- Joined
- Dec 20, 2007
- Messages
- 531
- Reaction score
- 7
Over the last 2 years I took the DAT 3x's. First attempt 15;15;16. Second attempt 15;16;18. Third attempt 19;20;21.
I knew I had to change my strategy. I took a 3mo leave from work, and gave it my all. I purchased the 12' Destroyer Bundle and found it to be an incredible source. I had access to the 07, 08, 09 ADA exams. Studied 5-8hrs/day, six days a week. I read through about 25 chapters of Campbells bio Text and took notes as it related to the more complicated Destroyer questions. I didnt find out about chads until a month ago, also didnt want to drive myself nuts having too much material. For the reading section, I used Kaplans online resources. I found their sciences to be completely outdated, and sometimes even inaccurate. Nonetheless; their full length exams helped me manage my timing and simulate the real thing. I should note that I couldnt break a 16 on Kaplans tests. For the PAT I used CDP and was most representative of the real test.
I honestly never thought this day would come, that I would leap 3-6 points in each section. My lowest score was a 17 on QR, but at this point I didnt care since I previously couldnt break a 14 on the first 2 exams. Part of it is luck and the exam you get on test day. I tend to over-analyze questions which always costs me valuable time on exams. I am absolutely terrible at taking standardized tests, but i wasnt going to let this exam separate me from my dream of becoming a dentist. I wanted to get a 21+ so badly, but it is what is. If schools didnt look down upon a 4th attempt, I'd retake it again lol. Hopefully they see the level of dedication and commitment going into this exam and bringing my avg up 4-5 points : ) Bottom line is, if i can do it, so can you!
-BCP is 3.65, science 3.55, non-science 3.45, overall 3.54 (No F's, A's w/ random B's here and there)
- 500+ shadowing hours
- tons of EC's and glowing LOR's from core science prof's
Thanks to the SDN community. I wish you all the best of luck
I knew I had to change my strategy. I took a 3mo leave from work, and gave it my all. I purchased the 12' Destroyer Bundle and found it to be an incredible source. I had access to the 07, 08, 09 ADA exams. Studied 5-8hrs/day, six days a week. I read through about 25 chapters of Campbells bio Text and took notes as it related to the more complicated Destroyer questions. I didnt find out about chads until a month ago, also didnt want to drive myself nuts having too much material. For the reading section, I used Kaplans online resources. I found their sciences to be completely outdated, and sometimes even inaccurate. Nonetheless; their full length exams helped me manage my timing and simulate the real thing. I should note that I couldnt break a 16 on Kaplans tests. For the PAT I used CDP and was most representative of the real test.
I honestly never thought this day would come, that I would leap 3-6 points in each section. My lowest score was a 17 on QR, but at this point I didnt care since I previously couldnt break a 14 on the first 2 exams. Part of it is luck and the exam you get on test day. I tend to over-analyze questions which always costs me valuable time on exams. I am absolutely terrible at taking standardized tests, but i wasnt going to let this exam separate me from my dream of becoming a dentist. I wanted to get a 21+ so badly, but it is what is. If schools didnt look down upon a 4th attempt, I'd retake it again lol. Hopefully they see the level of dedication and commitment going into this exam and bringing my avg up 4-5 points : ) Bottom line is, if i can do it, so can you!
-BCP is 3.65, science 3.55, non-science 3.45, overall 3.54 (No F's, A's w/ random B's here and there)
- 500+ shadowing hours
- tons of EC's and glowing LOR's from core science prof's
Thanks to the SDN community. I wish you all the best of luck
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