The Dental Admission Test can be a little imposing to come against, yet it’s necessary in order to have a future in dentistry. Our task is to provide you with the best and most useful materials that you will need to face it. The main focus of concern for many is how to prepare for the Dat. There are numerous ways to do this, we will be presenting the best and most efficient way to do so.
The actual test day is something that will definitely give you some sort of anxiety, that’s why having a plan is important. When it comes to having a plan, we mean having a clear outline schedule to follow. If you just leave it to your memory you could put yourself in a bad position due to the pressure of taking the test.
Below we will be providing you with a schedule for before, during and after the test. Aside from that, we will also give you some tips on how to prepare for the DAT efficiently. Let’s begin with the preparations before the test day.
Before the actual DAT test day.
1. Apply for the Dental Admission Test.
While it is a simple step, the first one you need to take is to get a DENTPIN and actually applying for the DAT. We’re putting this here just so you know each and every recommended, as well as necessary, step to take if you want to know how to prepare for the DAT.
2. Choose a date.
Before you can actually take the DAT, you’ll need to wait until your application is approved. Once that’s done, you’ll be contacted by Prometric in order to select a date for the testing.
You’ll need to consider a lot of different things before committing to a specific date. This is done so you don’t have to go through the problem of changing the test date and pay an extra fee. However, you can always visit Prometric to change your test date if you absolutely have to. Like we mentioned earlier there are different things to consider when choosing a date, here are the most important tips on how to prepare for the DAT.
Top three considerations for the test date.
Sing-up Early. You should sign-up for the test at the very least six weeks before the date you have in mind for the test day. This is important because sometimes test days get filled completely, forcing you to re-schedule when to take the test.
Pick the right day of the week. You must consider which day of the week works best for you. Due to transportation and other issues you might need to pay extra attention to this part. Taking the DAT on a Friday is generally a good choice since people are wired to look at that day as the beginning of a weekend that would serve for relaxation. This can help to largely alleviate the stress of taking the Dental Admission Test. In any case, since people are wired to rest more on weekends you definitely want to avoid test days on Mondays and Tuesdays. Don’t forget that you will also need a couple of days right before the test to prepare mentally for it. Our recommendation here is to schedule your test on a Friday if possible.
Timing matters.
Choose the right time of the day. You will need to choose an appropriate time of the day, likely for the same reason as the point above. Your daily schedule can sometimes get in the way of proper preparation for the DAT; hence you’ll need to choose the right time. You don’t need to worry too much about the system for this part. There are different options available to take the DAT on the same day. However, do be mindful that it’s just as likely that you won’t have too many options, so choosing the right day is also very important for your schedule. Also, you do need to consider the time of the day when you perform to your best, you want to make sure that your brain and focus is at 100% at the moment you take the test. This decision depends largely on your schedule and therefore it’s completely up to you.
3. Create a Study Schedule.
In order to actually succeed at the Dental Admission Test, this means acing it not just presenting it, you need a fully planned schedule for your studies. There are multiple alternatives as to how to create one. The most effective method is to build a full weekly schedule and set specific goals for each week and month of study.
You should follow this study schedule until a few days before the actual DAT. The whole material regarding the DAT can be studied in a period of about 8 weeks depending on the discipline of the person.
4. Choose the right preparation materials.
This is an essential part of how to prepare for the DAT. You must absolutely have good if not the best sources of information and preparation materials for the DAT. Here we can confidently recommend a few sources that will definitely help you to prepare for the Dental Admission Test.
PATCrusher can help you master and prepare for every part of the Perceptual Ability Test. There are numerous examples of satisfied students and they can even guarantee that you will improve your score in this part simply by using this service for your preparation. DAT Prep is another great site to help you with the Dental Admission Test, you can fully trust them to provide you with all the pertinent material and exactly what you’ll need for the DAT.
5. Stay healthy.
You need to maintain yourself in top shape to face the DAT. Remember that it will be a long test with lots of questions, one of your priorities during your preparation should be to stay healthy so you can properly spend your time preparing for the actual test.
It doesn’t matter how good your study discipline is if you get sick and have to interrupt your studies. This is exactly why you must absolutely take proper care of yourself. Also, don’t forget to get enough sleep and don’t take more stress than necessary. When considering how to prepare for the DAT most people often overlook their health and that brings negative results in the test day.
The test day is of such importance that you have to take all those extra preparation steps mentioned above. If you have prepared properly for the actual test then there’s little to worry about. However, we can leave you with some advice on how to face the test day and how to prepare for the DAT.
First off, get some really good sleep time and rest the night before the test.
You must wake up at a reasonable time in the morning of the T day. A few hours before the test wouldn’t be a bad idea.
You should start off the day with a short jog around the block. This will get your blood pumping and get you in a proper mental state for the test. Don’t forget that the exercise should be light and followed by a nice session of stretching. This part is great to make your body and mind be in a good state for the test.
Have a nice and healthy breakfast. This should be something filling, just the right amount of food, not too much nor too little. Ideally and depending on your diet you can have a bowl of cereal or oatmeal accompanied by some orange juice and some toasts. What you must get from breakfast is enough energy to get you through the test with enough fuel.
Be absolutely sure to arrive at the Prometric center on time. You should go take a look around the center a few days before the actual test, just so you know which way to take. Incidentally, you should arrive at least 20 min before the appointed time, this way you will also have some time to get into a good mental state.
What to bring and last checkups.
You should bring lunch and some snacks to give you extra energy. You will be given some time to take a break and eat your meal, typically the lunch break lasts about one hour. All the items that you bring into the Prometric center will be stored in a locker so you might want to plan your lunch meal accordingly.
You will be allowed to bring some notes to study and go over essentials before the test. You will not be allowed to use any extra material that you bring during the test. In addition to this, you should leave the notes along with your phone in your car or a safe place. The point of this is to avoid any potential problems like your cell phone ringing right in the middle of the test, this will likely get you a warning but it can potentially lead to something more serious so be mindful of this.
As the last checkup, you should go to the bathroom right before entering the test. It will be a long test and you won’t be allowed any other break than the lunch break. You should also use this time to calm any anxiety or racing thoughts that you might have. You need to enter the test in a relax yet aware mental state. This the last advice we can provide you on how to prepare for the DAT during the actual test day. Take all of this into consideration when planning your test day and likely the day before.
What you should expect when checking into the testing center.
You will be greeted by the testing coordinator right when you enter the testing center.
You will need your two forms of identification. One with a photo and another one with your name and signature on it. Your name and identification required must be the same on both forms and the same as in your Prometric reservation. The Prometric personnel will take your photo and a fingerprint scan of your middle finger.
You’ll be assigned a locker where you can keep all your belongings. You will be asked to empty your pockets and put everything inside the locker along with your lunch. You do get to keep your ID and the locker key.
Don’t expect to be allowed to chew gum while taking the test. However, you can bring two Kleenex.
You will be provided with two note boards and two fine tips erasable markers to use during the test. Please don’t bend, bite or tamper with them in any kind and also during the test don’t touch the monitor.
Someone from Prometric will explain all the test rules.
Before entering the test, you will have to sign a daily log stating at what time you are entering the exam. You will also have to go through a full-body scan with a metal detector. This is for safety reasons as well as to make sure that you’re not bringing anything you shouldn’t into the test.
You will be escorted to the test room.
Inside the testing room.
After the completion of the first half of the test, you will take your locker key and ID and exit the room. You must sign the daily log again and do another finger scan.
You will be expected to take notice of the time when you exited the room and come back to the testing room one hour after. Ideally, you should go back 5 to 10 minutes before that.
You will repeat all the check-In procedures along with a fingertip scan and a full-body scan.
For this half, you will be allowed to take a bathroom break. However, you will have to go through all the entering and exiting procedures again.
You can raise your hand if you have any questions during the test regarding the rules or issues with your assigned computer. The test coordinator will be there to clear all doubts and help with any issues.
After the test.
Once the test is done all there’s left to do is receive an unofficial score report displayed on your computer screen. This report will also be printed in the testing center, you can take it and use it as a reference for your official score.
You now should check out of the testing center, collect all your belongings and get home to relax. By now you have completed the DAT and you’re free to either hit the sack or blow off some stress by partying with some friends.
Concluding on how to prepare for the DAT.
This is it for how to prepare for the DAT. Remember that the actual Dental Admission Test is just that, a test, one that will have lots of different sections and will require you to fully prepare for it. Luckily we have given you many useful tips and some great reference sources of information for your preparation.
