When should I take the DAT?

[DrPresident]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

So I'm currently a sophomore (19). I just switched from premed to pre-dental and I'm kind of lost. I've already taken bio, gen chem, english, calculus, and I'm currently in orgo and physics. I am getting the feeling by looking around that people take the DAT earlier than the MCAT (end of junior year ish is when I was planning to take the MCAT). Anyone have any tips? Also, if I were to take it soon, I have NO idea what resources there are for preparation. I know that Kaplan had MCAT stuff but I hadn't delved that deep yet.

Also, I had a solid 3.2 freshman year, and am definitely going to be getting at least better than that in the following years. What kind of score should I be aiming for?

Sorry if these questions seem trivial, but I just entered the pre-dental world!

 

[sjv]

You can take it as soon as you finish Organic Chemistry as that is the last subject covered. Most people opt to take it between end of sophomore year and end of junior year. Realistically, you should take it when YOU feel prepared. The upside to taking it early is you have additional time to study and retake if you are unhappy with your score.

Check this thread for good breakdowns and materials used.
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=992975

 

[DrPresident]

Would retaking the exam be a good idea? I know that, for example, if someone were to fail a class and retake it and get a B+, sometimes that's not looked at as just a B+ because it was taken once before. Does this work like the SATs, where the higher score is the only thing looked at?

 

[Funz]

Applications open june so shoot for taking it in july of your cycle and have that be the last thing you need to complete your application. Goodluck!

P.S. I want to sell my DAT materials so PM me if your interested

 

[J777]

Retaking is not a good idea unless you must do it. Don't take the exam with intent of retaking. If you can, try taking physiology and biochem before you take the DAT.. Not mandatory but certainly helpful. Also, physics is not covered on the DAT. So maybe you can take those classes in the spring, study 2-3 mos during the summer, and take DAT at the end of summer