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Best DAT Study Schedule (Study Smarter, The Right Way)

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With any sort of exam “start early” is something that is mentioned over and over again. This is so that we have an ample amount of time to properly study our exam materials and have surplus time to review it all. Early preparation is recommended for the DAT too. However, sometimes due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances, we are unable to start our prep for exams early. And then we realize that we have an important exam coming up in a few weeks and not nearly enough time to comfortably revise. In these situations, we need to make the most of whatever available time we have left. But the process of organizing your study schedule can sometimes be an overwhelming process. Which is why this article exists. This article describes the DAT study schedule for three different lengths of the preparatory period- 12- 15 weeks, 8-week, and 1 month.

How to prepare for the DAT with a time crunch

Here are a few things that you should consider and perform as part of your preparation for the DAT regardless of how much time you have before the exam.

  1. Treat your preparation for the dot as a full-time job this means try putting in at least 40 hours of studying per week. While this is the recommended studying time do not overwhelm yourself by overworking. Consistency is key. You might not want to study for eight hours on a particular day but want to study more than 8 hours on another day then do that. The idea is to study every day, to stay in touch so that you don’t forget the previous material nor do you deter from your study flow.
  2. Before you jump in and start studying, or before you start creating your DAT study schedule go over the syllabus. Then mark the chapters that you think require more of your attention and mark the chapters that you find relatively easy. When preparing your study schedule be sure to complete the more difficult chapters and topics early on and leave the easier ones for later.
  3. Picking the right study materials is crucial. If you try and study everything you will be overwhelmed regardless of how much time you have to prepare. Therefore, it is imperative that you go over the contents of each available DAT preparation review material and choose the correct one for you. If need be contact someone who already sat for the DAT or consult any of the many websites dedicated to DAT prep.
  4. While studying one topic at a time may seem like a very organized approach to revision it can often be counterproductive. Studying one topic at a time can be monotonous and can lead to boredom, which causes your brain to lag resulting in poor information retention. So create your DAT study schedule in such a way that it covers all the subjects in an equally distributed pattern.
  5. Practice, practice, then practice some more. You should practice questions every day. You will learn more from questions that you get wrong than from questions that you are able to answer correctly. Practice will help you understand and learn how to approach a question, it will improve your time management and most importantly it will teach you what not to do. It is suggested that you take at least three full-length practice tests before the actual exam.
  6. Falling sick before your big exam is a huge concern for many candidates. Therefore, it is crucial that you take care of your body and your health. Drink lots of water, and maintain a well-balanced diet. Also, try to get at least eight hours of sleep every day.

The DAT study schedule

DAT study schedule

As mentioned above this article gives you the general guidelines for creating a study schedule over three different lengths of preparatory periods.

Conquer the DAT in a month!

Normally a candidate sitting for that exam prepares for over 200 hours. However if for some reason you only have a month to prepare for the DAT, fear not! Preparing for the DAT in a month can be very difficult but it is not impossible. Especially if you already have a strong base in math And are willing to study dedicatedly for a significant amount of time every week.

So here is a weekly guideline you can use to prepare for the DAT in a month.

WEEK 1

  • Start off by taking a practice test so that you can understand the question pattern and the topics covered. You will find some great sample tests here. Whatever you score in these practice tests can be used as your baseline score. Your job will be to improve and move up from this score.
  • By taking this initial practice test you will also be able to identify the topics that are difficult for you. Now you can allocate greater amounts of study time to these topics.
  • Study at least three hours a week, for six days a week. Give yourself one day to recharge.
  • Dedicate one day of this week to each of the following :
  1. Perceptual ability: there are six subsets for PAT. Learn what each subset involves.
  2. Biology: cell and molecular biology
  3. General chemistry: atomic and molecular structure, periodic trends, and stoichiometry
  4. Organic chemistry: nomenclature, stereochemistry, aromaticity, and bonding
  5. Quantitative reasoning: numerical calculations, algebra, and conversions

WEEK 2

·Dedicate 1 whole day this week to the following:

  • Reading comprehension: research and practice strategies that will help you go through the comprehension passages quickly and figure out which one works best for you.
  • Perceptual ability: Practice various strategies and simple questions to improve accuracy and speed.
  • Biology: anatomy, physiology, and developmental biology
  • General chemistry: Equilibrium, thermodynamics, liquids and solids and gases, kinetics
  • Organic chemistry: Properties of molecules and reaction mechanisms.

And then on the 6th-day practice a full-length test. Try recreating exam like conditions to help improve your time management and deal with the stress of exam conditions.

WEEK 3

Start off this week by reviewing all that you have learned so far and by doing a survey of your progress thus far. See where you have improved and which topics and areas require more improvement. Then revise your study plan accordingly allocating more time and energy to those areas.

Dedicate one day of this week to each of the following:

  • Perceptual ability: practice more sample questions to improve speed and accuracy
  • Biology: genetics, ecology, evolution, behavior, and diversity of life
  • General chemistry: redox reaction, acids and bases, and nuclear reactions
  • Organic chemistry: reactions including multi-step ones

On the 6th day take another full-length practice test and time yourself and then compare your test results from the previous week to see if you have improved.

WEEK 4

  • Start off the 4th week by reviewing everything that you have covered thus far, and look over your practice test to figure out the parts that require improvement.
  • Simply dedicate one full day in this last week to quantitative reasoning and study geometry, trigonometry, probability, and statistics.
  • For the remaining number of days, all you have to do is review and practice. Especially focus on the parts that you still struggle with practicing over, and over again. Do not try to learn anything new in this time period because it will be futile. Instead, you risk forgetting all that you have learned thus far.
  • Take the day before the exam off. Sit back, relax let your brain recharge, and recuperate. Eat healthy get enough sleep to wake up the next day and ace the exam.

The DAT study Schedule- 6-week study schedule

This six-week study schedule is based on how one dental student prepared for the DAT in six weeks. This study schedule requires you to put in about 50 hours of work every week for six weeks.

A few points to note-

  • Study dedicatedly from Monday through to Friday and take Saturday off to help recharge your brain.
  • Then give a full length timed practice test on Sunday, preferably around the same time you are expecting to sit for the actual DAT exam.

Here is a weekly breakdown of how she had approached the DAT prep-

WEEK 1-2

  • Start off by taking a full-length practice test to gauge where you are at. The score on this test will be your baseline. The idea is to improve this score over the course of the next six weeks.
  • Choose the 1st and 2nd week as your refresher to go over the topics that you have previously studied but may have forgotten. Watch various videos on the topics that are a part of the doc syllabus which you have previously studied Practice questions on those topics.
  • Also, start looking into the topics that you find difficult because these topics will require more time and energy on your part to master.

WEEK 3

  • This week is dedicated to reviewing everything you have covered in the first 2 weeks.
  • It is also dedicated to doing lots of practice tests.
  • Memorize any formulas or procedures you might need for the test. Especially involving general chemistry and quantitative reasoning.

WEEK 4-6

  • Focus on practice questions and understand the material you were studying
  • Practice more PAT questions
  • Go through your notes and make flashcards for the parts you are unsure of
  • Practice math regularly. Make sure to set aside a certain number of questions to practice every day.
  • Go over everything you have studied and review and revise right before the exam.

The DAT study Schedule- 12-15 weeks study schedule

This study schedule requires you to put in about 20 hours of work every week. This DAT study schedule especially helpful for candidates who are full-time students or have jobs and cannot dedicate all their time to DAT preparation.

  • Like with every other study schedule mentioned in this article start off by taking a practice test to get your baseline scores and an idea of where you stand with your preparation.
  • Initially focus on the subject or the subset you consider yourself to be the weakest at. For some people this is organic chemistry for a lot of others this is the perceptual ability part. You know what you need to focus on the most and proceed accordingly.
  • Watch conceptual videos, do topical practice questions, and overall get familiarized with the concepts.
  • Sit for a full length timed practice test at the end of each week.
  • Dedicate about 1 to 2 hours every day to studying. This may seem like a very relaxed schedule but don’t worry you have plenty of time so it’s okay.
  • After each study session and practice test, go over the part that you seemed to be having a difficulty understanding. Revises these parts thoroughly.
  • As you approach your test date you should pick up your pace and dedicate a few more hours every day to preparing for the DAT.
  • Make summary sheets as you study to make revision easier for you.
  • As you near your test date, try taking at least one full length, timed test every 4 days.
  • Remember to take a few days off to recharge and take it easy so that you don’t burn out.

Final thoughts

All the study schedule formats discussed here are just suggestions and guidelines. Use these to base your actual DAT schedule on. Everyone has different needs, different areas to focus on. Make sure your study schedule is specially tailored to cater to your needs.

Is Dental School The Right Choice For You

There is no denying that dentistry is a lucrative career choice for the increasing demand. In fact, according to the American Dental Association, the average pay for recent graduates starts at 130,000 dollars per year, making it the ninth highest paying job in the US.

And that is not all. A career in Dentistry would mean job autonomy, job security, intellectual challenges in the job field, and much more. However, this comes at a great price, both literally and figuratively. For starters, enrolling in a Dental School is complicated, with a passing rate of 55.3%, followed by an extensive 6 to 8 years of dental school. And it costs you just as much as Medical school.

dental school

So, while there is no reason to fear your dentist, you should somewhat worry about changing your lane a year or two after becoming a dentist, only to waste your time and energy and end up with huge college debt. That is why you should start asking questions from the start; ‘do I see myself becoming a dentist?’, ‘what does the job entail?’, ‘do I enjoy dentistry or checking other people’s oral hygiene?’ ‘Is dental school the right choice for me?’.

So, if you are in your First year, contemplating whether or not dentistry is the right career choice for you, then you have come to the right place. This article will walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

In this article, we will cover the following aspects of what lies ahead in dental school for you,

TLDR

  • Dental School requires undivided attention, extensive work hours, and much more; all in all, a commitment of eight years.
  • And the process of getting enrolled is not easy either. It requires you to tick off an array of prerequisites before being eligible to pursue dentistry.
  • So, if you have been contemplating and looking for answers to help you understand if this is the career you want, then keep on reading.

What is Dentistry, and What are its Career Opportunities?

Dentistry is an ever-expanding industry in the field of medical science, focusing on people’s oral hygiene and dental care. And a dentist is someone who specializes in that field and gains the technical knowledge needed to help people diagnose, treat, and prevent dental problems. The process? Eight years of specialized training and schooling.

When most people hear about dental school, they think about being a dentist. But dentistry as a whole goes beyond that. With a degree in dentistry, you can access an array of career opportunities, including

  • Dental Hygienist
  • Dental Assistant
  • Dental Technician
  • Dental Receptionist
  • Medical Sales Representative
  • Anatomical Pathology Technologist
  • Dental Therapist
  • Health Improvement Practitioner
  • And, of course, a Dentist.

And all these professionals work as a team to promote dental health and help people become more confident when they ‘smile bright like a diamond.’

How Difficult is Dental School?

The level of difficulty in case of any career choice is always subjective. So, while I cannot give you a number, I can indeed describe it to you and let you be the judge of it.

When pursuing dentistry, most pre-dents find it daunting because of the amount of content to cover in such limited time instead of the actual study materials. That is why most students start preparing as early as Freshman Year and apply for the DAT within Junior Year, so there is enough time to reflect and leave no room for errors.

While this may not sound that bad, this would mean you will have to miss hangouts and dates and spend more time in libraries and your room studying than an average student your age. And although DAT allows students from non-traditional backgrounds to sit for the test, you will have to work twice as hard if you are one of them.

And while you are preparing for the DAT and maintaining your GPA simultaneously, you will have to sacrifice most of your social life. And even then, you may still have a slim chance of getting accepted to your dream school. So, by the end of your final year, you will see many students second-guessing and changing lanes. However, the good thing about DAT is you can apply whenever you want. So, even if you are unsure now, you can always come back and achieve your dentistry dream.

What are the Prerequisites of Dental School?

The Dental Industry being as competitive as it is, it only makes sense that it would require applicants to meet multiple prerequisites before being deemed eligible to enroll in a Dental School. And based on these prerequisites, the schools will assess your application to determine whether or not you have what it takes to pursue a career in Dentistry.

dentist instruments

Completing Your Bachelor’s Degree

You should maintain a good GPA regardless of the career you embark upon. However, this is more prominent in the case of dentistry. Since the number of dental schools has increased over the past twenty years, so has the competition among pre-dental students.

Today, you require an average total GPA of 3.57 and an average of 3.48 in science to stand against the competition. And even though this is the minimum requirement, it is always safer to be above average to have a better chance against other applicants.

The good thing about dentistry is that most dental schools agree upon similar coursework. So, even if you do not belong to a science background, you can meet the basic requirements.

The minimum requirement for enrollment is

  • two semesters of biology,
  • two semesters of organic chemistry,
  • two semesters of physics,
  • two semesters of general chemistry,
  • and lab work related to the courses.

Apart from that, you may even have to complete additional coursework depending on your targeted school. So, once you complete the core subjects, you can start ticking off the more advanced courses, such as,

  • microbiology course,
  • physiology course,
  • math courses,
  • English composition courses,
  • biochemistry, and more.

In such a case, you will have to look into the ADA and the dental admission requirements of your preferred school to understand all the coursework needed to apply.

Passing Your Dental Admission Test

The DAT or the Dental Admissions Test is a comprehensive evaluation test designed by the ADA to assess a student’s potential to pursue a career in dentistry. This well-rounded four-and-a-half-hour test comprising four sections gets rated on a scale of 1 to 30, with 17-18 being the minimum average grade expected for enrollment. So, you require extensive knowledge of all core subjects to get the perfect score.

While that sounds overwhelming, according to the American Dental Association, only 2 to 5 per cent of all applicants get accepted into top universities. Moreover, you can only apply thrice before seeking permission from the ADA.

So, to prepare for the DAT to get an above-average score? With the rising competition, you want to make sure you are always one step ahead of the game. And to attain that edge, you may want to start with the core subjects in your first year since there is a lot to cover in a short time frame. That way, by next year, as a Sophomore, you will be able to join pre-dental clubs and dental programs and take online exams to identify the areas you lack and work on.

Thus, this will allow you enough time to build your basics, reflect on your preparation test scores, and start planning on when to take your DAT. So, by the end of your Sophomore year, you can take your first DAT and reserve your summer break for volunteering work. That said, an alternative timeline would be to sit for the DAT during your Junior year, the summer break of your Junior year, or at the beginning of your Senior year.

You will have to devote considerable time and energy to pass the test. So, remember to schedule your DAT in advance to prevent it from clashing with semester finals. However, if you are from a non-traditional background or making a career shift, you must schedule your DAT exam at least six months prior. This way, you can reserve your weekends for preparations and amp up study hours as exams near.

Do I Need Work Experience?

Like every other profession in healthcare, Dental Schools require practical work experience to assess the applicant’s overall understanding of a career in the dental industry. These work experiences cover any activity or voluntary work performed in different dental settings for a minimum of two weeks.

So, how and where can you gain these experiences?

  • Dental laboratories can help you gain valuable first-hand experience making dental crowns, dentures, and much more. And to get access to any laboratory, you can contact your dentist and ask if you can visit or even apply to volunteer.
  • While you wait for your DAT scores to come in, you can even volunteer at senior homes or youth centers within your neighborhood, giving you an edge in interviews.
  • And luckily, if you have friends or relatives that you can work closely with, you can gain vital experience in both NHS and shadowing.

Moreover, any work experience in the said field will provide insight into what the job entails, look at the bigger picture, and reflect on your experience. It will allow you to evaluate whether or not you are fit for the career. So, it is crucial to make a career decision.

Consulting with Your Pre-Health Advisor

If you are yet to figure out whether or not dentistry is the right fit for you, then it is time to consult your pre-health advisor. A pre-health advisor offers advisory services to students wanting to pursue a career in the dental industry.

Once you consult your pre-health advisor, they will evaluate your profile based on your skills, goals, academic accomplishments, and more. And based on their evaluation, they will help you,

  • find out whether the school you have targeted is the right choice
  • guide you to better schools or schools that fit right for you
  • help assess school programs
  • guide you to reach the prerequisites needed to enrol
  • help you understand if you should be pursuing dentistry
  • help you find universities that accepted similar applications

In many undergrad schools, pre-health advisors handle the applications, send them to dental schools and make recommendation calls. So, in such a case, maintaining consistent communication can work in your favour. With that said, if your application is not up to the mark, there is a more than likely chance that your pre-health advisor may not place much attention on you. You must work hard to meet the school requirements and look for other resources.

Searching and Applying for Dental Schools

Now, it is time for you to start hunting. That is to say, to look for the best schools and school programs that align with your interests and goals. And the way to do that is to look into the school requirements and compare them to your application and work experience.

Remember that the trick here is to apply to a good mix of private and public schools. And then to balance it out with safety schools as a safety net, so you can maintain a more than average chance of getting accepted to a dental school. The rule is simple,

  • apply to at least three schools where you have a slimmer chance of getting accepted,
  • apply to eight target institutions where you stand a good chance of getting accepted, including your dream college,
  • and then apply to at least five safety schools.

An excellent way to predict your acceptance is to compare the applications, DAT scores, and acceptance rates or talk to applicants enrolled last year and understand where you stand. And then modify your application accordingly.

What Factors To Look For In A Dental School Program?

So, you have achieved your bachelor’s, passed your DAT with a good score, and applied to several dental schools. Now, your job would be to select the school that is the right fit for you, depending on your career goals and interests. And the best way to do that is to evaluate the school programs and assess what they offer to you.

The aspects to look for in a dental program include,

  • The first thing to evaluate is the school curriculum and if they offer the preferred subjects and opportunities related to your career choice.
  • Next, check the grading policy, the exam policy, the workload, and how they evaluate students within the program.
  • Then, to evaluate the semester fees and compare them to the other universities and what they are willing to offer at that price.
  • Lastly, compare the dorm costs, living arrangements, location of your campus, and most importantly, whether your school has the reputation to live up to its standards.

Final Takeaways

Dentistry is a considerable investment of both your time and energy. So, whatever your reasoning for applying for dental schools, make sure that you are ready for the huge commitment.

PAT Crusher
Source: PAT Crusher

A huge commitment that requires extensive time and energy to prepare. So, if you need help designing and landing a better score on DAT, then it is time for you to check out PATcrusher. At PATcrusher, we provide all the resources and best test programs you need to achieve an above-average score. So, what is with the wait? Sign up today.

What is DAT? Comparison between American DAT vs Canadian DAT

What is DAT? One of the most important steps on the path to becoming a dentist is taking the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). This standardized test includes multiple-choice questions and clinical simulations intended to measure your readiness for dental school.

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Image from Unsplash by Nguyen Dang Hoang Nhu

Every year, thousands of the brightest students across America and Canada take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) to be considered for a position at a dental school across the country.

There are a lot of similarities between the American and Canadian DAT. According to several requirements pages, both the Canadian and American DAT are accepted by Canadian dental schools. A majority of American dental schools accept the Canadian DAT as well. This article aims to give detailed knowledge about the DAT test and present an analysis of both the similarities and differences between the two standardized tests.

Table of Contents

What is DAT exam?

To enroll in a dental school in the United States or Canada, you must take the Dental Admission Test. During the test, you will be assessed on your scientific knowledge and academic abilities. This computerized test consists of four parts: Survey of Natural Sciences, Perceptual Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning.

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Source: https://www.ada.org/

Survey of Natural Sciences

In this test, an applicant is assessed for their knowledge of introductory materials in chemical and biological sciences. There are 100 questions in the initial basics section, including 40 questions in biology, 30 questions in chemistry, and 30 questions in organic chemistry.

A separate score will be assigned to each category. Each question in this section will take 54 seconds to complete, giving you 90 minutes to complete it. To succeed on the test, you must answer all questions on time. There is no penalty for guessing on questions, so don’t leave any unanswered. The questions are independently selected and do not have multiple answers.

Perceptual Ability Test

Perceptional Ability Tests offer a chance for you to test your ability to perceive and manipulate objects in a three-dimensional space and your capacity to see even the smallest shifts in angles when performing tasks visually. A high score indicates that you have a very strong perception.

One important thing to note is that you cannot use any sort of measuring instrument – not a scale, not a pencil, not even a finger.

Reading Comprehension

This section offers you the opportunity to gain ground and enhance your academic performance. Each science is scored separately, and you can divide your overall score accordingly. As well as these three scores, your academic average is computed by averaging your reading comprehension and quantitative reasoning scores. The two main scores you will receive will be your academic average and your spatial ability.

There are 50 questions to be answered after you read three passages. The passages address a variety of subjects, such as science and economics. Despite the fact that you cannot prepare for the content of the passages in advance, practice is crucial.

It is recommended that you use a preparatory book to master this section. It contains suggestions on how to optimize your time by skimming and highlighting portions. Consider answering as many questions as possible and not focusing on just one.

Quantitative Reasoning

A four-function calculator is the only feature available during this section. You will find 40 questions spread out among the following categories: algebra; data analysis, interpretation, and sufficiency; quantitative comparison; and probability and statistics. Calculations often include a little twist. If you practice the various types of questions, you will improve your quantitative reasoning score.

This section needs to be timed appropriately, just like other sections. Focus on your task, and do not get sucked into thinking about a question for too long.

What are the Eligibility Requirements for the DAT test?

The applicant must have at least a year of college coursework in general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, and physics. Advancement in biology and physics is not required.

It is essential to keep in mind that the number of test-takers determines test scores. Generally, most applicants have attended college for at least two years before taking the test. A prospective dental student should take the DAT Program well in advance of their intended enrollment in dental school.

The DAT is an important test for applicants to both the USA and Canadian dental schools.

The applicant can take the test no more than 3 times before requiring special permission to take it again. Retakes require waiting 90 days before they can be attempted again.

When Should You Sit for The DAT Exam?

You won’t be applying to dental schools until your senior year, so you shouldn’t rush the DAT if you’re not ready. Both your sophomore and junior years are ideal times to take the DAT, but each has advantages and disadvantages.

After Sophomore Year

In order to have your scores submitted along with your application the following summer, you can take the DAT during the summer immediately following your sophomore year. Your recent completion of Biology and Chemistry classes will benefit your study and performance on the DAT, as you will possess more knowledge about these subjects.

There is no need for you to prepare your application until next summer. Focus exclusively on the DAT. In addition, you will have the opportunity to retake the DAT for a year following your application, but this should never be considered. Get the DAT done in one sitting if possible.

After Junior Year

If you take the DAT after your freshman year, you will have a greater depth of experience and knowledge since you have had more time to take elective classes. Anatomy, Physiology, and Zoology are among the elective courses that may help you prepare for the DAT. Courses in DAT are largely composed of General Biology and Chemistry courses, which are normally completed in the first half of a student’s sophomore year.

By the time you take the DAT in your junior year, you will likely not be fresh on the content, so you will have to spend more time studying. Furthermore, you must make sure that you complete and submit your application within a few days after the application period has begun.

In the event you did not take the DAT by the time the application cycle opens in your senior year, you will have to balance studying and applying at the same time. When the application cycle opens, the best time to prepare and submit your application is shortly thereafter, and if necessary, you should take the DAT once your application has been submitted. You should attempt the test by July of that summer if possible.

DAT Classes: When to Take Them?

Make a plan, so you know what classes you will take throughout your undergraduate career. If you take the prerequisite courses prior to taking the DAT and applying to dental schools, it will be easier for you to qualify for dental school.

Make a list of all the courses you’ll need to take each semester before you start your undergraduate studies. You should have completed all the required courses before taking the DAT. Elective courses needed for dental school can be taken after passing the DAT. Practicing this proactive approach may help you prepare for the DAT appropriately and reduce your overall stress levels.

You should hold off taking the DAT if you have not yet completed the required courses. Extensive preparation should be undertaken prior to taking the DAT.

It is not unusual for students enrolled in dental school to take between 20 and 25 credits per semester. You may wish to consider taking more credits in certain semesters to demonstrate your capability to handle heavy pressure but keep the emphasis on doing well in your classes. Organize your course schedule and maintain a balance between grades and course load, so that you receive good grades.

Is There a Course Requirement for the DAT?

Before taking the DAT, students must complete the following courses: General Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry.

Following are the courses you may need or benefit from taking for a DAT or dental school:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Human Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Genetics

American DAT vs. Canadian DAT Differences

#Difference 1: Different Elements

The American DAT and the Canadian DAT are somewhat different in content and composition. A preliminary component of the Canadian DAT includes parts dealing with manual dexterity and a piece of soap that must be carved to exact specifications. On the other hand, you will not find this section on the American DAT.

In the American version of the DAT, there is a section on quantitative reasoning (math) and an organic chemistry section that is not included in the Canadian version. Below is a detailed explanation of both the Canadian and American components of the DAT.

American DAT Sections:

Survey of Natural Sciences (SNS):

  • Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry
  • Number of Questions – 100 questions
  • Time allotted – 90 minutes

Perceptual Ability Test (PAT):

  • Number of Questions – 90 questions
  • Time allotted – 60 minutes

Reading Comprehension Test (RCT):

  • Number of Questions – 50 questions
  • Time allotted – 60 minutes

Quantitative Reasoning:

  • Number of Questions – 40 Questions
  • Tim allotted – 45 Minutes

Canadian DAT Sections:

Manual Dexterity Test (MDT):

  • Number of Questions – N/A
  • Time allotted – 30 minutes

Survey of Natural Sciences (SNS):

  • Number of Questions – 70 questions ( Biology 1-40 chemistry 41-70)
  • Time allotted -60 minutes

Perceptual Ability Test (PAT)

  • Number of Questions – 90 questions
  • Time allotted -60 minutes

Reading Comprehension Test (RCT)

  • Number of Questions – 50 questions
  • Time allotted -50 minutes

#Difference 2: The Scope of Comprehension in Reading

The American DAT reading comprehension section is given an additional 10 minutes to be completed since the American DAT is taken on the computer. There are a total of 60 minutes to complete the reading comprehension section on the American DAT, compared to the 50 minutes on the Canadian DAT.

On the part of test-takers, there have been concerns that this change is justified since respondents pointed out that the passages and questions are much easier to access on the Canadian DAT than the American DAT.

#Difference 3: The Methods of Taking the Test are Different

What makes the American DAT and the Canadian DAT different is the lookout for the medium on which they are taken. A paper-based Canadian DAT is completed while an electronic American DAT is completed. It is more convenient for test-takers to do their work on paper since it is less stressful on their eyes, and they can do rough work on it as well.

Canadian DAT is more advantageous to the test takers as it allows them to directly write on it during the Writing section, which is one of the most important components of the DAT. It is necessary for you to write where the holes unfold directly on the paper in the hole punching section of the DAT instead of having to visualize where the holes unfold in your head when you do the procedure.

#Difference 4: Coverage of Biology Topics

Canadian and American DATs have mostly the same biology sections, but there are a few little differences. In the American DAT, you will find topics like experimental cell biology, embryology, and biomolecules that cannot be found on the Canadian DAT. A Canadian DAT covers cladistics and ecosystems, which are not part of an American DAT.

#Difference 5: Dates for Taking the Test

Last but not least, both DATs come with different testing dates. DAT is only offered in Canada twice a year (once in November and again in February), whereas, in the United States, it can almost be done almost every day of the year. Because midterms are often scheduled in the same period as testing, taking the Canadian DAT requires booking well in advance and scheduling study time accordingly.

Similarities between the DAT of America and the DAT of Canada

With the exception of a few differences between the two biology DAT sections, a topic covered in both DATs has typically been covered the same way and is of similar technical difficulty. There is no difference between the general chemistry, PAT, and reading comprehension sections of the tests.

Wrapping Up

Taking the DAT test may be a challenge for you because of its high level of difficulty. If you want to succeed, you must develop your ability to take tests efficiently and quickly.

When you begin the test by identifying the question type, you will be more likely to ace the DAT test. While studying, you can make sure that you practice different question types with PATCrusher. The efficiency of PATCrusher combines perfectly with other services. Whether used alone or in conjunction with any of the other reading materials, PATCrusher can be extremely effective for your DAT exam.

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The Ultimate Canadian DAT Topics & Format

The Dental Admissions Test is abbreviated as DAT. All dental schools in the United States and several in Canada accept the American DAT. Likewise, all dental schools in Canada and several in the United States take the Canadian DAT. In addition, dental universities in North America use the DAT tests to assess their potential students.

Canadian DAT Topics & Format

However, the Canadian DAT has some distinctions from its American counterpart. You’ve come to the right place if you’re in Canada and want to know more about the Canadian DAT. In this article, we will discuss the following:

So, if you’re interested, keep reading.

What Is The Canadian DAT?

The Canadian Dental Admissions Test (DAT) is a 200-minute long (3 hours and 20 minutes) online examination conducted year-round by the Canadian Dental Association. It is a systemized test for candidates applying to Canadian & American dentistry universities.

This test differs slightly from its American half in terms of the format and topics it covers. For the prospective applicants eager to take the Canadian DAT, we will go through the entire framework of how the test is structured and the subjects included in this article.

The Canadian DAT Structure

The Canadian DAT is divided into the following sections –

  • The Manual Dexterity Test (Not being offered at the moment): For this section, you will be granted 30 minutes total and will have to carve a soap into specific requirements.
  • Survey Of National Sciences: In this section, applicants are given 60 minutes to answer 70 questions (30 questions from Chemistry and 40 from Biology)
  • The Perceptual Ability Test: In this section, applicants are given an hour to answer 90 perceptual ability questions.
  • The Reading Comprehension Test: Candidates are allocated 50 minutes to answer 50 questions after reading three passages (1200-1500 words each).

Each of the following portions is followed by a 15-minute break during which all candidates need to leave the room. But, based on the testing center and the time required for the instructors to set up for the following section, you may have a somewhat extended break.

Section 1: Manual Dexterity Test (Optional)

The manual dexterity portion of the Canadian DAT is an elective section. Candidates are provided an 8-centimeter-long cylindrical piece of soap and allocated 30 minutes to sculpt a particular soap shape with the correct specifications. In addition, equipment will be provided to assist you with the carving procedure (A paper ruler, a black sharpie, a carving knife, and a pencil).

Although the soap carving component of the DAT is not required for admission to most Canadian dentistry schools, it is vital to examine which schools do. For instance, the UofT announced in 2021 that the MDT segment would be required as part of the admissions process for students applying in 2022.

Section 2: Survey Of Natural Sciences (SNS)

The Canadian DAT’s Survey of Natural Sciences component is a 70-question test that should take 60 minutes to answer. The majority of the subjects addressed in this part reflect what first-year university biology and chemistry students will study. This test covers the following topics in detail:

Biology (40 questions):

biology
  • Cell and Molecular Biology: the origin of life, cell metabolism (including photosynthesis/enzymology), cellular processes, thermodynamics, organelle structure and function, mitosis/meiosis, cell structure, experimental cell biology, biomolecules, and integrated relationships
  • Diversity of Life: Biological Organization and Relationship of Major Taxa (Six-Kingdom, Three-Domain System) – Plantae, Animalia, Protista, Fungi, Eubacteria (bacteria), Archaea, and integrated relationships.
  • Structure and Function of Systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, circulatory, immunological, digestive, respiratory, urinary, nervous/senses, endocrine, reproductive, and integrated relationships.
  • Developmental Biology: fertilization, descriptive embryology, developmental mechanisms, and integrated relationships.
  • Genetics: molecular genetics, human genetics, classical genetics, chromosomal genetics, genetic technology, and integrated relationships.
  • Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior: natural selection, population genetics/speciation, population and community ecology, ecosystems, animal behavior (including social behavior), and integrated relationship.

Chemistry (30 questions):

chemistry
  • Stoichiometry and General Concepts: percent composition, empirical formulae, balancing equations, moles and molecular formulas, molar mass, density, and calculations from balanced equations
  • Gases: kinetic molecular theory of gases, Dalton’s, Boyle’s, Charles’s, and ideal gas law
  • Liquids and Solids: intermolecular forces, phase changes, vapor pressure, structures, polarity, and properties
  • Solutions: polarity, properties (colligative, non-colligative), forces, and concentration calculations
  • Acids and Bases: pH, strength, Brønsted-Lowry reactions, and calculations
  • Chemical Equilibria: molecular, acid/base, precipitation, calculations, and Le Chatelier’s principle
  • Thermodynamics and Thermochemistry: laws of thermodynamics, Hess’s law, spontaneity, enthalpies and entropies, and heat transfer
  • Chemical Kinetics: rate laws, activation energy, and half-life
  • Oxidation-Reduction Reactions: balancing equations, determination of oxidation numbers, electrochemical calculations, and electrochemical concepts and terminology
  • Atomic and Molecular Structure: electron con gyration, orbital types, Lewis-Dot diagrams, atomic theory, quantum theory, molecular geometry, bond types, and sub-atomic particles
  • Periodic Properties: representative elements, transition elements, periodic trends, and descriptive chemistry
  • Nuclear Reactions: balancing equations, binding energy, decay processes, particles, and terminology
  • Laboratory: basic techniques, equipment, error analysis, safety, and data analysis

Section 3: Perceptual Ability Test (PAT)

The Canadian DAT’s Perceptual Ability Test (PAT) is different from the other sections of the test you’ve been preparing for. You have 60 minutes to attempt 90 perceptual ability questions that are organized into six divisions. It’s worth noting that the PAT component, like the remainder of the test, will be entirely digital starting from 2022. As a result, you must study for these questions, practice them online and devise techniques to help you succeed.

Perceptual Ability Test

These are the topics you will need to review:

  • Keyholes (apertures)
  • Top-Front-End (view recognition)
  • Angle-Ranking (angle discrimination)
  • Hole Punching
  • Cube Counting
  • Pattern Folding (3D form development)

Section 4: Reading Comprehension

The Reading Comprehension Test consists of three literature passages ranging in length from 14 to 16 paragraphs, selected from existing literature and relating to the sciences somehow. For example, electric cars, Lightning rods, the discovery of penicillin, and the discovery of the structure of an atom are all possible topics.

This part does not require prior knowledge of the subjects presented because all answers may be deduced from the texts. On the other hand, familiarity may simplify some candidates to comprehend what is stated in the chapters. These reading passages assess a student’s capacity to read, grasp, and interpret basic scientific knowledge.

After analyzing what you read, you have one hour (60 minutes) to go through all three sections and answer 50 questions. Students should read published publications like those from the Journal of the American Dental Association to prepare for the real tests.

How Is The DAT Scored?

Each of the four areas of the Canadian DAT – biology, chemistry, reading comprehension, and perceptual ability, has a score ranging from 1 to 30. The results of the two science sections are afterward integrated to provide a “Survey of Natural Sciences” score. An ‘academic average score’ can be created by combining this with the ‘Reading Comprehension’ score. While making admission decisions, dental schools generally view the academic average and perceptual ability scores first and then consider the candidates.

What Is A Good DAT Score?

All the sections of the DAT are graded on a scale of 1 to 30, and the total score is calculated by averaging the scores. This indicates that the highest score of 30 is the best you can hope for. It is quite uncommon for someone to receive a flawless score. If you get a perfect score, you’ll be accepted into any university you’d apply.

A score of 17-18 on the DAT would put you in the middle range of examinees. This means you scored around 50% higher than everyone else who took the test and 50% lower than the rest who took the test. However, this isn’t exactly a compelling argument for admission to dental school.

The higher you can rise above the 50th percentile, the more likely you are to be accepted into your preferred dental school. A DAT score of 20 will rank you around the 75th percentile. This is excellent news because it will give you more alternatives when picking which dental school to enroll in.

It’s important to remember that these percentiles can change from year to year. Although a perfect score is 30, a 25 will almost certainly rank you in the 100th percentile because few people notice this number on the exam. Moreover, a score of more than 25 is almost unheard of.

Conclusion

Although the syllabus for the Canadian DAT may look somewhat imposing at first glance, it really isn’t that hard to obtain great scores if you study diligently and retain your focus during the duration of your revision process. Moreover, it also helps if you use a good DAT prep resource to help you along your journey.

image 10b96801336e9f65f62ae313bd80dc72 800

This is where PATCrusher comes in. PATCrusher provides you with unlimited prep questions, analytics on your performance, and detailed explanations for each solution. PATCrusher has helped over 1400 students so far and has an average score of 23.

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MCAT vs. DAT: Which One Is Harder? The Ultimate Debate

MCAT vs. DAT still holds the first position among any debate in the medical education sector. Both tests are a parameter to select students for careers in the medical sector.

While many argue that MCAT is harder than DAT, the truth is both the tests are equally challenging and competitive. Hence, only aspirants with top-tier preparation can get selected for their dream school.

Book Pages - MCAT vs. DAT

These two exams are crucial in getting elected for pursuing a career in medicine or dentistry in the USA and Canada.

In this guide, we will cover:

TLDR

  • DAT vs. MCAT still remains the hottest debate topic.
  • DAT and MCAT are two tests for choosing eligible students for dentistry and medicine respectively.
  • DAT is ranged on a scale of 1-30.
  • MCAT has 528 marks in total.
  • Both the exams have some similarities and some dissimilarities.
  • DAT and MCAT are equally hard since both the exams are challenging and competitive.
  • Students should choose one based on their passion and future goals.

Overview of the MCAT

MCAT is the acronym for Medical College Admission Test. This is also an online-based test that presents MCQs as questions. MCAT is a standardized exam for aspiring physicians. Countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, and Caribbean Islands conduct this test every year.

MCAT focuses on students’ problem solving, understanding scientific concepts and principles, and critical thinking. A good understanding of natural, behavioral, and social science concepts is necessary for aspiring physicians. MCAT tests the said knowledge as well.

MCAT questions breakdown
Source: https://madamewinnell.com/

Most of the syllabus of the MCAT is covered in introductory courses of undergraduate programs.

Applicants from any educational background can take the DAT. However, applicants’ who had courses like physics, chemistry, biology, psychology, and sociology in undergraduate programs will always remain one step ahead.

There are four sections in MCAT, each having a score of 132. The average score for each section is 127; and 508 in total for all four sections.

MCAT vs. DAT: Things To Know Before Appearing For The DAT

Test Pattern, Syllabus, and Number of Questions:

DAT is a computer-based exam. Candidates have to answer 280 multiple choice questions from four different sections-

  • Perceptual Ability,
  • Reading Comprehension,
  • Quantitative Reasoning, and
  • Mathematics.

Score Validity:

DAT scores have a validation period of three years.

Attempt Restrictions:

A person can sit for the DAT only three times in their lifetime. After that, they will require special permission from the authority.

Registration Fee:

Candidates have to pay 475 USD as their DAT registration fee.

Test Length:

DAT has a time frame of 4 hours and 15 minutes without the recommended break.

Score Range:

DAT score is scaled from 1 to 30, 1 being the lowest and 30 being the highest. A great DAT score to crack any dental college is 22-29. A score between 19-21 is considered a good score. An average DAT score is 17-18. However, candidates must obtain 21 to secure admission in most dental colleges.

DAT Exam Date:

There is no fixed date for the exam. A candidate can select any day to sit for the DAT. It is a year-round exam.

DAT Result:

Students get access to an unofficial result immediately after taking the test. But they are not allowed to use it for admission purposes in dental colleges.

DAT Preparation Materials:

Since DAT has adopted a Computer-based Test method, it is recommended to prepare accordingly. There are a lot of online tools available for DAT preparation.

DATPrep is one of them. The fantastic tool lets you prepare yourself online, take practice tests, consult with experts, take video lessons, and much more.

Additionally, PATCrusher is a specialized tool for PAT preparation. With unlimited questions for practice, we also provide features like-

  • Detailed Explanation- To understand the process behind every answer.
  • Growth Analytics- To identify the strong and weak zones through metrics.
  • Goal Analysis- To set benchmarks for being focused till achieving perfection.

Overview of the DAT

DAT or the Dental Admission Test is taken to select students eligible for pursuing a career in dentistry. Prometric test centers all over the USA and Canada conduct this test. The test consists of four sections. Candidates will face MCQs from each section. The sections are-

DAT questions breakdown
Source: https://www.slideserve.com/
  • Survey of Natural Sciences,
  • Perceptual Ability,
  • Reading Comprehension, and
  • Quantitative Reasoning.

The score is scaled on a scale of 1-30. There is no pass mark for the test. Usually, a score of 17 is considered the average score.

The DAT syllabus is not limited to the academic ability of a student. It focuses on students’ scientific understanding, perceptual Ability, and quantitative reasoning.

DAT is an online test. Candidates will receive their rough scores right after they finish the test.

MCAT vs. DAT: Things To Know Before Appearing For The MCAT

Exam Style:

MCAT has been conducted on-screen since 2007. The official name of this pattern is CBT or a Computer-based Test.

Question Style:

Candidates of MCAT will face Multiple Choice Questions or MCQs. The MCQs will be based on the passage.

Official Website:

The official website for the Association of American Medical Colleges or AAMc is www.aamc.org.

MCAT Registration:

To register for the MCAT-

Three Dental Students Discussing About Study
  • Visit the official website of the examination to create an account.
  • After that, log in to your account using the verification link sent to you via email.
  • Click on “Start Exam Registration” and fill in your information. It will create your appointment.
  • Tick on the terms and conditions.
  • Pick an exam schedule and test center.
  • Complete the registration process by paying the registration fees. For this, you will need a MasterCard or Visa Card.

Note: Students must mention that they are registering for MCATs in the verification statement.

Refund Policy:

Based on the admission deadlines, there are three categories-

  • Gold,
  • Bronze, and
  • Silver

The gold zone provides partial refunds after cancellation. The bronze and silver zone does not allow any refund.

Exam Time Per Year:

The MCAT is held up to 25 times in 21 countries every year.

MCAT Cost:

The Medical College Admission Test or MCAT costs more than 300 USD per student. However, the amount can vary depending on the country.

Appointment Change:

It is possible to change the appointment of your MCAT. However, you will have to pay a service fee for that.

Cancellation:

Candidates are only allowed to cancel their appointment before the gold zone’s deadline.

The Number of Questions and Syllabus:

Candidates will face 221 MCQs from four separate sections. The sections are

  • Chemistry and Physics,
  • Psychology and Social Sciences,
  • Biology and Biochemistry,
  • Critical analysis and Reasoning Skills.

Eligibility Criteria:

MCAT requires its candidates to pursue a career in medicine. It includes veterinary medicine as well. The international students must possess or pursue MBBS to sit for MCAT. Students of the USA and Canada must obtain an undergraduate degree to sit for the MCAT.

Preparation Materials:

There is tons of preparation material available for students to prepare for the MCAT. The materials are in different formats. Some are mock tests; some are sample papers. Barron’s new MCAT, MCAT practice tests by Sterling Test Prep, are great tools for MCAT preparation.

Result Validity:

MCAT results obtain a validity of three years. However, medical colleges held the authority to decide the score validity to process admissions.

Attempts Restrictions:

A student can sit for MCAT 3 times in one year, four times in two years, and seven times in a lifetime.

Test Length:

The time frame of the MCAT is seven and a half hours.

Score Range and Rescoring:

The optimum score range for MCAT starts from 472 to 528 in total. For the individual section, the score range is 118 to 132.

If any candidate feels they got fewer scores than they performed, contact AAMC. They will get a reply within three weeks of contact.

Score Voiding:

There is a “void the MCAT” section on the examination site of the MCAT. By selecting that, students can choose to void their scores.

Test Day Instruction:

Applicants are expected to arrive 30 minutes before the exam time at the exam venue. Additionally, they must show a valid ID to pass the exam hall.

MCAT vs. DAT: Similarities

Expensive:

Both the exams are expensive. If you sit for DAT, you will have to pay 360 USD as fees. Contrarily, if you sit for MCATs, you will have to pay 325 USD as fees. Both these fees are non-refundable. Note that the amount of fees is subject to change over time.

Lengthy:

As much as the exams are costly, they are lengthy as well. The DAT ranges for 5 hours with the recommended breaks. On the other hand, the MCAT can range from 7.5 hours.

Since the tests are lengthy, you will need patience to get positive results. However, students with good mental stamina will do well in these tests.

Online-based:

Both these exams are online-based. There will not be any exam papers. Instead, you will face the questions on the screen and reply to them on the screen as well. Hence, if you are a pre-health aspirant, practice online tests as much as possible.

Similar Content:

The syllabus of both these tests is alike. You will have to cover general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biology for both of these tests.

Moreover, both the tests have questions from reading comprehension. Therefore, you have to answer questions by reading and understanding the given passage.

MCAT vs. DAT: Differences

Now that you know the similarities of DAT and MCAT let’s get to the differences between these two tests.

MCAT Syllabus Consists Of Physics

Candidates for MCAT exams need to know physics because the question consists of an array of physics questions.

MCAT Syllabus
Source: C/articles/mcat-syllabus

Contrarily, DAT students do not need to prepare for Physics during the exam. However, they might be required to study Physics once they are elected.

Each section of MCAT Exams Are Passage Based

MCAT is a passage-based test. Therefore, students will face passages from every section of the question. In comparison, DAT has passages only in the reading comprehension section. This is the reason why most students find DAT easier than MCAT. Moreover, this is also why MCAT takes so much more time than the DAT. Because, to answer the questions, students need to go through the passage first, analyze the questions and then find the answers.

DAT Contains More Mathematical Problems than the MCAT

The DAT exam evaluates the knowledge and understanding of mathematics. But MCAT does not rely on math. The questions generally come from science sections.

This creates a logistical difference as well. Since DAT students face mathematical problems, they can use calculators in the exam hall. Whereas using a calculator is prohibited in the MCAT exam.

DAT Exam Is Available Throughout The Year

Any student can appear at any given time for the DAT. It is available year-round. On the contrary, the MCAT exam is taken 20 to 25 different times every year.

MCAT Takes More Time To Publish The Score

The DAT students get a rough estimate of marks when they complete the exam. But MCAT aspirants have to wait nearly a month to get the results.

The rough estimate pre-dental gets right after finishing the exam is unofficial. You can not apply that report to get into dental schools. However, they let you analyze how your exam went and what your next step should be.

DAT Focuses On Perceptual Ability

The DAT focuses on students’ visualization ability. In addition, they evaluate the perception of the students. This is why DAT is known as one of the best-standardized exams.

But MCAT students do not need to go through such a thing. This is a significant difference between these two exams.

MCAT vs. DAT: How To Crack?

MCAT and DAT are two challenging and competitive exams. Hence, you need efficient preparation to crack the exam. The following techniques have proven to be efficient for a big hit in both the tests-

  • Make an efficient routine and stick to it.
  • Be consistent.
  • Go through practice tests.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Maintain a healthy diet and an 8-hours sleeping cycle.
  • Join a study group.
  • Subscribe to online tools or get a private tutor.

MCAT vs. DAT: Which Test Should You Opt For?

According to most test-takers, MCATs are considered harder than the DAT. MCAT has passage-based questions. Therefore, you will need to understand and analyze the reading comprehension quickly. Moreover, the exam length may prove a more significant challenge for students suffering from anxiety.

MCAT vs. DAT: Which Test Should You Opt For?

On the other hand, students who struggle with visuospatial perception will have difficulty preparing for the DAT because this standardized test has a particular segment named PAT that tests the visuospatial perception ability of students. Moreover, the dental school admission authority elects students based on this section. Hence, it is crucial to do well in the section.

DAT remains specific to dental schools only. But students who have taken MCAT can pursue other professions of medical disciplines as well.

Do Dental Schools Accept The MCATs?

If you are a dental aspirant, you should never sit for MCATs. It will show the dental admission committee that you are confused about your career goals. Besides, the perceptual ability test or the PAT section of the DAT is significant while getting into an excellent dental college.

Key Takeaways

The MCAT vs. DAT debate has always been the peak of attention among the pre-health student community.

Both tests are standardized assessments of many characteristics and abilities of applicants applying for admission to medical and dentistry schools, respectively. These tests focus on different career paths; hence both have reasonable differences.

However, the only common thing of both these tests is that you have to be persistent, patient, diligent, and hardworking as a candidate.

Candidates with high scores on both tests, on the other hand, will have a better chance of admission. Therefore, understand your passion and choose your career path accordingly.

Ace The PAT In 60 Minutes

You get 60 minutes to cover the PAT section of DAT. The section has six subsets. Hence, roughly 10 minutes for every section.

But it doesn’t work like that.

gray and white click pen on white printer paper

PAT is a relatively challenging yet easy section of DAT. But many people fail to score well in it due to time management issues.

To get elected into your preferred dental school, you must have a good PAT score along with an average score because dental schools take both these into consideration while setting up eligibility criteria for dental aspirants.

Table Of Contents

TLDR

  • PAT is a relatively challenging section of DAT.
  • The section is divided into six subsections, with 15 questions in each.
  • There are only 60 minutes to solve the PAT section.
  • Without proper practice, you will certainly miss the chance of scoring well in the PAT.
  • PAT requires high time-management skills to nail.
  • Some smart tricks can save you a lot of time in PAT.

A Quick Tour To PAT’s Subsections

The perceptual ability test contains 90 questions, 15 questions in each subset—every subset of PAT holds a particular objective. Let’s have a glance at each subset of PAT-

pat subsections
Source: https://www.datbooks.ca/

Apertures (Keyholes)

You get a clear view of the subset in this subset, and the aperture will be drawn in scale. Your goal will be to determine the aperture through which the 3D item will pass.

View Recognition (Top/Front/End)

In this subset, there will be images of solid objects seen from top, front, and back. The provided photos will give two views of every object. You have to choose the missing part from the given four options.

Angle Ranking

In this subset, you will be provided with images of four angles. Your job is to rank those angles in ascending order.

Paper Folding

A square-shaped piece of paper will be folded multiple times in this subtest. Following that, a hole will be punched. You must determine the location of the holes. You have to mentally unfold the paper to determine the position of the hole.

Cube Counting

The students have to find out the painted portion of a figure by observing several figures.

Pattern Folding

In this section, students will be provided a flat pattern, and they need to identify the actual figure based on that pattern.

Some Smart Tricks To Solve The PAT

The PAT section of DAT is intimidating to some and easy to others. It depends on the practice and how smart a student is. While through practice you might find it easy, there is still a chance that you will not be able to answer all the questions of this section just because of lack of time.

Some tricks can save your time and help you score well in PAT. Let’s open the mysteries for acing the PAT within 1 hour.

Apertures (Keyholes)

The top/front/end method

Many students have expressed their frustration about this subset. But with these simple tricks, you can ace the subset without a fuss.

The trick is to picture every object from the top, front, and end parts. That’s all it takes to nail the part.

However, you will only successfully get the correct answer with this trick when you practice a lot. Otherwise, chances are, you will make mistakes.

View Recognition (Top/Front/End)

Line counting method

This trick also requires you to picture the object from three separate angles. What adds to it is that you have to count the lines of each angle. After that, imagine the answer with the calculated answer and eliminate the wrong options.

Top/Front/End method

This trick also focuses on pictures. You have to visualize the object from a 3D perspective to apply the trick. Subsequently, you have to compare the view with the options to choose the correct answer.

Angle Discrimination (Angle Ranking)

Laptop method

This method is straightforward. Just consider every angle a “laptop.” Then choose the laptop with a very narrow angle as the smallest one and a larger angle as the largest one.

Laser method

This method is only applicable while there is a vertical and horizontal line. Afterward, pick one of them as the foundation of the laser. The trick is to picture the laser from that line to other lines mentally. Using this trick, you can easily rank the angles.

Circle method

It is a simple procedure. First, assign a height to each figure. Then, for each image, create a horizontal circle around that height. The most broadened circle will point to the greatest angle. Similarly, the smallest circle will point to the smaller circles.

Paper Folding (Hole Punches)

Tic-Tac-Toe method

This is a super easy subtest. Many students don’t even apply any tricks. They picture the position in their mind and identify the hole.

However, as a beginner, we have got that as well if you need one. Draw a 4×4 square and make a mark in the punched hole in the paper. Then, in each square, make the same mark. While you unfold the paper, you will notice a hole.

Cube Counting

Cube counting method

This trick only requires you to count and read the question. All you need to do is- locate how many painted sides are on a cube.

cube counting method
Source: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Cube-counting-method

Make a table and enter your obtained numbers. You will get your answers.

3D Form Development (Pattern Folding)

Side counting method

Although this trick is not applicable for all the problems of this subtest, it is a handy trick. There will be several shapes of patterns with numbers on their sides. Count the numbers of giant patterns. Compare them to the given number in the solution.

Shape matching method

This trick is very simple. Choose the giant pattern and compare it with the provided shapes in the answer.

Time Management In PAT

The PAT section is very different from other sections of DAT. Considering that PAT contains questions that you need to think about to answer. Whereas in other sections, you can ace the parts easily if you read well.

Hence, time management is a big issue in this regard. You will miss the chance to pursue dentistry in your dream dental school if you have not scored well in PAT.

time management

Therefore, you have to make sure you don’t spend time behind those subtests that are very much easy.

Roughly you get 40 seconds for every question. There’s no time to waste. Since there is no negative marking, don’t miss any questions. Even if you don’t know the answer, follow your intuition.

The rule of omission can save you a lot of time. The omission is to eliminate the options that will not be the answer. There will be options that you know are not the answer to every question.

Eliminating those options lessens the chance of confusion and saves time.

Additionally, the only secret to doing well in PAT is to practice. The PAT is solely based on problem-solving. Therefore, the more you practice, the more you get acquainted with the tricks.

Ace The PAT With PATCrusher!

PATCrusher has an enormous source of problems to solve. The benefit of subscribing is that the platform solely deals with PAT problems; hence you get access to an enriched platform.

After every practice test, you get a score to analyze your performance. Besides, you can easily place the PATCrusher above the other platforms in respect of quality and costs. Subscribe today and become the master of PAT!

Perceptual Ability Test: Acing DAT Top Front End Section

Struggling with your dental college admissions? Well, the struggle is real. With 6 sub-sections to master, answering 90 questions in 60 minutes is no small feat. However, amongst the categories of Keyholes, Angle Ranking, Cube Counting, Pattern Folding and, Hole Punching, one of your worst nightmares is Top Front End.

gray and white click pen on white printer paper
Photographer: Nguyen Dang Hoang Nhu | Source: Unsplash

Before we progress any further, it must be noted, this article is only an introduction. All pointers mentioned here are just the tip of the iceberg meant to familiarize you with TFE questions. And some basic strategies to aid your preparation.

In case you are interested to learn more, head out to PATCrusher for extensive details, along with a 7-day free trial!

Table of Contents

TL;DR

  • The dental college acceptance test includes a perception ability test subdivided into 6 categories.
  • Among these, Top Front End Section is the most challenging part to ace.
  • The article explores the entire test in detail along with a few strategies to help clarify persisting questions.

What Consists Of The View Recognition/ Top Front End Section?

Alright, let’s start with the basics. Each of the categories for PAT contains 15 questions. But if you want to ace the Top Front End section, you must allocate a maximum of 50 seconds per question. This way, you will require 12.5minutes to solve the entire section, perfecting the overall 90minute time symmetry.

However, this is easier said than done. Remember, your approach should be efficient: deriving fast yet accurate results. And to build the caliber you need complete dedication on aspect: Practice. The more you practice, the better your brain responds while solving the actual test.

Question Pattern

The Perceptual Ability Test designs Top-Front-End to present you with dual projections of a specific object. Your job is to determine how it would look from the third angle. Now, this third view can be any of the three choices: top, front, or end. Interestingly, the test draws upon your imagination to visualize the 2-D diagram in three dimensions. It all depends on how well you can paint the picture in your mind. Simultaneously, you will know the answer faster.

The Perceptual Ability Test designs Top-Front-End
Source: TFE: PAT SERIES: TOP FRONT END By Eleni Marie

In the picture above, you can view the 3-D object as is. However, for the examination, any one of the views will be missing. You will have to select the right image from the asked angle among the 4 given choices. Hence, you have to choose the option that completes the missing puzzle perfectly.

PAT Top Front End
Source: PAT Top Front End By Rudy Gerrard.

Tick tick, the show does not end here. The Top-Front-End projections are not just simple outlines. In fact, the objects are engraved with broken and solid lines to represent hidden and visible edges from both the given angles.

PAT SERIES: TOP FRONT END
Source: TFE: PAT SERIES: TOP FRONT END By Eleni Marie

The hidden ends which are not visible when viewed straight on from the directed angle are sketched by broken or dotted lines. On the contrary, the edges visible when straight-on viewed are represented through solid lines.

Determining the Views: Top, Front, or End?

So, how do you identify the prospective views of any object? Simply put, the aerial or top view is generally depicted in the upper left-side corner. Imagine looking at the object from above. Hence, here the projection is downward, while the surface is viewed parallelly from the point of vision.

Coming to the front view, it is the first sight when you look at an object head-on, almost blocking the extended end of any material. Here the observatory projection appears on the lower left-hand corner.

Finally, the projected vision on the lower right-hand side shows the end view. You can also remember this as the boundary depicting the breadth of the object. The height of the object is observed from the front view. Even, the length can be easily measured from the top view, along with cross-sectional values. Picture it the way you want to retain the information best. But keep in mind, the views are consistently found in the same positions. In many cases, they will also be labeled for understanding. Hence, learn the determination process for yourself. This helps your mind grasp the entire image more easily.

The top view generally depicts no difference in depth or height. Rather, it only gives an idea that the object has a step or a form of depth. You cannot even compare the heights of the objects that well from above. However, this information is easily conveyable when observed from the front end. As aforementioned, in case the lower step is covered by the higher end, the dotted lines represent the presence of a step. Therefore, the shape is well-defined in terms of any extensions or depth the object may have. However, without disrupting the original view from the intended direction.

Why Do You Need Dual (Solid and Broken) Representation For PAT Top Front End?

In order to solve the most challenging questions, you must correctly interpret the function of solid and dotted lines. Indeed, in some instances, visualizing the 3D images from existing projections may become extremely difficult. Hence solidifying the basics. Focusing on the differentiation, identifying where the solid and broken lines can be present, form a finer grasp of visual.

Let us illustrate the situation with an easy example.

PAT Top View Front View End View
Source: TFE: PAT SERIES: TOP FRONT END By Eleni Marie

Here, you have been asked to identify the correct end view. The solid lines represent a small rectangle coming right up at us. However, the dotted lines clarify that there is something below the top level as well, hidden away. This is applicable for the front end as well. Hence, when looking for the final answer, you must keep both these aspects in mind for the given projections.

Consider the last three options now. All three are quite similar to the eye. And though they have a rectangular extension, none of these images portray a consistency to the front view. Thus, simply eliminate the choices, B, C, and D.And you have your answer!

PAT Series
Source: TFE: PAT SERIES: TOP FRONT END By Eleni Marie

Why A?

We need an object that is tall and corresponds to the end view. If you look at A carefully, it has an extension up, which we see from the solid rectangle on top. The extension on left corresponds perfectly with the solid rectangle on the front view. Finally, the tiny little rectangle fits in like customary design, hidden when viewed from the top and front sides. Hence, the dotted lines help you guide the correctness of the answer. Yes, in this case, the eliminating approach simplified the process, however, you may not always have such direct choices. This is why it is crucial to understand how the guidance that dual representations provide.

101 Hacks

A few simple tricks can actually make a significant difference to boost your game. And here we have covered a bunch of the most operative strategies to guide you on.

  1. All three quadrants can be joined to form a single representation.
  2. You can count the horizontal and vertical lines of the given projections with the given choices to identify the correct answer. This method is known as line counting. However, this is not a smart decision to rely on. Rather, you can opt for line matching, a more sophisticated version of line matching.
  3. Always start with the outer boundaries to derive the final 3-dimensional outcome.
  4. Try to identify anything unique about the provided projections and deduce from this hinge point.
  5. Continuously try to visualize what and how the missing feature would fit in with the given set of choices.
  6. Lastly, remember, holes that pass through solid lines in one view will always appear in dotted lines for the other given view.

For far better understanding and examples check out the entire tutorial by PATCrusher.

Ending Note

Yes, this section is difficult. Yes, it requires immense concentration and effort. However, it is not impossible to ace Top Front End. With proper guidance and consistent practice, you can beat the challenge easily. However, you must follow the recommendation to solve a minimum of 20 questions, regularly. This helps you build focus and gain a deeper insight into the realm of tricks and tips.

We certainly hope, this article could help you derive a basic outline for you to tread on further. But if you are actually looking to pursue a full-blown course, with a volume of practice tests, and other supporting resources, you can check out PATCrusher. You can simply use their PAT Top Front End Generators (TFE Generator) to provide your marathon practice runs. Get started with their free trial, which is all service included. And the best part? Even if you choose to upgrade, they have the best price in competition along with exciting features! Take that first step to your dreams, today.

How Do I Practice For The DAT?

The Dental Admission Test or the DAT is held for electing students eligible to pursue dentistry. Since it is a competitive exam, it requires a lot of preparation.

person in blue long sleeve shirt holding black and white tray
Photographer: Quang Tri NGUYEN | Source: Unsplash

Nowadays, a plethora of tools are available to practice the DAT. However, not all of them are efficient.

Besides, you need to have a proper strategy and clear guidelines while preparing yourself to sit for the DAT along with practice tests.

This article will provide you with an efficient study guideline and everything you need to know before sitting for the test. Moreover, you will also get to know about some efficient prep tools.

Table Of Content

TL;DR

  • Before you start your DAT preparation, you have to know about the DAT syllabus.
  • The material you choose for your DAT preparation has a big role to play.
  • You should do more and more practice tests. However, don’t take any practice tests before the day of the exam.
  • It is important to have a healthy mind and a healthy body to score well on the DAT.

Introduction To The Dental Admission Test

Before beginning your DAT journey, you have to know the test very well. You have to know about what the exam contains, how much time you get, the array of subjects the test includes.

The DAT is divided into four sections, and the exam is a 5-hour long exam, including the recommended breaks.

The sections are described below:

The Survey Of The Natural Sciences

This section is divided into three subsections. The subsections are-

  • General Chemistry- 30
  • Organic Chemistry- 30
  • Biology- 40

The Perceptual Ability

This is the most interesting section of the DAT test. The section is designed to test the intuition and visualization power of students. The section is divided into six subsections-

  • Apertures (Keyhole)
  • View Recognition (Top/Front/End)
  • Angle Ranking
  • Paper Folding
  • Cube Counting
  • Pattern Folding

The section contains 90 questions divided into these six subsections. You get 90 minutes to answer all these questions.

Many students find this section frightening, while the truth is it is the easiest one. With sufficient practice, anyone can ace this section.

PATCrusher has a plethora of PAT questions to practice. There is a reason why we claim PATCrusher is better than any other services because it is solely focused on the PAT section of the DAT.

With endless questions and detailed explanations, you can master the PAT within no time. Moreover, the growth analytics and Goal analysis feature of PATCrusher helps you analyze your progress.

Furthermore, PATCrusher is the most affordable PAT practice tool out there. Hence, there is no chance you will go wrong with this.

Reading Comprehension

This section is designed to test the scientific-analytical ability of students. The section includes three reading passages. You will encounter 50 questions from these three passages.

Quantitative Reasoning

The quantitative reasoning section of the DAT contains mathematical problems of algebra, probability, statistics, data analysis, etc.

For every correctly answered question, you score one point. The good part is, there is no penalty for the wrong answers. Hence, don’t skip any questions. Not even one.

The raw score you achieve will be converted to a scale score. The dental schools will get your scale scores.

Each participant will get eight separate mark sheets that will consist-

  • The individual score of six section
  • Academic average
  • A total science score

The average academic score consists of the following parts-

  • Biology
  • Organic Chemistry
  • General Chemistry
  • Quantitative Reasoning

The total science score is obtained from the first section of the DAT- The Survey of Natural Sciences section.

Scoring 50% in every section puts you ahead of most participants. However, to be eligible for most schools, you should score at least 75% in every section.

High-end dental schools such as The Harvard School of Dental Medicine or the UCLA School of Dentistry require 98% in every section.

How To Study For The DAT

Choose The Correct Review Materials

You should first pick suitable study materials to have an efficient study journey. The materials can be either books or online software; whatever you choose, make sure the resources are enriched with necessary information.

There are plenty of options available currently. But don’t overwhelm yourself by purchasing all of them.

Books are essential, but it is essential to practice the DAT online. Because DAT is an online exam, you should be accustomed to the exam format.

Among all the online tools, we recommend DATPrep. They are a fantastic tool with so many resources and practice questions along with professionals to take care of your problems.

Work on Your Time-Management Skills

The DAT is all about time management. Hence, if you are not punctual, you will end up leaving questions unanswered.

Since DAT does not have any penalty marks, the more you answer, the better your chances of getting into dental schools.

At the beginning of your preparation, you can afford to take untimed practice tests. In fact, it is recommended because the goal is to get the answers right and be introduced to the question pattern.

You should switch to a timed practice test when you are halfway through your preparation journey. Because then your focus will be on the speed.

You get 4 hours and 30 minutes for answering all the questions. You should always have 10 minutes at hand when you are done answering.

Eat and Drink Healthy

You should drink more and more water to improve your blood circulation. This will keep both your body and mind working.

Keep a water bottle near your table for easy access during study time. Cut out junk foods and soft drinks. Some healthy options are vegetables, grains, yogurt, protein, nuts, and fruits.

A healthy digestive system and a healthy body ensure more productivity.

Important ThingsTo Know Before Appearing The DAT

The DAT Score

As we mentioned earlier, your DAT score will be converted to a scale score ranging between 1-30. 30 has the highest point while 1 has the lowest.

It will include the four sections of science that we have mentioned before.

However, you are opting for the Canadian DAT; the marking system is different. Hence, do proper research on that.

Your DAT Results

Immediately after your test, you will be provided with a preliminary result. But you can’t use that to apply for dental schools.

After 3-4 weeks of sitting on the exam, you can access the official results. After the results are published, they will be sent to your preferred dental schools.

You have to select your preferred dental school during the time of application. If you want to add more, you will be charged 15 USD.

To avoid spending those extra bucks, conduct thorough research on dental schools and give the options wisely.

DAT Retake

The good thing about DAT is, you can sit three times for the test. If you exceed the limit, you will require permission from ADA to retake the test.

The 15-minute Breaks

The DAT is timed and usually takes 4 hours 15 minutes. You can also use the extra 15 minutes (meant for a tutorial at the start).

Some individuals choose to forgo the 15 minutes break, which I advise against.

Your mind requires refreshing, which could make you more productive in the subsequent sections.

It is no surprise that the DAT is a lengthy test. Therefore, it is normal to be exhausted in the middle of the exam. That’s why the recommended breaks are there.

Some students don’t take a break, which we strongly discourage. A refreshed mind can make you more productive for the upcoming sections.

What To Do The Day Before DAT?

You are just one day away from your dream to become a dentist. The day before the DAT is very crucial.

You should have a plan to spend the day before the exam. The following steps are suggested:

Confirm All The DAT Testing Details

Visit the DAT website to see the rules and regulations, even if you are well aware of them.

Even missing out on a minor detail can mess things up. Check the list of prohibited items and stay away from packing them.

There will be a list of required items as well. Make sure you have them in your bag.

Pack your hygiene products, healthy snacks, and water bottles. You can even take a bottle of fresh orange juice to keep yourself energized.

No Practice Tests

You might feel tempted to do one practice test on the day before the exam. That’s the worst thing you will do to yourself, trust me. Just skim through the flashcards and the concepts. That will do.

Relax, Get Enough Sleep, Eat Healthily

You have studied enough. There is no need to panic. Just relax, take a walk, get enough rest, have a good and healthy meal, keep your body hydrated.

Maybe you can watch a TV show, any sitcoms you like, or read short stories if you are a bookworm. This will refresh your mind to face the “monster” the next day.

Final Thoughts

DAT is easy only when you have good practice. However, managing the resources of practice might be a big deal.

Looking for a tool to help you ace the DAT test? You can give PATCrusher a shot.

Indeed, there are other services as well. But since PATCrusher is focused on DAT, especially on PAT, it is more enriched than others. The competitive score will let you comprehend how ready you are for the DAT.

Get started for free to crush the DAT!

Killer Strategies To Ace The PAT

DAT might be hard to ace, but if you secure your marks in PAT, it will be a piece of cake for you. The DAT is divided into four subsections- The Survey of Natural Sciences, The Perceptual Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning.

Students find the PAT part intimidating. They are bound to feel that. Because that part is scored separately from the other three parts of the DAT. Hence, it is essential to perform well in this part.

woman reading book
Photographer: Eliott Reyna | Source: Unsplash

The admission authority considers the average score and PAT score of an applicant.

Hence, this section of the DAT has a significant role to play in clearing the exam and getting into your dream dental school.

While many pre-dental find it intimidating, some students who have already cleared DAT claim it to be the easiest of all. In fact, they find it interesting.

Table Of Contents

TL;DR

  • PAT is the most interesting section of the DAT test.
  • Although it sounds complicated, it is actually the easiest part of the DAT.
  • There are three rules of thumb to ace the PAT: omission, time-management, practice.
  • The PAT is divided into 6 subsets. Each section has 15 questions.
  • You get 60 minutes to solve the 90 questions of PAT.
  • The 6 subsets are apertures (keyholes), view recognition (top/front/end), angle ranking, paper folding, cube counting, pattern folding.
  • With some simple tricks, it is a piece of cake to solve every question.

General Guidelines For The PAT

Here are some rules of thumb to ace the DAT-

Omission

In every question, you will be sure about at least one or two options that are definitely not the answer. Find and eliminate those in the first place. There is less confusion and fewer chances of being wrong when applying this trick. Besides, the trick saves a lot of time as well.

Time Management

Ensure that you finish the subsets without spending a great deal of time. Additionally, you should answer all the questions. For each question, you get 40 seconds on average. Hence, you cannot waste time. Not even a second.

Practice

This is probably the most common strategy. The only way to ace the PAT is to practice, practice, and practice. The more you practice, the more you get used to problem-solving. Moreover, the time management skill also improves.

Having said that, we strongly encourage you to subscribe to PATCrusher to get a huge source of problems to practice. They provide one of the best services for nailing PAT.

Overview

The Perceptual Ability Test includes 6 subtests. Each subset consists of 15 questions. Students have to answer a total of 90 questions in the PAT section. All the subtests have a particular objective.

The PAT is divided into 6 subsets, each containing 15 questions. That means there are 90 questions in total. Each subset is different in its objective. Here is we present a brief introduction of every subset presented in the PAT-

Apertures (Keyholes)

In this subset, you will see a 3D object consisting of an outline of 5 apertures of opening. The objective of this subset is to find the one aperture the 3D object can pass through. There will be a good view of the object and aperture drawn in scale.

Apertures Keyholes
Source: PATCrusher

View Recognition (Top/Front/End)

There will be pictures of solid objects. You will see top, front, and end views of all those. The images presented there will have two views of the object with four options as answers. You have to complete the missing view.

View Recognition Top/Front/End

Angle Ranking

There will be images of four angles. You have to rank them in ascending order.

Angle Ranking

Paper Folding

In this subtest, a piece of square-shaped paper will be folded several times. A hole will be punched in afterward. You have to identify the position of the holes. To solve the problems, you have to unfold the paper mentally and identify the position.

square shaped hole paper

Cube Counting

In this subtest, you have to observe several figures and identify the painted sides of that figure.

cube counting

Pattern Folding

You will have one choice to identify the ideal figure based on a flat pattern.

Pattern Folding

Tips & Tricks For The PAT

Let’s open some secrets to you that will help you score 90 out of 90 in PAT.

We will give you multiple tricks to apply. We encourage you to apply them all and choose the ones you love most if you have enough time.

However, if you don’t have enough time, choose only one of each and go with that.

Apertures (Keyholes)

The top/front/end method

This subset of the PAT is considered the hardest one by some students. But don’t worry. We have got your back. You can ace the part applying this single tip.

Visualize each object from three parts- front, top, and end. That’s it. That’s the trick. Visualizing every object from different objects.

However, to nail the part, you have to do a lot of practice and get familiar with different figures.

View Recognition (Top/Front/End)

Line counting method

The trick is to observe the object from three different views again and count the lines of each view. Afterward, visualize the answer with the counted answers and discriminate the wrong ones.

Top/Front/End method

The trick requires you to visualize every object from a 3D perspective and compare the view with every available answer to opt for the correct answer.

Angle Discrimination (Angle Ranking)

Laptop method

Imagine every angle as a “laptop.” Then choose the “laptop” that is easiest to shut at the smallest angle and the toughest one to shut at the largest angle.

Laser method

You can only apply this method when there are vertical and horizontal lines to compare. Choose any of them as a base for a laser. Then mentally visualize the laser from that line and the others. This trick makes it easier for you to rank the angles.

Circle method

This is a straightforward method. First, pick a height for every figure. Then draw a horizontal circle surrounding that height for every image. The largest circle will point to the largest angle. Similarly, the smallest circle will point to the smaller ones.

From a distance

Lay back at the chair and look at the angles from a larger distance than usual. This trick will allow you to eliminate all the wrong answers quickly. However, the trick is not efficient. Because if you miss one line, you are bound to make a mistake.

Paper folding (Hole Punches)

Tic-Tac-Toe method

Draw a 4×4 square and place a mark in the hole is punched in the paper. Then place the same mark in every square. When you unfold the paper, you will see a hole. This section is so easy that many students don’t apply any tricks. They just simply visualize the positions and identify the hole.

Cube counting

Cube counting method

You will ace the trick if you are organized and mindful. To ace, the subset, count the number of the painted sides of the cubes. Afterward, build a table and fill it with the numbers you got. There you go; you have your answers.

Just concentrate while counting and reading the question. It will do.

3D form development (Pattern Folding)

Side counting method

This one is similar to the above one. Concentrate more on the most giant shape of the pattern. Each figure contains numbers on its sides. Count them and compare them to the numbers appearing in the answer. However, the methods will not work for all problems.

Shape matching method

In this method, you can choose the most oversized shape of the pattern and compare it to the shapes of the available answers. This, too, will not work for every problem. But it will make the elimination process more effortless.

Time

The time is limited to solve each part of the PAT. You get 60 minutes to solve the PAT, roughly 10 minutes for each subset.

However, 10 minutes is more than enough for sections like Paper Folding, Angle Discrimination, Cube Counting. They are a piece of cake if you have enough practice. You can use the extra time for the more complicated questions.

Bottom Line

You will need to prepare for the PAT using many more examples than the ones given here. You may be wondering where you get some practice and preparation needed to successfully ace the Perceptual Ability Test. Luckily, we have some great sources that we can recommend to help you with this.

PAT is easy only when you have a good practice. However, managing the resources of practice might be a big deal. That’s why we recommend PATCrusher.

Indeed, there are other services as well. But since PATCrusher is focused solely on PAT, it is more enriched than others. The competitive score will let you comprehend how ready you are for the PAT.

Moreover, the quality of content and the costs matter as well. Based on those factors, PATCrusher is by far the most efficient service to ace the PAT.

Get started for free to crush the PAT!

6 Alternative Routes To Dental School If You Have Low GPA And Low DAT Score

Do you plan to get into a dental school but are worried about your low GPA or DAT score (or maybe both)? Are you wondering if there is still hope? Good news for you – there is!

dental scans
Photographer: Quang Tri NGUYEN | Source: Unsplash

To ask yourself the question “Is it possible for me to be accepted into a dental school?” you must first know where you stand statistically. Statistics play a key role in deciding whether a student is or is not qualified for dental school. This includes GPA and DAT scores.

The good thing about the DAT is that you can take it thrice, and they’ll report your best score. But the fact that you couldn’t get a satisfactory score on the first try may negatively reflect on your Dental school application.

To give you an idea, the average applicant normally has a DAT score as follow:

  • Academic Average: 18-19
  • Biology: 18-19
  • Chemistry (General): 17-19
  • Chemistry (Organic): 18-19
  • Quantitative Reasoning 15-16
  • Reading Comprehension: 19-20
  • Perceptual Ability: 18-19
  • Total Science 18-20

These DAT scores are “OK” and even with these DAT scores, you might encounter difficulties landing an interview in some cases and even more difficulties if your GPA is low.

You should know that some, not all, dental schools have a DAT score cut off. This is also true for GPA.

Most students who have successfully applied to and have gotten accepted in dental schools usually have a DAT score of 19 Academic Average and 19 Total science.

For reference, the average GPA for matriculation is around 3.5 for both cumulative (CGPA) and science (SGPA). Therefore, we will define a “low” GPA as 3.0-3.3 and a “very low” GPA as <3.0.

6 Alternative Routes To Dental School When Your GPA & DAT Scores Are Too Low

There are several options but some may be better than others depending on where you stand in regards to your GPA. Here are a few alternative routes to dental school.

1. Post-Baccalaureate Program

Some of you are deciding between a master’s or a post-baccalaureate program. To be honest, everyone is different. However, you can consider the post-baccalaureate program when you have a GPA that is lower than 2.75.

You will need to find a post-baccalaureate program to attend as your current GPA will not pass the cutoff for dental school. This option is also recommended for anyone with a GPA that is lower than 3.0. The reason for this is that the credits earned in these programs will directly affect your undergrad GPA.

You need to make it a priority to get an A in every credit as this will maximize the opportunity of bringing your GPA above a 3.0.

Not only will a 2.75+ GPA now qualify you to apply to dental school but the dental school will be able to see that you have an upward trend in your GPA and that you are capable of doing well in your classes.

The upward trend in your GPA will essentially indicate that with a little dedication, you’re capable of earning high grades and this looks good to the eyes of the committee.

Note: Only post-baccalaureate affects your undergrad GPA. Other programs such as a master’s program and dental hygiene school will not raise your GPA and thus will not help you qualify for dental school if you have a sub 2.75 GPA.

2. Master’s Program

If your GPA is just above a 3.0 but still not optimal, you may want to think about getting into a master’s program. The GPA is indeed crucial for your dental school application, but the application is considered as a whole.

GPA score isn’t the only thing that can convince dental schools to accept you. You can make up for a low GPA with good DAT scores or other experiences such as a Master’s Program.

It is recommended to find a 1-year program to apply for, as this will allow you to beef up your application in a short amount of time.

A master’s program allows you to show the dental school that you are capable of doing well in grad-level courses. This also allows you to stay academically active which is a plus on your application.

If your first attempt at dental school results in rejection, because of a low GPA or Low DAT score – go for a master’s program. The acceptance number of students in dental school with master’s degrees is increasing every year.

3. Dental Hygiene School

Applying to dental hygiene school is similar to doing a master’s program. However, dental hygiene is a 2-year program which means that it will take an extra year before you can apply to dental school. This option may be good for some students. But if you know you want to be a dentist, we would recommend taking a faster route.

4. PhD

Enrolling in a 4-6 year Ph.D. program is not the most efficient way to get into dental school. There may be a few students out there who went this route but this is definitely not the easiest or even the best way of compensating for a low GPA.

5. Going Foreign

The idea of going to a foreign dental school usually crosses the minds of students who are struggling to get into dental school in the United States or Canada. However, it is not a short or easy process of taking your foreign degree and making it valid in the states.

First, you need to realize that there are a few ways of increasing your chances of getting into dental school with a sub-par GPA. Each of the ways will take considerable effort at proving yourself academically. There is no shortcut around this one.

If you are in a situation where you feel your GPA is low put in all the energy you have possible to get A’s in your courses from here on out. An upward trend is a positive in the eyes of the admissions committee and it is never too late to start!

Remember, while this is an option to compensate for a low GPA and fulfill your dreams of becoming a dentist, it isn’t ideal by any means. If you decide to go down this route, do thorough research to prepare for all the possible pitfalls associated with it.

6. Scoring High On The DAT

Out of all the other alternative routes to dental school, this is perhaps the most feasible. So far, everything we have written in this article was based on the assumption that both your GPA and DAT score is less than ideal, making you incapable of getting into a dental school.

However, if your GPA is low, but you have outstanding DAT scores, there is a fair chance that you might get into a dental school (unless your GPA is below the cut-off limit). So if your GPA is above 2.75 but still pretty low, work hard on your DAT.

Apart from giving your highest effort in studies, there is another option you might consider to earn a decent GPA and DAT score. This final option—strong extracurriculars, shadowing, and personal statement— is for both low and very low GPA students as a supplement to the other possible options.

With more holistic approaches to application evaluation, one can really shine if the rest of their application outside of the DAT and GPA is stellar. This is evident in the many stories you hear of applicants with low GPAs and DAT scores getting accepted.

However, the reason these students are successful is not solely from the number of hours and activities they have. These students with less than competitive applications can write a compelling and moving narrative around why they want to be a dentist and why they deserve a shot.

This is where your personal statement comes in.

You need a stellar personal statement that ties your entire application together into a strong narrative. By using your personal statement as a framing tool for a strong application narrative, you can shift admissions committees in your favor.

To do this, you will need to spend time reviewing your entire application, plan a narrative and then begin to weave your high-quality shadowing/extracurriculars within that narrative.

Final Thoughts

For many pre-dental students looking to apply to dental school, the largest hurdles to admissions are a low GPA and low DAT. While many schools are taking a holistic approach to application evaluation, GPA or DAT score still is, and always will be, a major factor in application evaluation.

The higher the GPA, the higher your chances of admission will be. It is important to know that, if your GPA is low, then the Dental Admission Test (DAT) score will be crucial in deciding whether you will be accepted. But you should know the minimum requirements for universities to which you are applying.

Looking for a tool that can assist you in preparing for the DAT exam? Get started with PATcrusher today to access the most comprehensive PAT Resources for the DAT.