What to Do If You’re Scoring Low on DAT Practice Tests

Jul 24

Written By DSD .

Scoring low on your DAT practice tests can be discouraging—but it doesn't mean you're destined to underperform on the real thing. At Dental School Declassified, we’ve helped pre-dental students turn low practice test scores into top-percentile DAT results. With the right strategy, resources, and mindset, you can do the same.

Here’s what to do if your DAT practice test scores are lower than you’d like:

1. Don’t Panic—Assess Instead

Low scores aren’t the end of the road; they’re feedback. Start by asking:

Which sections are dragging your composite down?
Are your mistakes due to content gaps or timing issues?
Do you perform better on untimed sections?

Before jumping to conclusions, take a moment to break down your performance. Pinpointing the why behind low scores is the first step to turning things around.

2. Shift from Passive to Active Study Techniques

Rereading notes or rewatching videos might feel productive, but these passive methods rarely lead to big gains. Instead:

Use spaced repetition tools (like Anki) for high-yield memorization.
Do active recall: quiz yourself without notes.
Break down wrong answers in practice question reviews—not just what’s wrong, but why.

The DAT rewards problem-solving, not memorization alone. Practicing like it’s game day helps train your brain for test day.

3. Focus on Quality Over Quantity

It’s tempting to think more tests = better prep. But if you're scoring low, more unreviewed practice may just reinforce mistakes.

Instead:

Take fewer full-lengths, and spend more time reviewing them in depth.
Ask: Why was this wrong? Was it a concept error, misread, or guess?
Track error patterns to find recurring weak spots.

Practice tests aren’t just about scoring—they’re tools for diagnosing your prep strategy.

4. Tackle Timing Head-On

If you know the material but run out of time, focus on:

Section-specific timing drills (e.g., 5 keyholes in 6 minutes).
Practicing under strict timed conditions, even for small question sets.
Using strategic skipping: know when to move on and return later.

Building speed takes time. Break it down into manageable drills and stay consistent.

5. Adjust Your Study Plan

A low practice score may signal that your study plan isn’t working. Some signs include:

Studying all sections equally even if some are already strong
No set timeline for reviews or mock exams
Randomized, unfocused practice

A personalized DAT study schedule that evolves with your progress can make a massive difference. (Need one? We offer free customizable DAT study schedule PDFs [insert link]!)

6. Consider Expert Help

If you’ve hit a plateau, it might be time to bring in a tutor who’s been in your shoes. At Dental School Declassified, all of our tutors are licensed dentists who scored in the 98th percentile or higher on the DAT and have years of teaching experience. We offer:

One-on-one or group tutoring
Section-specific coaching (PAT, RC, QR, etc.)
Strategy sessions and test simulations

You don’t have to figure it all out alone—we’re here to help you get unstuck and back on track.

7. Trust the Process and Stay Consistent

Improvement doesn’t happen overnight. The DAT is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay committed, celebrate small wins, and remember:

Practice test scores are data—not destiny.

Keep refining your study strategy, and your scores will climb.

Final Thoughts

Low DAT practice scores are frustrating, but they’re also a powerful tool. With targeted adjustments, a strategic study plan, and support when you need it, you can boost your confidence—and your score.

Need help figuring out your next step? Book a session with one of our expert DAT tutors or download our free customizable DAT study schedule to take the guesswork out of prep.

DSD .