Chances and ? about DAT studying

[dentist2004]

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Hi everyone- I have a question about the DAT. If I memorize and know the entire Kaplan DAT book from front to back (which I am currently doing) what could I expect to get for scores. In other words, how much do the study books help? Are they enough to study? Next...what are my chances in getting in somewhere? Cum GPA: 3.01, Science GPA: 2.95, I have office experience and community service. What schools would you recommend I apply to: (say I get a 19 on the DAT)? Thanks for your input. 🙂

 

[JRogoff]

You might want to aim a little higher with your GPA, like 20+ to be safe. There are no gaurantees with a Sub 3.0 science GPA and a 3.01 overall. Also do whatever you can to get that GPA up this summer. You should apply to your state school, UF, which it would be tough with your GPA, but you have to give it a shot. Also apply to the big privates like NYU, Boston, Tufts, Nova, and so on.

About the DAT, i memorized the kaplin book and did pretty well. But what works for one might not work for another. Hope this helps!

 

[dentist2004]

Actually, I am not taking classes this summer so my GPA isn't going to change any. I think you just sent me a message but I don't know how to send one back...no this isn't Alyssa, my name is Heather. Sorry. So you memorized the dat book and got a 20+. Thanks for the response

 

[JRogoff]

You also might want to take the DAT sooner to enable yourself time to take it again if needed.

 

[potent]

Hi. I actually did the whole Kaplan thing and thought the book was incredibly useful. I basically memorized the entire book as well as I could and it definitely helped me with the science scores (23+). I used the Kaplan flashcards as well though. So if you know the book well, you will definitely post scores above 19. The one bad thing about the Kaplan book is the PAT section. It gives you a good idea of the types of 3D problems but the actual test is much more difficult I found. I agree with JRogoff: apply to those private schools. They're pricey but tend to be more lenient with GPAs. Anyway, good luck on your DAT. Cheers.

 

[dentist2004]

Thank you so much for the positive words. You made me feel a little more confident with the DAT. I just want to make sure that I'm studying right.

 

[gatorf150]

I took the kaplan course but mostly spent about 2 solid weeks studying that kaplan prep book. It is well worth spending time in the biology section especially. It is not difficult to bring up scores in bio, gen chem, and even organic. I posted (23-25) in the sciences honestly knowing little going into kaplan. I took all the science classes over a year ago so it was like re-learning again. Good luck!!
About the school situation I agree with JRogoff, look at the stats and stick to the schools that do not have high GPA averages and you will get in somewhere. Hope for a positive interview experience and the rest is up to ADCOM

 

[JRogoff]

About the school situation I agree with JRogoff, look at the stats and stick to the schools that do not have high GPA averages and you will get in somewhere. Hope for a positive interview experience and the rest is up to ADCOM

Actually, the incomming GPA this year at Nova is over a 3.5. So if your looking for a school that is forgiving of low GPAs, Nova is no longer one of them.

 

[hossaiaa]

Here's what I did:

1.) Went to the public library and placed a hold on the newest Kaplan DAT book.
2.) A few weeks later, I got the book.
3.) Basically read the book front to back cover and memorized it in 3 weeks.
4.) Tore up on the DAT. The only section in which I got <20 was PAT (I just didn't practice that section enough).

I would highly recommend the Kaplan book. I took that first (and only) DAT test just for practice (studied 3 weeks, 5 hours a day) but I did so well with that book that I had no need to take it again. Good luck studying. Study hard for it once so that you only have to take it once.

 

[kidcanada]

Don't forget to APPLY EARLY! Work hard on the things you still have control of like getting really good LORs and writing a good personal statement. Don't take anything for granted. I have friends that got in with low GPAs because their application was done well and was submitted early in the cycle. Good luck.

 

[dentist2004]

Actually, the incomming GPA this year at Nova is over a 3.5. So if your looking for a school that is forgiving of low GPAs, Nova is no longer one of them.

Thanks for the advice...but I actually met with Dr. Lippman two weeks ago and he reviewed my transcripts and said that my GPA was very close to their average...he said that he really takes into account the course load and DAT and that he understands if you have a bad semester...just for all of you who have 3.0 GPA and are considering NOVA..don't be discouraged.
🙂

 

[dentist2004]

Here's what I did:

1.) Went to the public library and placed a hold on the newest Kaplan DAT book.
2.) A few weeks later, I got the book.
3.) Basically read the book front to back cover and memorized it in 3 weeks.
4.) Tore up on the DAT. The only section in which I got <20 was PAT (I just didn't practice that section enough).

I would highly recommend the Kaplan book. I took that first (and only) DAT test just for practice (studied 3 weeks, 5 hours a day) but I did so well with that book that I had no need to take it again. Good luck studying. Study hard for it once so that you only have to take it once.

Thanks sooo much for the help. So would you say that you knew a lot of the info going into studying or that you learned most of it from the kaplan book..because i don't remember much from my classes. I've been studyong about 5 hours a day as well..hopefully I do as good as you

 

[dentist2004]

Thanks alot kidcanada, gator.., and hossassia. I appreciate the advice about studying. Just wanted to make sure that i am studying the right way and not missing anything. Its very encouraging!!

 

[JRogoff]

Thanks for the advice...but I actually met with Dr. Lippman two weeks ago and he reviewed my transcripts and said that my GPA was very close to their average...he said that he really takes into account the course load and DAT and that he understands if you have a bad semester...just for all of you who have 3.0 GPA and are considering NOVA..don't be discouraged.
🙂

I don't consider a 3.01 to be very close to a 3.5, but whatever. Anyways, the main point of my previous statement is that if your in the 3.0 range, you gotta rock the DAT. This applies to all schools, not just Nova. So good luck and study hard.

 

[JayMiranti]

So say I take the DAT the end of june and I dont do so hot and I want to retake, the next time im eligible will be the end of september. By that time my apps will be all in and complete, do they consider these newest scores?

 

[JRogoff]

So say I take the DAT the end of june and I dont do so hot and I want to retake, the next time im eligible will be the end of september. By that time my apps will be all in and complete, do they consider these newest scores?

If you don't do so hot on your first DAT, but your GPA is good, schools might ask you to re-take the DAT. This means that your application file will remain open until you send in the new scores, or until the class if full. This is a very common practice, that is why it is strongly advised to take the DAT and apply early!

 

[dentist2004]

I don't consider a 3.01 to be very close to a 3.5, but whatever. Anyways, the main point of my previous statement is that if your in the 3.0 range, you gotta rock the DAT. This applies to all schools, not just Nova. So good luck and study hard.

No it is not very close to a 3.5....meaning that you may want to recheck on that average because it differs what I was told when I was there. That seems extremely high. Nova is an awesome school, and my first choice, however UF's average was just about a 3.5. Just want to clear that up because I know there are a lot of students that will be considering NOVA and we don't want some of them thinking that they don't stand a chance. Just curious, what other schools did you get into and why did you choose NOVA over the others..if there were others?

 

[JRogoff]

You might have heard otherwise because the entering class was just finalized, meaning you might have been told the average of a previous class. Call Su-Ann and she'll tell you that the entering class of 2008 average is OVER a 3.5. This has also been confirmed by a current student at nova. But you should not worry about other people's stats, you are in control of your own destiny. Concentrate on doing very well on the DAT and you won't have anything to worry about. Stats should not discourage anyone from applying, be confident in yourself and give it your best shot.

The reason why i chose Nova is simple, its close to home. I was accepted into other schools, but it just came down to a matter of geography. I guess you could also say that i got the best "feel" at nova when i interviewed there. That is a big factor many people consider when picking a school. I just got the best feeling at nova, like i belonged there. Not sure if this answers your question, but i hope so. Best of luck!