Beginning to Study...

[ms.mollymay]

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I am planning on applying this upcoming cycle EARLY EARLY EARLY. I have yet to purchase DAT materials or begin studying. Everyday I don't order the materials I begin to stress more and more about starting to study...procrastination at its finest. In order to apply early when should I take the DAT (taking into account that I will probably have to retake it)? Am I really behind in studying if I want to apply early?

Additionally...I am really lacking confidence in regard to doing well on this exam which is probably contributing to me putting off ordering books and such. I have a decent science background but KNOW FOR CERTAIN I will basically have to relearn OChem (no joke).... I am just having a ton of apprehension, fear, and lack of confidence which is making it difficult.

ALSO I took a practice PAT section and did not even finish half before the90 minutes was up.... and my score was awful. Granted this was without studying but it really makes me feel like I have no skill or potential to master these concepts. Did anyone have this experience? Can the PAT be learned even if you initially suck?

 

[SDDDAT]

Don't procrastinate! I would start studying now if you want to avoid studying for the DAT, writing your PS, and preparing your app at the same time. You don't want to retake the test, studying for the DAT gets reallllyy tiring. Do your best the first time.
Yes, you just gotta practice PAT every day. When I started studying for the DAT two months ago, I couldn't finish the PAT section in time either. After using the generators in Bootcamp every day, my speed improved significantly. I haven't taken the test yet but at least I'm feeling confident about the PAT section (angles are still hard for me though, even after practicing almost every day, I have yet to get 15/15 with the generators...)

 

[Incis0r]

In order to apply early when should I take the DAT (taking into account that I will probably have to retake it)? Am I really behind in studying if I want to apply early?

I know you're nervous, but this kind of attitude will work against you during your preparation AND during the exam. Don't go in thinking you'll have to retake. Give it your 100% the first time, and you will succeed.

If the worst does happen, at least you'll be proud that you did your best and will pick yourself up more easily and do it again a second time.

It's the end of February right now....if you get the DAT done anytime by Mid-July, you'll be solid.

Additionally...I am really lacking confidence in regard to doing well on this exam which is probably contributing to me putting off ordering books and such. I have a decent science background but KNOW FOR CERTAIN I will basically have to relearn OChem (no joke).... I am just having a ton of apprehension, fear, and lack of confidence which is making it difficult.

You won't have to relearn OChem. I guarantee it. Use Chad's videos. Those 18-20 hours of lecture will teach you 90% of everything you need to know for OC on the DAT. The remaining (and most important) 10% will come from the Destroyer and Bootcamp.

ALSO I took a practice PAT section and did not even finish half before the90 minutes was up.... and my score was awful. Granted this was without studying but it really makes me feel like I have no skill or potential to master these concepts. Did anyone have this experience? Can the PAT be learned even if you initially suck?

Start out with the easier PAT sections: hole punching and cube counting. Those have clearly defined methods on how to conquer them- google/youtube it. You should easily get 15/15 in both of those sections. Then hit the others once you have some momentum.

I was HORRIBLE at PAT initially, and I held my own in the exam. It can be done. Use Bootcamp generators! Good luck!