Students who are entering a health program will almost certainly have to take a standardized admissions test, such as the DAT vs MCAT. Here’s how those two tests are used:
- The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is used as part of the application process for dental schools. Pre-dental students must take this one.
- The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is used as part of the application process for most (but not all) medical schools. Pre-medical student will likely need to take the MCAT.
You can compare the major similarities and differences of each test in the handy table below.
| DAT | MCAT | |
|---|---|---|
| Who should take the exam? | Students planning to go to dental school in the U.S. or Canada. | Pre-medical students planning to go into these health profession schools:
|
| Are there pre-requisites for the exam? |
Should have completed pre-requisite courses in:
|
Highly recommended to take:
Some research and statistics concepts may be tested. |
| When can you take the exam? |
The DAT is offered year-round throughout the U.S. and Canada. It is recommended to secure an appointment at least 60 to 90 days before your desired test date. Students usually take the DAT during their second semester of junior undergraduate year, or during the summer before senior year |
The MCAT is offered about 30 times a year with dates throughout each month EXCEPT February, October, November, or December. You must register at least 10 days before a given test date (and sooner is recommended, as test centers fill up quickly). Often students take the MCAT in the same year they are applying to medical school. |
| How many times can I retake the exam? |
At least 60 days after your previous test date, and no more than four times in a calendar year. (To take the DAT more than three times, you must apply for special permission.) |
Three times in one calendar year (or four times in two), with a lifetime cap of seven administrations. You must wait at least 24 hours after your exam to reschedule a retake. |
| how much does it cost? | $525 USD | $335 USD |
| How long is the exam? | 5 hours and 15 minutes, including breaks. | 7 hours and 30 minutes, including breaks. |
| Test Format | Computer-based at Prometic Test Centers | |
| What is the structure of the exam? |
Multiple-choice, 4 sections: Survey of the Natural Sciences
Perceptual Ability (90 Qs), 60 minutes Reading Comprehension (5 Qs), 60 minutes Quantitative Reasoning (40 Qs), 45 minutes |
Multiple-choice, 4 sections: Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (59 Qs), 95 minutes Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (53 Qs), 90 minutes Biological and Biochemical Foundations (59 Qs), 95 minutes Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (59 Qs), 95 minutes |
| How is it scored? |
Scores are scaled by ADA using a psychometric equating procedure for accuracy and fairness. DAT scores range from 1 to 30, and since each program creates their own acceptable score to attend, there is no official passing score. However, a decent score would fall between 17-20 while a competitive score is 21 and above. |
Scores are scaled and equated by the AAMC to have the same meaning, regardless of when you took the test. MCAT scores range from 118 to 132 with a combined total score of 472 to 528. To be in the top 10% of test takers, your total MCAT score should range from 514-528. Some less competitive programs may accept score from 490 and up. |
| When are scores available? | Within three to four weeks. | Within 30-35 days. |
| Cancellation policy |
Cancelations must be made by the business day prior to when you are supposed to take your test. Additional fees apply. |
Changes/cancelations can be made up to 10 days before your exam date. Additional fees apply. |
When it comes to DAT vs MCAT, there are clear differences, but also some similarities. Either way, you’ll need to be well-prepared for a lengthy test and should have the fundamentals of biology and chemistry in your pocket.
More importantly, because the DAT vs MCAT satisfy requirements to different programs, you need to make sure you take the one that matches your professional aspirations. Don’t let an extra $200 testing fee keep you from pursuing your dental dreams; don’t let another two hours convince you to give up getting an M.D. Instead, start practicing for those tests as soon as possible. Â鶹ɫÇéƬ can help!
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