How to Improve Your DAT Scores

If you’re interested in improving your Canadian DAT scores from your practice tests, you’ve come to the right place! Maybe this is your second time writing the Canadian DAT, or maybe you have been completing practice tests but want to know how to improve your scores. Below are some recommendations on how you can improve your DAT scores on your practice tests.

I. Start off with content review

Before you start practice tests, it’s important to have a solid foundation in the content. This is why we recommend making it a priority to review all the content in the biology and chemistry sections. A comprehensive checklist of all science content on the Canadian DAT can be found on the official CDA website by clicking here.

That said, we also recommend completing one or two practice tests while reviewing content. This will help you understand what the Canadian DAT exactly covers and prevent you from trying to memorize every little detail. Remember, breadth over depth!

II. Test prep material

To cover the broad range of concepts on the Canadian DAT, consider using a Canadian DAT resource. One of the best resources for the Canadian DAT is DATCrusher, which specializes in providing the most up-to-date knowledge in an organized and comprehensive manner. On DATCrusher, you can find everything related to the Canadian DAT, including Canadian DAT content videos, detailed study notes, representative practice tests based on what’s appeared on the Canadian DAT in the past, PAT generators that create unlimited questions, and much more!

III. Practice makes perfect

A dentist spends years perfecting their craft and it all starts off with the DAT. Make sure that you dedicate a few months of your time to mastering the DAT. Start off with at least 15 minutes of PAT practice every day to build familiarity and find your strategies. You will learn strategies for the PAT throughout DATCrusher’s PAT section. You can also print off generator questions from DATCrusher’s PAT generators. Although the new Canadian DAT will be delivered electronically, when you are starting out with the PAT section, it may be helpful to use pen/pencil initially and then move on to practicing on the computer once you get the hang of it. Build a passion for reading scientific articles every week. Do some daily practice on biology and science material to make sure that you retain the information. Content review is important, but what’s more important is answering practice questions about content that you have just learned. Studies have shown that this method of studying helps with knowledge retention.

IV. Timing is key

Once you have mastered the content and identified your strategies for PAT and reading comprehension, you are now ready to practice under timed conditions. Allow yourself at least one month to complete practice tests under timed conditions. Have a strategy for the PAT section and know your strengths and weaknesses. This can help you identify where you spend the most time and can help you better allocate your time in the PAT section.

V. Review your practice tests

As my mentors have told me, review is just as important, if not more important, than doing the actual tests! After you have completed a practice test, make sure that you thoroughly review every question that you got right and wrong. Consider journaling your mistakes as it can help you avoid making the same mistakes twice. Some people may find this helpful while others don’t like this strategy. What is best is knowing what works most effectively for you, so find a review strategy and stick to it!

VI. Keep on practicing and reinforcing your knowledge

After you have reviewed your practice tests and identified your mistakes, consider reinforcing your science content knowledge with more practice. If you are not feeling confident about a concept, make sure to revisit the content for review and reinforce this with practice. Consider using Anki flashcards to help you memorize biology concepts. You can also complete flashcards on DATCrusher’s website.

VII. BONUS: Attend DATCrusher’s Crash Courses

These crash courses are invaluable as they are live videos that cover high-yield concepts in a short amount of time. These courses are taught by experts who have mastered the DAT sections and are passing on their knowledge to you in an easy-to-follow, step-by-step approach. We recommend that you attend these crash courses at least a month before your test date, as you need time to absorb and master the concepts.

You are now ready to conquer the Canadian DAT! We have just given you some of the best advice on improving your DAT scores and we are confident that this knowledge will allow you to take your performance to the next level. We wish you the best of luck in your DAT journey and can’t wait to see you on the other side as a dentist! 🦷