When to Take the DAT: Best Time to Apply for Dental School
Applying to dental school is a big decision—and one of the most important pieces of your application is the Dental Admission Test (DAT). Knowing when to take the DAT can have a major impact on your application timeline, competitiveness, and chances of acceptance. In this blog post, we’ll break down the best time to take the DAT, how it aligns with your dental school application, and tips to strategically plan your test date.
Why Timing the DAT Matters
The DAT is more than just a test—it’s a gateway to dental school. Dental schools use your DAT score to evaluate your academic ability, critical thinking skills, and readiness for a rigorous curriculum. Because the DAT plays such a central role, timing it right is crucial. Taking it too early might mean you’re unprepared. Taking it too late could delay your application and hurt your chances in a rolling admissions cycle.
What Is the Best Time to Take the DAT?
Short Answer: Late Spring to Early Summer, the year before you plan to start dental school.
If you’re applying to start dental school in Fall 2026, you should aim to take the DAT between May and July 2025. This timeline allows you to:
Submit your application early (June is ideal!)
Retake the DAT if needed
Avoid application delays due to missing scores
This approach aligns with the AADSAS (Associated American Dental Schools Application Service) opening in early June. Submitting early in the rolling admissions cycle gives you a competitive edge.
Ideal DAT Timeline (If You're Applying This Cycle)
When Should You Start Studying for the DAT?
A strong DAT score takes time and effort. Most students prepare for 2–4 months. This depends on your academic background, personal schedule, and familiarity with the tested subjects.
To set yourself up for success:
Start studying 3–6 months before your test date
Use high-quality DAT prep materials
Take weekly practice exams
Focus on high-yield areas like General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology, and the PAT (Perceptual Ability Test)
Should You Take the DAT Before or After Applying?
You must take the DAT before dental schools can evaluate your application. While AADSAS allows you to submit your application before your scores are released, most schools won’t review your file until your DAT scores are available.
So, the best strategy is to:
Take the DAT before submitting your app, or
Submit your app in June and take the DAT in June or July, so your scores arrive early in the cycle
When Is It Too Late to Take the DAT?
Technically, you can take the DAT up to late fall of the application year (around October or November), but this is not ideal. Since most dental schools admit students on a rolling basis, the earlier you apply with a complete application, the better.
Taking the DAT after August puts you at a disadvantage because:
Interview slots start filling up
Seats become limited
You risk getting waitlisted or overlooked
Planning Ahead: When to Retake the DAT
If you don’t get your target score, you can retake the DAT—but there are rules:
You must wait 90 days between test attempts
You can only take the DAT 3 times unless you get special permission
Many students aim to take the test by early summer, giving them a cushion to retake if needed
Key Takeaways
The best time to take the DAT is May to July of the year before dental school starts
Apply early in the cycle—ideally by June or July
Start studying for the DAT 3–6 months before your planned test date
Avoid taking the DAT after August if possible
Always have a backup plan in case you need to retake it
Final Thoughts
Choosing when to take the DAT can make or break your dental school application. The smartest move is to plan ahead, study with purpose, and aim to submit early. A strategic timeline not only improves your chances—it reduces stress and helps you stand out in a competitive applicant pool.
Need help building your DAT study plan or figuring out the best test date for your goals? At Dental School Declassified, we offer personalized DAT coaching and strategy sessions designed to maximize your score and streamline your application process.
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