How To Prepare For The DAT In 2026

Preparing for the DAT takes structured planning, the right resources, and consistent effort over several months. Whether you are studying during the semester, over the summer, or while working full time, this guide covers everything you need — from building a study schedule to section-specific strategies and avoiding common mistakes.

Key takeaways

• Most students need 3–4 months and roughly 200–250 hours of total study time to prepare for the DAT.
• The DAT has four sections: Survey of the Natural Sciences, Perceptual Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning.
• DAT Booster and DAT Bootcamp are the two most widely used prep platforms among pre-dental students.
• A new DAT scoring scale (200–600) replaced the old 1–30 scale in March 2025.
• The DAT registration fee is approximately $560 (non-refundable).
• Practice tests under timed, realistic conditions are the single most important part of your prep.

What Is on the DAT?

The DAT consists of four sections with a total of 280 questions and takes approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes to complete (including breaks).

There is a 15-minute break between the Natural Sciences and PAT sections, and an optional break before Reading Comprehension.

For a detailed breakdown of each section, see our complete guide to DAT sections.

How Long Should You Study for the DAT?

The ADEA recommends giving yourself "at least three to four months" of preparation and planning on about 200–250 hours of total study time.

Your ideal timeline depends on your science foundation and how many hours per day you can dedicate:

Most students find 10–12 weeks to be the sweet spot — long enough for thorough content review and practice tests, but short enough to stay focused and avoid burnout.

For sample timelines, see our DAT study schedule guide.

Step-by-Step DAT Study Plan

1. Finish Your Prerequisite Courses

Before you start studying, make sure you have completed (or are finishing) these courses:

• General Chemistry I and II — essential for the Gen Chem section
• Organic Chemistry I (and ideally II) — covers most of the Organic Chemistry section
• General Biology I and II — forms the foundation for the Biology section

Additional courses like Biochemistry, Anatomy, and Physiology are helpful for Biology but not required.

2. Choose Your Study Resources

You need at minimum: a content review source, practice questions, and full-length practice tests. The most common approach is to use one primary prep platform supplemented with free resources.

Most popular DAT prep platforms:

• DAT Booster — Widely considered the gold standard among pre-dental students. Offers content review videos, thousands of practice questions, 10+ full-length practice tests, and generators for PAT and science sections. Known for questions that closely mirror the real DAT in difficulty.
• DAT Bootcamp — Another highly regarded option with video lessons, practice tests, PAT generators, and flashcards. Well-designed interface and organized by topic.
• Kaplan DAT — Offers structured courses with live or on-demand instruction. Better for students who prefer a classroom-style approach.

Commonly used free and supplementary resources:

• Anki flashcards — Essential for Biology memorization. Many students use community-shared decks (like the "Mike's Deck" or "Booster Biology Anki").
• Feralis Biology Notes — A comprehensive, free Biology review PDF popular in the pre-dental community for its thoroughness.
• Chad's Prep — Video explanations for General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry.

See our full DAT prep course comparison and DAT prep books guide for more options.

3. Create Your Study Schedule

A structured schedule keeps you on track and prevents last-minute cramming. Here is a general framework:

Weeks 1–4: Content Review

• Work through your prep course section by section
• Start with your weakest subjects
• Use Anki daily for Biology terms and reactions
• Do practice questions at the end of each topic

Weeks 5–8: Active Practice

• Take your first full-length practice test at the start of this phase
• Shift from passive reading to active problem-solving
• Focus on high-yield topics you missed on practice questions
• Start dedicated PAT practice (aim for 30–60 minutes daily)

Weeks 9–12: Full-Length Tests and Review

• Take one full-length practice test per week under timed, realistic conditions
• Review every question you missed or guessed on
• Identify and target persistent weak areas
• Taper study intensity in the final 2–3 days before your test

4. Track Your Progress With Practice Tests

Practice tests are the most important part of your preparation. They serve three purposes:

1. Identify weak areas — Shows exactly where you need to focus
2. Build test-day stamina — The DAT is a 5+ hour exam; you need endurance
3. Calibrate your score — Helps you decide if you are ready or need more time

Most students take 5–10 full-length practice tests over their study period. Take each one under test-day conditions: timed, no phone, at a desk, with the same break structure.

Check out our guide to DAT practice tests for platform-specific recommendations.

Section-by-Section Study Strategies

Biology (40 questions, 90 minutes shared with Gen Chem and Orgo)

Biology is the largest section and the most content-heavy. It covers cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, taxonomy, anatomy, and physiology.

How to study:

• Use Anki flashcards daily — Biology rewards memorization more than any other section
• Focus on high-yield topics: cell division, genetics, organ systems, taxonomy classifications
• Review Feralis Notes for comprehensive topic coverage
• Do 20–40 practice questions per day during your active practice phase
• Do not try to memorize every obscure detail — focus on patterns and commonly tested concepts

General Chemistry (30 questions)

General Chemistry tests fundamental concepts: stoichiometry, gas laws, thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, electrochemistry, and atomic/molecular structure.

How to study:

• Master the core formulas and when to apply them
• Practice calculation-heavy problems daily — speed matters
• Review periodic table trends thoroughly (electronegativity, ionization energy, atomic radius)
• Focus on acid-base chemistry and equilibrium, which are tested heavily

Organic Chemistry (30 questions)

Organic Chemistry focuses on reactions, mechanisms, functional groups, nomenclature, and stereochemistry. Note: the ADA is updating the Organic Chemistry test specifications in April 2026 — see the 2026 updates section below.

How to study:

• Learn reactions by functional group, not by chapter
• Focus on reaction mechanisms — understanding "why" helps you solve unfamiliar problems
• Practice nomenclature and stereochemistry (R/S, E/Z) until they are automatic
• Use the Organic Chemistry reaction summary sheets from your prep course
• If you have not completed Organic Chemistry II, you can still prepare — targeted DAT prep materials cover the key reactions

Perceptual Ability Test (90 questions, 60 minutes)

PAT is unique to the DAT and tests spatial reasoning through six question types: keyholes, top-front-end views, angle ranking, hole punching, cube counting, and pattern folding.

How to study:

• Practice PAT every day for at least 30 minutes, starting early in your study period
• Use PAT generators (available in DAT Booster and DAT Bootcamp) for unlimited practice
• Keyholes and TFE are typically the hardest — give them extra time
• Develop systematic strategies for each question type rather than relying on intuition
• Many students find PAT improves dramatically with consistent daily practice

Reading Comprehension (50 questions, 60 minutes)

This section presents three dense science passages (often unfamiliar topics) and tests your ability to find and interpret information quickly.

How to study:

• Practice reading dense academic passages under time pressure
• Develop a strategy: some students read the full passage first, others go question-by-question (search and destroy method)
• Search and destroy (reading questions first, then scanning for answers) is a popular and effective approach
• Aim for 20 minutes per passage including questions
• RC is one of the easier sections to improve with practice

Quantitative Reasoning (40 questions, 45 minutes)

QR covers algebra, probability, statistics, geometry, trigonometry, and unit conversions. It is generally considered one of the easier sections if you have a solid math foundation.

How to study:

• Review core math concepts: fractions, percentages, probability, basic trigonometry
• Practice mental math and estimation — you get an on-screen calculator, but speed is important
• Focus on word problems and data interpretation
• If math is a weakness, dedicate extra time early in your study period

Studying During the Semester vs. Summer

Your study environment significantly affects how you should plan your DAT prep.

Studying Over the Summer (Recommended)

Most students and advisors recommend summer studying because you can dedicate full days to preparation without competing coursework. A typical summer schedule looks like 4–6 hours per day, 5–6 days per week.

Advantages:

• Uninterrupted focus time
• Can finish in 8–12 weeks
• Less stress from juggling coursework

Studying During the Semester

Studying during the semester is manageable but requires a realistic schedule. Plan for 2–4 hours per day and extend your timeline to 12–16 weeks.

Tips for semester studying:

• Start your content review early and study in shorter daily sessions
• Use commute time and breaks for Anki flashcards
• Designate one weekend day for longer study blocks or practice tests
• Avoid scheduling your DAT during midterms or finals week

Studying While Working Full Time

If you are working full time, plan for a longer study period (4–6 months) with 2–3 hours of studying on weekdays and 4–5 hours on weekends.

Tips for working professionals:

• Study in the morning before work or right after — avoid late-night sessions when you are tired
• Use audio resources or flashcard apps during your commute
• Take a few days off work before your test date for final review
• Weekend full-length practice tests are essential

Common DAT Prep Mistakes

Based on what students commonly report in forums and study groups, here are mistakes to avoid:

1. Starting with practice tests before content review. Practice tests are most valuable after you have a foundation. Jumping in too early can be demoralizing and wastes good tests before you can learn from them.

2. Spending too long on content review. Many students fall into the trap of endless note-taking and passive reading. Transition to active practice (questions and tests) no later than the halfway point of your study period.

3. Neglecting PAT until the last week. PAT requires consistent daily practice to improve. Students who leave it to the end often score lower than expected. Start PAT practice in week 2 or 3.

4. Ignoring Reading Comprehension. Some students skip RC practice because it feels less "studyable." But developing a consistent strategy and practicing under timed conditions can significantly boost your score.

5. Studying for 6+ months. Longer is not always better. Spreading your study over too long a period leads to burnout and forgotten material. Most students find 2.5–4 months ideal.

6. Not reviewing missed questions properly. Simply checking the answer is not enough. For every question you miss, understand why the correct answer is right and why your choice was wrong. Keep an error log.

7. Comparing your practice scores to others. Practice test scores vary between platforms and are not directly comparable. Focus on your own trend over time.

What to Do the Day Before (and Day of) the DAT

The Day Before

• Light review only — skim your weakest topics or flip through flashcards. Do not try to learn new material.
• Prepare everything you need — Lay out your outfit, pack your ID, map your route to the testing center, and prepare breakfast.
• Relax and rest — Exercise, watch a movie, or spend time with friends. Getting a good night's sleep matters more than a last-minute cram session.

Test Day

• Arrive early — Plan to be at your Prometric testing center at least 30 minutes before your appointment
• Bring valid government-issued ID — Your name must match your DAT application exactly
• Use your breaks — Eat a snack, drink water, and reset mentally during the 15-minute break
• Stick to your pacing strategy — Do not get stuck on any single question. Flag it and move on.
• Trust your preparation — If you have followed a structured plan and scored well on practice tests, you are ready

DAT Registration, Costs, and Eligibility

How to Register

1. Create your DENTPIN — Your Dental Personal Identification Number is used throughout the dental school application process.
2. Submit your DAT application on the ADA website — a non-refundable fee is required.
3. Receive your eligibility letter from the ADA.
4. Schedule your test appointment through Prometric — do this 60–90 days before your preferred date, as popular summer slots fill quickly.

Your eligibility window is 6 months from the date of your accepted application.

DAT Costs

The DAT registration fee is approximately $560 (non-refundable and non-transferable). For the exact current fee, review the 2026 DAT Candidate Guide (PDF).

A 50% partial fee waiver is available on a first-come, first-served basis for eligible first-time examinees who can demonstrate financial hardship. New waivers become available on April 1 each year through your DENTPIN account.

Eligibility

To take the DAT, you must have completed at least 1 year of undergraduate study. Coursework in General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Biology is recommended but not strictly required for registration.

Retake Policy

• 60-day waiting period between attempts
• Maximum 4 attempts within any 12-month period
• After 3 or more attempts, you need ADA permission and proof of recent dental school application
• All scores are reported to dental schools — there is no score cancellation option

Plan your test date with a retake buffer in mind. For more on timing strategy, see our guide on when to take the DAT.

Important 2026 DAT Updates

New Scoring System (Effective March 2025)

As of March 1, 2025, the ADA implemented a new scoring scale:

• Old scale: 1–30 (average around 17–19)
• New scale: 200–600 (400 represents approximately the 50th percentile)

The new system provides more granular score differentiation. Scores earned before March 2025 remain valid under the old system. For a deeper explanation, see our DAT scoring guide.

Organic Chemistry Specification Changes (April 2026)

In April 2026, the ADA is updating the DAT Organic Chemistry test specifications. The ADA states this includes "updates to topic names that are simpler and more intuitive for candidates to understand" and a more comprehensive listing of subtopics. It is not a major content overhaul, but if you are testing in May 2026 or later, review the new specifications.

FAQs About How to Prepare for the DAT

How many hours a day should I study for the DAT?

Most students study 3–6 hours per day depending on whether they are studying full time over the summer or alongside classes/work. During summer, 4–6 hours daily is common. During the semester, 2–4 hours daily is more realistic. Quality matters more than quantity — focused, active study beats passive reading.

Is 2 months enough to prepare for the DAT?

Two months can be sufficient if you have a strong science foundation and can dedicate 5–6 hours per day. Most students find 3 months more comfortable for thorough content review and enough practice tests. If your foundation is weaker, plan for 4+ months.

How do I study for the DAT during the semester?

Set aside 2–4 hours daily in a consistent schedule. Start content review early, use Anki flashcards between classes, and save weekends for longer study blocks or full-length practice tests. Extend your timeline to 14–16 weeks to account for reduced daily hours. Avoid scheduling your DAT during midterms or finals.

How do I study for the DAT while working full time?

Plan for a 4–6 month study period with 2–3 hours on weekdays and 4–5 hours on weekend days. Study when you are most alert (morning or right after work). Use flashcard apps during your commute. Take a few days off before your test date for final review.

What is the best DAT prep course?

DAT Booster and DAT Bootcamp are the most widely used and highly rated platforms among pre-dental students. DAT Booster is frequently praised for practice questions that closely mirror real DAT difficulty. DAT Bootcamp offers a well-organized interface with strong content review. See our DAT prep course comparison for detailed reviews.

What is the hardest section of the DAT?

This varies by student, but Biology and PAT are most commonly cited as challenging. Biology has the most content to memorize, and PAT requires spatial reasoning skills that most students have not practiced before. Organic Chemistry can also be difficult if you have not completed Organic Chemistry II.

Do I need to finish Organic Chemistry II before taking the DAT?

It is strongly recommended but not required. Many students have scored well without completing Orgo II. The DAT Organic Chemistry section tests concepts that can be learned through targeted prep materials, but having Orgo II coursework as a foundation makes studying significantly easier.

Should I use DAT Booster or DAT Bootcamp?

Both are excellent choices. DAT Booster is often considered closer to the real DAT in question difficulty and is typically the more affordable option. DAT Bootcamp has a polished interface and comprehensive video lessons. Some students use both. See our DAT Booster vs Bootcamp comparison for a detailed breakdown.

How many practice tests should I take?

Most students take 5–10 full-length practice tests during their study period. Start with one around the midpoint of your prep to establish a baseline, then take one per week during your final 4–6 weeks. Always review missed questions thoroughly.

What score do I need on the DAT?

Under the new scoring system, 400 represents approximately the 50th percentile. Most competitive dental programs look for scores above the 50th percentile, with top programs expecting higher. The exact target depends on your school list. See our DAT scoring guide for percentile breakdowns.

Is the DAT harder than the MCAT?

The MCAT covers a broader range of subjects (including physics, psychology, and sociology) and is a longer exam. The DAT focuses on natural sciences, perceptual ability, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning. Most students find the MCAT more difficult overall, but the DAT's Perceptual Ability section is uniquely challenging. See our breakdown of how hard the DAT is.

Can I take the DAT online?

No. The DAT must be taken in person at a Prometric testing center. There is no online or at-home testing option.

How do I prepare for the Canadian DAT?

The Canadian DAT is a different exam from the American DAT. It includes a Manual Dexterity section and differs in content and structure. You will need resources specifically designed for the Canadian DAT.

What should I do if my practice scores are not improving?

First, make sure you are reviewing missed questions thoroughly — not just checking answers but understanding the reasoning. Consider focusing on 1–2 weak sections at a time rather than spreading your effort. If you have plateaued, a DAT tutor can help identify specific gaps. Also check that you are getting enough rest and not burning out.