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.
What Does a 20+ Mean?
A 20 on the DAT is above the national average and puts you in a competitive range for most U.S. dental schools. Since the DAT is scaled, a 20 doesn’t mean you got 80% of questions right — it means you performed better than a majority of test-takers. The higher above 20 you score, the stronger your application becomes.
1. Start With a Smart Study Plan
Before diving into practice tests, start with a structured plan. Here’s a simple breakdown:
Total prep time: 8–12 weeks (depending on your schedule)
Daily time: 3–6 hours/day, with breaks
Weekly schedule:
5 days of studying
1 review day
1 full-length practice test or rest day
👉 Pro Tip: Use a calendar or app (like Google Calendar or Notion) to block study sessions, track progress, and hold yourself accountable.
2. Master the Science Sections First
These are heavy-hitters on the DAT:
Biology: Memorization is key. Use Anki decks, cliffnotes, or Bootcamp’s bio notes to drill facts daily.
General Chemistry: Understand the why, not just the formula. Practice dimensional analysis and mole conversions.
Organic Chemistry: Know your reaction mechanisms, acid/base rules, and spectroscopy.
👉 Recommended Tools: DAT Bootcamp, DAT Destroyer, Chad’s Videos
3. Don’t Sleep on the Perceptual Ability Test (PAT)
The PAT is all about practice and pattern recognition. Aim for 30–60 minutes of PAT practice per day.
Key sections: Keyholes, Top-Front-End (TFE), Hole Punching, Cube Counting
Top tools: DAT Bootcamp PAT Generator, PAT Booster, and paper-folding puzzles
👉 Pro Tip: Don’t just do questions — review why your answers were right or wrong.
4. Crush Reading and QR with Strategy
Reading Comprehension:
Use the Search & Destroy method. Read the question first, then scan the passage.
Practice speed reading and annotation to avoid losing time.
Quantitative Reasoning:
Brush up on basic math, probability, and algebra.
Use mental math hacks to save time.
Timed drills are key — many students run out of time here.
5. Practice Like It’s Game Day
Take 3–5 full-length timed practice tests under realistic conditions.
Simulate the test day: same start time, minimal distractions, short breaks.
Review your results thoroughly and track weak areas.
👉 Pro Tip: Focus more on reviewing why you missed a question than simply getting through a set.
6. Don’t Forget Mental Wellness
Take breaks. Seriously. Burnout kills motivation and retention.
Sleep at least 7–8 hours — your brain needs rest to store info.
Eat well and move your body (even if it’s just a walk).
Stay connected. Talk to other pre-dents, mentors, or a tutor.
Final Thoughts
Scoring 20+ on the DAT isn’t about being a genius — it’s about being prepared, strategic, and consistent. With the right plan, the right mindset, and the right resources, you can hit that score and open the door to your dental dreams.
Need help structuring your study plan or tackling tough sections?
We offer tutoring, strategy sessions, and full support to help you crush the DAT.
📩 Contact us now for a free consult — and don’t forget to check out our current tutoring discounts!
