 21 (97.6)
AA 20 (93.4)
TS 20 (91.3)


Biology
Study Materials: Barron's AP, Kaplan, DAT Destroyer
I took the Kaplan class and utilized all their materials, and overall it was ok. The in-class stuff was pretty good because of the detail involved; it really fostered understanding. Kaplan's class + books + online resources + other materials (flashcards and quicksheets) all together covered basically everthing. However, if you choose to take Kaplan, couple it with an AP like Barron's or Cliff's. (I read Cliff's while taking the bio sequence and it was just too dry for me; Barron's is an uber-easy read and more entertaining than Cliff's in my opinion).
Real DAT: Yeah, it's random, but then again bio in general is "random." There's so many different subjects in biology that, in order to really test student's knowledge in biology it must be widespread questions. However, I got some weird questions--it was the format that was strange. There were a quite a few questions where the diagrams were soo confusing. I felt pretty good about bio, but the very first question had a diagram that I was like wtf? Mark, choose an answer, move on. Still don't get what they were asking in that question, and don't care 😎. Nothing specific from Destroyer, like I've been reading other ppl say, but reading the solutions in Destroyer is great review to solidify.

General Chemistry
Study Materials: Chad!, DAT Destroyer, Kaplan, Princeton AP Chem
I specifically wanted to do well in this section, so I started reviewing in May for this using the AP Chem. It was easy to understand, and with that being the only studying of gen chem I had done in years, gen chem turned out to be my highest score on the Kaplan Diagnostic Test. I only got through ~1/2 of it though--moved on to Kaplan. Kaplan was meh. Chad is amazing. Hands down. I know, I know, everyone says the same thing. Becaue of Chad, a part of me wishes I wouldn't have taken the Kaplan class, and just focused on Chad. However, I needed the structure of going to class and being responsible to get "homework" done. I bought Chad's videos exactly 1 month before my DAT and got through everything once, my weaknesses 2x. If you have the time, buy 2-3 months and go over the videos 2x and you'll be more than set.
Real DAT: Pretty straight forward, actually. Got a couple weird ones, but majority of it is basic. Not much calculation, just setting up mostly.

Organic Chemistry
Study Materials: Chad!, DAT Destroyer, Kaplan
This was the subject I studied the least for (besides RC). Went through Chads, which was most helpful in refreshing my memory. I like ochem to begin with, I'm good at guessing on most rxns, so I focused on the other subjects more and ochem last.
Real DAT: Basic stuff, not too many surprises thankfully. Finished with about 10 minutues to go over a few. It is key to get your timing/pace down!

Perceptual Ability
Study Materials: CDP
Practice makes perfect. I felt fine with PAT to begin with, so once I did a couple CDP tests, I focused on other material. However, the week of my test I did a CDP test every day, just to keep my brain in PAT mode.
Real DAT: I did not appreciate it, to be honest. Keyholes were o.k., a couple questionable ones. I was still a bit stirred up from the sciences, so I was taking a lot longer to answer than usual. TFE was alright. I've been hearing that the 'counting events' method doesn't work on the real thing, so for the last week I've been just trying to visualize the object on CDP, and I recommend that to those who have yet to take it. They weren't too crazy of objects, but counting only worked on 1 or 2. Angles were alright, but use CDP for this, as Kaplan's angles are far too easy. Hole punch: this made me angry! The holes were almost 1/2 the size of the ones seen in Kaplan or Achiever. Their folds were NOT symmetrical--nothing I've seen before, very sloppy. Cubes: probably got at least 5-7 different stacks, was flustered b/c of holes so I tried to race through this to save time. Pattern folding: not bad, but I've felt pretty good about patterns to begin with. Finished with only 1 or 2 minutes, but was ready for break.

Reading Comprehension
Study Materials: Kaplan practice tests, Achiever practice tests
Not much studying--just find what works for you and go for it. I like to read JAMA and JADA, so I was somewhat used to articles like this. Reading those journals helps. Although there are many words in JAMA & JADA articles I do not know, I read them because I will know what those words mean in the future. I have a legitimate motivation and interest in health sciences articles and I think it helps for RC. Be engaged in the article you are reading and you will retain more, and if you do not remember something you will remember where to find it.
Real DAT: As I did on practice tests, I just read the article. I jotted down a couple notes, but didn't use them. As long as you get your timing down and stay focused, it's not too bad of a section. I finished a few minutes early.

Quantitative Reasoning
Study Materials: Math Destroyer, Chad, Kaplan
I honestly don't understand how ppl can get a 15. Don't be afraid of this section. Do math destroyer and you'll be fine. (I only did 5 of their 11 tests!) However, I did a few of DAT Destroyer questions and they seemed a bit simplified.
Real DAT:
I am not a math wiz at all, but got in the the top 4%? I literally did not read a couple of the questions (just marked, but didn't feel like going back to them in the end), and finished with ~4 minutes to go over ones I was taking too long to figure out but knew I could answer. The key is to skip those that are chewing up time and come back to them. It did seem the last half was easier than the first half.


No matter what those 25AA/TS-er's say, I think anyone who scores in the top 10 percentile for AA and TS rocked it. This test tests your endurance and ability to keep a cool head in a high pressure situation. Doing well on the DAT is a great feat. For those who look at the 23+ breakdowns, don't be discouraged! Honestly, I think those who get 23+ are super-competitive in nature, very good test takers, just extremely genius, or studied for forever. (I'm not putting you super competitive DATers down, you guys were my inspiration after all 🙂). Dentistry is a competitive field--it takes someone at least some-what competitive to begin with, but that being said, I am only competitive because I have to be in order to get me where I want to go. I'm not competitive for the sake of being ahead of others. If you want to get a competitive score (one that will get you into d-school, since that is the point of the DAT after all), a 19-21 AA/TS is so do-able. Just keep your head up and remember why you are studying. Any questions, just PM me.

Oh, and about my time studying. I did 3-5 hours most days for 1.5 months, but felt more motivated as D-day was approaching and so got in about 6-12 hours 2 weeks up to the DAT. Pace yourself. Remember, slow and steady wins the race 😛.

 

[FROGGBUSTER]

Great job.

 

[Hope30]

I like your attitude. Sound like a great future dentist.

 

[tmirchel]

Solid scores!👍

Like your statements also, could not agree more.

 

[LetsGo2DSchool]

No matter what those 25AA/TS-er's say, I think anyone who scores in the top 10 percentile for AA and TS rocked it. This test tests your endurance and ability to keep a cool head in a high pressure situation. Doing well on the DAT is a great feat. For those who look at the 23+ breakdowns, don't be discouraged! Honestly, I think those who get 23+ are super-competitive in nature, very good test takers, just extremely genius, or studied for forever. (I'm not putting you super competitive DATers down, you guys were my inspiration after all 🙂). Dentistry is a competitive field--it takes someone at least some-what competitive to begin with, but that being said, I am only competitive because I have to be in order to get me where I want to go. I'm not competitive for the sake of being ahead of others. If you want to get a competitive score (one that will get you into d-school, since that is the point of the DAT after all), a 19-21 AA/TS is so do-able. Just keep your head up and remember why you are studying. Any questions, just PM me.

Solid scores.

I disagree with your above paragraph. This "yeah, it's good enough" attitude will carry over in treatment of your future patients as "yeah, I know I could've done a better job on your root canal if I went the extra mile, but you know what, I didn't feel like it so whatever, it's good enough..." and "I probably could've done a better job on customizing those dentures had I spent the extra hours in dental school learning about the other new innovative techniques, but you know what, I didn't feel like studying so many hours as I wanted my beauty sleep so you'll just have to do with my shortcomings here..."

I would hate to be your patient bro. I would rather have a dentist who is a perfectionist and overachiever and whom I know worked his ass off in dental school so he can provide the best possible care to his patients.

 

[dent555]

Solid scores.

I disagree with your above paragraph. This "yeah, it's good enough" attitude will carry over in treatment of your future patients as "yeah, I know I could've done a better job on your root canal if I went the extra mile, but you know what, I didn't feel like it so whatever, it's good enough..." and "I probably could've done a better job on customizing those dentures had I spent the extra hours in dental school learning about the other new innovative techniques, but you know what, I didn't feel like studying so many hours as I wanted my beauty sleep so you'll just have to do with my shortcomings here..." I would hate to be your patient bro.

Ignorant, I must say. Either that, or I did not elaborate my attitude enough towards my future as a dentist, which I admit I did not, but only because it was not the point of the post. I was ecstatic, relieved, and happy to be done, so I apologize if I did not have a 100% serious tone. My point of the post was to inform my future colleagues of what I did in order to perform well on the DAT, as well as to give my sincere encouragement towards them, in order to convey potential advice toward their future achievement. Again, I stress, as long as you put in your best effort, you will do well.

Let's be honest here. Is 20AA/TS competitive? Yes. The average for matriculating dental students is 19.5 and for the nation 18.5 approximately? I don't remember exactly, I've been focusing on performing well, not worrying about averages. Being in the top 10% of dental students, or dentists, is a great feat. I did well on the DAT and the reason I am proud to say that is because it is another step further in my career as a dentist.

Becoming a dental clinician is not an "average" pursuit. Competent dentists are hard-working, compassionate, passionate, driven individuals who have a deep desire to improve the lives of individuals by not only improving their oral health, but also systemic health. I have worked in the field for several years and look forward to the day that I become a confident clinician, one who is respected, trusted, and involved in my community.

I am not just "good enough," in any way, as far as career or personal life, I assure you. Due to my previous experience and knowledge in dentistry, as well as my continuous passion for this field, I assure you my career in dentistry will be successful and filled with compassion. Whether you think so or not, my scores are not just "good enough." However, they are just scores. Scores will not make you competent dentist. Connecting and listening to your patients and their needs, being a competent clinician, and having a good education will make you a competent dentist.

Being competitive for the sake of being competitive will NOT make you a competent dentist. It will make you a dentist that only cares about making money, not one who cares about taking care of their patients and community. If I had a deep desire to specialize, I may have put in 1.5 more weeks of studying, but what's the point? Even if I did want to specialize, I would still practice general dentistry for ~5 years in order to pay off debt before beginning a residency. The DAT is significant, but it in no way shape or form defines your competency as a dentist.

Unlike your reply implies, I never do anything half-heartedly. If I did not take dentistry seriously, I would not be in this field. However, I am here, and I will become a competent clinician, one who does most lab work themselves (this is one aspect of general dentistry I feel strongly about and hope to attend a lab-intense school). I already have plans after dental school with a dentist who will mentor me. Likewise, I have plans of continuing education post-dental school. I cease every opportunity in life that presents itself, particualrly educational opportunites.

I recommend you begin being a team player with your future colleagues, otherwise you will be the dentist that not only patients try to avoid, but also the dentist that the dental community frowns upon. Join our team, not the opposing team.

 

[LetsGo2DSchool]

Ignorant, I must say. Either that, or I did not elaborate my attitude enough towards my future as a dentist, which I admit I did not, but only because it was not the point of the post. I was ecstatic, relieved, and happy to be done, so I apologize if I did not have a 100% serious tone. My point of the post was to inform my future colleagues of what I did in order to perform well on the DAT, as well as to give my sincere encouragement towards them, in order to convey potential advice toward their future achievement. Again, I stress, as long as you put in your best effort, you will do well.

Let's be honest here. Is 20AA/TS competitive? Yes. The average for matriculating dental students is 19.5 and for the nation 18.5 approximately? I don't remember exactly, I've been focusing on performing well, not worrying about averages. Being in the top 10% of dental students, or dentists, is a great feat. I did well on the DAT and the reason I am proud to say that is because it is another step further in my career as a dentist.

Becoming a dental clinician is not an "average" pursuit. Competent dentists are hard-working, compassionate, passionate, driven individuals who have a deep desire to improve the lives of individuals by not only improving their oral health, but also systemic health. I have worked in the field for several years and look forward to the day that I become a confident clinician, one who is respected, trusted, and involved in my community.

I am not just "good enough," in any way, as far as career or personal life, I assure you. Due to my previous experience and knowledge in dentistry, as well as my continuous passion for this field, I assure you my career in dentistry will be successful and filled with compassion. Whether you think so or not, my scores are not just "good enough." However, they are just scores. Scores will not make you competent dentist. Connecting and listening to your patients and their needs, being a competent clinician, and having a good education will make you a competent dentist.

Being competitive for the sake of being competitive will NOT make you a competent dentist. It will make you a dentist that only cares about making money, not one who cares about taking care of their patients and community. If I had a deep desire to specialize, I may have put in 1.5 more weeks of studying, but what's the point? Even if I did want to specialize, I would still practice general dentistry for ~5 years in order to pay off debt before beginning a residency. The DAT is significant, but it in no way shape or form defines your competency as a dentist.

Unlike your reply implies, I never do anything half-heartedly. If I did not take dentistry seriously, I would not be in this field. However, I am here, and I will become a competent clinician, one who does most lab work themselves (this is one aspect of general dentistry I feel strongly about and hope to attend a lab-intense school). I already have plans after dental school with a dentist who will mentor me. Likewise, I have plans of continuing education post-dental school. I cease every opportunity in life that presents itself, particualrly educational opportunites.

I recommend you begin being a team player with your future colleagues, otherwise you will be the dentist that not only patients try to avoid, but also the dentist that the dental community frowns upon. Join our team, not the opposing team.

Chill out dude, save it for your interviews. We believe your intentions. You didn't have to write an AADSAS personal statement about it.

 

[toothhornet88]

Chill out dude, save it for your interviews. We believe your intentions. You didn't have to write an AADSAS personal statement about it.

LOL HAHA you read my mind...I was about to reply with the "personal statement" line but I saw you already took care of that. But on a more serious note I actually liked the OP's encouraging word to those that are still studying for their DAT! It definately encouraged me!

 

[NewBee12]

Well done. Good luck on your application process

 

[wired202808]

Solid scores.

I disagree with your above paragraph. This "yeah, it's good enough" attitude will carry over in treatment of your future patients as "yeah, I know I could've done a better job on your root canal if I went the extra mile, but you know what, I didn't feel like it so whatever, it's good enough..." and "I probably could've done a better job on customizing those dentures had I spent the extra hours in dental school learning about the other new innovative techniques, but you know what, I didn't feel like studying so many hours as I wanted my beauty sleep so you'll just have to do with my shortcomings here..."

I would hate to be your patient bro. I would rather have a dentist who is a perfectionist and overachiever and whom I know worked his ass off in dental school so he can provide the best possible care to his patients.

dude go study for your dat instead of bashing someone for being honest. i doubt you'll ALWAYS give up sleep and ALWAYS give up family time to do what's right for your patients. Most people will talk the talk but VERY FEW walk the walk EACH AND EVERY TIME!

Either way I think the OP meant he did good enough for his exam and not for patient care. and once again until you hit a 20 or more on your DAT your opinion doesnt meant squat

 

[LetsGo2DSchool]

dude go study for your dat instead of bashing someone for being honest. i doubt you'll ALWAYS give up sleep and ALWAYS give up family time to do what's right for your patients. Most people will talk the talk but VERY FEW walk the walk EACH AND EVERY TIME!

Either way I think the OP meant he did good enough for his exam and not for patient care. and once again until you hit a 20 or more on your DAT your opinion doesnt meant squat

C'mon what do you think I'm going to score on the DAT considering the amount of prep I've done and the amount I plan to still do by exam day?

 

[wired202808]

C'mon what do you think I'm going to score on the DAT considering the amount of prep I've done and the amount I plan to still do by exam day?

i dont know and i dont care. im gonna go study instead of wasting precious time. and to the OP Congrats you earned it! dont let anyone hold you down some people are just jealous or ignorant of how to say Congrats!

 

[LetsGo2DSchool]

i dont know and i dont care. im gonna go study instead of wasting precious time. and to the OP Congrats you earned it! dont let anyone hold you down some people are just jealous or ignorant of how to say Congrats!

Alright homey, I think I'm going to study now so I can score 20+ and make you eat your words. Bon apetite!

 

[wired202808]

Alright homey, I think I'm going to study now so I can score 20+ and make you eat your words. Bon apetite!

you haven't accomplished anything yet besides your 900 posts lol good luck!

 

[LetsGo2DSchool]

you haven't accomplished anything yet besides your 900 posts lol good luck!

You're catching up real quick too ~700 posts lol good luck!

My plan is to stay at 999 until exam day and make my 1000th post in a score report. And then retire this handle as I ride off in the sunset.

 

[Double Bonded]

Great job OP!

I personally think that the difference between people who score high (23AA and above) is luck, not hyper-competitiveness.

The difference between a 23 and 26 could be just come down to 2 or 3 questions that you guessed on. Remember, AA is the average of all the scores so 3 points has a lot of potential to influence your score. At that point, I think it's all chance.

Let's be honest here. Is 20AA/TS competitive? Yes. The average for matriculating dental students is 19.5 and for the nation 18.5 approximately? I don't remember exactly, I've been focusing on performing well, not worrying about averages

I wouldn't say that you "rocked" it. You definitely did well on it but if the average matriculant score is a 19.5, then you're slightly above average with a 20.

I love your attitude and I'm not trying to rain on your parade...but you are coming of a bid cocky.

 

[DancingKoala]

You're catching up real quick too ~700 posts lol good luck!

My plan is to stay at 999 until exam day and make my 1000th post in a score report. And then retire this handle as I ride off in the sunset.

Maybe you haven't heard about JoonKimDDS who had over 3500 posts before he took his 1st DAT.

To the OP; congratulations. You will get into to a dental school (as long as your GPA is good enough). Ignore all these stupid negative comments.

 

[Golfguy]

Good job OP, very informative breakdown!

I would agree with other though. I wouldn't say a 20AA is "rocking the DAT." I scored a 21AA, 22TS, and I was hesitant to say it.

Good luck on your interviews!😉

 

[Dyslexic]

Great Job on your scores! as far as rocking it, you sure did. Its all subjective to a persons definition of "rockin it." 🙂
But I must say youre making the 25AA/TS-er's look like mean jerks. I dont think I came across any dat done write up of someone that scored high and was just completely negative to others. wellll lets just hope bobby fischer doesnt score high.. bc we all hate him right??

 

[IronJeff]

Solid scores.

I disagree with your above paragraph. This "yeah, it's good enough" attitude will carry over in treatment of your future patients as "yeah, I know I could've done a better job on your root canal if I went the extra mile, but you know what, I didn't feel like it so whatever, it's good enough..." and "I probably could've done a better job on customizing those dentures had I spent the extra hours in dental school learning about the other new innovative techniques, but you know what, I didn't feel like studying so many hours as I wanted my beauty sleep so you'll just have to do with my shortcomings here..."

I would hate to be your patient bro. I would rather have a dentist who is a perfectionist and overachiever and whom I know worked his ass off in dental school so he can provide the best possible care to his patients.

I think before you spew your ridiculous garbage all over every single quality thread on sdn, you should think about if you would share those comments in person, without the internet's anonymity to hide your face. You really are malicious and cruel. He just scored in the top 10% and all you can do is bash him for his concluding comments, which I think were endearing and positive. You have single-handedly made this forum (read: the entire sdn DAT forum) into a waste bucket. To conclude...

 

[LetsGo2DSchool]

I think before you spew your ridiculous garbage all over every single quality thread on sdn, you should think about if you would share those comments in person, without the internet's anonymity to hide your face. You really are malicious and cruel. He just scored in the top 10% and all you can do is bash him for his concluding comments, which I think were endearing and positive. You have single-handedly made this forum (read: the entire sdn DAT forum) into a waste bucket. To conclude...

Oh IronJeff, you can go kiss my sweaty stinky ass. What you fail to realize is that I didn't like his comment knocking on the hard workers on SDN who go the extra mile in their prep as if we were a bunch of competitive degenerates. And my comment regarding future patient treatment was to make a point that hard work results in success while half assing results in incompetency.

 

[newbie1990]

aww mannnn you guys will never stop! 😉 haha can someone come help me out with pandalove89's question with kaplan bio instead of all this 😉

definite CONGRATS to the OP though... I think "rocking the DAT" is for sure a relative term. but when i'm done, i hope i feel as satisfied with my scores as the OP does!

 

[vicsin]

I think some of the 23+ers are just people who got lucky with an exam that is pretty much identical to 2007 ada test. The DAT is probably 70% prep/30% luck.

 

[nondescriptive]

Everyone on this thread needs to calm the **** down. We're not raining down on each other's parade, we're pissing on it. Chill out. If the OP believed he "rocked it", let him be; to each his own. And if a reply criticizes a post, I'm sure its with good intention. Either way, every mofo on this thread needs to take a hit of hash and chill out. I got some sticky icky if you need it.

 

[indigenoustw]

Just something to consider tho..

Based on the DAT users manual, 13125 people had taken the test. If you scored top 10%, then at least 1300 people will score either the same as you or higher than you. Disregard all the other factors regarding admission and assume that the highest DAT score takers have the advantage over lower score takers, since each school only has on average a 100 seats or less, 13 or more schools will be taken before you get selected. We know that everybody would love to attend a better school. However, since there are only 50+ dental schools, competition is fierce. Of course, if we consider the whole picture of the admission process, the result would not be so extreme but rather more distributed due to location, GPA, personal statements, undergrad schools....etc.

Like previous posts said, "rocking the dat" is a relative term. But as a predental student, I do believe that the higher the better. There's no doubt about that. However, on the other hand, feeling satisfactory is also important, otherwise what are you going to do? retake? nah.

Overall, I'd say that OP did great! Good luck on the admission process!!

 

[Hope30]

I do agree with indigenous. I believe indigenous has given us a good conclusion for this thread cuz the host is no longer here, so I think this discussion is enough for now.

 

[toothhornet88]

man guys! STOP this immature behavior! what the heck is wrong with all of u. SDN members should be the head of the flock, the representatives of dentistry and u guys are acting like jerks. the op did nothing wrong but encourage and positively influence those that may be struggling and still preparing for the DAT and I totally support what he said. he didn't bash anyone! Jeez!!!

 

[LetsGo2DSchool]

Indigenoustw is the voice of reason. Sticky stuff sounds good bro.

 

[JustwantDDS]

id be ECSTATIC with those scores.
just sayin'