I just took the test and improved in almost all sections. 1/12/06
and took it today well yesterday 1/18/07
http://www.testprepreview.com/dat_practice.htm
The DAT is very similar to the OAT.
I used these to help me learn material... basically studied the bio stuff (not much help) and practiced Math, RC, and chem.
I looked at the answers with the questions and went through fairly quickly.
So the test starts out with Biology section and basically that section is the toughest... you either know it or you don't. Simple as that. You have to stick with your first answer... I remember the very first question when did Earth first begin or something like that. I had no idea so I totally guessed and guessed right according to wikipedia it began 4.55 billion years ago. Anyways don't waste time guessing or whatever just keep moving. I agree they had totally random, non representative questions but hey can do anything about it so keep moving on. 320 (improved 30)
Gen chem was exactly as expected which was the only section I didn't improve on. Sadly enough its my major so I didn't study much either. I would like a review of the test to tell me which questions I missed and stuff but thats not going to happen. I will say these test are designed to provide answers that may seem correct with a slight error. I make sure to look at all the options and pic closest to my predetermined (if not present) answer. 340
Ochem was pretty typical but with some review of the reactions and a solid chem background it wasn't too bad. Look over your text and do sample problems from the website and kaplan book. 350 ( improved 30)
I had a break so I relaxed for about 15 min before I went on to the RC. I suggest never going back and checking previously answered questions unless it was a total guess and you marked them. Don't look at unmarked questions.
So Im ready and pumped for the RC section and use a much better strategy. Before I actually read the entire thing and had very little time to answer. This time I went straight to the questions and then looked for the answers. Reading the first paragraph gave me an idea but the first sentence of each paragraph is what they talk about throughout the rest of the paragraph. So I took the major words from the question and tried to find them in the article. After finding the word/s I did read a little enough to answer the question then moved on. The questions which required to read the entire article I marked and guessed then came back after all other questions. Sometimes I was confident in my guess so i didn't feel like marking the question. (what sounded the best) RC is the section were background and interest comes into play. I had one essay about crocks so I was very interested. 320 (improved 40)
TAKE advantage of your break. I walked around and chatted with the test administrator lady. Then returned after 10 min.
I felt like the test was over. Very happy about my RC. so I returned with Confidence.
THe physics section had so many questions about friction with the ground and F=ma and simple velocity acceloration problems.
A bungy jumper bounces back up after diving toward the ground. What was his velocity at the bungy cords furthest displacement from normal (when the fully stretched). ZERO he's not going down or not headed up yet
pretty easy phys questions. SOME were incredibly difficult which i totally guessed. 350 (improved 20)
The quantitative reasoning was much easier. WAY LESS WORD PROBLEMS; compared to a year ago. Many advanced algebra questions. Know your algebra and use the answers to solve for the answer. KNOW how to estimate.
360 (improved 30)
TS 350 (im 20)
AA 340 (im 20)
Good luck.