• Computer-based test
• Exam Location Website
• Registration fee: $525
  • Fee changes could occur every January 1st
•  Fee Assistance Program
  • Application opens mid-December
• Test Dates: Administered Year Round
• Register

Sections

Survey of the Natural Science

Preparatory Courses:
ART 113 Introduction to Drawing, ART 116 Introduction to 3D Composition, ART 242 Introduction to Ceramics, ART 343 Ceramics-Sculpture

Reading Comprehension

Preparatory Courses:
English, English literature, and courses in Arts, Humanities, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences that require reading and analysis.

Quantitative Reasoning

Preparatory Courses:
MATH 140

Time Breakdown

Scoring

• Each section receives its own score
  • Range: 1 - 30 (highest)
• Score for each natural science subsection
  • Biology, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry
• All scores are combined into academic average
  • Except for Perceptual Ability Test (PAT)
• Scaled score and percentile ranking
• Score Reports
  • Unofficial scores given immediately after completing the exam
  • Official scores are reported 3-4 weeks later
• How Schools Consider Multiple DAT Scores

• Your most important preparation for the DAT is your undergraduate courses, many of which sharpen your writing and verbal reasoning skills. 
• Remember that your Reading Comprehension score is not only the most accurate predictor of how well you will do in dental school, but also the most difficult score to improve.
• Creating a DAT study schedule
• How to Prepare for an Entrance Exam
• Timeline Checklist: a 12-month guide to studying for the DAT
  
• 8-Week DAT Study Plan 
• DAT Practice Test Tracker: keep a log of your progress as you stud

Success Tips

✓ Learn as much as you can about the exam

• All multiple choice questions are worth the same amount—one raw point
• No penalty for guessing

✓ Study material covered on the exams by

• Reviewing courses you have taken
• Studying guidebooks
• Taking preparatory courses offered by private companies (e.g., Kaplan and Princeton Review for the DAT).
• DAT tutorial, preparation material, and sample tests are found on the ADA website.

✓ Take practice exams under realistic, timed conditions

✓ Review the results of your practice exam to identify areas in which you need improvement

• Spend more time reviewing material in these areas
• Identify tactical errors you may have made
• Begin to develop strategies for answering each type of question

✓ Start preparing for the exams well in advance

• A year is none too soon - but pace yourself!
• You must find a balance between preparing thoroughly, but not burning yourself out

✓ Do your best the first time

• Must wait 90 days between testing attempts
• Must submit a new application plus fee for each retest. 

✓ Take time just before the exam to relax

• Get a good night's sleep
• Eat a good nutritious breakfast

✓ Scope out the exam location prior to your test day

Official ADA Resources

• The Official Program Guilde to the DAT®
• Official DAT Sample Test, by ADA. You must register for it and the full practice test costs $100.
  
• DAT Frequently Asked Questions
• List of DAT Reference Texts
• DAT Tutorial, by ADA provides the test format, sample items, and information about navigating through the test.