Studying for the DAT

[pre_dent2016]

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I am a Junior, Nutrition Science Major and Psychology Minor. I am planning on taking the DAT and applying this summer. I get out of school May 9. I have a summer nannying job, so I will be working from 8am-1pm everyday and then studying the rest of the day. For those of you who have studied and taken the DAT, what is a realistic time line for when I should try to take the exam?

 

[Ari Rezaei]

Depends on how long you want to study and how much you remember from your undergrad classes. Some people study 2 weeks, some take up to 3 months (or more). Personally, I like 10 weeks because you can comfortably go over all of the content thoroughly and then have a lot of time to practice.

Most people take the exam in June-August. I would try to shoot for a June/July date so you have the option to postpone your test till late July or early August if you need to. You could also start studying while you're in school to take the test earlier if you like, I started studying for the DAT in the beginning of April through June. Either way, be sure to apply early in June so your application can get approved (it takes a few weeks), you can submit everything without your DAT score and AADSAS will update your DAT after you take it.

 

[DAT Destroyer]

I am a Junior, Nutrition Science Major and Psychology Minor. I am planning on taking the DAT and applying this summer. I get out of school May 9. I have a summer nannying job, so I will be working from 8am-1pm everyday and then studying the rest of the day. For those of you who have studied and taken the DAT, what is a realistic time line for when I should try to take the exam?

Hi Preden2016,

A lot depends on your abilities and study habits. It is very difficult to give a study plan to cover all students. What you could be working on now is your personal statement, references, volunteer service etc. You can have that out of the way and when you begin your studies you can focus all your time studying for the DAT. Why not start reading now, start reading newspapers, national geographic, etc. The more you read the faster you comprehension will be on the DAT. If you start dedicating a small amount of time each day now to reading it will add up. Same for the QR, if your skills are weak you dedicate a small amount of time each day sharpening your skills. After working with students for many years I find students tend wait to start studying when you can take baby steps starting now.

With that said the best advice I can give students is to take the exam when you feel fully prepared. As your test date nears if you do not feel ready, reschedule, simple as that. The DAT is a very challenging exam that you only want to take once.


Good luck in your studies and on the DAT

take care...Nancy