Lost about how to start studying for the OAT

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Hello everyone,

I decided to start studying for the OAT a little ahead of time and after taking a demo test of the OAT Achiever I realized that I will have to re-learn so much.

I barely remember anything, for God's sake!
The lack of teaching ability on the part of my physics professors, and my general treatment of those classes are coming back to haunt me; the math from 5 years ago; everything I forgot from biology and general chemistry are all making me very scared.
The only thing I really know is organic chemistry and sort of reading comprehension.

So where do I start if I really want to learn? Before I take any more practice tests or look at any questions, I need to re-learn most of physics, and moderate amount of bio, gen chem, and math. A quick review will definitely not be enough at all.

What would you guys recommend for me?

[ I bought the OAT Destroyer (it is shipping), and I plan on buying the OAT Achiever.
I do not plan on taking any Kaplan classes, even online. I am considering buying the Kaplan 2012 book. ]

Please help me!

Thank you so much.

Take a Kaplan course. It will really clear everything for you.

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OATAcer, are you talking about an actual kaplan class that I'd have to attend, or the online anytime kaplan course?
I can't attend an actual class, but the online course I could try.
Thank you for replying.

Originally Posted by Antimonie

OATAcer, are you talking about an actual kaplan class that I'd have to attend, or the online anytime kaplan course?
I can't attend an actual class, but the online course I could try.
Thank you for replying.

On site course is better so you can ask your professor questions in person.

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OATAcer, I'm going to take the online kaplan course and i want to know if the course helped you out a lot in your studies? also did you take the OAT, if so how did you do on it?

The "on demand" option is great for people who live far away from the Kaplan centers and can't watch the live lectures at the same time every day. This is what I did. Honestly, I found the "lessons" to be pointless and did mostly self study. The review note book (1300 pages or so) and the practice tests are what you are paying for. That and they do give you great study tips and test taking strategies that will help you get insight on how the test is structured and how to use it to your advantage. All in all, Kaplan is worth the money. It's about $1000 but I only took the test once and got into the school I wanted. I would have preferred the live class but my job was insane at the time. I feel that if you can take the live class or the "streaming", do this before the on demand because I had to have some major discipline to get mine done alone.

Unfortunately I cannot take the on site class.

Blondiechick919, thank you for your reply. I am interested in the on demand because I don't think I can attend the streaming classes either. Was the review notebook good? 1300 pages sounds like something I could use when studying!!!

Originally Posted by Antimonie

Unfortunately I cannot take the on site class.

Blondiechick919, thank you for your reply. I am interested in the on demand because I don't think I can attend the streaming classes either. Was the review notebook good? 1300 pages sounds like something I could use when studying!!!

This bible (I won't say book, because it's too obnoxiously large to be called one) will become attached to your left hand. It went everywhere with me and a pink highlighter and pen for five months. People at work and my friends and family just got used to seeing me with it. I learn nothing by just reading things, so i grabbed sheets of graph paper and wrote outlines of each chapter diligently as i went (I may still have them!) THis really seemed to help me grasp the material as I read it and then I did lots of practice problems and section tests. If you decide to do the on demand class, they give you a syllabus with different sections for each part of the test (bio, QR, phys, etc) and there are accompanying lessons, quizzes, etc. Some material is required and some is optional. There is a beginning full length diagnostic test, a midterm, and 3-4 end full length tests so you can prep and see how you are improving. I got 280 on my diagnostic, 330 on my "final" and 340 on test day (my goal score).

Just heed this warning-there is nobody monitoring your progress. If you fall behind, Kaplan does not care, refund you or let you know. This is why there is a LOT OF DISCIPLINE involved in this method since there is no schedule and no lesson plan involved. Also, schedule your test date for about a week after your course is set to "expire", this way you will be forced to stay on track and this way you won't run into the wall and have them cut off your access the day before your test. Good luck, feel free to PM me with more ?s.

Originally Posted by ymt590

OATAcer, I'm going to take the online kaplan course and i want to know if the course helped you out a lot in your studies? also did you take the OAT, if so how did you do on it?

I haven't taken Kaplan but I heard great things about it.

Also heard good things about the oat destroyer, i used this myself.

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Originally Posted by OATAcer

I haven't taken Kaplan but I heard great things about it.

Also heard good things about the oat destroyer, i used this myself.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

how did u start your studying with OAT destroyer? did you just go through 20-30 problems, then check the answers? im just trying to find what methods worked the best for the people who've used OAT Destroyer cuz it's just a big test book with the answers/solution in the back

Yes, someone please tell us how to use the OAT destroyer? any strategies? Thanks!

Once you learn all of the material, do 10 - 20 questions per day. Then check your answers. Incorrect ones should be reviewed all over again. Do not use the oat destroyer as a practice test, just use it as a practice book for doing practice problems.

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Something that was suggested to me and has been so far very helpful in my studying is to record the questions you are having trouble with, pause, then give the answer. Use this while driving or even sun tanning (as I do) so you can recall all info. I have heard from someone who recently did well on the DAT that destroyer questions are waaaayyyy harder then the actual test. Since OAT and DAT questions are the same besides physics keep this in mind! I was overwhelmed at first also!

Hey!

I started with a Kaplan class and watched Chad's videos (those were AMAZING) along with Khan Academy.

I also used the OAT destroyer and the practice problems from Kaplan's book!

Good luck!

I took the online Kaplan course just cause I am the type that needs a certain schedule for me to get anything done. Also the many practice exams they had helped me a lot. If you take the scheduled online course it's basically a live chat where the professor talks and you can ask questions. They also make it interactive with questions/quizzes etc. It's not hard material, just a wide variety so it should basically be a review for you. The materials they include are somewhat helpful (even though their big book is awfully intimidating) but having a class helps me structure my studying time and etc.

However if you are the type that can self-study on your own (meaning without class and the only deadline being your OAT exam) then I recommend trying it out on your own before spending $1300 on a class. God knows you'll be spending enough with the actual exam, applications fees, and traveling fees LOL). I had my class from 10pm - 1 (or sometimes 2)am which wasn't my ideal focus time but worked with my work/school schedule.

Type Chad's Videos in facebook he just posted a %15 off coupon!!

Originally Posted by Blondiechick919

This bible (I won't say book, because it's too obnoxiously large to be called one) will become attached to your left hand. It went everywhere with me and a pink highlighter and pen for five months. People at work and my friends and family just got used to seeing me with it. I learn nothing by just reading things, so i grabbed sheets of graph paper and wrote outlines of each chapter diligently as i went (I may still have them!) THis really seemed to help me grasp the material as I read it and then I did lots of practice problems and section tests. If you decide to do the on demand class, they give you a syllabus with different sections for each part of the test (bio, QR, phys, etc) and there are accompanying lessons, quizzes, etc. Some material is required and some is optional. There is a beginning full length diagnostic test, a midterm, and 3-4 end full length tests so you can prep and see how you are improving. I got 280 on my diagnostic, 330 on my "final" and 340 on test day (my goal score).

Just heed this warning-there is nobody monitoring your progress. If you fall behind, Kaplan does not care, refund you or let you know. This is why there is a LOT OF DISCIPLINE involved in this method since there is no schedule and no lesson plan involved. Also, schedule your test date for about a week after your course is set to "expire", this way you will be forced to stay on track and this way you won't run into the wall and have them cut off your access the day before your test. Good luck, feel free to PM me with more ?s.

Hi- first off congrats on your score!
Im taking the advantage live kaplan course and i have that BIG book also. I took most of my pre reqs like two years ago and forgot most of it. I feel really overwhelmed with the Kaplan book. I just want to know if you used anything else besides the kaplan book and its resources online. I am just totally nervous for this test!!!!
Also how many hours a day did you study and for how long? i plan on taking the OAT in August.Would that be enough time ?