Math Test Content for DAT

Significance of Math for DAT

Many college students nowadays opt for a career in dentistry, because it is a lucrative as well as a rewarding career. In order to gain admission in a premier dental school in the USA, you must score high marks in the Dental Admission Test (DAT). Moreover, since the score for each section of the DAT is reported separately in the score card, the Math section marks are a significant part of the score card. Let us try to understand the importance of this section by reading the following section of this article.

Relevance of the Mathematics Section of DAT

Nearly 15% of the DAT question paper is the Quantitative Reasoning section or the Math section. This section evaluates your college level knowledge of various branches of Mathematics. You also need to understand the significance of this section, so that you are motivated to study for it. The following list will help you understand the importance:

  • Important part of the score card: The score card comprises of 8 scaled along with percentile ranks, which are given based on these scaled scores. The American Dental Association (ADA) reports a separate score and rank for the Quantitative Reasoning. Like the rest of the scores in the score card, the Quantitative Reasoning test score will also be taken into account, when your applications are analyzed.
  • Essential part of the Academic Average score: The score card provides a separate scaled score called the ‘Academic Average’. This score is calculated by taking into account the scores you have received in Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension and Survey of Natural Sciences sections. An average of these scores are taken and rounded to the nearest whole number.

The above-mentioned list will help you gain an insight into the importance of the Math section. However, before you begin preparing for the Quantitative Reasoning section, it is essential that you understand the nuances of this section. The following section of this article will acquaint you with the various characteristics of the Quantitative Reasoning section as well as its nature.

What Comprises the Mathematics Section of DAT?

The Math section comprises of questions designed to test your concepts of the various branches of Mathematics. The questions will examine not only your theoretical knowledge, but also how well you can apply them, in order to arrive at the answers. The various aspects of the test are as follows:

  • Time allotted and the sub-sections: The Quantitative Reasoning test comprises of 40 questions, which are to be completed in 45 minutes. The two main sub-sections are as follows:
    • Mathematical problems: This sub-section consists of questions from all branches of Mathematics. In other words, you will have to solve theoretical problems on Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, Trigonometry, Probability and Geometry. In this sub-section, you will have to solve 30 questions.
    • Word problems: The remaining 10 questions of the Quantitative Reasoning test will need you to apply your knowledge of Mathematics. These questions can be based on one or more branches of Mathematics.
  • Scoring system: Like all the other sections of the DAT, the Quantitative Reasoningtest is also scored on a scale from 0 to 30. Along with the score you will also receive a percentile rank, based on the overall performance of other students taking a similar test. This section comprises of multiple-choice questions and there is no negative marking in case you provide a wrong answer.

The above-mentioned list will help you understand the Mathematics part of the DAT. This knowledge is essential to kick-start your preparation. Although, the number of questions in this section is lesser than those of the other sections of the test, do not be under the misconception that the questions will be less detailed. So prepare well for the entire test and provide extra attention to the Mathematics section.