Scared to take DAT, confidence shot

[PinkZinfandel]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I studied hard for 3 months but only managed to score a 26 on the MCAT. Medicine was not particularly my passion but my family wanted me to be a medical school because it's seen as prestigious. I shadowed dentists and honestly, I liked it a lot better than medicine. I have ignored my family's requests to pursue medicine (by doing DO or going abroad) because honestly, medicine is not what I truly wanted to do. After shadowing at a dental clinic, I liked it so, so much better. However, I am scared to take the DAT because I have difficulty with standardized tests. With the MCAT in particular, I knew all the content but I had difficulty extrapolating the information from the passages (AKA perhaps I am just not good at critical-thinking or test-taking). After shadowing at a dental clinic, I want to start to prep for the DAT but doing poorly on the MCAT has caused me to lose confidence in myself. 🙁 I am worried I will study hard for 3 months but not be able to get the minimum score needed to get into any dental school in the US.

 

[Glimmer1991]

When did you take the MCAT? Is the info still fresh? If so, you won't need a whole 3 months to study for the DAT. It will be an easy process for you.

The DAT and MCAT are very different tests, from what I can tell. The DAT, from what I gather, involves fewer application-based questions (but they are still there!). Also, the DAT has a perceptual ability section which you will have to prepare for, but there is no physics (yay!).

Take a practice DAT test and see what you think of it. You may find that the test is better suited to you. It's not the same.

Don't lose confidence. I know it's hard to go against your parents' wishes, and it's frustrating that they don't understand. On the bright side, though, it's wonderful that you have parents who are pushing you to live up to your full potential. Not everyone has that kind of presence in their life. It can seem like a burden at times, but hey, it ends up helping in the end.

Plus, I bet once you get involved in dentistry and they start to see how well it meshes with your life values, they will come around. At first, my parents REALLY balked at the prospect of my going into dentistry. I had said I wanted to go into medicine since I was very young. However, as I grew older, I realized that dentistry was a better fit for me. They initially thought I was taking the "easy way out" or something like that and was making a rash decision. They came around, though, once they saw all the field had to offer and how great it was. (And how it definitely isn't the "easy way out!" Even though that seems to be a pretty common misconception in society.)

Keep trudging along. Don't be discouraged. This career is far worth it in the end.

Also, when you DO go to study for the DAT, all of the materials you need can be found here on SDN. You are in the right place. 🙂 To start, I'd suggest checking the "DAT Breakdown Collection" link in my signature.

 

[clutchfans]

Like, Glimmer said, don't get discourage. Take a practice and don't be afraid to do poorly. It's you first test. If you get a 14 or 15 in a section don't feel bad. Learn from your mistakes and get better. For example, when I took my first practice test, I got a 16AA with a 16TS and a 14 in bio. I thought oh goodness, this is pretty bad. But I worked hard, learned the concepts, fixed and learned from my mistakes and got a 21AA. Remember, you control how well you do, not the test. Do let the test have power you.
Finally again, stay confident, don't get discouraged.

 

[Glimmer1991]

Yes, seriously, don't care about your scores for the practice test. I am only encouraging you to take one so that you can see how the test differs from the format of the MCAT. 🙂

 

[PinkZinfandel]

Thanks everyone, I am scared to take a practice test because I don't remember anything from General Chemistry and Organic. I have forgotten most of it. I am watching Chad's videos though and it is all coming back! I am thinking I should go through all of Chad's videos for Chem and Organic and then take a practice test? Also fortunately I am very strong in Biology so it will be easy for me to study for that.

Thanks

 

[clutchfans]

Like glimmer said, don't be scared of your first practice test. No one sees your scores and dental schools could give 2 sh*ts on how you did. I had the same concerns as you. I was thinking "On know, what if I totally bomb this test?" I took it, stayed humble, and learned from my mistakes. This is the most important part, learn from your mistakes. The mistakes you make during your practice tests means points for you on your real test. Stay confident! 🙂

 

[NMC2010]

Just to help you out, the DAT is easier than the MCAT. I've never taken the real MCAT, but when I was pre-med I took the practice MCATs and they aren't very forgiving. The DAT is way more straightforward. I was in the same boat as you with Dad wanting me to go the medical route. But like Glimmer said, it's your choice and they'll eventually come around. Good luck!