Preparing for the DAT is stressful enough without having to wonder if the advice you are reading online is even real. You pour your heart into studying, spend countless hours on practice problems, and invest your hard-earned money into prep materials all in hopes of achieving your dream score and getting into dental school.
But what if the glowing testimonials you see online are not what they seem?
Over the past several years, more and more students have raised concerns about fake DAT breakdowns. These are posts that claim extraordinary results using a single resource, often written with identical language, created by manipulated accounts, and missing any proof of actual scores. These so-called reviews do not come from fellow students trying to help. They are often carefully crafted marketing pieces, designed to look authentic while subtly pushing one company’s agenda.
This is not just frustrating, it is dangerous.
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Students may waste months of study time on materials that do not fully prepare them.
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They could spend hundreds of dollars based on false promises.
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When their real DAT score does not match the hype, they are left feeling like they personally failed when the truth is they were set up to fail from the start.
We have been quietly watching this happen for years, and it is time to speak up. This blog is not about starting drama or naming names. It is about protecting you, the student, by helping you recognize fake reviews and choose resources you can truly trust.
Where Fake DAT Reviews Thrive
Two of the most popular places for pre-dental students to seek advice are Reddit and SDN (Student Doctor Network). Both platforms are filled with well-meaning students who want to share tips, study plans, and exam experiences. Unfortunately, these same spaces have also become prime targets for marketing manipulation.
On Reddit
Reddit has a reputation for being a place where students can get honest, unfiltered opinions. Unfortunately, in the world of DAT prep, here is what often happens instead:
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Some brand-new accounts appear out of nowhere, posting glowing breakdowns about a single prep company. These are usually easy to spot.
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Others are long-running accounts that have been carefully built up over time to gain trust. They may post casually about other topics for weeks or months, slowly blending in, then suddenly release a detailed breakdown that reads like a perfectly crafted testimonial.
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In both cases, there is often no official score report, making it impossible to verify whether the results are real.
Companies sometimes use multiple accounts to upvote their own posts and downvote competitors, creating the illusion that their resource is the most popular and effective. Over time, this manipulation drowns out genuine student voices and makes it extremely difficult for newcomers to know who to trust.
On SDN
SDN has been around for decades and has historically been a trusted source for pre-dental guidance. However, even there, troubling patterns have emerged:
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Certain companies dominate the conversation while threads mentioning other resources quickly get buried or ignored.
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Fake accounts post glowing testimonials just like on Reddit, sometimes even cross-posting the exact same breakdowns.
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In extreme cases, students and educators have been harassed for sharing honest reviews that do not align with a company’s marketing narrative.
To a new student, it may appear that everyone uses and loves the same prep company. In reality, what they are seeing is carefully engineered marketing, not a true reflection of what resources are best for success.
Red Flags to Watch For
When you are reading a DAT breakdown or testimonial, it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of someone’s success story. Before you base your entire study plan on it or spend hundreds of dollars, take a closer look.
Here are warning signs that a breakdown or review might not be authentic.
1. Brand New or Suspicious Account Activity
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The account was created shortly before posting the breakdown, or its history feels unnatural.
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No meaningful participation outside of that single glowing review.
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After posting, the account disappears or stops responding to questions.
Some companies take this even further, building fake accounts over time to appear legitimate before posting. These accounts engage casually for weeks or months, then drop a breakdown at just the right moment to influence others.
2. No Official Score Report
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The breakdown does not include a DAT score report, or the report looks suspiciously edited.
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Legitimate breakdowns usually show a clear screenshot of official ADA results.
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The scores should match the story being told in the post.
If there is no proof, take the claims with a grain of salt. High scores with zero evidence are a classic marketing tactic.
3. Over the Top Praise for Just One Company
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The post reads like a sales pitch rather than a genuine experience.
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There is no mention of other well-known free or paid resources that students commonly use alongside their main prep program.
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Exact phrases are repeated across multiple posts, almost like they were copied and pasted.
Real students usually have mixed opinions and mention multiple study tools. If it feels too polished or too perfect, it probably is.
4. Aggressive Behavior or Bullying
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If someone questions the breakdown, they are attacked or dismissed.
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Posts mentioning other resources mysteriously get downvoted or reported.
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Honest reviewers are harassed while fake accounts are protected.
Healthy communities welcome questions and discussion. If a thread feels hostile or controlled, something is not right.
5. Identical Stories Across Platforms
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The same breakdown appears on Reddit, SDN, and sometimes even Facebook or Instagram word for word.
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This kind of cross-posting is often part of a coordinated marketing campaign.
If you notice the same testimonial popping up everywhere, it is most likely a paid post rather than an authentic student story.
How to Protect Yourself
Knowing that fake breakdowns and manipulated reviews exist can feel overwhelming, but there are clear steps you can take to protect yourself and make smart decisions about your DAT prep.
These strategies will help you separate honest advice from carefully crafted marketing tactics.
1. Verify Scores
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Look for official DAT score reports included in breakdown posts.
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Make sure the report clearly shows the ADA format and that the scores match the story being told.
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If there is no proof provided, treat the breakdown as opinion only, not verified fact.
2. Check Account History
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On Reddit, click the username of anyone posting a breakdown.
A real student will usually have other activity like comments in multiple threads or participation in general discussions. -
Fake accounts are often brand new with no posts outside of one glowing review.
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On SDN, check the join date and number of posts. If they only appear to promote one resource, that is a bad sign.
3. Look for Balanced Feedback
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Genuine breakdowns usually mention multiple resources such as free tools, practice books, videos, and study groups.
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If a breakdown reads like a commercial, only praising one company with over the top language, be skeptical.
Real students talk about what did not work too, not just the positives.
4. Pay Attention to the Community’s Reaction
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Notice how others in the thread respond.
If people are asking questions and getting helpful answers, that is a healthy sign.
If anyone who asks questions gets attacked or downvoted, something shady may be happening.
Healthy communities welcome open discussion and diverse viewpoints.
5. Seek Out Neutral Spaces
Look for study groups and forums where multiple resources are discussed openly.
A healthy community encourages students to share different strategies and perspectives without fear of being silenced or attacked.
The goal is to find a place where advice is based on real experiences, not on one company’s marketing plan.
6. Research the Company’s History
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Look for prep companies that have been around for many years.
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Search beyond Reddit and SDN to see what others are saying:
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Google reviews
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YouTube comments
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Alumni testimonials
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Consistency over time usually means authenticity.
If a company seems to appear overnight with hundreds of glowing reviews, something is probably wrong.
7. Trust Your Gut
If a breakdown feels too good to be true, it probably is.
Listen to your instincts.
Do you feel pressured or manipulated?
Are you being sold a dream rather than taught how to study?
You deserve real guidance, not marketing tricks.
Closing Thoughts: Choosing Your Path With Confidence
Preparing for the DAT is one of the most challenging steps on the path to dental school. It is natural to look online for guidance, success stories, and reassurance. Remember, not everything you read is real.
Fake breakdowns and paid reviews can make it seem like everyone else has the perfect plan while you are left unsure of where to begin. The truth is, even the most confident voices online may not represent reality.
By learning to recognize red flags, verify what you read, and trust your instincts, you can cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters: building the skills and knowledge you need to succeed on test day.
Stay focused, stay curious, and most importantly, stay true to yourself. Your DAT score is not just a number. It is a reflection of your hard work, your determination, and your future career as a dental professional.
Surround yourself with supportive peers and mentors who care about your success, not just selling you something.
With the right mindset and reliable resources, you will be ready to face the DAT with confidence.
Looking for more study strategies? Read our guide on Why Students Fail the DAT the First Time.