Should you self-study for the DAT or invest in a prep course? Here's an honest look at both approaches for pre-dental students.
The DAT presents a unique self-study challenge because of the Perceptual Ability section. Unlike the MCAT or LSAT, the DAT includes question types you've likely never encountered before, which makes self-study harder for certain sections.
Self-Study: Pros and Cons
When it works: You have a strong science GPA (3.5+), you're self-disciplined, and you have 4+ months to prepare. Self-study can work well for the science sections if you have solid foundational knowledge.
The PAT challenge: The Perceptual Ability section is where self-study gets difficult. PAT question types are unique to the DAT, and most students need structured practice with these formats. Even if you self-study everything else, consider investing in a PAT-specific resource.
Cost: Self-study with textbooks and free resources can cost $100–$300. Adding a PAT practice tool brings it to $200–$500.
Prep Course: When It's Worth It
A prep course adds the most value when:
- You need help with PAT (most students do)
- Your science foundation needs strengthening
- You want adaptive study scheduling to maximize efficiency
- You're targeting a 22+ AA score
The Practical Recommendation
For most pre-dental students, a mid-range prep course offers the best balance of cost and effectiveness. The DAT's unique sections (especially PAT) benefit significantly from structured preparation that you can't easily replicate on your own.
For detailed reviews, see our Best DAT Prep Courses [blocked] rankings.