The Practice Test Trap
You’ve taken practice tests. You’ve seen your scores climb. But then the real DAT shows up — and it doesn’t match. Here’s what Bootcamp and Booster don’t tell you about practice scores.
It feels good to see high numbers on DAT Bootcamp or DAT Booster practice exams. Students often message us saying, “I was hitting 490s on Booster and 500s on Bootcamp — but my real DAT came back a 420.” That gap is more common than you think.
Why Practice Scores Don’t Always Match Reality
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Easier Questions: Many students report that Bootcamp and Booster questions feel more straightforward than the real exam.
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Familiarity Bias: After taking the same style of practice exams repeatedly, you start to memorize patterns — which doesn’t happen on test day.
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Testing Environment: Timed pressure, nerves, and fatigue can shave points off even the strongest student’s score.
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Inflated Scaling: Practice test curves are often more generous than the real DAT’s new 200–600 scoring system. (Confused about the new scale? Read our DAT Score Conversion Guide).
What Students Are Saying
On forums like Reddit and Student Doctor Network, the same story repeats:
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“Bootcamp had me scoring 500s, but my actual DAT was a 430.”
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“Booster felt like a breeze compared to test day.”
The pattern is clear: practice exams build confidence, but they don’t always prepare you for the toughest questions you’ll face.
“Many students discover their real DAT scores are lower than Bootcamp or Booster predicted.”
How to Use Practice Tests the Right Way
Bootcamp and Booster practice exams aren’t useless — but their role should be diagnostic, not predictive. Use them to:
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Identify your weakest topics.
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Practice timing and endurance.
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Build test-taking confidence.
But don’t mistake them for a true measure of your final score.
Why Destroyer Students Score Higher
DAT Destroyer isn’t designed to give you a “practice test score.” It’s designed to push you harder than the real exam so that nothing on test day surprises you. That’s why our students walk in with confidence — and walk out with scores that match or exceed expectations.
When you train at a higher level, the real DAT feels manageable.
Want proof? Read: Is DAT Bootcamp Too Easy? What Students Are Saying vs. The Real DAT.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let inflated practice scores fool you. Whether you’re using Bootcamp, Booster, or any other program, remember: the real DAT is tougher. If you want the preparation that has helped students succeed since 1985, DAT Destroyer will get you there.
👉 Ready to prepare for the real DAT? Explore our DAT Destroyer books.