Taking the DAT as a Non-Traditional Student
There are many advantages of taking the DAT as a non-traditional student. In this article, we will discuss some of the benefits of taking the DAT as a non-traditional student.
Many pre-dental students follow a straightforward path to dental school; they study for the DAT during their undergraduate studies, apply for dental school during junior year and begin dental school immediately after graduation. However, for non-traditional students, myself included, life takes them down a different course, as the path to dentistry often includes additional life experiences, career changes, or time away from school before pursuing dental education. In this article, we will discuss some of the benefits of taking the DAT as a non-traditional student while sharing some advice from my own experience.
I. Benefits of Being Non-Traditional
Completed Pre-Requisite Courses
By the time most non-traditional students are preparing to study for the DAT, they have already earned their undergraduate degree and taken all basic prerequisites such as Biology, General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry. Unlike traditional pre-dental students, who can find themselves in the precarious situation of studying a DAT subject for the first time in addition to their coursework, non-traditional students should already have a foundational understanding of each area of the DAT, which they can build upon during their studying.
It is much easier to review subject material than to learn it for the first time, so non-traditional students may find that they have an easier time grasping the material covered on the DAT. This allows them to devote more time to weaker areas and practice tests, which can ultimately lead to a higher score on test day.
Greater Control Over Study Schedule
For many non-traditional pre-dental students, their free time is just that: free. Traditional pre-dental students have to worry about time-consuming extracurriculars, homework, or exams that are out of their control and don’t always follow a regular schedule. This can make it difficult for traditional students to find enough free time to focus solely on studying.
Although non-traditional students may also have responsibilities, such as jobs, that require attention, they may discover that their schedules are more established and concrete. With a more stable schedule comes greater control over the time you devote to studying. Whether you prefer studying in the mornings, evenings, or on weekends, a consistent schedule can reduce burnout, and can support steady progress throughout your preparation. This control is essential as it ensures that you’re giving the DAT the time and attention necessary for you to succeed.
Ideally, you should apply to every public dental school in your state of residence. In general, programs subsidized by the state give preference to in-state applicants, making your public in-state schools some of your strongest admission opportunities. Therefore, your best chance of admission is at your state schools. Also, your in-state school is most likely the cheapest option. Therefore, it is a no-brainer to apply to all public schools in your state. For additional guidance when building your school list, check out DATBooster's Dental School Statistics page for more information on dental programs.
II. Advice for Non-Traditional Students
I. Time Management is Crucial
Although we just mentioned that one benefit of taking the DAT as a non-traditional student is the ability to take greater control over your schedule, you can only make use of this advantage if you manage your time wisely. Using a planner or creating set daily study goals can help ensure that you’re making the most of your study time. For inspiration, check out DATBooster’s 10-week study schedule here, or, for a more personalized approach, use DATBooster’s Custom Study Schedule to create a study plan that fits your individual timeline, goals, and commitments.
II. Participate in Other Dental-Related Activities
Studying for the DAT can be a long, exhausting process and many pre-dental students may at one point find themselves questioning if all the effort they’re devoting is even worth it. While pre-dental students still pursuing their undergraduate degrees have pre-dental organizations and classwork to remind them of their devotion to dentistry, many non-traditional students may find that they have fewer built-in sources of motivation. Non-traditional students should therefore seek out dental-related activities, such as shadowing or volunteering opportunities, that serve as motivation to keep studying and reminders of why they chose this career path.
III. Don’t Compare Your Journey
As a non-traditional student myself, I know how easy it can be to feel like you’re falling behind. Many non-traditional students are older than the typical pre-dental student, meaning it can be difficult to ignore the sense that your clock is ticking. These feelings, combined with the demanding process of preparing for the DAT, can make non-traditional students feel overwhelmed or intimidated.
However, if nobody’s told you this before, let me be the first to tell you; there is no “right” path to dentistry. Everybody’s journey is unique and the experiences that distinguish you will not only help you become a more interesting applicant, but will also serve as a testament to your devotion to dentistry. Also, as you begin putting together your application, remember that these experiences are some of your greatest strengths, and Booster Prep’s Admissions Services can provide additional guidance and support to help you showcase them effectively. Stay the course, keep studying, and don’t forget that you’re right where you’re supposed to be.
IV. Final Thoughts
When it comes to preparing for the DAT, pre-dental students should choose a time in their life when they can devote an extended period to studying. For traditional students, this often means studying during a school break or an easy semester. However, if you feel that you cannot complete your studying during a short school break or with the stress of coursework, there’s no shame in deciding to delay writing your DAT until after graduation. If you are unsure when to begin your preparation, to help create a realistic study timeline check out Booster Prep’s guide on when to start studying for the DAT by clicking the link here.
The non-traditional path is becoming increasingly popular, with the average age of first-year dental school enrollees typically ranging from 22-26. Regardless of whether you’re a traditional or non-traditional student, make sure to find the most effective way to prepare for the DAT, so check out the articles below for advice on how to make the most out of your studying: