How to Balance Pre-Dental Life with Everything Else
Being a pre-dental student is a full-time job in itself—DAT prep, shadowing, maintaining a strong GPA, volunteering, and somehow still trying to have a social life? It’s no wonder many students feel overwhelmed. But here’s the good news: mastering time management now will not only boost your dental school application, it’ll set you up for success long after you get in.
In this post, we’ll break down practical, real-life tips to help you balance pre-dental life with everything else, so you can stay on track without burning out.
Why Flashcards Are One of the Best Study Tools (And How to Use Them Effectively)
Discover why flashcards are one of the most effective study tools for memory retention and active recall. Learn how to use flashcards to study smarter and retain information longer.
Whether you're prepping for the DAT, tackling college coursework, or studying for any major exam, one tool continues to stand the test of time: flashcards.
Simple in design but powerful in practice, flashcards are a proven study method backed by cognitive science. In this blog post, we’ll break down the benefits of using flashcards, how they help with active recall and spaced repetition, and tips to use them more effectively—so you can study smarter, not harder.
Top DAT Reading Comprehension Tips to Improve Your Score Fast
Struggling with DAT Reading Comprehension? This guide covers proven DAT reading strategies, how to study for the RC section, and how to finish passages faster and more accurately.
If you're preparing for the Dental Admission Test (DAT), chances are you've already heard that the Reading Comprehension (RC) section can be deceptively difficult. On the surface, it seems like a break from the heavy science and math—but don’t let it fool you. The RC section is fast-paced, detail-heavy, and strategically designed to test your focus after hours of testing.
In this post, we’ll break down the best DAT Reading Comprehension tips, help you manage time better, and share actionable strategies to improve your score—especially if you're not a naturally fast reader.
DAT Quantitative Reasoning Tips: How to Boost Your Score on the Math Section
Struggling with the DAT Quantitative Reasoning section? This guide breaks down proven tips to study for DAT math, improve speed, and raise your DAT score fast.
If you're prepping for the Dental Admission Test (DAT), you already know that every section matters. But the Quantitative Reasoning section, often referred to as the "math section," can be a make-or-break moment—especially since it comes last on the exam.
In this blog post, we’ll cover top DAT Quantitative Reasoning tips to help you study smarter, manage your time, and maximize your math score on test day.
Understanding Lewis Dot Diagrams: A Simple Guide to Visualizing Valence Electrons
If you're just starting to dip your toes into the world of chemistry, you've probably heard of Lewis Dot Diagrams. These handy little diagrams are more than just dots on paper—they’re a powerful way to visualize how atoms bond and interact. Whether you're tackling the DAT, high school chemistry, or just brushing up on your basics, understanding Lewis structures is a must. So, let’s break them down in the simplest way possible.
Is DAT Tutoring Worth It? Pros and Cons (2025 Guide)
Wondering if DAT tutoring is worth the cost? Discover the pros and cons of DAT tutoring, who it helps most, and how Dental School Declassified can help you boost your DAT score with personalized study plans and PAT tutoring. Consults available!
Is DAT Tutoring Worth It? Pros, Cons & When to Invest in DAT Prep
Wondering if DAT tutoring is worth the money? We break down the pros and cons of DAT prep tutoring to help pre-dental students decide if personalized help is right for them.
DAT vs MCAT: Which Test Is Harder?
If you’re on the fence between dental school and medical school (or just curious), one of the biggest questions you might be asking is:
“Is the DAT easier than the MCAT?”
At Dental School Declassified, we work with pre-dental students each year who are deep in the application trenches — and this question comes up a lot. Whether you're deciding between paths or just want to validate your choice to pursue dentistry (👀 we see you), let’s break down the key differences between these two powerhouse entrance exams.
What to Expect in Your Dental School Interview
Congratulations! You’ve submitted your application, crushed the DAT, and now you’ve landed the dental school interview invite—arguably one of the most exciting (and nerve-wracking) parts of the journey.
This is your chance to step out from behind the stats and show admissions committees who you really are. At Dental School Declassified, we help pre-dental students prepare for interviews with confidence and clarity. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what to expect—from the format to the questions—and how to prepare like a pro.
Ultimate Guide to the Perceptual Ability Test (PAT): Strategies & Practice
If you're gearing up for the DAT, chances are you’ve already heard whispers (or horror stories) about the Perceptual Ability Test (PAT). This section can feel like a completely different beast—no equations, no biology, just your brain vs. visual puzzles.
At Dental School Declassified, we help students demystify the PAT and turn a major challenge into a scoring advantage. This guide breaks down each section, shares proven strategies, and offers practical tips to help you crush the PAT with confidence.
Best Study Schedule for the DAT: 8-Week Plan That Works
Getting ready for the Dental Admission Test (DAT) and only have 8 weeks to study? Don’t panic — with the right plan, focus, and consistency, you can absolutely crush it.
This 8-week study schedule is designed for students with part-time or full-time commitments who want a clear, balanced approach to studying effectively. Let’s break it down!
How to Choose Which Dental Schools to Apply To
When you're prepping for dental school applications, one of the biggest decisions you'll make is where to apply. With over 65 dental schools in the U.S. alone, narrowing down your list can feel overwhelming — but making smart, strategic choices can significantly improve your chances of getting accepted.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key factors to consider when choosing which dental schools to apply to — so you can build a balanced, targeted list that aligns with your goals.
How to Score 20+ on the DAT: Study Tips That Actually Work
Scoring a 20 or higher on the Dental Admission Test (DAT) can feel like a major mountain to climb — and you're not wrong. But it’s definitely possible with the right mindset, study plan, and resources. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to boost your current practice scores, this post breaks down real strategies that have helped countless students reach — and crush — that 20+ goal.
Top Front End Strategies and Practice Problem
The Top-Front-End (TFE) questions on the Perceptual Ability Test (PAT) of the Dental Admission Test (DAT) assess spatial visualization skills by requiring test-takers to interpret 3D objects from 2D orthographic projections (top, front, and end views).
Hole Punching PAT/DAT Practice Problem & Strategies
The Hole Punching section of the Perceptual Ability Test (PAT) on the DAT assesses spatial reasoning and mental folding skills. You will be shown a square piece of paper that is folded one to three times. Then, a hole is punched through the folded paper. Your task is to visualize how the holes will appear once the paper is unfolded back to its original form.
Introduction to the PAT
The Perceptual Ability Test (PAT) section of the Dental Admission Test (DAT) assesses spatial reasoning and visual perception skills. It consists of six subsections, each testing a different aspect of perceptual ability.
Mitosis Practice Problems: Answers Revealed
Have you been studying all of your difficult cell science material looking for a way to practice and apply your knowledge. Check out our posts with some practice problems and answers! If you are still looking for more challenge or have specific areas of difficulties, reach out via our contact form or schedule a private or group tutoring session with us today!
Quiz Yourself: Mitosis Practice Problems
Following our mitosis blog post yesterday, check out the following practice exam questions to test your knowledge and identify areas you excel in and those you need study more.
How well do you know mitosis?
Mitosis is a fundamental process that allows cells to divide and create identical copies of themselves. It plays a crucial role in growth, repair, and maintenance in multicellular organisms. Without mitosis, living organisms wouldn’t be able to replace damaged cells or develop properly.
Top Tips for Getting Into Dental School
Getting into dental school is a competitive process, but with the right strategy, you can increase your chances of acceptance. Here are some key tips to help you stand out as a strong candidate.