October 18, 2007 Meeting International Service Learning DAT Test Prep Services Application Information

Analysis of DAT Test Prep Options Kaplan Test Preparation Service Genius Test Preparation Service Personal Preparation Bookstore Option: Barron’s, Kaplan, Schaum’s Test Simulations: DAT Achiever, Topscore Pro, KSF Review

Analysis of DAT Test Prep Options What is the cost of each option? How many classes/hours does each option offer? Convenience Are there a number of class options to choose from? Does each class have realistic/convenient scheduling? Are the locations for taking the class convenient? Where are the classes?

Analysis of DAT Test Prep Options Customer Service Do they have a 24/ Service? Do they have a local customer service center? If they have online material, is there online customer service as well?

Analysis of DAT Test Prep Options Quality of Instruction Is the instructor mature/professional? Does the instructor have good knowledge of the material? Does the instructor have experience taking the test? Does the instructor teach tricks? Does the instructor coach?

Analysis of DAT Test Prep Options Quality of Instruction How are the in-class materials provided by the prep service? Notebooks? Flash Cards? In-class activities? How is the classroom setting? Is it comfortable? Is it overcrowded?

Analysis of DAT Test Prep Options Computer Test Simulation Is it conducted online, or by a CD-Rom, or is it on paper? Do they have an accurate DAT (on-screen) simulation? Are the questions comparable to the real DAT questions? Do they give good explanations to every problem? Do they give you personal analytical feedback on every test?

Analysis of DAT Test Prep Options Homework How is the homework organized? Is there a syllabus? How are the readings? How are the homework problems? Do they have a lot of example problems?

Analysis of DAT Test Prep Options Quality of Example Problems Are they similar to actual DAT Problems? Are they as difficult? Do they give FULL explanations to each problem? Do the problems fully span all topics covered on the DAT? Do they give you personal analytical feedback on practice problems?

Analysis of DAT Test Prep Options Perceptual Ability Test (PAT) How is their presentation of the PAT compared to the real thing on the DAT? Do they have plenty of practice problems? Do they have good 3-D explanations? Are they as difficult as the real PAT?

Analysis of DAT Test Prep Options Higher Score Guaranteed What is a “Higher Score Guaranteed?” What do I have to do to get it? Will just doing the HSG be enough to prepare for the actual DAT? So what option is right for me??

Application Information

Critical Checklist Open Pre-Dental File now Get Letters of Recommendation now with good grades and participation in class to back them up Personal Statement Professional Photo AADSAS/MCG Application Transcripts Resume

Application Information Your Timeline It doesn’t matter what year you are (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, or post-bacc), so start getting ready now. Ask yourself, “When do I plan to start Dental School?” Types of Plans based on your answer: Three Year Plan Two Year Plan One Year Plan

Application Information Your Timeline Three Year Plan: 3 Years Out: Focus on Pre-Dental File Grades Letters of Recommendation 2 Years Out: 1 st DAT Personal Statement Complete Pre-Dental File All Letters of Recommendation must be in before the summer Professional Photo

Application Information Your Timeline Three Year Plan: 1 Year Out: 2 nd DAT Complete two summers before Applications in before September (or one complete year before you plan to start Dental School) Interview in Fall and Spring

Application Information Your Timeline Two Year Plan: 2 Years Out: Take your 1 st DAT if you can Start and Complete Pre-Dental File Complete Letters of Recommendation Complete Personal Statement Get Professional Photo 1 Year Out: 2 nd DAT Complete Applications Complete Interview in Fall and Spring

Application Information Your Timeline One Year Plan: Two summers before you plan to start: Take the DAT (really only one chance) Start and Complete Pre-Dental File Complete Letters of Recommendation Complete Personal Statement Get Professional Photo Complete Applications Fall Complete Applications if not finished Interviews

Questions?