Top DAT Reading Comprehension Tips to Improve Your Score Fast
Struggling with DAT Reading Comprehension? This guide covers proven DAT reading strategies, how to study for the RC section, and how to finish passages faster and more accurately.
If you're preparing for the Dental Admission Test (DAT), chances are you've already heard that the Reading Comprehension (RC) section can be deceptively difficult. On the surface, it seems like a break from the heavy science and math—but don’t let it fool you. The RC section is fast-paced, detail-heavy, and strategically designed to test your focus after hours of testing.
In this post, we’ll break down the best DAT Reading Comprehension tips, help you manage time better, and share actionable strategies to improve your score—especially if you're not a naturally fast reader.
What Is the DAT Reading Comprehension Section?
50 questions
3 scientific passages
60 minutes total (20 minutes per passage)
The passages are often dense and technical (similar to journal articles), and the questions test both big-picture understanding and fine-detail recall.
Top DAT Reading Comprehension Tips and Strategies
1. Know the Three Main Strategies for DAT RC
There’s no one-size-fits-all strategy for DAT Reading Comprehension. Most students use one of these:
🔹 Search and Destroy
Read the question first, then scan the passage for keywords to locate the answer.
✅ Best for: Fast readers who are good at skimming and spotting keywords.
🔹 Read the Passage First
Read the entire passage (or most of it) before answering questions.
✅ Best for: Students who struggle with flipping back and forth or want a fuller understanding.
🔹 Mapping / Roadmapping Strategy
Skim and make a mental (or brief written) outline of each paragraph’s purpose.
✅ Best for: Visual learners and those who need structure.
👉 Pro Tip: Try all three strategies during practice tests to find what fits you best.
2. Practice Active Reading
Passively reading a passage will slow you down and reduce retention. Instead:
Highlight key phrases (if allowed in your test platform)
Pay attention to tone, purpose, and main ideas
Note where different sections of the passage discuss specific topics
3. Understand Question Types
DAT RC questions usually fall into a few buckets:
Main Idea: What's the passage mostly about?
Detail Recall: What did the author say about X?
Inference: What can you logically conclude?
Tone & Purpose: What’s the author’s attitude?
Application: How does a specific concept apply?
Knowing these ahead of time helps you predict and locate answers quickly.
4. Don't Get Bogged Down by Unfamiliar Science Terms
The passages are technical, but you don’t need a PhD to understand them.
✅ Your goal: Understand the main idea, the argument structure, and the flow of information. Ignore any jargon that doesn’t impact the meaning.
5. Train Your Reading Stamina
By the time you hit RC, your brain is fried from Biology, Chem, and PAT. Reading dense scientific material for an hour straight is tough.
How to build stamina:
Read a scientific article daily (try Scientific American or Nature)
Take full-length DAT practice tests
Time yourself reading 3 passages in a row, no breaks
6. Master Time Management
Aim to spend 8–10 minutes per passage, including questions.
Flag time-sucking questions and come back later.
Don’t reread huge chunks—find keywords and scan.
⏱️ Hack: Use a watch or online timer split into 20-minute segments to train your pacing per passage.
7. Use the Process of Elimination
Even if you’re not 100% sure of the answer:
Eliminate extreme or off-topic answers
Choose the most text-supported option, not what you think is true
Avoid answers with absolutes like "always" or "never" unless clearly supported
🛠️ Best Resources to Study for DAT Reading Comprehension
Personalized tutoring with Dental School Declassified
Read theory and Scientific American articles for daily reading drills
Anki decks for keywords and tone words can be helpful for inference questions
📈 How to Improve Your DAT Reading Score
Practice 3 passages at a time to simulate the real test
Track accuracy and review wrong answers to identify patterns
Focus on reading for structure, not memorization
Use a strategy that plays to your strengths (not what someone else recommends)
🎯 Final Thoughts
The DAT Reading Comprehension section is all about strategy, focus, and pacing. It’s not about being the fastest reader—it’s about reading smart. With the right techniques and consistent practice, you can improve your RC score significantly.
Need Personalized Help With DAT RC?
We offer custom study plans, strategy coaching, and 1:1 tutoring to help you master the Reading Comprehension section—and every other part of the DAT. Book a consult with Dental School Declassified and get expert guidance tailored to you.
