When to take the DAT

Started by TsunamiWave7
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TsunamiWave7

TsunamiWave7

Full Member
15+ Year Member
So I've been hearing that the best time to take the DAT is after your junior year. But if the test only covers introductory biology, gen chem, and ochem, then why?

I was planning on finishing up my introductory biology and ochem this upcoming year (as a sophomore), and then studying for the DAT over the summer and taking it in mid-august 2007. Is that a bad idea? 😕
 
You are 100% right. The best time to take the DAT is not simply "after your junior year" but directly after taking the prerequisites. If you devote yourself to Intro to Bio and Ochem next year, you will do very well on the test after prepping for half the time of these other guys who waited to take the test.

Mid-august 2007 sounds like the perfect time for you. Best of luck next year and on the test!
 
TsunamiWave7 said:
So I've been hearing that the best time to take the DAT is after your junior year. But if the test only covers introductory biology, gen chem, and ochem, then why?

I was planning on finishing up my introductory biology and ochem this upcoming year (as a sophomore), and then studying for the DAT over the summer and taking it in mid-august 2007. Is that a bad idea? 😕
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Ideally the best time to take the DAT is sometime during your JR year. Since you will be applying to dental school at the end of your JR year, you want to take your DAT beforehand. That way, by the time you start applying, you'll already have your scores in hand. Taking it the summer after your sophomore year would be fine.
 
I think your plan is a good idea. It would have been much easier for me if the process of applying (filling out apps, essays, letters of rec, etc.) was separate from studying for the DAT. I tried to do both at the same time and it sucked.
 
TsunamiWave7 said:
So I've been hearing that the best time to take the DAT is after your junior year. But if the test only covers introductory biology, gen chem, and ochem, then why?

I was planning on finishing up my introductory biology and ochem this upcoming year (as a sophomore), and then studying for the DAT over the summer and taking it in mid-august 2007. Is that a bad idea? 😕
Click to expand...

That's exactly what I'm doing and I'm taking the test on Friday!
 
I even took it before ochem was over (right after spring break) and did just fine! Do it while it's fresh so you can focus on applications...that's enough in and of itself. I couldn't imagine trying to study for the DAT and apply at the same time!
 
TsunamiWave7 said:
So I've been hearing that the best time to take the DAT is after your junior year. But if the test only covers introductory biology, gen chem, and ochem, then why?

I was planning on finishing up my introductory biology and ochem this upcoming year (as a sophomore), and then studying for the DAT over the summer and taking it in mid-august 2007. Is that a bad idea? 😕
Click to expand...

I am going into my junior year, but have been studying most of the summer. Im taking the test on Sept. 8 (i'll be posting how it goes). I think doing it this way when the information's fresh is the best way. My only regret is that I didn't get a job to give me some kind of outlet.
 
wigglytooth said:
That's exactly what I'm doing and I'm taking the test on Friday!
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I took mine in July and will be applying next cycle as well 🙂
 
TsunamiWave7 said:
So I've been hearing that the best time to take the DAT is after your junior year. But if the test only covers introductory biology, gen chem, and ochem, then why?

I was planning on finishing up my introductory biology and ochem this upcoming year (as a sophomore), and then studying for the DAT over the summer and taking it in mid-august 2007. Is that a bad idea? 😕
Click to expand...

This is exactly what I did (well, DAT was early September rather than mid-August 🙂 ). I think it is a great idea, I was glad to get the test over with! 👍
 
I took my DAT way early--summer between sophmore and junior year. I did it because so I don't forgot more of orgo and also if in case I do have to retake it, I have plenty of time for it. When I took it, the scores are good for 2 years, so it'll be perfect when applying unless you're doing a 5 year thing.
 
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