The Ultimate DAT Study Plan: From 0 to 600+ (New Scoring Scale Explained)

Oct 21

Written By DSD .

If you’re gearing up for the DAT and wondering how to go from zero prep to a 600+ score under the new scoring system, you’re in the right place. As of March 1, 2025, the DAT is scored on a new three-digit scale (200–600) — and while that might sound intimidating, the content and difficulty haven’t changed. What has changed is how you interpret your performance and plan your prep.

At Dental School Declassified, our team of licensed dentists (all 98th percentile DAT scorers) have helped hundreds of students create personalized DAT study plans that actually work. Here’s how to structure your study journey from day one to test day — and how to use the new scoring system to your advantage.

🧩 Understanding the New DAT Scoring System (200–600)

Before we build your study plan, it’s important to understand how the new scoring scale works.

Old DAT Scale: 1–30
New DAT Scale: 200–600 (reported in 10-point increments)
What It Means: Scores still reflect your percentile — a 600+ is roughly equivalent to a 30 on the old scale.
Score Release: Official scores are released 3–4 weeks after your test (no more unofficial score printouts).

👉 Pro Tip: Since you won’t see your scores immediately, it’s more important than ever to take timed, full-length practice tests to gauge your progress.

📆 Step-by-Step DAT Study Plan: From 0 to 600+

This plan can be adapted for 8, 10, or 12 weeks depending on your availability. Consistency and active review are the keys to success.

Phase 1: Foundation (Weeks 1–3)

Goal: Build your content base in all six sections.

Review general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biology using trusted DAT prep materials.
For PAT, start slow — practice 15–20 problems a day to train spatial reasoning.
For Reading Comprehension, practice reading dense passages daily for comprehension speed.
Create flashcards or use Anki for quick recall of high-yield facts.

🧠 Pro Tip: Don’t skip biology! It’s the most content-heavy section and requires daily review.

Phase 2: Application (Weeks 4–6)

Goal: Transition from memorization to problem-solving.

Start doing timed section tests (1–2 per week).
Focus on understanding why you got questions wrong.
Refine PAT strategies — time management and pattern recognition are everything.
Begin reviewing missed concepts weekly instead of cramming.

🔥 Pro Tip: Create a “missed question log” — write down every concept you miss and review it twice a week.

Phase 3: Simulation (Weeks 7–10)

Goal: Replicate test conditions and strengthen endurance.

Take full-length practice exams once per week.
Follow your test-day schedule: same time, same breaks, no phone distractions.
Analyze score trends — are your section scores balanced?
Focus on weak areas, but don’t ignore your strengths.

⏱️ Pro Tip: During the last two weeks, take at least two full-length tests back-to-back days to simulate real fatigue.

Phase 4: Final Review (Last 1–2 Weeks)

Goal: Refine, refresh, and rest.

Focus only on reviewing, not learning new material.
Revisit your most missed topics, DAT equations, and tricky PAT problems.
Prioritize sleep, nutrition, and stress management.
One week out, take your last full-length exam and spend the rest of the time reviewing your notes.

💬 Pro Tip: If you feel burnout creeping in, take a day off. One day of rest can recharge your brain far better than another six hours of unfocused studying.

🎯 Target Scores and Study Benchmarks

💡 Bonus Tips from 98th Percentile Scorers

Quality > Quantity: It’s better to master one resource than skim five.
Active recall is king: Use flashcards, teach-back methods, or practice questions daily.
Simulate test pressure early: Don’t wait until the final weeks to start timed sections.
Review strategically: Focus on why you got something wrong — not just the right answer.
Trust your plan: Over-studying the last week often does more harm than good.

✏️ Final Thoughts

Scoring 600+ on the DAT isn’t about being a genius — it’s about being strategic. Build a solid foundation, review actively, and simulate real conditions. The new 200–600 scoring scale may look different, but the habits that lead to high performance remain the same.

If you’re ready to take your prep to the next level, our licensed dentists at Dental School Declassified can help you design a personalized study plan built around your schedule, strengths, and goals.

🔗 Ready to Get Started?

Book a 1:1 DAT tutoring session or explore our group study programs — all taught by dentists who’ve been in your shoes and crushed the DAT.

DSD .