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Hey Guys!
Here's the BREAKDOWN!
I am extremely happy with my scores. I had predicted 23/21/23/22/20/25/22/22 based on TopScore and ADA2009!
I spent six weeks studying, but three of those weeks I spent working on my thesis at school from 9a-5p, so that time was a little tough. I had three good weeks studying 10 hours/day, no days off. The key to this was finding good, fun, helpful materials. YOU CAN DO IT!
BS : ARIS**, CliffsAP*, Barron's AP Flashcards*, Prep101*, DATQVAULT*
I'll try to keep this one short and sweet. I thought this would be my best section because I spent the most time on it by far. I am a biology major, and studying for this part was actually kind of fun. It's important that you have a wide range of resources because each resource has its strengths and weaknesses. I recommend working primarily with ARIS, and supplementing with CliffsAP and Barron's Flashcards. Destroyer is not necessary, most of the questions are ridiculous, and the question types are SO frustrating (almost every question has ‘all the above' or ‘none of the above' or ‘A&C', etc. as options. You will not see these types of answers on the test!). Instead, do practice problems with FREE ARIS and FREE Prep101, as well as datQvault ($20, worth every penny) and CliffsAP. The datQvault tests were pretty representative of the real test IMO.
On the DAT, the BS section had about 4-5 out of nowhere questions, but none of them were ridiculous or unfair. Here's a tip: if you haven't seen the information contained within a question before, it's probably because they are asking you to perform deductive reasoning/problem solving. Use this to your advantage! Realize that they are expecting you to apply related knowledge. The most reasonable answer is usually the right one. I had a few questions that you would NEVER find in a textbook. Study hard and you will do well.
DatQvault scores: 20, 19, 20, 20, 25, 23, 21, 21, 20, 21
ARIS: http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/classware/selfstudy.do?isbn=0072464631 -- thanks to AllahIsGreater for sharing!
Prep101: http://www.prep101.com/mcat/free-mcat-study-aids/ -- note: I recommend the 115 MC biology questions. The other BS, GC, and OC resources aren't very useful.
GC : CHAD'S**, Destroyer*
Chad and Destroyer will get you a 21+. These two resources are pure gold. I just wish I had them during freshman year. YOU CAN DO IT BABY!
OC : CHAD'S**, Destroyer
Chad and Romano together forever! To be honest, Destroyer was crazy out of this world overkill. I could have done just as well on this section with ½ the studying. Haloforms & Tollens tests? You won't see ‘em! Chad's quizzes would do just fine! Romano's Destroyer OC is still truly a piece of art. Wish I had these resources during Organic Chemistry!
PA : CDP*, ADA2009*
Like many others have mentioned, CDP works great for getting used to question types. It's also useful for getting down timing. But overall, I would say that CDP wasn't very indicative of the PAT section of my DAT.
Keyhole: DAT is harder. Much more emphasis is put on proportions.
TFE: CDP is good representation.
Angles: PAT is slightly easier.
Hole Punch: CDP is a good representation. I got one 1/3 fold, which wasn't too difficult, but make sure you are aware that they exist. CDP doesn't have any 1/3 fold problems. You should see them in the ADA2009 test.
Cube count: I got an illusion problem, which I totally wasn't expecting. I skipped over the illusions in CDP because I didn't think they would show up on the test. SILLY ME! Even if you don't spend too much time on them during your practice test, make sure to go back and check them out. I personally think CDP's explanations of the illusion shapes are not very good, but this is still an important piece of the PA section to understand. Spend some time on it! You will thank me later
Pattern folding: Much more difficult than CDP. I don't know how to explain it well, but if you have seen condog's videos, you will know that there are two question types in this section: no coloring, and coloring. I am naturally better at the coloring questions since it helps to orient me. I was weak in the non-coloring brand of problem. The DAT tended to have more emphasis on the non-coloring type. Now, many of you may say "that's great!," but it's not. There are some WILD shapes/folds in there!
I bought the CDP Ace Edition ($130). I only ended up doing 8 tests. I had planned on doing the others, but after reading advice from other SDNers, I decided that my time would be better spent elsewhere, and I was probably right.
Recommendation: If you're on a budget, I recommend that you save a few bucks by purchasing the King Edition ($100). If you really can't dish out $100 (and I don't blame you!), try out the Rockler Challenge as well as the practice tests on predds. These are free, invaluable resources!
CDP scores: 23, 22, 21, 21, 25, 25, 22, 23
http://www.rocklerchallenge.com/game.html
http://predds DOT net/perceptual-ability-practice-tests/
RC : TopScore*
This score was the biggest surprise of the test. I was praying for a 20. TopScore was WAY (read: WAAAAYY) harder than the actual test, so don't get discouraged, and keep practicing. In my opinion, reading skills are developed over years, and not over weeks or months. But it's still SO important to practice RC because you have to find a method that works for YOU. I thought my RC skills were lacking, so I looked around for different methods. I settled on a really simple method: just READ (noting a key word for each paragraph) and then ANSWER! This method has worked for so many people, and I believe it will work for you too. I did not get the physics passage that has been plaguing the SDN community. My passages were really really really easy. I expected intense scientific information like in TopScore. NOPE!
QR : Math Destroyer*
Math Destroyer is the best resource hands down for DAT QR. Unfortunately, it'll empty your pockets. All DAT resources are expensive, and Math Destroyer is no exception. Still, you can re-sell Destroyer, which is definitely a redeeming feature that is not available in computer software. I bought the DAT Destroyer and Math Destroyer Package ($200), so the Math Destroyer really only cost me $50.
The twelve 40Q Math Destroyer tests very closely represent the real DAT. You may opt to take a few of the tests untimed, but you have to get used to the 45 minute time restraint. The QR section is all about strategy and quick cost/benefit analysis. I was able to finish the test within the 45 minutes, but a key strategy I used was saving the 3-4 most time-consuming questions for last. Deciding which to save for last is something I learned through Math Destroyer and it saved me on the test.
I only took eight of the tests due to lack of time. I ended up taking tests 11&12 untimed the day before the test since these sections were recommended by other SDNers. If you are looking for a 30, you MUST understand all of the p-test questions in test 12. That said, I decided not to focus on it too much and spend my time elsewhere, and even in hindsight I don't regret it.
I truly thought that QR would be my best section on the DAT. I'm really good at quick math and I did well on the Math Destroyer tests. Unfortunately, I just wasn't efficient on the test. I was tired!
Math Destroyer tests (X/40): 36, 35, 40, 38, 35, 36, 35, 38
Practice Tests:
Free OAT: BS/GC/OC/QR/OAT :: 400/380/370/400/400
This is written by the ADA. It's free, and it's representative of the DAT (except PAT is missing!).
https://www.ada.org/oat/oat_sample_test.pdf
BS/GC/OC/PA/RC/QR/TS/AA
Free DAT2007: 22/25/28/23/21/25/25/24 -- too easy, but good practice.
Paid DAT2009: 30/30/27/25/20/18/29/26 -- RC and QR are too difficult. LOTS of errors!
TopScore: It's worth the $60. The sciences are pretty good. RC is too difficult, but good practice. PAT is utterly useless, don't waste your time.
BS/GC/OC/PA/RC/QR/TS/AA
Test 1: 22/18/25/22/19/22/21/21
Test 2: 22/21/25/X/21/X/23/X
Test 3: 19/20/28/X/20/X/21/X
Final Advice:
1) Bring your own foam ear plugs. The headphones they had available looked like that were made to fit a baby. I've got a big dome!
2) Bring a very light snack for the break, and a bottle of water. I ate just three prunes, but that was just fantastic for me.
3) Bring some mouthwash and wash your mouth out after you have your snack. For me, having a fresh mouth is paramount to success. It just made me so much more comfortable and focused during RC!
I want to thank all of you who have added to these forums over the years. This is such a great community, and it's so nice that we help each other out. To finish, I want you all to bookmark this motivational speech. Use it when you're in need of that pick-me-up. About a week ago, I had one of those "screw this" moments, and I wanted to just give up and stop studying. I came upon this video, and it helped me push through. Really a touching piece. HOW FAR ARE YOU WILLING TO GO TO SUCCEED?
If you need any advice/help, or have any personal questions don't be afraid to PM me. I'll be around!
-IronJeff
Here's the BREAKDOWN!
I am extremely happy with my scores. I had predicted 23/21/23/22/20/25/22/22 based on TopScore and ADA2009!
I spent six weeks studying, but three of those weeks I spent working on my thesis at school from 9a-5p, so that time was a little tough. I had three good weeks studying 10 hours/day, no days off. The key to this was finding good, fun, helpful materials. YOU CAN DO IT!
BS : ARIS**, CliffsAP*, Barron's AP Flashcards*, Prep101*, DATQVAULT*
I'll try to keep this one short and sweet. I thought this would be my best section because I spent the most time on it by far. I am a biology major, and studying for this part was actually kind of fun. It's important that you have a wide range of resources because each resource has its strengths and weaknesses. I recommend working primarily with ARIS, and supplementing with CliffsAP and Barron's Flashcards. Destroyer is not necessary, most of the questions are ridiculous, and the question types are SO frustrating (almost every question has ‘all the above' or ‘none of the above' or ‘A&C', etc. as options. You will not see these types of answers on the test!). Instead, do practice problems with FREE ARIS and FREE Prep101, as well as datQvault ($20, worth every penny) and CliffsAP. The datQvault tests were pretty representative of the real test IMO.
On the DAT, the BS section had about 4-5 out of nowhere questions, but none of them were ridiculous or unfair. Here's a tip: if you haven't seen the information contained within a question before, it's probably because they are asking you to perform deductive reasoning/problem solving. Use this to your advantage! Realize that they are expecting you to apply related knowledge. The most reasonable answer is usually the right one. I had a few questions that you would NEVER find in a textbook. Study hard and you will do well.
DatQvault scores: 20, 19, 20, 20, 25, 23, 21, 21, 20, 21
ARIS: http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/classware/selfstudy.do?isbn=0072464631 -- thanks to AllahIsGreater for sharing!
Prep101: http://www.prep101.com/mcat/free-mcat-study-aids/ -- note: I recommend the 115 MC biology questions. The other BS, GC, and OC resources aren't very useful.
GC : CHAD'S**, Destroyer*
Chad and Destroyer will get you a 21+. These two resources are pure gold. I just wish I had them during freshman year. YOU CAN DO IT BABY!
OC : CHAD'S**, Destroyer
Chad and Romano together forever! To be honest, Destroyer was crazy out of this world overkill. I could have done just as well on this section with ½ the studying. Haloforms & Tollens tests? You won't see ‘em! Chad's quizzes would do just fine! Romano's Destroyer OC is still truly a piece of art. Wish I had these resources during Organic Chemistry!
PA : CDP*, ADA2009*
Like many others have mentioned, CDP works great for getting used to question types. It's also useful for getting down timing. But overall, I would say that CDP wasn't very indicative of the PAT section of my DAT.
Keyhole: DAT is harder. Much more emphasis is put on proportions.
TFE: CDP is good representation.
Angles: PAT is slightly easier.
Hole Punch: CDP is a good representation. I got one 1/3 fold, which wasn't too difficult, but make sure you are aware that they exist. CDP doesn't have any 1/3 fold problems. You should see them in the ADA2009 test.
Cube count: I got an illusion problem, which I totally wasn't expecting. I skipped over the illusions in CDP because I didn't think they would show up on the test. SILLY ME! Even if you don't spend too much time on them during your practice test, make sure to go back and check them out. I personally think CDP's explanations of the illusion shapes are not very good, but this is still an important piece of the PA section to understand. Spend some time on it! You will thank me later
Pattern folding: Much more difficult than CDP. I don't know how to explain it well, but if you have seen condog's videos, you will know that there are two question types in this section: no coloring, and coloring. I am naturally better at the coloring questions since it helps to orient me. I was weak in the non-coloring brand of problem. The DAT tended to have more emphasis on the non-coloring type. Now, many of you may say "that's great!," but it's not. There are some WILD shapes/folds in there!
I bought the CDP Ace Edition ($130). I only ended up doing 8 tests. I had planned on doing the others, but after reading advice from other SDNers, I decided that my time would be better spent elsewhere, and I was probably right.
Recommendation: If you're on a budget, I recommend that you save a few bucks by purchasing the King Edition ($100). If you really can't dish out $100 (and I don't blame you!), try out the Rockler Challenge as well as the practice tests on predds. These are free, invaluable resources!
CDP scores: 23, 22, 21, 21, 25, 25, 22, 23
http://www.rocklerchallenge.com/game.html
http://predds DOT net/perceptual-ability-practice-tests/
RC : TopScore*
This score was the biggest surprise of the test. I was praying for a 20. TopScore was WAY (read: WAAAAYY) harder than the actual test, so don't get discouraged, and keep practicing. In my opinion, reading skills are developed over years, and not over weeks or months. But it's still SO important to practice RC because you have to find a method that works for YOU. I thought my RC skills were lacking, so I looked around for different methods. I settled on a really simple method: just READ (noting a key word for each paragraph) and then ANSWER! This method has worked for so many people, and I believe it will work for you too. I did not get the physics passage that has been plaguing the SDN community. My passages were really really really easy. I expected intense scientific information like in TopScore. NOPE!
QR : Math Destroyer*
Math Destroyer is the best resource hands down for DAT QR. Unfortunately, it'll empty your pockets. All DAT resources are expensive, and Math Destroyer is no exception. Still, you can re-sell Destroyer, which is definitely a redeeming feature that is not available in computer software. I bought the DAT Destroyer and Math Destroyer Package ($200), so the Math Destroyer really only cost me $50.
The twelve 40Q Math Destroyer tests very closely represent the real DAT. You may opt to take a few of the tests untimed, but you have to get used to the 45 minute time restraint. The QR section is all about strategy and quick cost/benefit analysis. I was able to finish the test within the 45 minutes, but a key strategy I used was saving the 3-4 most time-consuming questions for last. Deciding which to save for last is something I learned through Math Destroyer and it saved me on the test.
I only took eight of the tests due to lack of time. I ended up taking tests 11&12 untimed the day before the test since these sections were recommended by other SDNers. If you are looking for a 30, you MUST understand all of the p-test questions in test 12. That said, I decided not to focus on it too much and spend my time elsewhere, and even in hindsight I don't regret it.
I truly thought that QR would be my best section on the DAT. I'm really good at quick math and I did well on the Math Destroyer tests. Unfortunately, I just wasn't efficient on the test. I was tired!
Math Destroyer tests (X/40): 36, 35, 40, 38, 35, 36, 35, 38
Practice Tests:
Free OAT: BS/GC/OC/QR/OAT :: 400/380/370/400/400
This is written by the ADA. It's free, and it's representative of the DAT (except PAT is missing!).
https://www.ada.org/oat/oat_sample_test.pdf
BS/GC/OC/PA/RC/QR/TS/AA
Free DAT2007: 22/25/28/23/21/25/25/24 -- too easy, but good practice.
Paid DAT2009: 30/30/27/25/20/18/29/26 -- RC and QR are too difficult. LOTS of errors!
TopScore: It's worth the $60. The sciences are pretty good. RC is too difficult, but good practice. PAT is utterly useless, don't waste your time.
BS/GC/OC/PA/RC/QR/TS/AA
Test 1: 22/18/25/22/19/22/21/21
Test 2: 22/21/25/X/21/X/23/X
Test 3: 19/20/28/X/20/X/21/X
Final Advice:
1) Bring your own foam ear plugs. The headphones they had available looked like that were made to fit a baby. I've got a big dome!
2) Bring a very light snack for the break, and a bottle of water. I ate just three prunes, but that was just fantastic for me.
3) Bring some mouthwash and wash your mouth out after you have your snack. For me, having a fresh mouth is paramount to success. It just made me so much more comfortable and focused during RC!
I want to thank all of you who have added to these forums over the years. This is such a great community, and it's so nice that we help each other out. To finish, I want you all to bookmark this motivational speech. Use it when you're in need of that pick-me-up. About a week ago, I had one of those "screw this" moments, and I wanted to just give up and stop studying. I came upon this video, and it helped me push through. Really a touching piece. HOW FAR ARE YOU WILLING TO GO TO SUCCEED?
If you need any advice/help, or have any personal questions don't be afraid to PM me. I'll be around!
-IronJeff
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