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DAT Booster vs DAT Bootcamp
See which prep course wins in this comparison of DAT Bootcamp vs DAT Booster
The DAT prep courses from DAT Bootcamp and DAT Booster are very similar. Both offer a very similar set of features and are structured in much the same way. So how do you decide which is best for you? Luckily, we’ve used and thoroughly reviewed each of these DAT programs. In this detailed comparison, we break down all the strengths and weaknesses you need to understand, as well as note which one we think is better overall.
In short: DAT Bootcamp is the better pick for anyone wanting a highly structured approach with solid video lessons, while DAT Booster is a good fit for people who prefer a super sleek interface and a generous higher score guarantee.
Most comprehensive program overall: DAT Bootcamp (top-notch video lessons, written material, and practice tests)
Best digital experience: DAT Booster (sleek dark interface and intuitive interface)
Most realistic practice work: DAT Bootcamp (practice problems closely imitate the actual exam)
Most affordable option: DAT Booster (slightly lower retail price)
Best if you want really structured support: DAT Bootcamp (guided study plan customized to your schedule)
As this is a lengthy post, we’ve included jump-to links above for your convenience.
Video Review: DAT Bootcamp or DAT Booster?
In the above video, team member John breaks down the similarities and differences between DAT Booster and DAT Bootcamp. Please continue reading our written comparison below for more detail.
To start, let’s briefly cover how each DAT prep program generally works and the study materials that you get. This will help to provide some context.
At the outset, the packages from Bootcamp and Booster are both quite similar in terms of the features that they offer, and even the way that they deliver their courses.
Both companies give you full-length practice tests, video lessons and video solutions, a daily study schedule, a Qbank, study notes, cheat sheets, flashcards, and more.
Not to mention, even the way the materials are housed and the way you navigate the course is similar, with everything broken out by the 6 tested subjects.
DAT Bootcamp drill
Basically, at a high level, the packages look fairly similar. However, as you might guess, there are definitely some differences if you know where to look, and I think those are probably best explained by looking at each course’s strengths.
DAT Bootcamp Strengths
I believe DAT Bootcamp is particularly strong when it comes to practice work, video lessons, and their study schedule. Let’s break those areas down.
Which Course Feels Most Like the Real DAT?
Both DAT Bootcamp and DAT Booster offer full-length practice tests, but Bootcamp better simulates the Prometric testing environment. Its interface includes digital noteboards and timer controls that match the real exam. Booster’s tests are slightly harder, which can help push your timing skills under pressure.
Can I Study for the DAT on Mobile?
Both programs now support mobile access, but Bootcamp’s app offers offline study, flashcards, and a cleaner UX. Booster is mobile responsive via browser, but lacks a dedicated app. For students juggling work or other classes, Bootcamp may offer better flexibility on the go.
Realistic Practice Work
A particularly strong facet of DAT Bootcamp is their practice material. It’s clear that they have invested a ton of time and money into the realism of their practice material.
DAT Bootcamp practice problem with solution
When considering the difficulty, content and length of questions, we think Bootcamp’s problems very closely match the real exam. More so than Booster’s practice problems.
For those that learn by doing and burn through practice work, this might be a nice advantage.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that the answer solutions (which come with their problems in text and video format) are very understandable and digestible in my opinion. They offer excellent rationales. Plus, if you get stuck or want deeper analysis, they’ve integrated AI into their program for instant summaries and explanations, which I found super useful. It’s like a built-in ChatGPT.
High-Quality Video Lessons
Second, our team prefers the video lessons and short video solutions from DAT Bootcamp. Both companies provide hundreds of video lessons covering content review, as well as hundreds more that each break down practice problems. And while they’re all good, we just see Bootcamp’s as being slightly better.
While we actually think DAT Booster might have better graphics, the analysis seems to go a little deeper with Bootcamp, in our opinion.
DAT Bootcamp PAT problem breakdown
I say this not just because of the longer average length of the Bootcamp videos. The points Bootcamp hits on make sense, and they resonated more with our team.
Overall, though a very close call, we just prefer the DAT Bootcamp video lectures and problem solution videos. Plus, you get AI summaries of the videos too, which I liked.
Helpful Written Study Materials
Next, let’s dive into the written study materials, which include study notes, cheat sheets, and flashcards. Neither company offers a traditional prep book, like the textbooks you might use in college; instead, they rely on digital notes and cheat sheets.
While we appreciate the visuals and graphics that Booster incorporates into their materials, when it comes to the actual written content, we prefer Bootcamp. Their explanations and insights are more clearly articulated and detailed in our team’s opinion, making them stand out in this category.
To be clear, Booster’s notes and cheat sheets are solid, particularly with their excellent visuals. But since this category focuses on written material, Bootcamp earns the edge for their detailed and well-crafted explanations.
Guided Study Plan
If you’re looking for a little hand-holding in your DAT prep, I’m a very big fan of DAT Bootcamp’s study schedule. It’s integrated right into your dashboard, hyperlinks over to your daily assignments, and is custom to your schedule. For students that are not good about driving their own studies and figuring out what to study and when, this will be a life saver.
The DAT Bootcamp study schedule
I also really liked how you could drag and drop assignments across days, rebalance your study plan periodically, and create custom assignments. I was a huge fan.
Crash Courses
Lastly, let’s discuss the crash courses that both companies have introduced over the past couple of years. These optional workshops are designed as deep dives into specific subjects, typically lasting around three hours, and are aimed at helping you address weaker areas, such as the PAT or organic chemistry.
It’s worth noting that these sessions come at an additional cost and aren’t included in the standard curriculum. After evaluating these sessions, our team prefers DAT Bootcamp’s workshops.
While both sessions were solid, we found Bootcamp’s to have better instructors, a more organized structure, more efficient topic coverage, and a smoother overall flow. If you’re considering adding a crash course or two, our recommendation would be Bootcamp.
Now let’s switch sides and cover the major advantages in favor of DAT Booster.
Cost Comparison
DAT Bootcamp has two options to choose from. First, there is the Pro package, which includes 90 days of access to almost all of Bootcamp’s tools and resources. This is their standard course, and it costs right around $650 MSRP – although they usually run a discount that brings the price down to about $550.
Then Bootcamp also has a more premium Pluspackage, which costs closer to $950 after discounts. That product gives you 180 days of access and kicks in an additional 5 full-length exams.
DAT Bootcamp problem video explanation
On the flip side is DAT Booster, which has two course offerings. Their premium membership costs about $600. This package is good for 90 days, and it gives you access to most of their materials. Then, their premium membership max costs about $1,000. This plan is good for 180 days, and you get access to all of their materials.
Stepping back and putting things in perspective, DAT Booster is a little cheaper than Bootcamp MSRP.
However, it is important to note that DAT Bootcamp seems to be pretty aggressive with sales and discounts, thus leveling the playing field a little bit. For example, you can usually snag a 10% discount on Bootcamp, if not more.
Modern Digital Experience
Next, let’s talk about the digital interface and user experience. While this isn’t the most critical feature, it’s still worth mentioning. In this area, we prefer DAT Booster’s interface.
They’ve recently revamped their platform with a sleek, modern dark theme that gives it a fresh and polished look.
Booster’s cool new interface
In terms of functionality and ease of use, both programs are equally solid, but Booster gets a slight edge for its current ‘cool factor.’
Higher Score Guarantee
Both DAT Booster and DAT Bootcamp offer higher score guarantees, though the terms differ. Both companies guarantee a higher academic average (AA) on your exam than your previous official DAT attempt.
In other words, if you do not achieve a higher AA, the two companies will provide you with a benefit. DAT Bootcamp will extend your access for free up to 180 days.
DAT Booster, on the other hand, will extend your membership 90 days, or you can request a 50% refund (though there is some fine print behind this guarantee, so make sure to check that out).
Either way, I would just note that at the lower price points for these two courses, it’s not as important as it is with, say, Princeton Review or Kaplan, which cost significantly more.
That covers the nitty gritty detail, so let’s get to my final verdict. Should you go with DAT Booster or DAT Bootcamp for your prep?
While both programs are quite similar in terms of features and organization, our team ultimately prefers DAT Bootcamp.
We found their video lessons, practice work, written study materials, and live crash courses to be more effective overall. Since these are the most essential elements of any prep program, Bootcamp takes the win in our book.
Although their course is slightly more expensive, our team believes the additional cost is justified.
After a full review of each program, it is a close call. However, in the end, our team gives DAT Bootcamp the win thanks to their high-quality video lessons, practice work, written study materials, and crash courses.
What is the difference between DAT Booster and DAT Bootcamp?
The packages from Bootcamp and Booster are pretty similar in terms of structure and the features they offer. The Booster DAT course is slightly cheaper and offers a modern digital platform, whereas the Bootcamp DAT course excels with their video lessons, written study guides, and DAT practice questions.
Is DAT Bootcamp cheaper than DAT Booster?
Though DAT Booster is cheaper than DAT Bootcamp when looking at full retail prices, DAT Bootcamp is very aggressive in their discounting. Their sales help to bridge the price disparity somewhat.
Is DAT Booster or Bootcamp better for visual learners?
Both programs include many animations, whiteboard videos, and dynamic illustrations. Overall, Bootcamp’s video lessons go a little deeper while including tons of imagery, making them our top pick for visual learners.
Editor's Choice 
