If you have been thinking about taking a DAT course, Varsity Tutors can set you up with private DAT classes to help you reach for your professional goals. The DAT is a high-stakes exam used by the American Dental Association (ADA) to assess the academic skills of dental school applicants. It includes sections on general academics, scientific information comprehension, and perceptual ability. If you feel as though a DAT prep class could help you improve your self-confidence heading into the exam, contact us today to get the process started!
One of the first questions asked in most DAT courses is about the format and content of the exam. The test is administered at testing center nationwide, meaning that you need to sign up for a testing date and then go to a testing lab to complete your exam. If you have any questions about how this process works, your DAT course instructor will be happy to help you.
The chart below illustrates each section of the test, as well as how long you have to take it:
DAT Administration Schedule
Item |
Est. Duration |
Optional Tutorial |
15 Min |
Survey of Natural Sciences |
90 Min |
Perceptual Ability Test |
60 min |
Scheduled Break (optional) |
30 min |
Reading Comprehension Test |
60 min |
Quantitative Reasoning Test |
45 min |
Option Post Test Survey |
15 min |
Total Time |
5 Hours |
Five hours is a long time for one testing session, so you may wish to work on your intellectual stamina during your DAT class. Here are the content areas you'll be facing during this time:
DAT Content Areas
- Biology
- 40 questions
- Organic Chemistry
- 30 questions
- General Chemistry
- 30 questions
- Reading Comprehension
- 25 questions
- Perceptual Ability (90 questions)
- Apertures
- View recognition
- Angle discrimination
- Paper folding
- Cube counting
- 3D form development
- Reading Comprehension (50 questions)
- 3 passages on various scientific topics
- Quantitative Reasoning (40 questions)
- Math problems
- Word problems
Working through sample problems may help you identify where your areas of opportunity lie. For example, if you do considerably better on the biology questions than the general chemistry ones, your future DAT prep courses should probably focus on chemistry to improve your study efficiency.
Each of our DAT prep classes also involves one-on-one study time with a knowledgeable instructor. Should you have any questions, your instructor can provide an on-the-spot answer. Likewise, all of your work receives immediate feedback so that you can correct any mistakes while the material is still fresh in your mind.
Your instructor may also be able to tailor your DAT class to your unique needs. For instance, a visual learner might use scale models to better understand the biology of the mouth, while an auditory learner might get more out of listening to a lecture on the topic. You are also free to spend as much or as little time on each topic as you need to. Unlike many competing products, our DAT prep course offerings have no artificial time constraints or set curricula to distract you from what you need to do.
Kristine: DAT course instructor
...double major in Genetics and Psychology. Currently, I am applying for dental school with a DAT score in the 98th percentile. For more than eight years, I have taught students in many different subjects such as DAT, SAT, Chemistry (General and Organic), Biology, and Physics in both classroom and tutoring environments. Besides academics, I have even taught swimming and dance. My tutoring style focuses on tailoring the lesson to target the students weaknesses. I am...
Education & Certification
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick - Bachelors, Genetics and Psychology
Subject Expertise
- DAT
- College Chemistry
- DAT Perceptual Ability
- College Algebra
- +30 subjects
Stefan: DAT course instructor
...across Varsity Tutors. My strongest subjects include English, ACT, DAT, Algebra,and Biology. I enjoy tutoring these subjects because a lot of progress can be made in them by simply looking at different strategies to approaching the subject material. I have come to understand that a great tutor is someone who can understand how a particular student learns and who works to explain the concept in a manner that encourages learning rather than tedious memorization. I...
Subject Expertise
- DAT
- Graduate Test Prep
- ACT English
- Study Skills
- +37 subjects
Tejas: DAT course instructor
...I love to meet new people and help them out however I can whether it be walking them through the dining halls on campus or sitting down and explaining the Periodic Table of the Elements. I was also the President of the Hindu Students Council and helped to coordinate our annual Holi festival which has grown to be one of the biggest and most anticipated events of the year on campus. Over this past year,...
Education & Certification
- SUNY at Binghamton - Bachelor of Science, Cell & Molecular Biology
- Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine - Doctor of Dental Science, N/A
Subject Expertise
- DAT
- AP Biology
- High School Chemistry
- Chemistry
- +21 subjects
Cheyne Ian: DAT course instructor
...I strive to find the strategy that works best for the individual. I have tutored numerous grades ranging from pre-k-college so I have a wide range of experience. I enjoy working with kids of all ages and my favorite subjects to teach are math, biology, and chemistry. As a current student, I know that sometimes certain topics can seem impossible, but working at it is the only way to improve. I hope to provide the...
Education & Certification
- Creighton University - Current Undergrad, Management
Subject Expertise
- DAT
- DAT Reading Comprehension
- SAT Subject Test in Chemistry
- SSAT- Elementary Level
- +50 subjects
Christopher: DAT course instructor
...about 2 years. I have worked with a wide range of students, from elementary students as well as tutoring at the college level for upper level science courses. Being a recent college graduate, I believe I am able to connect with students more easily and understand their perspective when approaching difficult topics. I am patient with my students and always do my preparation before a lesson so that my time with the student is efficient....
Education & Certification
- University of Maryland-College Park - Bachelor of Science, Neurobiology & Physiology
Subject Expertise
- DAT
- Chemistry
- High School Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- +17 subjects
Matthew: DAT course instructor
...DAT, I applied to 8 dental schools and was accepted to 7 of them! In my undergraduate semesters, I often took up multiple positions to be a resource for tutoring and mentoring to underclassman students. This included teaching an introduction to chemistry lab course and being a peer-mentor and President of the Making Doctors Club, a community of aspiring health professionals (pre-med, dental, vet, PA, etc.) helping them in achieving their pre-health professional goals in...
Education & Certification
- University of Delaware - Bachelor in Arts, Chemistry
- University of Connecticut - Doctor of Medical Dentistry, Predentistry
Subject Expertise
- DAT
- MCAT
- LSAT
- OAT
- +61 subjects
Talha: DAT course instructor
I am studying Nutrition at Virginia Tech. I have tutored all the introductory science classes and some upper level courses as well. I enjoy helping students succeed in these courses because I know these classes can be difficult. Aside from tutoring, I play the piano and love working out.
Education & Certification
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University - Current Undergrad, Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise
Subject Expertise
- DAT
- PCAT
- OAT
- IB Biology HL
- +45 subjects
Linh: DAT course instructor
...use my knowledge to help others succeed. My strongest subjects are Math and Biology, but nothing fascinates me more than the studies of natural lives around us and the molecular mechanisms of our very own body. Seeing my students understand and enjoy the subject I am passionate about is my utmost joy in tutoring. In my spare time I like to read mystery/crime novels, snowboard and simply enjoy a good football game.
Education & Certification
- University of Maryland-Baltimore County - Bachelor in Arts, Biological Science
Subject Expertise
- DAT
- College Algebra
- Calculus
- Algebra
- +21 subjects
Dale: DAT course instructor
...at the University of Maryland. I graduated from Saint Leo University with a biomedical sciences degree and a math minor. I played college baseball for 4 years. I'm from Florida so my favorite thing to do is spend time on the water wake boarding and fishing. I've always tutored in some way throughout my college career and love doing it. My main areas of focus are the DAT, NBDE part 1, GRE, GMAT, SAT/ACT test...
Education & Certification
- Saint Leo University - Current Undergrad, Biology-Biomedical and Health Sciences (Math Minor)
Subject Expertise
- DAT
- GRE
- Organic Chemistry
- NBDE
- +55 subjects
Amir: DAT course instructor
...subjects I tutored ranged from college level science courses to advanced mathematics. In my opinion, the most rewarding aspect of tutoring is when I am able to convey a particularly challenging question to a student. I do this by approaching concepts from multiple perspectives and breaking things down into layman's terms. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, weight lifting, and spending time with my family. I really look forward to meeting all my prospective...
Education & Certification
- University of Houston - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- DAT
- GRE
- SAT Reading
- Organic Chemistry
- +30 subjects
Matthew: DAT course instructor
...cell biology. As an aspiring dentist, I am currently working towards getting a dental degree. During my undergraduate career, I had several experiences of helping other students with learning materials and quiz/exam preparation. I am excited to have another opportunity to help other students again through Varsity Tutors because I truly believe that education is absolutely imperative to a better quality of life and that everyone is fully capable of learning and making potentials to...
Education & Certification
- Emory University - Bachelors, Anthropology and Human Biology
Subject Expertise
- DAT
- College Biology
- 7th Grade
- Algebra 2
- +71 subjects
Thomas: DAT course instructor
I have been tutoring since 2008. I've helped 1000+ students to improve their understanding in general chemistry, biology (especially in genetics, anatomy, and microbiology), most physics courses, organic chemistry, math (algebra, geometry, and pre-calc), ACT, GRE, DAT, MCAT, and other test prep. I have a level 1 & 2 tutor certification from the College Learning and Reading Association. I offer one-on-one, small group, and online tutoring.
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee - Bachelor of Science, Microbiology
- Liberty University - Master in Public Health, Public Health
Subject Expertise
- DAT
- MCAT
- GMAT
- PCAT
- +93 subjects
Parsa: DAT course instructor
...high school, mainly in the sciences but also in writing and math. I like to tutor because it is a very fulfilling task and I truly enjoy helping others learn. Knowledge and education are very valuable tools in life so I see tutoring as a gratifying duty of mine to help others learn material with which they are having difficulty. I graduated from the University of Georgia in May 2011 (B.S. Chemistry) and I have...
Education & Certification
- University of Georgia - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- DAT
- Writing
- College Chemistry
- Arithmetic
- +31 subjects
Emily: DAT course instructor
...junior year of college, I also began working for the Physics Department as an exam proctor and weekly quiz grader for the General Physics I & II courses. I was also available for tutoring for students taking the course. I really enjoy working with students of all different learning styles and creating a plan that helps them achieve their potential. Tutoring allows me to keep my skills in the sciences fresh, while helping other students....
Education & Certification
- Villanova University - Bachelors, Biology, General
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Current Grad Student, Dentistry (DDS)
Subject Expertise
- DAT
- GRE
- MCAT
- Anatomy
- +24 subjects
Daniel: DAT course instructor
...math and the sciences and have helped many achieve goals that seemed unattainable. I have done this by establishing what areas of the subject are most troubling to students and focusing on them by using a variety of different sources. I have many textbooks and class notes, manuals, etc. that the students can use to have multiple viewpoints on the same subject. I also believe that a person learns best when they are able to...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelor of Science, Microbiology
- University of California-Los Angeles - Doctor of Dental Science, Dentistry
Subject Expertise
- DAT
- DAT Reading Comprehension
- Elementary School Math
- Science
- +21 subjects
Richard: DAT course instructor
...component of anyone's education. Having a personal, one-on-one mentor to guide you through subject material is a factor that can prove to be a difference maker in achieving at the highest level. From my experience in undergrad at Cornell University to the many test-prep classes I have taken, I feel that I am knowledgeable in science subjects and mathematics and have developed strategies to best apply these techniques to standardized tests. I look forward to...
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences
Subject Expertise
- DAT
- Literature
- Social Studies
- Summer
- +87 subjects
Christina : DAT course instructor
...I continued in that role until I graduated high school. Once I arrived at Howard, I decided to combine my passion for health care with my love of teaching by becoming a peer health educator. In that role, I teach health education to high school students in the District. I also currently tutor pre-med and other pre-professional students in a variety of science subjects. I love social studies, sciences, and tests! I genuinely enjoy the...
Education & Certification
- Howard University - Current Undergrad, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- DAT
- MCAT
- SAT
- MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- +11 subjects
Andrew: DAT course instructor
Aside from being an avid scholar, I am a world traveler and enjoy trying new things! I also love to run, draw, read, and cook, either with friends or simply by myself. I stay in shape both mentally and physically: I am constantly training to be my best. Whenever the opportunity arises to help elevate someone, I take it. Helping a student reach their goals is equally as rewarding for my student and myself.
Education & Certification
- Michigan State University - Bachelor of Science, Human Biology
Subject Expertise
- DAT
- DAT Survey of the Natural Sciences
- Physics
- Physical Chemistry
- +21 subjects
Anna: DAT course instructor
...9th grade English teacher has given me the opportunity to work with students from low-income backgrounds, students with learning disabilities, English Language Learners as well as students from a range of racial/ethnic identities. I strongly believe in every students' ability to learn new and challenging concepts. I have a knack for presenting information in ways that resonate with students and that students can understand. I take pride in my ability to make learning fun and...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelors, Politics
- Johns Hopkins University - Masters, Education Studies
Subject Expertise
- DAT
- OAT
- PCAT
- SSAT- Middle Level
- +99 subjects
Seth: DAT course instructor
...just had our first baby (boy) on August 7th and I'm loving being a dad. During my free time I love to exercise in any way I can. In particular, I like lifting weights, playing basketball, football, and tennis. I also ran cross country and played volleyball in high school. What I want most from this job is to create meaningful, enjoyable tutoring sessions. I think it is important to incorporate fun exercises into tutor...
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University-Idaho - Bachelors, Exercise Physiology
Subject Expertise
- DAT
- Writing
- Graduate Test Prep
- Science
- +29 subjects