The DAT prep market is smaller than MCAT or LSAT, but choosing the right course still matters. Here's what to look for.
The DAT prep market has fewer options than MCAT or LSAT prep, but the quality difference between courses is significant. Here's what to prioritize.
What Makes DAT Prep Unique
The DAT has a section that no other standardized test has: Perceptual Ability (PAT). This section tests spatial reasoning with unique question types like angle ranking, hole punching, and cube counting. Any DAT course you choose must have strong PAT preparation — it's not something you can easily self-study.
Key Factors to Evaluate
1. PAT Preparation Quality
This is the differentiator. Look for:
- Dedicated PAT practice generators (not just static questions)
- Video explanations of PAT strategies
- Large PAT question banks (you need volume for this section)
2. Science Content Coverage
The DAT covers biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and quantitative reasoning. Make sure the course covers all sections thoroughly, not just the science portions.
3. Practice Test Quality
Full-length practice DATs that simulate the real exam experience are essential. Look for courses that offer 5+ full-length practice tests with detailed score reports.
4. Study Scheduling
The DAT requires 2–4 months of preparation for most students. Courses with adaptive scheduling (like Wizeprep DAT [blocked]) help you use that time efficiently.
Budget Considerations
| Budget | Best Options |
|---|---|
| Under $500 | DAT Booster ($499), free resources |
| $500–$1,000 | Wizeprep DAT Self-Paced ($999) |
| $1,000+ | Wizeprep DAT Live, Princeton Review DAT |
For detailed reviews of every major DAT prep course, see our Best DAT Prep Courses [blocked] rankings.