How Carter Switched from a Career in Marketing to Dentistry to Ace the DAT

Carter came from a marketing background and switched to dentistry later in undergrad. Despite having not as strong of a science background as other students with science majors, Carter was still able to get a 22 AA on the DAT! We asked Carter a few questions to learn how he did it.

1. What is one piece of advice you would give to another student preparing to take the DAT?

While there are plenty of great studying techniques found on DAT Bootcamp, everyone learns differently. Everybody has different commitments, so I encourage you to take control and develop a study plan that works for you. As you move through the program, reflect, and ask yourself if you feel ready to move on.
Feel free to change Ari’s Study Guide. I followed his study schedule to a tea until the practice tests. Once I felt comfortable with the material from each section, I began taking one section test for each subject every day and reviewed those answers. I did this for a couple weeks and focused on the full-length tests during my final two weeks of study.
While it may seem overwhelming at first, you have the power to do anything you set your mind to. Do not compare yourself to anyone. Give it everything you’ve got and enjoy the journey along the way.

2. As a marketing major and someone who decided on dentistry later in college, what words of advice do you have for other non-traditional students?

‍I had a hard time deciding on what career I wanted to pursue during my first few years of college. After finding my passion for dentistry and taking the required prerequisites, it was time to take the DAT. Because I decided on dentistry later in college, the required courses were all that I took. I was very nervous about taking the DAT because I had a relatively weak science background. Once I signed up for DAT Bootcamp, I immediately felt relieved. The layout of the program was very organized, and I knew exactly what I needed to do to receive the score I wanted.
Be proud of what makes you unique. I was a marketing major with a minor in biochemistry. While this is far from the standard for pre-dental students, I believe that the leadership and communication skills I’ve learned will help make me a great dentist. Choose a major that you genuinely enjoy and embrace it. You never know what you may learn from your experience, but the dental profession will be better because of it.

3. What was your favorite part of DAT Bootcamp?

My favorite part of DAT Bootcamp was the depth of the solutions. Throughout my college career, several of my professors provided answer keys but they just didn’t help. With DAT Bootcamp, each question or bio bite you encounter comes with a clear and definite solution, explained with the level of depth that you need to be successful. I would study each question, right or wrong, until it became very clear why the correct answer was correct. This feature really helped me narrow down exactly what I needed to learn. Students that use DAT Bootcamp to the fullest will be ready to crush the DAT!

Bonus Tip: Make sure you go out and take a break a couple times a week, otherwise you’ll go insane. Take a deep breath and tell yourself that you can do it. You have everything you need right in front of you. Take interest in everything you learn. The information on this test is what makes the world go round. Everything is easier when you’re having fun, that is my floss-ophy.

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