DAT information.

1) What is DAT?
DAT is the Dental Admission Test which tests you on the subjects: biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, reading, and math. In addition, there is a Perceptual Ability Test (PAT) section which tests your visual ability to determine angles and shapes through logic and visual problems.

2) Where and when can I take the DAT?
In order to take the DAT, you can apply it through ADA’s website: http://www.ada.org/prof/ed/testing/dat/index.asp

3) How is the DAT scored?
The DAT is scored on a scale of 1-30. After taking the test, you will be provided with 3 scores: science (average of biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry), PAT, and Academic Average (average of three science sections, math, and reading).

4) What areas should an applicant consider?
A good applicant should consider following areas: DAT, GPA, courses, extracurricular activities, personal statement, and interview.

5) How to prepare for the DAT?
You can review the materials through Kaplan DAT, Schaum’s outline of biology, CliffsAP biology, Crack DAT PAT, and Top Score DAT CD.
Good strategies/tips on PAT can be found on Barron’s DAT guide and Crack DAT PAT.

6) Test Taking Strategies:
(a) Familiar yourself with the test: number of questions, and time.
Time the test correctly, mark in the margin.
(b) Predict the answer before reading the options
(c) Read all multiple-choice options before choosing
(d) For a hard question, cross out the wrong answer and come back later (your first guess is likely the correct guess)
(e) Eliminate the options with extreme words, such as always, never, all, best, worst, none…
(f) Circle the words not or except in the question. (the answer is usually to pick the false option)
(g) If no idea, guess. Some tips are:
If two options look similar, except for 1 or 2 words, usually one of these is the correct answer.
If two options have the same meaning, usually both are wrong.
If two options consist of words that look or sound the same (e.g., "interference" vs. "interferon") one of these is often the correct answer.
If the options cover a wide range of numerical values, a value at or near the middle is often a good guess.
An option that is longer or more detailed than the other options is often the correct answer.
The option "all of the above" is frequently correct.