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Wow! I cant believe its finally over!!! Here are my scores:
PAT: 19 (73.7)
QR: 17 (65.7)
RC: 20 (72.4)
Bio: 24 (98.7)
GC: 21 (87.4)
OC: 23 (94.3)
TS: 23 (98.2)
AA: 21 (93.0)
Before I breakdown my DAT preparatory methods, I want to dedicate my DAT scores to my Mom. Without her constant encouragement, daily DAT countdown reminders, (nagging me to turn off the TV and study), daily multiple pep talks, paying $1500+ for DAT materials, and especially her extreme support of my DAT efforts- none of this would have been possible. I love you, Mom! 🙂
My story is a little different than those before me who have received similar DAT scores.
To start with- I was a transfer student from a 4-year institution to another 4-year institution. Because of this, the timing of my pre-requisite courses was messed up- so I had to wait until the summer after my Junior year (Summer 2009), in order to be eligible to take the DAT. I took a Kaplan class, and signed up to take the DAT in July 2009. I totally didnt feel ready to study for- and to take the DAT (I was extremely scared), so I ended up not studying much for the DAT; and I rescheduled the DAT for September 2009. Same situation came and went, and I rescheduled my DAT once again for March 2010. I retook the Kaplan class starting in January 2010, via the Higher Score Guarantee, and actually overcame my fear a bit, and started studying for my March 2010 test. This was my second semester during Senior year (and I was also taking Biochemistry, which I thought could help me with the DAT)- so I decided to once again switch my DAT date, this time to a mid-summer date. Although I had to repay the initial DAT fee again, July 23rd, 2010, was apparently my lucky date! It took me 4 DAT appointments, and $500+ to the ADA, but it was all completely worth it! 🙂
In summary, I used: Kaplan (class and online materials), TopScore, Cliffs Notes AP Biology, Crack DAT PAT, and DAT Achiever.
As I said, I took the Kaplan class twice, so I guess you could say that I started studying for the DAT in Summer 2009, but that isnt really correct. I would say that I started studying for the DAT in January 2010, the month that I started my second Kaplan class. From January to May I slowly but surely went through the KBB (Kaplan Blue Book). The KBB was great because it renewed the basic concepts from my pre-requisite classes- this book is a must!
I officially studied for exactly 60 days between May-July 2010. I averaged around 8-12 hours of studying per day. I first started by going through the KBB once again, to solidify the basic concepts. I then went onto the DAT Destroyer, and did all of the sections, spread out over 10 days. Afterwards, I went through Cliffs Notes AP Biology (and re-did the DAT Destroyers Chem and Orgo sections as well during those days). Cliffs Notes AP Biology really helped me when I re-did the DAT Destroyers Biology section for the second time. All-in-all, I went through the DAT Destroyer 3-4 times, Cliffs Notes AP Biology 2-3 times, and the KBB 3 times. One thing I learned is that when in doubt about a subject, go back to basic material- dont be afraid to!
The methods above were my daytime methods.
Note: Its important to study out of the house- so you dont go insane lol. The out-of-house study area can be a library or somewhere else that is quiet and comfortable for you; it really doesnt matter where it is, just as long as you can concentrate for long periods of time comfortably. My day-time place of study was Starbucks- their free refill policy made me really comfortable haha 🙂
My nighttime studying consisted of using online materials and programs. (Although I would definitely take a day here or there to take a Kaplan practice DAT test to see my progress). Generally I would work on the Kaplan On-Line workshop, in whatever subject I felt was weakest in that day. I would also take a Crack DAT PAT test each night.
Note: DAT Achiever is TOO hard, think twice before buying it.
My last week of studying consisted of taking a practice DAT every day; and afterwards, I would do Kaplan workshops and subject tests in whatever subject I was weakest in that day, until I went to sleep. The first few days of that week, I took 3 Kaplan Practice DAT tests, but I didnt feel that my scores were true, since had taken the same tests before, so I purchased TopScore four days before the DAT. I took one TopScore practice DAT test every day, for 3 days. The day before my exam, I didnt take a practice test, and instead I re-read every practice tests answers that I ever took, and also re-read sections of Cliffs Notes AP Biology/DAT Destroyer/KBB that I didnt understand.
(Note: I found TopScore to be very similar to the actually DAT, its definitely a must!)
On test day I was told to arrive at least 30 min early to sign in. The Prometric workers required two IDs- one with a photo and signature (I used my license), and the other didnt need a photo (I gave them my credit card, which surprisingly they actually liked more than my University ID). Both of my index fingers were scanned, and I was given a locker for my purse. During the 15-minute break, I had to sign out to go to the bathroom, as well as get finger-printed once again, both on the way in and way out. At the end of the DAT, after the QR section, a computer survey popped up. I filled it out quickly, and then my DAT scores popped up on the screen. The Prometric workers gave me a print out of my scores once they saw that I was done, and I went on my way 🙂
DAT Sections Breakdown:
PAT: Take one Crack DAT PAT test per day, it helps. (I stopped taking the exams towards the end because I figured that the practice tests PAT sections were good enough, but its not. Do Crack DAT PAT everyday until the end!!!)
QR: This section was MUCH MUCH harder than I expected. I definitely panicked a little during it. I used the QR section of the DAT Destroyer as well as the Kaplan materials, but I guess it wasnt enough. Prepare for the worst with this section.
RC: There really isnt any great way to study for this section. During my studying I read massive amounts of information every day, so my reading speed improved there. My method was Kaplans method for RC, with only one section per paragraph, instead of two sections. Through the practice tests I learned that with taking RC notes, less is more- it really helps!
Bio: Cliffs Notes AP Biology is by far the greatest resource that one can use for the Biology section. Read it 2-3 times over your DAT study period, to make sure that the information is solidified in your head. If you arent extremely strong in Biology, I suggest reading the KBB Biology section (multiple times even) for a great refresher- it explains everything in the most basic and understandable manner, which is great! Go through the DAT Destroyer Biology section also because it definitely helps as well.
GC: Chem was my greatest improvement through all of my DAT studying. I started with a 12 (7%) on my Kaplan Diagnostic test, and ended up with a 21 (87.4%) on the actual DAT! I am extremely proud of this accomplishment! During my daytime studying I alternated between reading the KBB Chemistry section and DAT Destroyer Chemistry Section; I used the online Kaplan materials at night. These resources really helped me once again understand Chemistry, and truly solidified the concepts to me.
OC: Re-learning Orgo concepts in the KBB, drastically improved my knowledge on the subject. After reading the KBB, go through the DAT Destroyer- it gets your Orgo score WAY up! Once you can complete all 200+ DAT Destroyer questions in under 3 hours, then you know you are ready to take the DAT Orgo section! 🙂
Well, thats basically my whole breakdown of the DAT. If you have any questions, feel free to comment here, or PM me- I am more than happy to help 🙂 FYI, I included my Kaplan and TopScore practice tests scores below for those who are curious. Good Luck on your DATs, everyone!!! 🙂
Bio/GC/OC/PAT/QR/RC/TS/AA:
Kaplan Scores:
Diagnostic) 16/12/18/17/17/17/15/16
1) 19/17/16/20/20/18/18/18
2) 24/15/15/18/17/21/19/18
3) 17/16/19/20/22/20/17/19
4) 19/18/23/21/19/18/20/19
5) 21/19/21/22/19/19/20/20
TopScore:
1) 20/19/15/19/20/19/18/19
2) 21/19/21/21/19/21/21/20
3) 21/20/23/19/24/20/22/22
PAT: 19 (73.7)
QR: 17 (65.7)
RC: 20 (72.4)
Bio: 24 (98.7)
GC: 21 (87.4)
OC: 23 (94.3)
TS: 23 (98.2)
AA: 21 (93.0)
Before I breakdown my DAT preparatory methods, I want to dedicate my DAT scores to my Mom. Without her constant encouragement, daily DAT countdown reminders, (nagging me to turn off the TV and study), daily multiple pep talks, paying $1500+ for DAT materials, and especially her extreme support of my DAT efforts- none of this would have been possible. I love you, Mom! 🙂
My story is a little different than those before me who have received similar DAT scores.
To start with- I was a transfer student from a 4-year institution to another 4-year institution. Because of this, the timing of my pre-requisite courses was messed up- so I had to wait until the summer after my Junior year (Summer 2009), in order to be eligible to take the DAT. I took a Kaplan class, and signed up to take the DAT in July 2009. I totally didnt feel ready to study for- and to take the DAT (I was extremely scared), so I ended up not studying much for the DAT; and I rescheduled the DAT for September 2009. Same situation came and went, and I rescheduled my DAT once again for March 2010. I retook the Kaplan class starting in January 2010, via the Higher Score Guarantee, and actually overcame my fear a bit, and started studying for my March 2010 test. This was my second semester during Senior year (and I was also taking Biochemistry, which I thought could help me with the DAT)- so I decided to once again switch my DAT date, this time to a mid-summer date. Although I had to repay the initial DAT fee again, July 23rd, 2010, was apparently my lucky date! It took me 4 DAT appointments, and $500+ to the ADA, but it was all completely worth it! 🙂
In summary, I used: Kaplan (class and online materials), TopScore, Cliffs Notes AP Biology, Crack DAT PAT, and DAT Achiever.
As I said, I took the Kaplan class twice, so I guess you could say that I started studying for the DAT in Summer 2009, but that isnt really correct. I would say that I started studying for the DAT in January 2010, the month that I started my second Kaplan class. From January to May I slowly but surely went through the KBB (Kaplan Blue Book). The KBB was great because it renewed the basic concepts from my pre-requisite classes- this book is a must!
I officially studied for exactly 60 days between May-July 2010. I averaged around 8-12 hours of studying per day. I first started by going through the KBB once again, to solidify the basic concepts. I then went onto the DAT Destroyer, and did all of the sections, spread out over 10 days. Afterwards, I went through Cliffs Notes AP Biology (and re-did the DAT Destroyers Chem and Orgo sections as well during those days). Cliffs Notes AP Biology really helped me when I re-did the DAT Destroyers Biology section for the second time. All-in-all, I went through the DAT Destroyer 3-4 times, Cliffs Notes AP Biology 2-3 times, and the KBB 3 times. One thing I learned is that when in doubt about a subject, go back to basic material- dont be afraid to!
The methods above were my daytime methods.
Note: Its important to study out of the house- so you dont go insane lol. The out-of-house study area can be a library or somewhere else that is quiet and comfortable for you; it really doesnt matter where it is, just as long as you can concentrate for long periods of time comfortably. My day-time place of study was Starbucks- their free refill policy made me really comfortable haha 🙂
My nighttime studying consisted of using online materials and programs. (Although I would definitely take a day here or there to take a Kaplan practice DAT test to see my progress). Generally I would work on the Kaplan On-Line workshop, in whatever subject I felt was weakest in that day. I would also take a Crack DAT PAT test each night.
Note: DAT Achiever is TOO hard, think twice before buying it.
My last week of studying consisted of taking a practice DAT every day; and afterwards, I would do Kaplan workshops and subject tests in whatever subject I was weakest in that day, until I went to sleep. The first few days of that week, I took 3 Kaplan Practice DAT tests, but I didnt feel that my scores were true, since had taken the same tests before, so I purchased TopScore four days before the DAT. I took one TopScore practice DAT test every day, for 3 days. The day before my exam, I didnt take a practice test, and instead I re-read every practice tests answers that I ever took, and also re-read sections of Cliffs Notes AP Biology/DAT Destroyer/KBB that I didnt understand.
(Note: I found TopScore to be very similar to the actually DAT, its definitely a must!)
On test day I was told to arrive at least 30 min early to sign in. The Prometric workers required two IDs- one with a photo and signature (I used my license), and the other didnt need a photo (I gave them my credit card, which surprisingly they actually liked more than my University ID). Both of my index fingers were scanned, and I was given a locker for my purse. During the 15-minute break, I had to sign out to go to the bathroom, as well as get finger-printed once again, both on the way in and way out. At the end of the DAT, after the QR section, a computer survey popped up. I filled it out quickly, and then my DAT scores popped up on the screen. The Prometric workers gave me a print out of my scores once they saw that I was done, and I went on my way 🙂
DAT Sections Breakdown:
PAT: Take one Crack DAT PAT test per day, it helps. (I stopped taking the exams towards the end because I figured that the practice tests PAT sections were good enough, but its not. Do Crack DAT PAT everyday until the end!!!)
QR: This section was MUCH MUCH harder than I expected. I definitely panicked a little during it. I used the QR section of the DAT Destroyer as well as the Kaplan materials, but I guess it wasnt enough. Prepare for the worst with this section.
RC: There really isnt any great way to study for this section. During my studying I read massive amounts of information every day, so my reading speed improved there. My method was Kaplans method for RC, with only one section per paragraph, instead of two sections. Through the practice tests I learned that with taking RC notes, less is more- it really helps!
Bio: Cliffs Notes AP Biology is by far the greatest resource that one can use for the Biology section. Read it 2-3 times over your DAT study period, to make sure that the information is solidified in your head. If you arent extremely strong in Biology, I suggest reading the KBB Biology section (multiple times even) for a great refresher- it explains everything in the most basic and understandable manner, which is great! Go through the DAT Destroyer Biology section also because it definitely helps as well.
GC: Chem was my greatest improvement through all of my DAT studying. I started with a 12 (7%) on my Kaplan Diagnostic test, and ended up with a 21 (87.4%) on the actual DAT! I am extremely proud of this accomplishment! During my daytime studying I alternated between reading the KBB Chemistry section and DAT Destroyer Chemistry Section; I used the online Kaplan materials at night. These resources really helped me once again understand Chemistry, and truly solidified the concepts to me.
OC: Re-learning Orgo concepts in the KBB, drastically improved my knowledge on the subject. After reading the KBB, go through the DAT Destroyer- it gets your Orgo score WAY up! Once you can complete all 200+ DAT Destroyer questions in under 3 hours, then you know you are ready to take the DAT Orgo section! 🙂
Well, thats basically my whole breakdown of the DAT. If you have any questions, feel free to comment here, or PM me- I am more than happy to help 🙂 FYI, I included my Kaplan and TopScore practice tests scores below for those who are curious. Good Luck on your DATs, everyone!!! 🙂
Bio/GC/OC/PAT/QR/RC/TS/AA:
Kaplan Scores:
Diagnostic) 16/12/18/17/17/17/15/16
1) 19/17/16/20/20/18/18/18
2) 24/15/15/18/17/21/19/18
3) 17/16/19/20/22/20/17/19
4) 19/18/23/21/19/18/20/19
5) 21/19/21/22/19/19/20/20
TopScore:
1) 20/19/15/19/20/19/18/19
2) 21/19/21/21/19/21/21/20
3) 21/20/23/19/24/20/22/22
