Is Guessing on the PAT Worth It? Timing, Strategy, and Score Impact
The Perceptual Ability Test (PAT) section of the Dental Admission Test (DAT) is fast-paced, challenging, and unlike anything most students have encountered in undergrad. With 90 questions in just 60 minutes, it’s no surprise many students ask:
“Is guessing on the PAT worth it?”
The short answer: Yes—but with the right strategy.
In this post, we’ll break down:
How PAT scoring works
Whether there's a penalty for guessing
Smart guessing strategies
How guessing impacts your final PAT score
Let’s dive in.
How the PAT Scoring Works
The PAT is one of the six sections of the DAT, and it includes:
Keyholes (Apertures)
Top-Front-End (TFE)
Angle Ranking
Hole Punching
Cube Counting
Pattern Folding
You’ll have 90 multiple-choice questions and 60 minutes, meaning less than 1 minute per question. Timing is tight, and many students struggle to finish.
✅ Important: The DAT does not penalize wrong answers. Your PAT score is based only on the number of correct answers.
Should You Guess on the PAT?
✔️ Yes — If You’re Running Out of Time
Leaving questions blank guarantees a zero. Even a random guess gives you a 20–25% chance (on a 4- or 5-choice question) of getting it right.
If the clock is ticking down, bubble something in—always.
✔️ Yes — If You're Torn Between Two Choices
Narrowing answers to two options? Your odds jump to 50%. At that point, a guess is not only worth it—it’s smart.
❌ No — If You Still Have Time and Can Eliminate More Options
If you’re not in a time crunch, use strategic elimination before guessing. You can often cut out one or two clearly wrong choices even without full confidence in the right one.
Timing Strategy for the PAT Section
1. Set Time Benchmarks
Break the section into six 10-minute chunks (1 per subtest). Keep an eye on the clock to avoid falling behind.
2. Don’t Get Stuck
Spending 3 minutes on one tricky angle ranking question costs you time on five easier ones. Mark it, guess if needed, and move on.
3. Use the Last 2 Minutes to Rapid-Guess Blanks
If you reach the last minute with unanswered questions, bubble in random guesses. Use a consistent letter (e.g., “C” or “B”) for speed.
Smart Guessing Tips for Each PAT Subtest
🔹 Keyholes
If you're unsure, eliminate choices that clearly don’t match the silhouette’s shape or proportions. Trust your first instinct—it’s often correct.
🔹 TFE (Top-Front-End)
Look for inconsistent line types or shapes across views. Eliminate obvious mismatches, then guess if needed.
🔹 Angle Ranking
If you can identify the smallest or largest angle, lock that in. Guess among the middle options if unsure about order.
🔹 Hole Punching
Use symmetry rules to predict hole locations. If time’s tight, guess the option with the most symmetrical-looking result.
🔹 Cube Counting
Focus on cubes with 3+ sides showing first. Use process of elimination. If you blank, pick the most balanced option.
🔹 Pattern Folding
Look for repeating shapes or folds that create overlap. When stuck, eliminate impossible folds and make your best guess.
How Guessing Impacts Your PAT Score
Since the DAT doesn’t deduct for incorrect answers, guessing only improves your chances of earning more points. Here’s how smart guessing can help:
A few extra correct answers can be the difference between a PAT score of 18 and 21—which may influence interview decisions at competitive schools.
Final Thoughts: Guess With a Game Plan
So, is guessing on the PAT worth it?
Absolutely—but it should be part of a larger timing and test-day strategy.
Don’t leave questions blank.
Eliminate what you can, then guess.
Use time benchmarks to avoid panic-guessing at the end.
A well-timed guess can earn you a few crucial extra points—and that can make a big difference in your overall DAT score and competitiveness.
Want to Boost Your PAT Score Faster?
At Dental School Declassified, our expert tutors scored in the 98th+ percentile on the PAT and know exactly how to help you guess smarter, solve faster, and avoid burnout. We offer one-on-one PAT tutoring and custom study plans that actually work.
👉 Book a free consult today or explore our high-yield PAT tips and resources!
