Choosing a DAT course can feel overwhelming, especially with so many programs and ads competing for your attention. Students ask me all the time, “Which DAT course should I take?” and the truth is, the best choice depends on you — your learning style, budget, schedule, and how much support you want.

I have been helping pre-dental students for more than 35 years, and Dr. Romano and I have taught DAT classes both online and in person at Snug Harbor Cultural Center on Staten Island in New York for almost two decades. After seeing thousands of students come through our doors, I can tell you what really matters when you’re picking a DAT course — and what doesn’t.

This is honest advice, not a sales pitch. I want you to understand what to look for so you can make the best decision for your situation.

Look for a Course That Teaches You How to Think, Not Just Memorize

A lot of shiny programs give you hours of videos but very little real instruction. The DAT isn’t a “watch and memorize” exam. You need a course that teaches you how to approach the questions, how to analyze what the test is really asking, and how to avoid common traps.

If a course only teaches you facts but not problem-solving, it will not prepare you fully — especially for General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and the new Reading section.

Check That the Instructors Are Real Experts

A DAT course is only as strong as the people teaching it. Look for instructors who:

• Know the exam inside and out
• Have years of experience helping pre-dental students
• Can explain difficult topics in a way that finally “clicks”

This is why our online and in-person DAT courses continue to fill up every year.
Dr. Romano brings over 35 years of teaching Organic Chemistry and General Chemistry, and students appreciate learning from an instructor who has been teaching and writing DAT materials long before most prep companies even existed.

Whoever you choose, make sure you’re learning from someone with proven results and real expertise, not just a polished website.

Make Sure the Course Gives You Plenty of Practice

The DAT rewards students who practice the right way. You want a course that gives you:

• Challenging questions
• Clear, detailed solutions
• Strategies for reviewing mistakes
• Guidance on what to focus on first

It’s the combination of explanation + practice that builds confidence.

The DAT Destroyer books, which we use in our classes, were created for exactly this reason — to train students to think like test makers, not test takers.

Avoid Courses That Promise Unrealistic Results

If you see a prep company guaranteeing a 24+ or “score increase or your money back,” be careful. No course can guarantee a specific score because every student has a different starting point, schedule, and background.

Look for honesty, not hype.

Online vs. In-Person Courses: Which Is Better?

Both formats can work well. It depends on your preference.

Online courses
Great if you need flexibility, live instruction from home, or a structured weekly plan.
Our online course is taught by Prof. Barengolts, who has been a trusted part of our team for more than 20 years. Dr. Romano assists throughout the course to make sure students receive the strongest possible foundation.

In-person courses
Great if you learn best by asking questions in real time and want a strong classroom environment.
Our in-person DAT classes are taught by Dr. Romano at Snug Harbor Cultural Center on Staten Island in New York.
If you need directions or want to see exactly where we’re located, you can find them here:
https://orgoman.com/pages/directions-snug-harbor-cultural-center

Do You Even Need a DAT Course?

This is something many students don’t realize:
Not everyone needs a course.

If you’re self-motivated, organized, and have a strong science background, you may do perfectly well with a good study plan and high-quality practice materials.

But if you want guidance, structure, and personal instruction — a DAT course can save you time, stress, and a lot of confusion.

Our DAT Courses (Online and In-Person)

Since students often ask, here is a quick overview of what we offer:

• Live weekly classes
• Online or in-person at Snug Harbor, Staten Island, New York
• Detailed instruction in General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology, and Math
• Heavy emphasis on problem-solving
• DAT Destroyer materials fully integrated into the lessons
• Online course taught by Prof. Barengolts (20+ years with our team) with Dr. Romano assisting
• In-person course taught directly by Dr. Romano

We keep our classes small because we want every student to feel supported.

If you want more information, you can find it here:
https://orgoman.com/pages/dat-classes

Final Advice

No matter which course you choose — ours or someone else’s — look for quality instruction, honest guidance, and real practice that teaches you how to think.

A strong DAT course doesn’t need fancy marketing. It just needs good teachers and a commitment to helping students succeed.

If you ever have questions or want honest advice about your own DAT plans, you can always reach out. I’m here to help.