Topscore, Kaplan, Ace the DAT, Barrons and MY SCORE

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JakeMUSC

JakeMUSC

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Hello everyone. I took the DAT today, and I am very happy with my scores. There is always someone who asks about practice tests compared to the REAL DAT. So here are my practice results compared to my real Score, and a few tips for each section.



(I didnt bother with the reading tests, or the SNS in ACETHE DAT b/c of everyone badmouthing it)

---------------BIO---GenC---OrgC----QR----PAT

Topscore 1-----18-----15-----15------16-----22

Topscore 2-----18-----16-----16------18-----22

Topscore 3-----18-----16-----18------17-----21

AceTheDAT 1 ------------------------22-----19

AceTheDAT 2------------------------22------18

AceTheDAT 3------------------------22------20

AceTheDAT 4------------------------23------19

KaplanBOOK----20-----16-----17-----19-----18

KaplanCD------19-----15-----17-----19-----22

Barron 1-------20-----16 -----19-----21-----19

Barron 2-------20-----18-----19-----20-----20

RealDAT------18-----18-----19-----21-----18 AA= 19 TS=19

Well first things first.

BIO: My score was less than Kaplans and Barrons, but right on TOPSCORE. The questions were from very basic: prokaryotes have which of the following organelles, to very specific : Which molecule in viruses initiates transcription of DNA ....answeres were like interferon, interleukin 1, interleukin 2, ??

In my opinion, there are several questions that you are like, WTF? But overall, the questions are very basic. Study KAPLANs biology and you will be fine. I think that for all those few specific random questions, it is not worth wasting your time and energy going through Schaums or whatever SDNers recommend. KNOW KAPLANs bio backward and forwards.

General CHEM My real score was higher than every practice test I took. Much more general than the practice tests. I only had 2 maybe 3 questions with raw calculations involving molarity/gases/acidbases. Every question was straightforward. KNOW KAPLANs GenChem backwards and forwards.

Organic Chemistry My score compared evenly to Barrons practice tests and higher than Kaplan and Topscore. This section again was very basic. Im beginning to see a general trend. Although basics are not hard to understand, the hard part is knowing ALL the basics. Because any basic can come up on the exam. Everything involved with SN1 SN2 E1 E2, aromatics, nomenclature (1 question), Aromatics (o/p meta directors), HNMR (1 question very easy), no IR.... KNOW the basics of KAPLAN ORG CHEM backwards and forwards.

QR Ace the DAT was an awesome pratice. So was Kaplans. Topscore had too much raw calculation b/c on all 3 tests I ran out of time. On the real thing, I had 5 minutes left. PRACTICE ACE, KAPLAN, BARRON and TOPSCORE(just dont think about your topscore practice score).

PAT The real thing was very basic and easy (thats what everyone always says and then looks at the results and says WTF) ACE THE DAT was wayy harder than the real thing with Aperture and TOPFRONTEND. My real score seemed consistent ACE although it seemed easier. PRACTICE KAPLAN, BARRON, ACE, TOPSCORE.

I think I'll have a beer now, and if you guys have any question, reply to this thread and Ill answer it. PEACE
 
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JakeMUSC said:
Hello everyone. I took the DAT today, and I am very happy with my scores. There is always someone who asks about practice tests compared to the REAL DAT. So here are my practice results compared to my real Score, and a few tips for each section.



(I didnt bother with the reading tests, or the SNS in ACETHE DAT b/c of everyone badmouthing it)

---------------BIO---GenC---OrgC----QR----PAT

Topscore 1-----18-----15-----15------16-----22

Topscore 2-----18-----16-----16------18-----22

Topscore 3-----18-----16-----18------17-----21

AceTheDAT 1 ------------------------22-----19

AceTheDAT 2------------------------22------18

AceTheDAT 3------------------------22------20

AceTheDAT 4------------------------23------19

KaplanBOOK----20-----16-----17-----19-----18

KaplanCD------19-----15-----17-----19-----22

Barron 1-------20-----16 -----19-----21-----19

Barron 2-------20-----18-----19-----20-----20

RealDAT-18-----18-----19-----21-----18 AA= 19 TS=19

Well first things first.

BIO: My score was less than Kaplans and Barrons, but right on TOPSCORE. The questions were from very basic: prokaryotes have which of the following organelles, to very specific : Which molecule in viruses initiates transcription of DNA ....answeres were like interferon, interleukin 1, interleukin 2, ??

In my opinion, there are several questions that you are like, WTF? But overall, the questions are very basic. Study KAPLANs biology and you will be fine. I think that for all those few specific random questions, it is not worth wasting your time and energy going through Schaums or whatever SDNers recommend. KNOW KAPLANs bio backward and forwards.

General CHEM My real score was higher than every practice test I took. Much more general than the practice tests. I only had 2 maybe 3 questions with raw calculations involving molarity/gases/acidbases. Every question was straightforward. KNOW KAPLANs GenChem backwards and forwards.

Organic Chemistry My score compared evenly to Barrons practice tests and higher than Kaplan and Topscore. This section again was very basic. Im beginning to see a general trend. Although basics are not hard to understand, the hard part is knowing ALL the basics. Because any basic can come up on the exam. Everything involved with SN1 SN2 E1 E2, aromatics, nomenclature (1 question), Aromatics (o/p meta directors), HNMR (1 question very easy), no IR.... KNOW the basics of KAPLAN ORG CHEM backwards and forwards.

QR Ace the DAT was an awesome pratice. So was Kaplans. Topscore had too much raw calculation b/c on all 3 tests I ran out of time. On the real thing, I had 5 minutes left. PRACTICE ACE, KAPLAN, BARRON and TOPSCORE(just dont think about your topscore practice score).

PAT The real thing was very basic and easy (thats what everyone always says and then looks at the results and says WTF) ACE THE DAT was wayy harder than the real thing with Aperture and TOPFRONTEND. My real score seemed consistent ACE although it seemed easier. PRACTICE KAPLAN, BARRON, ACE, TOPSCORE.

I think I'll have a beer now, and if you guys have any question, reply to this thread and Ill answer it. PEACE
Click to expand...


Good scores! I am from SC and have spoke often with MUSC and those scores will get you in as long as your GPA is good. Good luck! You definitely will get an interview. Congrats!!
 
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Ive read a lot of people saying " know the basics" when it comes to Orgo and G. Chem. I get a general jist of what they mean. but in terms of Kaplan chapters, which chapters hit the 'basics'?

thanks
 
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abina81 said:
Ive read a lot of people saying " know the basics" when it comes to Orgo and G. Chem. I get a general jist of what they mean. but in terms of Kaplan chapters, which chapters hit the 'basics'?

thanks
Click to expand...
IMO, Kaplan Blue Book itself is basic. They left out a lot of stuff. So, you should know all that mentioned in Kaplan. The subject tests go beyond the basics and cover some more advanced topics.
 
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luder98 said:
IMO, Kaplan Blue Book itself is basic. They left out a lot of stuff. So, you should know all that mentioned in Kaplan. The subject tests go beyond the basics and cover some more advanced topics.
Click to expand...
DITTO. Kaplans only like what? 1000 pages....learn it, devote yourself, and youll be proud of your results.
 
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JakeMUSC, great job on the DATs!! 😀

I was wondering.. I currently have the Kaplan's Review Notes I got from taking the classroom course, is that exactly like the Kaplan "blue book" that you buy from online? Also, I have the Barron's blue book with 2 exams and I'm currently looking to purchase TopScore CD from amazon with the 3 exams.. is that enough? or if anyone else can answer since this thread was from awhile ago.... 😕
 
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I agree with you guys...all you need is the Kaplan Blue Book, if you are limited in cash. I completely devoted myself to learning everything from cover to cover, and the hard work will show in your scores. Good luck everybody.
 
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Hey JakeMUSC CONGRATS on your excellent scores 👍 ....do you mind telling us what's your major, science GPA? and how long did you study

thanks alot
 
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Wait a minute JakeMUSC....I thought you were already in dental school, I looked at your profile, how can you take the dat again after your accepted!!!!!!! Is this a trick or what
 
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tRNA said:
Wait a minute JakeMUSC....I thought you were already in dental school, I looked at your profile, how can you take the dat again after your accepted!!!!!!! Is this a trick or what
Click to expand...
He took his DATs last year on October 25th if you look at the date. this is an old thread. I just pulled it up for anyone with info that can help me.. 🙂
 
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tRNA said:
Wait a minute JakeMUSC....I thought you were already in dental school, I looked at your profile, how can you take the dat again after your accepted!!!!!!! Is this a trick or what
Click to expand...
Look at the original post date...10-24-2004
 
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JakeMUSC said:
DITTO. Kaplans only like what? 1000 pages....learn it, devote yourself, and youll be proud of your results.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the information JakeMUSC - very helpful.
Question about practice tests - I have the Topscore tests (three) and
the Kaplan Blue book (2 tests). Anyone have suggestions on where I can find some additional tests?
 
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canuckdoc said:
Thanks for the information JakeMUSC - very helpful.
Question about practice tests - I have the Topscore tests (three) and
the Kaplan Blue book (2 tests). Anyone have suggestions on where I can find some additional tests?
Click to expand...


If you feel good with sciences and very good with PAT i say that is more than enough. If you are not good with PAT buy DatAchiever, I like it so far. Its been good. I haven;t used thier science yet so don;t know. Might use it tomorrow. Another thing. First time when I took the DAT only thing I used was Kaplan, and My Topscore CD came in the mail 2 days before test so I only took 2 practice tests before real deal and did very well in science. My only advice is know Kaplan Blue book inside out on everything. If you do that you will pretty much get 20's in every section. The tests are just to give you feel for the real test. It is not going to improve your score if you don't know the material well. It will help you find you weaknesses.
 
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Mustt Mustt said:
...My only advice is know Kaplan Blue book inside out on everything. If you do that you will pretty much get 20's in every section. The tests are just to give you feel for the real test. It is not going to improve your score if you don't know the material well. It will help you find you weaknesses.
Click to expand...

I agree with you. Some of these companies make it seem like if you don't buy a test from them you'll get 1 across the board. :laugh:
 
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How different the RC section of acethedat and the real dat?
and can you please tell me the scores of RC sections of acethedat and real dat too?
Thank you!!


JakeMUSC said:
Hello everyone. I took the DAT today, and I am very happy with my scores. There is always someone who asks about practice tests compared to the REAL DAT. So here are my practice results compared to my real Score, and a few tips for each section.



(I didnt bother with the reading tests, or the SNS in ACETHE DAT b/c of everyone badmouthing it)

---------------BIO---GenC---OrgC----QR----PAT

Topscore 1-----18-----15-----15------16-----22

Topscore 2-----18-----16-----16------18-----22

Topscore 3-----18-----16-----18------17-----21

AceTheDAT 1 ------------------------22-----19

AceTheDAT 2------------------------22------18

AceTheDAT 3------------------------22------20

AceTheDAT 4------------------------23------19

KaplanBOOK----20-----16-----17-----19-----18

KaplanCD------19-----15-----17-----19-----22

Barron 1-------20-----16 -----19-----21-----19

Barron 2-------20-----18-----19-----20-----20

RealDAT------18-----18-----19-----21-----18 AA= 19 TS=19

Well first things first.

BIO: My score was less than Kaplans and Barrons, but right on TOPSCORE. The questions were from very basic: prokaryotes have which of the following organelles, to very specific : Which molecule in viruses initiates transcription of DNA ....answeres were like interferon, interleukin 1, interleukin 2, ??

In my opinion, there are several questions that you are like, WTF? But overall, the questions are very basic. Study KAPLANs biology and you will be fine. I think that for all those few specific random questions, it is not worth wasting your time and energy going through Schaums or whatever SDNers recommend. KNOW KAPLANs bio backward and forwards.

General CHEM My real score was higher than every practice test I took. Much more general than the practice tests. I only had 2 maybe 3 questions with raw calculations involving molarity/gases/acidbases. Every question was straightforward. KNOW KAPLANs GenChem backwards and forwards.

Organic Chemistry My score compared evenly to Barrons practice tests and higher than Kaplan and Topscore. This section again was very basic. Im beginning to see a general trend. Although basics are not hard to understand, the hard part is knowing ALL the basics. Because any basic can come up on the exam. Everything involved with SN1 SN2 E1 E2, aromatics, nomenclature (1 question), Aromatics (o/p meta directors), HNMR (1 question very easy), no IR.... KNOW the basics of KAPLAN ORG CHEM backwards and forwards.

QR Ace the DAT was an awesome pratice. So was Kaplans. Topscore had too much raw calculation b/c on all 3 tests I ran out of time. On the real thing, I had 5 minutes left. PRACTICE ACE, KAPLAN, BARRON and TOPSCORE(just dont think about your topscore practice score).

PAT The real thing was very basic and easy (thats what everyone always says and then looks at the results and says WTF) ACE THE DAT was wayy harder than the real thing with Aperture and TOPFRONTEND. My real score seemed consistent ACE although it seemed easier. PRACTICE KAPLAN, BARRON, ACE, TOPSCORE.

I think I'll have a beer now, and if you guys have any question, reply to this thread and Ill answer it. PEACE
Click to expand...
 
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GiTsticker said:
Four-year-old thread.
Click to expand...


hahaha i read this thread earlier this morning and was wondering... what is the OP smoking... kaplan is horrible for bio and too simplistic for everything else...knowing it back and front wont get you a 20 across the board.

maybe 5 years from now someone will use the search function and reply to this thread again without checking the date and we'll go through this whole shenanigan once more
 
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Actually you are wrong. My friend got a 21 just from the blue book. People who are not bio majors might need more but I don't think most would need anything more. People laugh at Kaplan's too much. I think overall for covering everything they did a good job. Shaum's is worst than Campbell's. Cliff's is okay. It's good but so are other AP bio books.

americanpierg said:
hahaha i read this thread earlier this morning and was wondering... what is the OP smoking... kaplan is horrible for bio and too simplistic for everything else...knowing it back and front wont get you a 20 across the board.

maybe 5 years from now someone will use the search function and reply to this thread again without checking the date and we'll go through this whole shenanigan once more
Click to expand...
 
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sw1sschez said:
Actually you are wrong. My friend got a 21 just from the blue book. People who are not bio majors might need more but I don't think most would need anything more. People laugh at Kaplan's too much. I think overall for covering everything they did a good job. Shaum's is worst than Campbell's. Cliff's is okay. It's good but so are other AP bio books.
Click to expand...


Kaplan leaves out a lot of really important facts that link the information together. I wish I wrote down a list of all the things that I Kaplan left out that were key to my (personal) understanding of the material. You are right though, everyone is different and we all have different amount of knowledge regarding Bio. So, we really cannot compare.
 
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So the begining of this thread made me pretty sure about just buying the Kaplan book- and then i noticed it was from 5 years ago and some individuals disagree.

So current suggestions, please!

Kaplan or Barron's DAT book: is one better than the other? 😕
 
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