High Yield DAT General Chemistry Hit List
The General Chemistry section of the DAT can feel intimidating, but the truth is not all topics are equally tested. Some concepts appear again and again, while others are rarely touched. That’s why having a “high-yield hit list” is one of the smartest ways to streamline your study plan and maximize your score.
At Dental School Declassified, our licensed dentist-tutors (who scored in the top 2% on the DAT) know exactly which General Chemistry topics you should prioritize. This guide highlights the high-yield DAT General Chemistry topics that will give you the biggest return on your study time.
Why Focus on High-Yield Topics?
The DAT is a timed exam, which means efficiency is everything. If you try to memorize every detail of your chemistry textbook, you’ll waste valuable time on low-yield material. By focusing on what’s most frequently tested, you’ll:
Strengthen your foundation in the most important areas
Boost accuracy and speed on common question types
Walk into the exam more confident and prepared
The DAT General Chemistry High-Yield Hit List
Here’s the ultimate General Chemistry “cheat sheet” of must-know topics:
1. Periodic Trends
Atomic radius, ionization energy, electronegativity, electron affinity
Metallic vs. non-metallic character
👉 These questions are quick wins if you’ve memorized the patterns.
2. Bonding and Molecular Geometry
Lewis structures and resonance
VSEPR theory (molecular shapes, bond angles)
Hybridization (sp, sp², sp³)
👉 Expect at least 2–3 questions testing your ability to visualize molecules.
3. Stoichiometry and Mole Conversions
Balancing equations
Mole-to-mole calculations
Limiting reactants and percent yield
👉 These are problem-solving essentials—practice until it’s second nature.
4. Gas Laws
Boyle’s, Charles’s, and Ideal Gas Law (PV=nRT)
Partial pressure and Dalton’s Law
Kinetic Molecular Theory
👉 Be ready for both conceptual and calculation-based problems.
5. Acids, Bases, and Buffers
pH, pOH, pKa, pKb relationships
Strong vs. weak acids and bases
Buffer capacity and Henderson-Hasselbalch equation
👉 Memorize strong acids and bases—you’ll save time on test day.
6. Thermodynamics and Thermochemistry
Enthalpy (ΔH), entropy (ΔS), Gibbs free energy (ΔG)
Endothermic vs. exothermic reactions
Heat capacity and calorimetry
👉 Expect at least one question testing spontaneity (ΔG = ΔH – TΔS).
7. Equilibrium and Le Chatelier’s Principle
Equilibrium constant (K) expressions
Shifts in equilibrium when concentration, temperature, or pressure changes
Relationship between Q and K
👉 Master predicting reaction shifts—they’re tested heavily.
8. Electrochemistry (Redox Reactions)
Oxidation states
Galvanic (voltaic) vs. electrolytic cells
Cell potential (E°cell) and spontaneity
👉 Learn the mnemonic “LEO the lion says GER” (Loss of Electrons = Oxidation, Gain of Electrons = Reduction).
9. Kinetics
Rate laws and order of reaction
Activation energy and catalysts
Reaction coordinate diagrams
👉 Don’t forget: Catalysts lower activation energy but don’t change equilibrium.
10. Solubility and Precipitation
Solubility rules (which salts are soluble/insoluble)
Common ion effect
Ksp problems (qualitative, not overly math-heavy)
👉 Flashcards are perfect for memorizing solubility rules.
Study Tips for High-Yield Success
Make flashcards for periodic trends, solubility rules, and strong acids/bases.
Do timed practice questions to get comfortable applying formulas without a calculator.
Review mistakes carefully—the DAT reuses question styles, so you’ll likely see similar problems again.
Balance review with practice—don’t just memorize, practice applying concepts under time pressure.
How Tutoring Can Help You Master General Chemistry
Even with a high-yield list, it can be tough to know where to focus or how to approach tricky questions. That’s where Dental School Declassified can help.
Our DAT tutoring includes:
Custom study plans based on your timeline and goals
Step-by-step explanations of tough General Chemistry problems
High-yield drills that mirror real DAT questions
Test-taking strategies for speed and accuracy
With the right guidance, you’ll save time, avoid overwhelm, and walk into test day with confidence.
Final Thoughts
The DAT doesn’t test every detail of General Chemistry—it tests the fundamentals that matter most. By focusing on this high-yield hit list, you’ll study smarter, improve your score, and reduce stress along the way.
📩 Want a personalized study plan built around these high-yield topics? Contact Dental School Declassified today and start working with top-scoring dentist-tutors who know exactly how to help you succeed.
