Simultaneously Studying for the MCAT & DAT

[HSShouldEnd]

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Hi all,

I posted this on the MCAT thread, but I am posting here as well hoping to get thoughts from pre-dents.

"I am considering going to either dental school or medical school. I have not yet decided, but now is the ideal time to study for the MCAT and DAT. (I have read the benefits of both dental school and medical school, the cons of each, etc. I just have not yet decided which to apply to. So, please do not submit posts about how dumb it is to consider both and how I can't possibly want both because they are very different.)

I understand that each test is different, so I need to study seperately. For example, there is no physics in the DAT and there is no perceptual test in the MCAT. However, some sections/material do overlap.

What is the best way to study for both the DAT and MCAT at the same time?"



After considering advice that I should focus on one test, I replied by saying:
"I have decided to focus on the MCAT solely because some threads I read through mentioned that studying sufficiently for the MCAT and scoring well (let's say low to mid 30s) would probably also lead me to scoring well on the DAT as well. On the other hand, if I were to focus solely on the DAT, scoring well on the DAT does not give me the same likelihood of scoring well on the MCAT.

My one remaining concern is the reporting of scores. Do dental schools ask if I took the MCAT before? Likewise, do medical schools ask if I took the DAT? Of course, answering yes to either of these questions may not bode well since schools may think I am not committed to either medicine or dentistry. I will, however, only apply to only ONE school--either dental school or medical school--when the time comes. Right now is the just the best time for me to study."

What are your thoughts?

 

[Daneosaurus]

I think its highly unadvisable to study for both simultaneously. OP, you should shadow physicians and dentists to determins what you actually want to do. Taking both exams may be detrimental for your entrance to either profession. If you do truly want to study for both, I would reccomend studying for the MCAT - it's a more difficult test and PAT can be learned.

I can't answer about the score reporting, because I don't know and don't want to steer you wrong.

 

[Glimmer1991]

As you've already decided, study for the MCAT. Use Crack PAT to supplement for PAT studying.

Here's what I'd do. Take the MCAT first, and then take the DAT 3 weeks afterward. That way, you'll have those 3 weeks to study solely for the DAT. During that time, I'd buy Chad's DAT video bundle and watch all of his stuff for GC/OC/QR. It should be a lot of overlap, but you'll at least see if you're missing anything. Buy DAT Bootcamp to get yourself familiar with some DAT practice tests. The DAT Destroyer would also be a good tool to use.

That's a lot of stuff to do in 3 weeks, sure. However, a lot of this should be review for you once you've taken the MCAT, so it shouldn't be too overwhelming.

I don't think schools can find out if you've taken the MCAT or DAT. I seem to only remember them asking if you've ever applied to med/pharm/dental/whatever school.

I know it will be expensive to buy more study materials, but Chad's videos are seriously a STEAL and work 20x more than what you pay for them. Also, if you keep your Destroyer in like-new condition, you can sell it back on eBay for a fantastic price.