Advice needed for a poor standardized test taker

[nervousdattaker]

I'm seeking comprehensive and blunt advice on how to best prepare for the DAT knowing my background. I have never been a good standardized test taker. I have always done well in class. And I have trouble memorizing something if I don't really understand it well.

Let me tell you my background. I just finished a 2 year post-bac and worked hard enough to score a perfect 4.0. So I know that I'm not stupid despite my poor standardized test scores in the past. However, I'm having a difficult time studying for the DAT because it has been a long time since I took my pre-requisite classes of general chemistry, organic chemistry and general biology. I regret not taking those classes seriously the first time around. I did whatever I could to skate by and earn C's or take easy professors which didn't help. My postbac included only upper level basic science type of classes like physiology, anatomy and biochemistry so I know I can do well in the Bio section if I work hard at that. However, upon taking my first Topscore test, I scored a miserable 12 in both O-chem and General Chemistry. My PAT score was really poor too with a 14.

I have read the advice on here but I don't know how much it will help me since my pre-req classes like o-chem and gen chem are so foreign to me. I look at these questions and the stoichiometry and reactions just look like Greek to me. I don't think I can just read the Kaplan book and memorize it. I read some chapter in the O-chem and I understood them but when I got to a reaction question in Topscore, I got that blank look on my face as I had know clue what the answer was. I'm really worried because I really want to be a dentist bad and I know that once I'm in school, I will do really well because I have the drive.

Has anyone been in a situation similar to mine? And even if you haven't been in my shoes, knowing my situation what do you realistically think is the best course of action for me? The most blunt and harsh advice is the best advice. Don't hold back. How many months will I need to prepare and should I enroll in the formal Kaplan review course?

My guess is that I will need 4-6 months of review with some tutoring to learn the science and PAT? what do you think?

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[hockeydentist]

Have you thought of getting a personal tutor at Kaplan, its expensive, but it sounds like to me that you need one on one attention, or someone to review orgo and chemistry.

If you have the money go for it a review class can only help, really use the resources of kaplan. They have a video library, test bank and much more.

As far as PAT, I think if you practice, you can get a much better score. That is one area where studying it doesn't help, rather a constant repitition of practice promblems are your key to doing well on PAT.

If all else fails, retake Orgo and chemistry and biology over again. Or if that is an expensive endevour, sit in on the classes and just pretend like your in the class, use it for notes, and as a refresher.

 

[nervousdattaker]

Have you thought of getting a personal tutor at Kaplan, its expensive, but it sounds like to me that you need one on one attention, or someone to review orgo and chemistry.

If you have the money go for it a review class can only help, really use the resources of kaplan. They have a video library, test bank and much more.

As far as PAT, I think if you practice, you can get a much better score. That is one area where studying it doesn't help, rather a constant repitition of practice promblems are your key to doing well on PAT.

If all else fails, retake Orgo and chemistry and biology over again. Or if that is an expensive endevour, sit in on the classes and just pretend like your in the class, use it for notes, and as a refresher.

Hey Hockeydentist

Thanks for the quick response; I appreciate it. You know I sort of laughed when I first saw the private tutoring rates but realistically I think that's what I need deep down. I have always done better with one on one personal tutoring. Part of my success in the postbac was being able to ask my professors questions one on one which helped immensely. I know it's expensive as hell but if it means I can get into dental school, I may just have to do that.

Do the private tutors help with PAT strategy too?

 

[hockeydentist]

The Classes are usually taught by students who took the DAT and got a high score. My instructor got a 24 on DAT. I imagine the tutor should have done really well on the DAT in order to be a tutor. All that money your spending you should find out.

word of advice, the topscore CD is slightly harder than the real thing. Chem is a little harder on topscore, biology is comparable, orgo a little harder on top score.

 

[zazzookode]

If you are a poor standardized test taker, the truth is you may never score an 18 or higher even if you put in 500 hours. You shouldn't even think of taking the DAT by August or September. If I were you, I would postpone applying to dental school for a year. Enroll in community college in all the pre-req's and then start a review course after you have taken all the pre-req's. Don't listen to others. All they will tell you is the generic advice of memorizing the Kaplan book. It's a lot more than that. You have to know what the hell you are doing. Memorizing is no good if you don't understand what you are memorizing. It's going to be a lot of work for you if you are this far behind.

 

[wimmcs]

I would also take a look at your CC and see if they have anyone who is advertising for tutoring. I know a friend of mine is tutoring at our local CC and she also tutored me specifically for the ochem part of the DAT. She is also very good at gen chem and I'll probably use her soon to help me out in this section. She's also good in math, so I'll hit her up on QR. She's also cheap since she's my friend. Good luck
PS I'm also an AWFUL test taker, specifically standardized test taker, but I won't let this bring me down. I am working VERY hard to KNOW my stuff so when test time comes, I'll feel confident to take the test. Also I have NOT taken ANY preliminary testing as I know this will discourage me quite a bit since I KNOW my scores will be LOW. Once I've finished studying the Kaplan DAT book, I'll start doing test question, and doing the topscore pro. Good luck!

If you are a poor standardized test taker, the truth is you may never score an 18 or higher even if you put in 500 hours. You shouldn't even think of taking the DAT by August or September. If I were you, I would postpone applying to dental school for a year. Enroll in community college in all the pre-req's and then start a review course after you have taken all the pre-req's. Don't listen to others. All they will tell you is the generic advice of memorizing the Kaplan book. It's a lot more than that. You have to know what the hell you are doing. Memorizing is no good if you don't understand what you are memorizing. It's going to be a lot of work for you if you are this far behind.