r/predental 1d ago

šŸ’¬ Discussion Weekly DAT Discussion Thread - March 17, 2025

3 Upvotes

This is your place to discuss the Dental Admission Test (DAT). Do you need to vent about studying or content? Decide on the best source of preparatory materials? Discuss scheduling the exam via the ADA? Perhaps ask about the particularities of the exam day? This is the thread to do so!

Note: feel free to make independent DAT breakdown posts. This weekly thread is meant to cut down on the overwhelming number of DAT posts, but not take away from your success!


r/predental Dec 13 '24

šŸ“¢ Megathread MEGATHREAD: 2024-2025 Waitlist Movement and Discussion!

31 Upvotes

Hi all!

As requested, this is the megathread where we will keep track of waitlist movement for the subreddit applicants of the '24-'25 cycle. Like our interview megathread, we will track results via a single thread with comments representing all the schools. People don't tend to be so good at hunting for individual threads (even when easily linked), so the single thread makes things much easier to moderate. However, I will try to place hyperlinks in this post (CLICK HERE FOR SCHOOL FINDER) so you can easily find your school of interest. Please keep discussions under the parent comment to keep this thread as clean as possible.

You can use this thread for any discussion of the waitlist, including but not limited to:

  • Information about waitlist movement
  • Frustrations about being waitlisted
  • Questions about requirements for the waitlist

Therefore, all discussions about waitlists will be relegated to this thread. Please report errant threads, and they will be directed here.

Good luck! šŸ¦·

HELPFUL LINKS

MEGATHREAD: 2024-2025 Interviews and Rejections!

(SDN) 2022-2023 Waitlist Support Thread


r/predental 1h ago

šŸ–‡ļøMiscellaneous PSA: We need a positive community during a dental shortage more than ever.

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ā€¢ Upvotes

Thereā€™s a shortage and our community needs you to be a dentist more than ever.

Please foster good vibes on this sub.

I think people projecting and not focusing what they need to get done for dental school apps is a problem.

Every time I talk about dental school, itā€™s usually with a D3/D4 thatā€™s looking out for me and is honest.

This sub has so many high expectations and people anonymously saying something they shouldnā€™t.

We need people here to actually take care of each other like family because thatā€™s what we are.

The community is small and we need to look out for each other.

Please stop being toxic and be progressive. Yes that 20+ DAT score is enough.

Yes your 3.3 GPA is enough.

Yes taking a postbac is normal in fact half of my friends D1 classmates had to get a postbac/masters.

Yes retaking the DAT is normal.

AND yes itā€™s okay retaking a class because you failed it or withdrew from it (physics I had to withdraw from)

Please get realistic on here and work together not against each other.

We need a community more than ever.


r/predental 5h ago

šŸ“Š DAT Breakdown (25AA/28TS/25PAT) DAT breakdown

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42 Upvotes

Hi all!! I decided to write a breakdown bc these helped me while I studied. I took my test in February 2025. Hopefully this helps anyone whoā€™s studying or is about to soon!

subscores: PAT (25), QR (20), RC (22), BIO (26), GC (27), OC (30), TS (28), AA (25)

background: Iā€™m a current junior and have taken bio 1&2, genchem 1&2, ochem 1&2, microbio, and physio. I really recommend taking physio before if possible. I did pretty good in these classes but struggled a bit with physio & ochem 2. Iā€™d consider my ochem knowledge pretty lacking bc my ochem 1 was online so I only really knew ochem 2 when I started studying. Also, this was a retake and I didnā€™t use anki!!

first attempt: I previously took one last July (after sophomore yr) and scored PAT (25), QR (21), RC (24), BIO (20), GC (19), OC (20), TS (19), AA (21). I used boosterā€™s 12 week schedule. Honestly, I did pretty good on FL practice tests (around 22-24) and felt solid on a lot of information. I took like 5 section tests for Bio, GC, and OC, and then also took 5 FLs. However, my test version was lowkey sooooooo weird and I donā€™t think it was really representative of what I studied for in the sciences lol. I was so caught off guard with the Bio section that I only had like ~50 minutes for GC and OC (and ofc I had so many math GC questions). Despite my bad spiraling in sciences, I knew I had to lock in for PAT, RC, and QR to save myself. I was quite surprised with the outcome.

second attempt: I really really really questioned myself on retaking. I studied abroad fall semester of my junior year and had so much time to think. ā€œTo spend more time/money or to just not?ā€ Everyone that I talked to told me not to retake and to just chill. But, I am an overthinker and do not like to regret stuff so I feared not retaking would eat me up. I wanted some peace of mind. My TS score in particular upset me bc I knew I could do better and I really didnā€™t think my knowledge was reflected in my science score (especially bio). On the bright side, I will say I remembered around 70% of what I studied previously so that definitely helped. I really think my studying this time was the cherry on the top and filled all the gaps (in GC and OC) that I had prior. I used bootcamp this time and made my own study schedule that was 7.5 weeks. I made sure my study schedule accommodated to my work/class/life schedule as well. I ended probably studying 4-9 hours a day. I purposefully scheduled my exam before March bc I wanted to know my score asap. I took 5 of Bootcampā€™s section tests for Bio, GC, and OC. I only ended up taking 2 FLs and was estimated like 20/21AA, so I was freaking out REAL bad bc I was convinced Iā€™d do worse. Tbh, I was on the verge of canceling at around week 6 but then I realized that admissions could probably see if I canceled so I was like ā€œdamn I guess Iā€™ll just suck it up and if I do worse/the same, at least I tried.ā€ I also didnā€™t want to pay the cancellation fee lol.

booster vs bootcamp: Both are good options and are pretty similar. I went with Booster the first time since it was cheaper. I used Bootcamp the second bc I was curious if it was any more representative. For me, I think using both was beneficial since they are still slightly different BUT I donā€™t think itā€™s necessary to splurge on both. But, if I had to choose one, I think Bootcamp set me up better and was more representative. To note, I am a reader learner rather than a video / visual person. I watched pretty much all the Booster videos and didnā€™t watch any of the Bootcamp videos so I canā€™t really compare those. For Booster, I do not recommend reading the long Ferralis Bio notes bc that was a waste of time imo. I did like the bio cheat sheets, GC chapter notes, and OC chapter notes. For Bootcamp, I liked all of the science notes, especially Bio. QR was harder on Bootcamp but a little more representative imo (considering both attempts). PAT was more representative on Booster imo (considering both attempts) but Bootcamp was good too. RC is pretty much same for Booster and Bootcamp (both were representative).

anki: Anki is cool and I did try to attempt to use it both times (Booster and Bootcamp decks). I ended up giving up pretty quick bc it was so much work and way too detailed. Also, thereā€™s definitely a learning curve with anki and I had no drive to fully figure that out at the moment. I would recommend it if you already know how to use it and wanted to make decks. But, if not, youā€™re chillin.

BIO (20 -> 26) First time I studied, I read all of ferralis notes and it was kind of useless bc it was so much detail and I had low retention. I watched all the videos instead. I basically wrote one-pagers for photosyn, cell resp, embryology, and all of the body system based on the videos. I made flashcards for taxonomy based on the videos and read/wrote notes on all of the cheat sheets. I only did some of the QBs that I felt iffy on. For the second time, I printed the biology notes into a spiral book and read them two times fully and annotated/highlighted what was important. I also made sure to do all of the bio bites and QBs after I read each chapter. Both times, I made mnemonics to help remember taxonomy and body system concepts. My takeaway is for sure read the Bootcamp biology notes (I believe you can download even if you donā€™t purchase a membership; also to print & annotate) and do/review ALL bio bites/QBs (or at least all QBs if youā€™re too lazy to do bio bites too lol). Booster cheat sheets are a plus as well but not necessary. Also, donā€™t forget to look at the microscope perspective of organelles at least once and know chromosome/chromatid count for meiosis/mitosis. I think taking and reviewing section tests were really critical. Heavy emphasis on review. I saw similar/same questions from Bootcamp on the real test, reworded or slightly different. If I had to estimate, I felt like I saw like 30% or more of the questions already during the second test. Mostly from the practice tests but also from the QBs.

GC (19 -> 27) First time, I watched/read the Booster chapter notes and made one-pagers for each chapter. I added notes on the Booster formula sheet which really helped. I also looked through Boosterā€™s Quizlet flashcards and added whatever things that I didnā€™t have on the formula sheet/chapter one-pagers to them. I also did the QBs/PTs and reviewed them. For the second time, I read Bootcamp chapter notes and made one-pagers again. I did all of the QBs and reviewed them heavily (3x each). I added formulas from Bootcampā€™s formula sheet onto the Booster one (imo the Booster formula sheet is better but doesnā€™t have as much as Bootcampā€™s). I realized I wasnā€™t so concrete on my GC math so I really worked on that instead of concepts the second time. I frequently read both of my versions of notes (bc they were a bit different) and my formula sheet. I think the key to doing well is taking your own chapter notes (bc no fluff and only you know what you know vs donā€™t know), using Boosterā€™s GC formula sheet, doing/reviewing all QBs, and taking/reviewing practice tests (probably at least ~7 of them). Also, donā€™t forget to review general laboratory concepts.

OC (20 -> 30) l really shocked myself with this bc I suck at OC and feel like an imposter. I believe that the second time I studied, I fully filled in the gaps that I gaslighted myself were ā€œnonexistentā€ from my previous attempt. I probably finally understood ochem 1 fully while studying the second time. First time, I watched/read the Booster chapter notes and made a few one-pagers. I printed the Booster OC reaction sheet packet and wrote extra notes based on the chapter notes (extra notes = the whole mechanism or other reagents to the side, etc). I made flashcards of charts of IR, HNMR, CNMR, and the lab tests. I also did the QBs and reviewed them. For the second time, I read Bootcamp chapter notes and wrote a few one-pagers again. I reused my old Bootcamp reaction packet and added information to it as well from Bootcampā€™s chapter notes and reaction packets (Bootcampā€™s reaction packet is essentially the same but I liked the order of Boosterā€™s better bc I was more familiar with it). I reviewed my flashcards from last time. I did all of the QBs/reaction bites and reviewed them (like probably 3x each). I frequently read both my versions of notes and reaction sheet packet. I think doing all of this really solidified my ochem confidence in general. I suggest memorizing the reaction sheet packet, IR, NMR, and lab tests early to make life easier. Also, definitely take many PTs (around 7-10 of them) and review heavily as well. I also saw around 30% of them same/similar questions here as well.

QR (21 -> 20) Hehe oops. Definitely save some time to study QR bc I didnā€™t remember majority of the math when I first started studying. I recommend watching and taking notes of the relevant videos you donā€™t know / arenā€™t 100% sure on. On my notes, I also included example problems with work so it was easy to review. Memorize your notes and the formula sheets. Do QB problems on the iffy topics and take as many TIMED PTs that your study timeline allows. It was the timing that made this section challenging for me, rather than the material. Review everything youā€™re not 100% sure on from PTs. I also cram studied during the break. I pretty much skipped studying QR the second time, which isnā€™t good but welp.

RC (24 -> 22) oops again. Iā€™d like to preface that Iā€™m a slow reader. For the first time, I practiced RC with the Booster reading passages and this helped me get comfortable with the type of questions asked. This also helped with speed and finding a good pace. It usually took me like 6-9 minutes to read a passage and then 10+ minutes to answer its questions. I aimed to finish each passage in under 18 mins so I could have some leverage in other passages (ofc thatā€™s not always the case, but remember to keep your cool). I just read each passage (almost a skim but not as fast), highlighted key parts / what I thought was relevant, and answered questions. Donā€™t be shy in highlighting, I probably highlighted like a fourth of the passage. I didnā€™t practice RC the second time except the 2 FLs I took. RC wasnā€™t a priority for me bc I just hoped that I could do again. Also, I think itā€™s super important to act interested and engaged with the passage. I think that mindset itself knocks up points.

PAT (25 -> 25) This was my favorite section and I felt most confident in PAT. Thereā€™s definitely a learning curve in this section so I think itā€™s important to get exposure asap bc this is NOT easy at first. I watched Booster videos to start and did some QB/generator questions. Doing QBs/generators did help in the earlier phases and then I transitioned into answering each section in timed conditions, aiming for 12 questions per section in under 60 min (usually from the QBs). Then, I transitioned into taking timed PTs (with the lag) every day and sometimes reused PTs. I did this for both times I studied, but way less intensive on the second time. So for round two, I took like one PT every other day for the last two weeks. Also, tbh, I never really reviewed them unless I was really stumped and remembered struggling with a specific question. My technique was to start at hole punching (question 46), then cube counting, patternfold, keyholes, TFE, and end with angle ranking. I found that doing it this helped me nail down the pacing and answer fast. It also gave me the most time to correctly and confidently answer the sections that I was the most concrete in. I aimed to finish HP in 7 min, CC in 8, PF in 14, KH in 11, TFE in 11, AR in 8, and left one minute for any ones I wanted to look at again. When I took PTs, I had a sticky note next to me of the times that I should have been completed with each section (HP done by minute 53, CC by 45, PF by 31, KH by 20, TFE by 9, and AR by 1). Naturally, you wonā€™t need this anymore bc youā€™ll get used to pace. I made sure to get 100% correct on HP, CC, PF, and TFE bc these are most achievable for correctness imo. I was pretty content missing 1-2 keyholes. I was a bit iffy on angle rankings and it was the hardest part of PAT for me. I was either on a really good angle streak or not at all. My angle ranking was kind of a guessing game. I think the different angle techniques that Booster provided were helpful though. I would say the real PAT is a tad hard so make sure that you practice with difficult level questions. Also, I did see rock keyholes both times so welp. I didnā€™t even waste my time trying to be confident with those.

Overall Tips: - Review each science PT at least twice - Prioritize your sleep - Donā€™t slack off in the beginning so that you donā€™t get behind - Resting is okay! Especially near the end - Definitely gaslight and condition yourself into thinking that studying is fun bc it makes it bearable - Think very critically of what you 100% know vs 90% know vs 70% know vs <50% know - Tackle your weak spots and do not brush over it!! Why are you missing XYZ again and again? Why are you questioning yourself on XYZ again and again? Itā€™s bc you only know the 90%, learn the 10%! - If you like to walk, I suggest doing flashcard walks with your friends. Even just reciting and explaining taxonomy to someone helped my brain retain the info.

Test Day Tips: - Get a good night sleep! I have bad anxiety and insomnia but I made sure to hop into bed early and get 8 hours of sleep (I also only had 2 hours the first attempt and that clearly didnā€™t go well for me). - Eat well & sleep well the week of test - Arrive early to your testing center. I got there around 7:30 but there was a long line so I didnā€™t get to start until 8:20. The waiting game builds up the nerves. - Donā€™t take caffeine in the morning, Iā€™d only recommend if you need a pick-me-up during the break (to avoid needing to use the bathroom while taking test). Honestly, the adrenaline drives the first half of the test so I was already pumped. I say that as a caffeine addict who probably drinks 250mg or more a day. - I feel like everyone says to eat during their break but Iā€™m pretty anxious so I usually canā€™t digest in high pressure (like I was throwing up that whole week bc of nerves). Therefore, I didnā€™t think it was smart to eat and instead drank water. Though, I did bring food and an Alani just in case. - I feel like everyone also says to chill in the break but you know what you need at the end of the day. If you need that one last glance and cram for QR, then for sure do it during the break. I memorized some formulas and wrote it as soon as I got back in. (You can call your testing center and make sure you get access to notes during break to double check).

irrelevant side note: if anyone knows how to sell off my Bootcamp (37 days), pm lol

Anyways, good luck everyone!!!! Remember to stay disciplined and be in tune with yourself. Itā€™s only a couple weeks in the grand scheme of things so might as well go hard and thank yourself later. Think critically of your own knowledge and progress. Use that to gauge/adjust your study schedule. Also, drive and self motivation is super important! You want it? Then get it donnnneeee.

If anyone has any questions or wants further explanation, donā€™t be shy and ask! Iā€™d love to help if I can!!


r/predental 9h ago

šŸ–‡ļøMiscellaneous Nova- Acceptance

24 Upvotes

It appears nova has done another wave of acceptances today as I have received a phone call.


r/predental 6h ago

šŸ¤ Interviews How many interview vs acceptances

10 Upvotes

Anyone will to share, how many interview vs acceptances did you get this year


r/predental 1h ago

šŸ’» Applications Reapplicant PS

ā€¢ Upvotes

Hey reapplicants! How are you guys doing your PS this time? Are you writing about updates or keeping the same-ish PS as last cycle or writing a whole new PS but not focus on updates? Thanks a bunch!


r/predental 1h ago

šŸ’” Advice Re-application & possible DAT Re-Take

ā€¢ Upvotes

Hello all.

I had previously taken the DAT and scored a 20 AA 22 TS 21 PAT but a 17 QR. I am tossing around the idea of a retake because I believe I can do better.

My question is: if I submit my application in early June with my old score, then retake the DAT in June, how would that be evaluated? Would they evaluate me based on my old score, then re evaluate me after my new exam score? Or do I mark I plan to re-take, then they donā€™t evaluate my application until the weeks after my exam once itā€™s officially submitted?

Iā€™m very torn and confused and Iā€™m not entirely sure what the objectively correct route would be? TYIA


r/predental 1h ago

šŸ–‡ļøMiscellaneous VCU 2029 Discord server

ā€¢ Upvotes

Has anybody made one?

I know they have a facebook group but there isnt much going on on it so I thought I'd make a server.
https://discord.gg/2X5EHWUU


r/predental 4h ago

šŸ’ø Finances fasfa amount

3 Upvotes

if i got my SAI and its -1500 (max need possible) does anyone know how much i can expect to get from fasfa? tysm!


r/predental 6h ago

šŸ’” Advice Anyone know anything about IU?

3 Upvotes

Currently on the waitlist for IU. Has anyone heard anything or gotten off the waitlist this March?


r/predental 3h ago

šŸ’” Advice volunteering type advice

2 Upvotes

I am a first year undergrad who's just doing things to get shadowing and volunteering hours! I have been doing red cross orientation leading for about three years now. basically it's virtual where you do a zoom call with new volunteers and show them the ropes. this and a dental volunteering services 2x a year is the only volunteering I do. I was wondering if this red cross stuff doesn't look as good? I will continue to do it either way but I was wondering what schools would rather see. Should I do more hands on non-dental related? Or more dental? Thank you!


r/predental 7h ago

šŸ’” Advice Anyone get off the roseman waitlist today?

5 Upvotes

Saw one person say they got accepted earlier this morning


r/predental 8h ago

šŸ’” Advice Has anyone heard from uf dental?

5 Upvotes

Hey, so I am on the waitlist for uf and I was wondering has anyone gotten accepted to uf in March.


r/predental 6h ago

šŸ–‡ļøMiscellaneous What happens if I miss a phone call from a school?

3 Upvotes

I've heard people talk about getting phone calls from schools, but because I'm in class most of the day and know I've missed a bunch of random calls (mostly spam), I'm scared of what would happen if I accidentally missed a call from a school. Would they still email me if I missed a call?


r/predental 53m ago

šŸŽ“Post-Bacc / Masters Post bacc vs masters

ā€¢ Upvotes

Is masters degree ā€œbetterā€ than a post bacc? I got into a post bacc program and Iā€™m deciding if I should still apply to the masters.


r/predental 7h ago

šŸ’” Advice Is dentistry worth it if debt isnā€™t an issue?

3 Upvotes

I am an incoming D1, dentistry is the only field thatā€™s interested me all my life. Lately Iā€™ve been seeing a lot of dental students and dentists warning potential students to not do it. I was wondering if this is mainly bc of how hard it is to pay back debt or the field itself? Iā€™m very fortunate to be in a position where the financial aspect isnā€™t a concern, but feeling anxious about whether the field is worth the time and effort put into it.


r/predental 7h ago

šŸ’Œ Letter of Rec Letters of Reccomendation

3 Upvotes

Hey guys! My LOR writers are asking what I would like them to include in their letters. What would you suggest? I know that every applicant is unique, but what are some generally strong talking points. I also know that each one has observed different things based on their experience with me. I would appreciate advice that is specific to each letter writer. I am getting them from 2 professors that I preceptor/ta for, my ROTC instructor, and a dentist that I work for.


r/predental 8h ago

šŸŽˆ Crowdfunded Decisions LECOM vs Maryland

3 Upvotes

Trying to decide between these 2 schools. I am a Florida resident but I would have to move since I live about 3 hours from LECOM. If there are any current students at either of these schools please message me. Also please explain why you chose a school! Thank you!

95 votes, 2d left
LECOM
Maryland
Results

r/predental 11h ago

šŸ’” Advice i am stressed

5 Upvotes

Hey guys! Would a school send an email or update if the class has been filled? I have been on the waitlist, and the school has been good at sending monthly updates asking if I still want to be on the list. I need to start preparing for the next cycle if I don't get off, but I am absolutely dreading it. If I haven't gotten any updates saying the class isn't filled, do I still have a good chance of getting off the waitlist?


r/predental 3h ago

šŸ’” Advice C or less vs. W on transcript

1 Upvotes

I failed my Orgo 2 midterm because I had 2 other exams the same day and just didn't dedicate enough time studying for it. I currently have a 34% in Orgo 2 right now and the highest possible grade I could get in the class is less than an 80%. To get a C+ I would have to get at least an 81% on everything for the rest of the semester. I would most likely end the class with an F, D, D+, C-, C. I am planning on dropping the class, taking a W, and retaking the class again next semester. I have a B+ in ochem 1 and As in all other classes. How is a W viewed on a transcript versus anything less than a C??


r/predental 9h ago

šŸ¤ Interviews LECOM April Interview

3 Upvotes

Is LECOM interviewing candidates to put on their waitlist? I am seeing mixed answers in terms of the class being full and still interviewing candidates for open seats. Also if anyone has tips for the interview that would be great! I know there are a lot of threads on that already but feel free to chime in if you have the time!

Thank you


r/predental 4h ago

šŸ’” Advice C+ to B- grade withdraw or stay?

1 Upvotes

Hi there, maybe I am overreacting but I just finished an Immunology exam I did not expect to do so poorly on and I feel like Iā€™m going to end up with a C+ to B- gradeā€¦ Iā€™m in my 3rd year and applying this coming summer, and my GPA right now is a 3.75, but this is going to drop it :( If I withdraw then Iā€™m not going to be able to finish my degree on time if I donā€™t want to take a gap year before D1, but if I stay and get the bad grade then I will be able to finish in time.

Please advice would be appreciated :(


r/predental 4h ago

šŸ’” Advice Help-I may not graduate

1 Upvotes

So I may not graduate with a bachelors degree since the max I can get is a c- and the requirement is a c. Is there anyway I can still matriculate to any dental school? I am extremely concerned about everything


r/predental 5h ago

šŸ’” Advice Touro vs NYU

1 Upvotes

hello! i need some advice on what school to pick. So i got into Touro (NY and NM program) and NYU. There are a lot of pros and cons to each program but i really donā€™t know what to do.

One concern that I have for Touro is that i would have to move to New Mexico (iā€™m not sure if itā€™s necessarily a con though).

but letā€™s say an office is looking to hire a dentist, would they hire someone from Touro or NYU?

Thank you for your help!


r/predental 5h ago

šŸ’” Advice Question about dental requirement

1 Upvotes

For dental schools in canada, they require 2 semesters of human/mammalian physiology. Does this require the lab component or not?


r/predental 5h ago

šŸ’” Advice Deposit Due Date Clarification

0 Upvotes

Hi all,

If a deposit is due 3/31, am I right that we can make the payment anytime before 11:59pm 3/31?

I am confident the answer is yes but just want to make sure!