My Review of the Official ADA DAT Practice Test - Is it Worth it?

The ADA offers an official online DAT practice test sold through the Prometric testing site.

Cost of the new DAT test

The new prices are $20 per section (6 sections to a test), or $100 per full test.

However, the ‘full test’ isn’t really a full test. The reading section only has half the number of questions (25 questions) as compared to the real DAT (50 questions), and the PAT only a third of the number of questions (30 questions) as compared to the real DAT (90 questions).

Simulation and experience

Each science exam (biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry) is administered separately, unlike the real DAT where all 100 science questions are tested at once in one section (the survey of the natural sciences).

As you’re taking the exam, the only way to see if you got the right answer on a specific question is to select “Show Answer” after every question, which partially defeats the purpose of a test simulation. You can’t review your test at the end after you submit all your answers, so you have no way of knowing what questions you got right or wrong, you only get your raw score reported at the end. In my opinion, this means it’s not as great as a learning opportunity as it could be.

My recommendations - is it worth it?

Verdict: Great optional add-on, not necessary

The official DAT practice test is still good practice, but it’s unfortunate they only have an online version now, with limited ability to simulate and review your test.

I’d only take it right before the real DAT so you can get a feel for the questions. I think it’s a great optional add-on for students who want to see some official example test questions, it certainly wouldn’t be a bad idea right before your test, but not totally necessary.

If you have any questions about the DAT or the official ADA practice tests, don’t hesitate to ask – we’re always here to help!