I am just beginning to embark on my studies for the DAT and was wondering what would be the best course of action. My initial reaction was to sign up for a Kaplan DAT classroom course after hearing good reviews from former classmates, for although I am a fairly organized learner, studying for the DAT seems so daunting and new that I want some kind of structured guidance. However, after browsing sdn I have heard that the Kaplan course is mainly surface level, which kind of scares me considering I would be shelling out nearly $1400. My question then lies, would it be better for me to take the course and supplement the classroom homework/tests with other materials such as Chad (ochem/gchem/QR), Cliff Bio, CrackDAT PAT, and DAT Destroyer (Math) OR use a pre-made, 8 week DAT study plan with just the supplemental material and scrap the classroom/save some money? Also if someone has done the classroom + supplemental material plan and you have your schedule please share🙂 Thank you ahead of time for all your help...this network is AMAZING!!
Best DAT Prep Materials
- Thread starter delmar07
- Start date
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- May 28, 2011
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I haven't taken the DAT yet. I am planning to do so this summer as well and decided on my materials a few weeks ago. I have a study plan different than the preset 8 week one on here if you want that. Heres my list:
DAT Destroyer
Math Destroyer
Chads videos
Kaplan Blue book
Cliff AP Bio
Alan's notes
Crack DAT PAT
Achiever tests
Topscore tests
DatQvault
The total for all of this is arround $750.00. Half the price of the Kaplan course, but provides you with just as much material. Plus the material goes in deeper than the Kaplan course from what others have said.
I wouldn't get the Kaplan course unless you really have trouble studying on your own. If anything I would just get the online Kaplan for some of the resources.
DAT Destroyer
Math Destroyer
Chads videos
Kaplan Blue book
Cliff AP Bio
Alan's notes
Crack DAT PAT
Achiever tests
Topscore tests
DatQvault
The total for all of this is arround $750.00. Half the price of the Kaplan course, but provides you with just as much material. Plus the material goes in deeper than the Kaplan course from what others have said.
I wouldn't get the Kaplan course unless you really have trouble studying on your own. If anything I would just get the online Kaplan for some of the resources.
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- May 20, 2012
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Why was Kaplan's book useless?
- Joined
- May 28, 2011
- Messages
- 315
- Reaction score
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It is not "useless". It is a good starter but don't over-focus on it because there are better resources out there. I am only using it for the bio and PAT section. But I am reinforcing both of those sections with Cliffs AP Bio and Crack DAT PAT.
I'm actually taking the class right now and supplementing with other materials as well (i.e. DAT Destroyer, Chad's, AP Cliffs Bio, etc). It's tough balancing everything out but I do think it's helpful, although it is super expensive. Having so many resources keeps you busy so I'm constantly doing DAT practice. My paychecks mostly went to DAT stuff. :-( It's your call! I'm sure you would be fine either way. 🙂)
