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Big Changes to DAT Scoring in 2025: What Pre-Dents Need to Know

The American Dental Association (ADA) has announced a major update to the scoring system of the Dental Admission Test (DAT), set to take effect in 2025. For years, the DAT has been a key metric in dental school admissions, and any change to how scores are calculated or reported can have significant implications for pre-dental students, advisors, and admissions committees alike.

If you're preparing to take the DAT soon—or advising someone who is—here’s everything you need to know about the new scoring format, how it differs from the old system, and what it means for your dental school application strategy.

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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.

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How Organic Chemistry on the DAT Compares to Your Undergrad Course

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?”

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Is the PAT Really That Important for Dental School Admissions? Let’s Break It Down

If you're preparing for the Dental Admission Test (DAT), you've likely come across the Perceptual Ability Test (PAT) section—and maybe wondered, "How important is this really?" After all, it’s the only section on the DAT that doesn’t involve science, reading, or math.

So, is the PAT just a formality—or does it actually matter for dental school admissions?

Let’s break it down.

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How COVID Changed Science Education—and How to Adapt

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped education across the globe—but few subjects were impacted as dramatically as science education. Labs went virtual, hands-on experiments were paused, and instructors had to rethink how to teach complex, technical concepts remotely.

Whether you're a student, educator, or parent, understanding how science education has changed—and how to adapt—is key to thriving in this new academic landscape.

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Mastering Angle Ranking on the DAT: Tips for Boosting Your Score

If you’ve started preparing for the Perceptual Ability Test (PAT) section of the DAT, you already know that Angle Ranking is one of the trickiest subtests. At first glance, it looks deceptively simple: just rank four angles from smallest to largest. But once you're staring at nearly identical angles with no reference points and a ticking clock, it’s easy to second-guess yourself.

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Future-Proof Science Careers: Why STEM Still Matters in 2025

In an era where AI writes code, climate change dominates headlines, and remote work reshapes industries, one thing remains clear: STEM still matters—arguably more than ever. As we navigate the fast-evolving landscape of 2025, science, technology, engineering, and math are the engines powering innovation and resilience across every sector.

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What to Look for in a Good Online Science Tutor

Science can be one of the most challenging subjects for students—but with the right tutor, it can also become one of the most rewarding. Whether you're preparing for the DAT, brushing up on biology, or trying to conquer chemistry, the quality of your tutor can make all the difference. In today’s digital age, online tutoring offers convenience and flexibility, but it also comes with a flood of choices. So how do you know which online science tutor is the right fit?

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