Karthika and Riley’s DAT Review! - A Guide to the DAT Exam

Sep 17, 2026

DAT Review covering the four DAT components: Sciences, Perceptual Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Qualitative Reasoning. Provides study pacing advice for a 90-minute science session, methods for practicing perceptual reasoning and reviewing mistakes, and guidance on reading-section difficulty and highlight usage. Includes recommendations for preparatory resources, practice-test scheduling and timing rules, testing-day logistics, and strategies for applying to dental school with transcripts, DENTPin access, and application materials.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages5

Reading Time13 min

AccessFree to download

DAT Review

Exam components and study strategy

Practice testing and scheduling

Testing experience logistics

Applying to dental school

Karthika and Riley’s DAT Review! DAT Review Four components: 1. Sciences 2. Perceptual Reasoning (key holes, angle measurements) 3. Reading Comprehension 4. Qualitative Reasoning Science component includes general chemistry, biology and organic chemistry—make sure to pace yourselves as this section is to be completed in one 90 minute session In practicing perceptual reasoning, make sure to utilize Arizona study aides to get holistic review. Do not be afraid to review your errors—it can help you minimize mistakes on the actual test! Reading section tends to be straight forward and orderly on the actual test. Note: the practice test reading sections tend to be more challenging than what is found on the actual DAT. Note: you have a highlight option on the DAT to refer back to key sections! Make sure to practice this technique though! There are three reading sections that have about 20 questions per section. You can mark questions that you'd like to come back to= you can skip around! The time is continuous—you receive about 5 minutes of wait time that you get in between sections Qualitative Reasoning—Make sure to practice as much of the content is mathematics that you have not really seen since high school. DAT Destroyer and Math Destroyer are extremely helpful! When should you begin to study? Suggested after taking organic chemistry and/or anatomy and physiology but it depends on the individual Biology is the shotgun section meaning it could contain almost anything ! Riley suggests Farelli’s notes which is a condensed review and to study little by little throughout the year for biology! Having DAT score and GPA on hand is helpful because you can contact the schools you're interested in to see where you fall! What classes may you need? Anatomy and physiology, cell biology, organic chemistry , and general chemistry Beatrice suggests DAT Bootcamp as it directs you towards what it most important to know for the test:) If you take your first practice test, do not freak out if your score is low! It is totally normal because you have not yet learned which ways are most effective for studying! You will definitely get the hang of it in due time!:) DAT Bootcamp is very beneficial for helping you study on a schedule. Chad’s videos are a resource through Coursesaver that help with reviewing lots of content! Karthika says they are a live saver! The Bootcamp takes about 60-70 days although they do factor in rest days on Sundays (super nice!) Schedule is pretty flexible – you can cover a lot of material in a full day ( maybe 2-3 days worth) Includes practice tests, subject review videos, scheduling, PAT training game, Cliff’s AP Bio! Riley says that you should go into the exam feeling over prepared--don't doubt your abilities--you'll do great!! Karthika says Kaplan helps with strategy but you will definitely need to supplement with outside material! Scores Average score for UNC is 21 National Average is 17 The highest score is 30 Notes: you can take the test 3 times maximum! You must wait 90 days between each test. You must apply for the DAT upon which you will receive a DENTPin! You must call to schedule a test day ( Christmas and New Years are not available) . Karthika suggests scheduling 3 months in advance – make sure you take the test within 6 months of qualify as for the DENTPin. Do not be afraid if you feel overwhelmed because you can reschedule although this option may cost up to$100. Riley suggests scheduling at a testing site close to where you live or where you're studying. Can schedule test for morning or afternoon—if you are not a morning person do not schedule for morning! If you get to location early , you have the option to start early although you will not get extra time! This exam is very expensive so make sure you are ready! Testing Experience You will be taking the test with people taking the GRE, etc. Can use earplugs Can pay to do a test run to get com

FAQs

What are the four components of the DAT, and how should you approach the science section?

The DAT includes Sciences, Perceptual Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Qualitative Reasoning. The science component covers general chemistry, biology, and organic chemistry and should be completed in a single 90-minute session, so pace carefully.

How should you use practice tests and manage timing during the exam?

Practice-test reading sections may be more challenging than the actual DAT, and there are three reading sections with about 20 questions each. The exam uses continuous timing with roughly 5 minutes of wait time between sections, and you may be able to skip and mark questions to return later.

What key rules affect scheduling and retaking the DAT?

Take the test a maximum of three times and wait 90 days between each test. Scheduling may require contacting the testing day in advance, and Christmas and New Year are not available; prepare for rescheduling if needed, noting it may cost up to $100.

Sep 17, 2026

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