DAT Reading Comprehension: Tips and Tricks to Boost Your Score
The DAT Reading Comprehension section can feel overwhelming for many test-takers. With lengthy scientific passages and time pressure, it’s easy to lose focus, miss key details, or run out of time. The good news? With the right strategies, you can confidently navigate this section and maximize your score.
In this post, we’ll break down essential tips and tricks to succeed on DAT Reading Comprehension, plus actionable strategies you can start using today.
What to Expect on DAT Reading Comprehension
The Reading Comprehension section of the DAT consists of:
3 long science-based passages
50 multiple-choice questions total
60 minutes to complete the section
The passages often cover topics like biology, medicine, and natural sciences, but you do not need outside knowledge—all answers are based solely on the information provided in the text.
Why Students Struggle with DAT Reading Comprehension
Time Pressure: Many students can’t finish all three passages.
Dense Scientific Language: Passages can feel technical and dry.
Overthinking: Test-takers often get trapped between two answer choices.
Memory Overload: Trying to remember too many details can lead to confusion.
The key is to approach this section strategically—not like a traditional reading assignment.
Proven Tips and Tricks to Succeed on DAT Reading Comprehension
1. Practice the Search and Destroy Method
The DAT is not testing your ability to summarize or deeply analyze the passage—it’s testing your ability to quickly locate information.
The Search and Destroy method means:
Read the question first.
Identify a keyword or phrase.
Skim the passage to find the exact location.
Read surrounding sentences carefully to answer.
This strategy helps save time and avoids unnecessary reading.
2. Master Skimming, Not Full Reading
Many students feel pressured to read the entire passage before answering questions. On the DAT, that’s rarely the most efficient approach.
Instead:
Skim the introduction and topic sentences of each paragraph.
Focus on section headings, bolded terms, or repeated words.
Move quickly to the questions and return to the text as needed.
3. Recognize Common Question Types
The DAT Reading Comprehension section typically asks:
Detail Questions: Direct facts from the passage.
Inference Questions: Logical conclusions based on evidence.
Tone/Author’s Purpose: Understanding the author's intent.
Main Idea Questions: Summarizing the passage.
Practicing each type will help you quickly identify what the question is really asking.
4. Use Strategic Timing
Spend about 20 minutes per passage.
Don’t linger too long on hard questions—flag them and return later if time allows.
If you’re stuck between two answers, eliminate wrong choices quickly based on evidence.
5. Underline or Highlight Key Words (Digital Tools)
If your DAT software allows digital highlighting or on-screen notes, use them to mark:
Names, dates, and statistics
Scientific terms
Bolded or italicized phrases
This makes it easier to quickly revisit important parts of the passage when answering questions.
6. Stay Calm and Focused
Reading Comprehension can feel like a mental endurance test. Build your stamina by:
Taking full-length, timed practice tests.
Training your brain to stay focused on dense passages.
Practicing mindfulness or breathing exercises if test anxiety affects your performance.
7. Develop a Customized Strategy
Some students do best with the Search and Destroy method. Others prefer briefly reading the entire passage first. Try both approaches during practice to see which one feels more natural and efficient for you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Reading every word carefully on the first pass.
Assuming prior science knowledge will help (stick to the text!).
Overthinking inference questions.
Spending too long on the first passage and rushing the last.
Final Takeaway: Strategy Beats Speed
Success on DAT Reading Comprehension isn’t about reading faster—it’s about reading smarter.
By practicing targeted strategies, managing your time effectively, and understanding common question patterns, you can significantly improve your accuracy and pacing.
If you want personalized DAT strategy sessions or expert tutoring, check out our services at Dental School Declassified. We specialize in helping students break through score plateaus and build customized study plans that work.
