Whats a pre-dentistry major like? Any tips for the D.A.T?

I'm deciding on my college major and i'm thinking of getting into pre-dentistry but i am quite intimidated by it. Im mostly scared of not doing so well on the D.A.T and then i dont get into dental school and so i wasted my college major and my time..

Whats a pre-dentistry major like? Any tips for the D.A.T?
The DAT is in the same genre as the MCAT for medical school, as well as the less known OAT (Optometry Admissions Test). They basically have similar types of questions, although the MCAT is generally harder because it goes beyond memorization/regurgitation of info.





I have not taken the DAT, but have taken the other two exams and performed well in them. So what I say may not be perfectly suited for you. I do know that the DAT is unique because it asks you to perform some sort of 3D spatial orientation tasks (probably because dentists need to work in a patient's mouth in awkward positions). If you have dyslexia or problems with 3-dimensional spatial orientation, you may want to work on it or reconsider another field. However, the rest of the DAT is pretty much like an MCAT "light". You will need to know basic chemisry, organic chemistry, biology, physics and college level math. Theoretically you can prepare for the DAT in the first to second year of college because that is when most of the "101" level chem, orgo, bio, physics courses are taken that have material relevant to the DAT. You don't need advanced level coursework to take any medical type exam, including the DAT.





Now I have a few recommendations for you about dental school in general.





1. Answer yourself if you really want to pursue a medical career like dentistry. Do you like working with people? Are you interested in the field? Remember, while we all want to make money, we also have to like what we do.


2. Consider taking only the required "prerequisites", which I believe will probably be intro science classes with labs at the 100 levels (as I stated above). The reason why this may help is because upper level classes are harder, and you can flunk in them, which ruins both your overall GPA and science GPA. But if you take just the prereqs, do well in them, you can then take easier classes in a nonrelated major and maintain a high GPA. This also allows you to learn about a subject that will give you more flexibility if you later decide to not go into a medical field (but don't do a double major like bio and engineering, that's asking for a bad GPA, take electives or an easier major).


3. #2 above is also useful because, say you want to switch to law (some students give up on a medical career and opt for law), you have a high GPA. Sciences GPAs tend to be lower than nonsciences, but the law schools dont account for that (which is dumb, because a poli sci major usually will get a better GPA than a sciences major, which gives these strategizing people a distinct advantage, even though they may not be smarter).


4. Get to know professors well, because they will be able to write good letters for you later on.


5. Be active in medical and dental clubs at your school. This will help show the admisisons committee you really want to pursue a medical career. Plus, this will let you discover if you really like the field after all. In the summer, try to work for a dentist or shadow a dentist.





You have a lot of time to decide. I would really not worry so much about doing badly on the DAT. Yes, it IS important, but it is not as impotant as everything else (grades, GPAs, activities, letters etc). If you have just a decent score (and you can retake the DAT if you dont like a score) but good grades, letters and a personal statement, you should have a very good chance at dental school. It's great that you are starting to plan now, but don't worry so much!
Reply:most people do well because they have studied the subject for the past few years before they take the test. You should have nothing to worry about if you pay attention in class and do your best.

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