DAT vs MCAT: Which Test Is Harder?
If you’re on the fence between dental school and medical school (or just curious), one of the biggest questions you might be asking is:
“Is the DAT easier than the MCAT?”
At Dental School Declassified, we work with pre-dental students each year who are deep in the application trenches — and this question comes up a lot. Whether you're deciding between paths or just want to validate your choice to pursue dentistry (👀 we see you), let’s break down the key differences between these two powerhouse entrance exams.
1. Test Structure & Length
DAT (Dental Admission Test)
Duration: ~4.5 hours
Sections:
Survey of Natural Sciences (Bio, Gen Chem, Orgo)
Perceptual Ability (PAT)
Reading Comprehension
Quantitative Reasoning
MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)
Duration: ~7.5 hours
Sections:
Chem/Phys Foundations
CARS (Critical Analysis and Reasoning)
Bio/Biochem Foundations
Psych/Soc Foundations
👉 TL;DR: The MCAT is longer and more exhaustive, both in time and topics. It’s truly an academic marathon.
2. Content & Depth
DAT focuses on foundational sciences with straightforward questions. The test pulls from:
General Biology
General & Organic Chemistry
Math (up to pre-calc)
Basic reading comprehension (usually science-based)
MCAT dives deeper:
Heavy biochemistry & physiology
Physics, sociology, psychology
Conceptual application over memorization
👉 DAT = More direct
👉 MCAT = More layered and interdisciplinary
If you’re science-strong but want to avoid physics and psych/soc, the DAT plays more to your strengths.
3. Unique Challenges
Let’s be real — both tests have their quirks.
DAT’s Perceptual Ability Test (PAT) is a curveball for most students. It’s 3D shapes, mental rotations, keyholes, pattern folding — all spatial reasoning with zero science involved. But with the right strategy (👋 hi, we teach this), it’s super learnable.
MCAT’s CARS section is often the make-or-break. It tests your ability to interpret complex, philosophy-style passages without using any outside knowledge. And unlike PAT, it’s not really "teachable" in the traditional sense — just lots of practice and reading finesse.
👉 Hate reading abstract essays? DAT wins.
👉 Hate folding cubes in your mind? MCAT wins.
4. Prep Time & Burnout Factor
DAT Prep: Most students study for 2–3 months full-time. If you’re balancing school or work, 3–4 months is more realistic.
MCAT Prep: You’re looking at 3–6 months minimum — sometimes longer depending on your science background and how long ago you took certain prereqs.
👉 If you want a more efficient timeline and less prep fatigue, DAT is more manageable.
5. Scoring & Competitiveness
DAT Scoring: 1–30 scale
Average: 17–18
Competitive: 20+
Top 10%: ~23+
MCAT Scoring: 472–528 scale
Average: ~500
Competitive: 510+
While both are competitive, dental school applicant pools are smaller, and admissions tend to be a bit more holistic — especially if your DAT scores are paired with shadowing, strong grades, and a thoughtful personal statement.
So… Which Test Is Harder?
Let’s settle it:
AreaWinnerTest LengthDAT 🦷Content DepthMCAT 🧠Unique ChallengesTie 🤷♀️Burnout RiskMCAT 😵Strategy-FriendlyDAT (hello PAT) 👋
Most students (and admissions pros) agree:
👉 The MCAT is objectively harder.
It’s longer, more in-depth, and broader in scope.
But if you're a pre-dental student asking this question to validate your path — just know this: choosing dentistry isn’t the “easier route,” it’s just different. And the DAT is still no joke.
Pro Tip from Dental School Declassified
If you’re gearing up for the DAT, don’t go it alone. At Dental School Declassified, we specialize in DAT tutoring, personalized advising, and pre-dental strategy that actually works. Whether you're stuck on PAT, worried about bio, or just don't know where to start — we've got your back. 💪
Ready to Crush the DAT?
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