» DAT  » Scoring

» How is the DAT scored?

Each of the tests used on the DAT battery yields a raw score which is the sum of the examinee's correct answers. Candidates are not penalized for guessing. The raw score is converted to a standard score so that it is possible to compare an examinee's performance across tests on the battery and across different editions, e.g., comparing year 2005 results with 1999 results. A composite, or average score, is included in the score report. This is called the Academic Average. It is the rounded arithmetic mean of the quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, biology, and general and organic chemistry standard scores.

» How are the scores reported?

The results are reported to dental schools in terms of standard scores rather than raw scores or percentile equivalents. Scores used in the testing program range from 1 to 30. There are no passing or failing scores; the standard score of 17 typically signifies average performance on a national basis. A report of scores is provided to all candidates upon completing the test. The report includes both standard scores and percentile equivalents.

» How are the scores used?

Studies regarding the DAT have indicated significant predictive validity relative to performance in dental schools. Therefore, DAT scores are used with other predictors in the admission process for these schools. An official transcript of scores will be sent to the dental schools requested on the DAT application form. It is best to have an official transcript of scores sent to each of the dental schools to which you are considering application even though you have not yet completed filing admission applications to these schools. Requests for transcripts after the examination are subject to delay and additional expense.

Each test includes equating and pretest questions. The purpose of the equating questions is to form a link among tests administered on different dates, so that candidate's standard scores can be placed on the same measurement scale. Because of these equating questions, candidate's scores have the same meaning regardless of the test they were administered. Unscored pretest questions are included on the test in order to insure that these questions are appropriate before they are included among the scored items.

» When will I recieve DAT scores?

Immediately upon completion of the test battery, a test score report and explanation is provided directly to each candidate at the Prometric Testing Center. These are the candidate's personal copies and are not to be sent or taken to dental schools. No other score report will be sent to the candidate. These results will be sent to dental schools within three weeks after the examination. Test scores will be kept on file indefinitely, thereby making it possible to send scores to other programs in the future when requested by the test candidates. It is suggested that each candidate confer with the pre-dental advisor regarding test results. Scores will be automatically sent directly to the predental advisor if indicated on the application, although at a later date.

» Can I re-take the DAT?

Current policy allows individuals to take the DAT an unlimited number of times, however examinees must wait 90 days before retesting. Furthermore, recent regulation is heading towards taking it a maximum of three times after which an examinee has to seek special permission to re-take the test. When a candidate repeats the examinations, the results of the four most recent attempts are released on the official transcript forwarded to the dental schools. Also, for all candidates, the total number of attempts is listed. Those who take review courses between their first and second attempts have statistically significant average increases in their scores for all tests on the battery except for reading comprehension. In a study of 1,245 examinees who repeated the DAT during 2004, all showed gains in scores.