{"id":30866,"date":"2020-01-09T09:49:18","date_gmt":"2020-01-09T14:49:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/blog\/prep\/?p=30866"},"modified":"2020-09-11T20:40:12","modified_gmt":"2020-09-11T20:40:12","slug":"top-10-dat-study-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/dat\/top-10-dat-study-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 DAT Study Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

Preparing for the Dental Admission Test (DAT) can be a daunting process. The DAT demands excellent time-management skills as well as grace under pressure, both during the test as well as <\/span>while you\u2019re studying for it<\/span><\/a>. It\u2019s specifically designed to predict success in the first year of dental school, so it\u2019s high-speed and time-intensive since the first year of dental school is a frenzied experience for most students.\u00a0<\/span>
\nMost sources recommend that you spend <\/span>200-250 hours studying for the test<\/span><\/a> over a period of about three months. That\u2019s a long amount of time to work on something that\u2019s designed to directly challenge you. Here are our top 10 tips for how you can keep your focus throughout your DAT prep in order to achieve <\/span>your score goal<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>
\n[ <\/span>RELATED<\/b>: <\/span>Dental School Admission by the Numbers<\/span><\/a> ]<\/span>
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Top DAT Study Tip #10: Have the right attitude.<\/h3>
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\nYour attitude toward the test really does affect your performance. Work to develop confidence and a positive mental stance toward the DAT.
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Top DAT Study Tip #9: Make the most of your noteboard and computer-based testing tools.<\/h3>
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\nKeep track of all the notes you need on your noteboard by being neat and methodical. You aren\u2019t given many resources to use, so take full advantage of those provided.
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Top DAT Study Tip #8: Keep track of time.<\/h3>
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\nPace yourself to avoid spending too much time on any individual question. Don\u2019t let the clock add stress on Test Day.<\/span>
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Top DAT Study Tip #7: Use the process of elimination judiciously.<\/h3>
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\nMost wrong answer choices are logical twists on the correct choice. Quickly move past any obvious traps to more easily match your prediction (Tip #5), but only use the full process of elimination when you cannot find a match.
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Top DAT Study Tip #6: Skip around within each section by seeking out questions you can answer correctly.<\/em><\/h3>
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\nAttack each section confidently. You\u2019re in charge. Since every question is worth the same amount, work your best areas first to maximize your opportunity for DAT points. Don\u2019t be a passive victim of the test structure, and don\u2019t let any one question drag you down.
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Top DAT Study Tip #5: Master the art of predicting.<\/h3>
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\nBefore you look at the answer choices, carefully determine what a question is really asking, then anticipate the answer. This helps protect you from persuasive, tricky, and time-consuming incorrect choices.
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Top DAT Study Tip #4: Build your stamina.<\/h3>
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\nPrepare your mind for Test Day by completing\u00a0practice tests<\/a>\u00a0and studying in three-hour blocks while remembering to take breaks every hour and taking one day off per week.
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Top DAT Study Tip #3: Develop the DAT mindset.<\/h3>
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\nThe DAT is designed to let you show off everything you\u2019ve learned so far. Don\u2019t let your spirit fall, or your attitude will slow you down. Don\u2019t let yourself worry about a question or section once you\u2019ve finished it; instead, change your mindset and tackle the next item as if you\u2019re just starting anew.
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Top DAT Study Tip #2: Know what the DAT tests.<\/h3>
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\nNever forget the purpose of the DAT: to test your powers of analytical reasoning. You need to know the content because each section has its own particular language, but the underlying DAT intention is consistent throughout the test.
\nFor more information about each section of the DAT, check out the following:<\/p>\n