Dentists use an assortment of tools.
The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is a multiple choice, computer-based exam that determines dental school acceptance. The test is composed of four sections, including the natural sciences, perceptual ability test (PAT), reading comprehension and quantitative reasoning. Many components are considered when applying to dental school, such as GPA, DAT score, volunteer or shadowing experience and letters of recommendation. However, heavy weight is placed on the DAT. Preparation for this test should begin far in advance, at least three to six months before the scheduled exam.
Instructions
1. Read the guidelines for the DAT prior to taking your exam. This will relieve any unwanted anxiety or stress on test day. Guidelines can be found on the American Dental Association (ADA) website, Ada.org (see Reference 1).
2. Know the test parameters. You will have 90 minutes to complete 100 natural science questions, 60 minutes to complete 90 PAT questions, a 15 minute break, 60 minutes to complete 50 reading comprehension questions, and finally, 45 minutes to complete 40 quantitative reasoning questions. The exam lasts 4 1/2 hours (including the break), so you must mentally prepare for this.
3. Start with prep courses in college to ensure success on test day. To prepare for the natural science section of the DAT, you will need to complete undergraduate science courses in biology, chemistry and organic chemistry. The DAT test preparatory course or prep books offered by Kaplan will help you review for the DAT science section.
4. Learn mentally manipulate objects in your mind. Questions for the perceptual ability or (PAT) section will include pattern folding, hole punching, cube counting and arranging angles in increasing size. Crack the DAT PAT is an excellent software program that delivers a series of practice questions regarding these various topics.
5. Practice with reading comprehension tests to improve your reading score. The reading comprehension section is broken down into three lengthy passages, testing your ability to answer questions concerning details, tone or main idea. Each passage consists of 15 to 17 questions. Kaplan DAT prep books will suffice here.
6. Practice continually for the quantitative reasoning (math) section because time constraints will be your biggest enemy. The American Dental Association now allows students to use a basic calculating device that is displayed on the computer screen. However, most of the math calculations can be done in your head or with scratch paper. Kaplan, Crack the DAT Math or DAT Destroyer are great methods for preparation.
7. Take as many practice tests as possible while preparing for the DAT because practice makes perfect. Also, remember to relax the day before your DAT; just skim through study cards or notes. You don't want to mentally drain yourself the day before your exam.
Tags: minutes complete, reading comprehension, quantitative reasoning, American Dental, American Dental Association, before your