After taking DAT how would you study differently?

[Helms99]

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Hi guys,

I'm taking the DAT in 4 months and really want to hear everyone's lessons learned when preparing for the test. For GC and OC, I'm using Chad's videos and I have a pretty strong foundation in QR but for everything else I don't know what the most efficient way to study will be.

Please help 🙂

 

[sacapuntas]

I would study for less time, more efficiently.

I really think you can study for 4-6 weeks and get the same results as studying 4-6 months.

Be smart with every day. Get through all your material one time, then figure out where you are weak, re-learn those weak areas, start with practice tests and study in between them in your week areas.

An example for you:

I didn't take o-chem 2 before the DAT. I was scoring 16 in topscore less than 3 weeks before my test, I re-watched chad's videos, did flash cards, did DAT destroyer a bunch of times, and got a 27 on o-chem for the real test.

It is not overly difficult material, just need to be efficient in how you cover material.

Another piece of advice is read bio from several sources. Don't use just Cliffs AP. Read Cliffs, Barrons, Schaums, DATQvault and then do it all again. You can read Cliffs and Barrons in 1 day each, Schaums is probably better to read as a supplement for the areas you don't know well and you can do DAT Qvault tests in between. Don't underestimate the value in doing all the questions in the AP books either, they are valuable.

Last piece of advice, get Crack DAT PAT and do 1 test a week the starting about 10 weeks before the test. Take time to figure out why you got stuff wrong, but really just the practice will help you a lot. By the end of it you probably will be getting 4 pts higher than your first test.

Good luck, feel free to PM any questions.

 

[Helms99]

Thanks for your feedback. There so much prep information on this forum that sometimes it can be overwhelming.

It easier said than done being efficient 🙂

Did you find it useful to set goal scores for the practice tests and how accurate would you say practice tests are to the real thing?

 

[sacapuntas]

Thanks for your feedback. There so much prep information on this forum that sometimes it can be overwhelming.

It easier said than done being efficient 🙂

Did you find it useful to set goal scores for the practice tests and how accurate would you say practice tests are to the real thing?

By efficient I was thinking things like use Chads videos instead of re-reading text books, don't read over stuff when you can't process it well (when you feel to foggy to recall, do problems instead of reading), studying a variety of subjects each day by switching what you are doing every hour or two (this was important for my efficiency at least) and take breaks when you need them, but don't take more than you need. Even a 10 minute break can do a lot.

I had no goals for practice tests, but I don't see the harm in setting goals.

Topscore under-estimated my score significantly, but was overall decent. Really, it underestimated my biology score...otherwise it was pretty close on the others. Don't use the Topscore tests too soon, try to save these for maybe 3 weeks out, 1.5 weeks out, then 4 or 5 days out. They shouldn't be used for assessment up front as much as finding your weaknesses at the end. Use other less accurate exams earlier.

 

[agabs0627]

Hey Helms,

The biggest thing I learned about the DAT is to NEVER underestimate the sections that you think you already know. For example, i underestimated the QR and scored much lower in that section than others. Try to study equally for every section and really put in an effort by taking as many practice tests as possible. My personal opinion was that DAT Destroyer helped me the most, however Chads videos were good as well.

Good luck!!

 

[Helms99]

Thanks Gabs,

Not trying to underestimate any sections. Just feel a bit more confident in QR than other sections but I see what you mean.

As for Destroyer thats definitively on my list. What would you say helped you the least? So I don't waste time with that.

 

[agabs0627]

I dont think anything is pointless when it comes to DAT studying.. do as much as you can do!

 

[ushaseos]

Practice Practice Practice!

I wouldn't do things differently than what I did. I'd only do more practice if I wanted an even higher score. Its the usual standardized test affair: it doesn't test your intellect, it tests your familiarity with material and the questions presented. Don't think you know a section of the test and ignore it, prepare for all sections mainly by practicing them. Use as many resources as you want and try to finish the test in one shot.

And always remember spending extra money and time on prep materials is much better than not adequately preparing, getting a lower score, feeling bummed out, spending another 320 for DAT registration and nailing it the second time. I spent a total of around 700 which is 200-300 more than I'd have to realistically spend to get the score I got. I have no regrets though since if I didn't do well enough I'd have retaken and spent a hell of a lot more (time wise and money wise!)

Note: No narcissism intended, just my opinions 🙂

 

[Impulse155]

Preparing for the DAT atm, and ive actually noticed my study habits going from a memorize everything base to a learn all the concept base. It makes everything 100x easier and you learn more that way. Definitely going to be doing this with all my classes,

I know going into this exam that GC (got a D in gen chem 2, Bs'd my way through it the second time), Bio (got a D in cell bio, retook for an A-, didnt take AP bio, and took the intro courses my freshman year, now a senior), and RC (terrible reader, just took my first CDR got a 15) would be my 3 weakest subjects (hoping for 20+,20+,18+) , however Bio is going a lot easier than I had expected while doing this.
Not to mention I hand wrote 80 pages of notes so far. Still have 5 chapters of KBB to go.

 

[Adamsswag]

Time that I believe should be sent on the sciences: 70% chem, 30% bio .