When to take DAT

[RhapsodyWindx]

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I will start studying for the DAT Dec 16th after my last set of finals. I plan on applying for dental school this coming summer for matriculation(if accepted!) in Fall 2015.

I'm having some debate on when is best for me to take the exam...

I will have about two weeks before I start my full time job in January (9-5)
I will be working full time and also taking a night time class this Spring. I expect the weekends (24 hours?12 each day?) can be devoted to DAT, two nights devoted to my class, and two nights of at least 4 hours each for DAT studying. So in total I will have 32 hours to study a week.

Should I study into summer and take in May/June for my one shot score? without chance to retake?
Or should I take in March just in case I need to retake in the summer? but there will be less studying time.

 

[TN-predent]

Into summer for "one shot" score. Don't rush it by taking it in March. But remember, even if you take it in May, you could still take it again in August -- and that's certainly not too late. That's exactly what I did. When my new DAT scores were in I called the schools and faxed a copy of my unofficial score report to the schools.

 

[Soleus715]

I agree with TN-predent. You want to get good enough hours to learn everything and just do it in one go. Saves you money, time, and especially stress.
Everyone studies at a different pace so only you can really tell when you need to take it. I would just start studying and see how its coming along first.
Use your progress to judge when you'd want to take the exam.