What is the Dental Admissions Test?
The DAT is a standardized examination given to all applicants to dental
schools in the United States. It consists of four parts: Survey of
Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry; Perceptual Ability;
Reading Comprehension; and Quantitative Reasoning. It is administered on
computer at regional testing centers on various dates. Tests are scored on
the basis of a scale that ranges from 0 to 30 with 18 or higher considered
as acceptable. The test application fee is $160.
How important are out-of-classroom activities?
It is important to find a professional mentor and to explore dentistry
as a career. Volunteer work and summer work experience is helpful.
However, remember that one absolutely needs good college grades and DAT
test scores in order to have any chance of being a successful pre-dental
college student. You must therefore learn to budget your time and to take
your own best course of preparation.
What is a good major for a pre-dental student?
Dental Schools do not require any special major. Recently the schools
have been suggesting a major in one of the humanities in addition to the
minimum required courses in mathematics and the sciences. However, unless
students have prepared themselves by taking extra courses in science, it
is difficult to get an acceptable score on the DAT examination.
What is an acceptable grade point average (GPA)?
A GPA of about 3.0 or better is considered to be acceptable. A GPA of
4.0 by itself is not considered to be that important. The important thing
is to avoid grades of C or lower. It is especially important to avoid
earning C grades in chemistry. You are also urged to carry a full load of
15 to 18 hours in each semester. (Dental School students spend more than
25 hours per week in the classroom and laboratory).
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