DAT Checklist Template

	A	C	E
1	DAT Checklist
2	12 Month Guide to Studying for the DAT
3	12 months from exam date		NOTES FOR USERS:
4	Establish an understanding of the DAT and your baseline knowledge for the exam		- To use this template, select "File" -> "Make a copy"
5	Aug	Pick a date to take the DAT - Meet with a PAC advisor to determine when you should take the DAT - Register for the DAT at least 60-90 days before your test date. However, be aware of scholarship and waiver deadlines that may require you to register sooner.	- Insert the current month OR 12 months from your expected test date where "Aug 2021" is. Then, the sheet will adjust the following months. - Your personal timeline may be more than a year or much shorter than a year. It depends on your circumstances and the pace that you study at. - It is recommended to take the DAT after the completion of General Chemistry, Introduction to Biology, Organic Chemistry, and Precalculus or higher. Based on a standard timeline, this could mean taking the DAT as early as the summer after your sophomore year. The DAT should ideally be taken by January in the same year that you will be applying.
6		Know the DAT - Subjects being tested - Duration - Exam format
7		PAC DAT Overview ADA Dental Admissions Test Guide
8	9-11 months from exam date
9	Create a plan to tackle the DAT by gathering preparatory material and creating a schedule
10	Sep	Understand the different ways to study - Commercial test preparation companies (e.g. DAT Bootcamp, DAT Destroyer, Crack the DAT, etc.) - Commerical course preparation (e.g. Kaplan live/self-paced/in-person course) - Private tutor
11		PAC's breakdown of the different ways to study
12		Decide which materials you will use to study - Research the pros and cons of different companies and resources - Ask other students what worked for them
13		Consider financial aid options - ASUH Graduate Test Prep Award for UH Manoa students - ADA DAT Fee Waiver
14	Oct	Take a free diagnostic test - ADA Sample Test, Kaplan, The Princeton Review, DATGenius, Gold Standard, etc. - Borrow a test prep book from the PAC lending library and take a practice exam
15	Nov	Review the diagnostic exam - Evaluate strengths and weaknesses - Keep record of your scores
16		Create a study schedule - How many hours a week - How to make time to study if you will be taking courses or participating in extracurriculars - Set goals for when you want to complete each chapter and/or subject (Biology, Math, etc.) - Will you study one subject at a time or a couple subjects simutaneously
17		When creating your personal schedule: Refer to various study schedules on the internet and ask students who took the DAT
18	6-8 months from exam date
19	Begin studying: Individual or group studies, commercial products, flashcards
20	Dec	Review notes Organize and review class notes
21	Jan	Test preparatory materials - Purchase test prep books, courses, or programs - Borrow books from the PAC lending library (UH Manoa students)
22	Jan	Begin studying - Use the texts and/or videos that are provided to fill in the gaps of your knowledge - Use study methods that work best for you, such as taking notes or making flashcards (Quizlet or Anki)
23	Feb	Practice Exam Put your studying to the test! Review the exam after completion.
24	Feb	Evaluate your progress from the diagnostic exam and adjust your study plan/methods if needed
25	3-5 months from exam date
26	Study & practice problems: Continue studying content while integrating question bank problems and section tests.
27	Mar	Question banks Consistently apply knowledge to problems
28	Apr	Subject tests - Work on your weakest sections - one at a time - Ideally taking them with the same time constraints as the real exam - Record section test scores - Use Academic Average score calculator to estimate an AA from your section tests
29	May	Practice Exam Take a full-length test and review your answers
30		Evaluate your progress from the past exams and adjust your study plan/methods if needed
31		Register for the DAT ADA recommends registering at least 60-90 days in advance
32		1. Create a DENTPIN 2. Apply to take the DAT 3. Once ADA sends you an elibility letter, schedule an appointment with a Prometric site
33	1-2 months from exam date
34	Practice tests: Every 2 weeks in testing-like conditions. Review the test after completion.
35	June	Practice Exams - Take full-length exams - Try to replicate test-like conditions: time of day, noise level, wearing ear plugs/headphones, attire, etc. - Develop testing strategies
36		Review exams after completion - Review all questions even if they were correct - Understand why you got a question wrong or why you were correct - Identify strengths and weaknesses in the subjects as well as specific topics within each subject (e.g. Strong in the Biology section but still weak at taxonomy)
37		Record your scores - Track your progress and evaluate along the way - DAT Practice Test Tracker Template
38		Study your weaknesses - Review or relearn material that you are consistently performing poorly on
39	July	Continue taking practice exams, reviewing exams, and reviewing content material
40	July	Scope out the exam location - Drive to the testing site to get comfortable with the route and parking location - Consider doing a Prometric Test Drive to get comfortable with the testing site, computer, and procedures
41	Test Date	Take the DAT!
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