Closer to Doom Day = Random attacks of paranoia

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hellobruin

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As my test date gets closer and closer (Sept 20), my paranoia is starting to grow. But the weird thing is that it comes in waves. Some days, I'll be productive (and get seemingly better scores) and I'll be pleased with my progress. Other days, I'll do terribly on some sections, or read scary DAT stories on SDN, and then I'll go into freak-out mode.

So I'm not sure if this type of stress is normal or not! This test has been the only thing on my mind the entire summer, so maybe I'm getting desensitized from the constant worrying and whatnot? Or maybe I realize that freaking out is doing me no good? I just feel like this kind of paranoia is weird. Anyone get what I'm going through?

Where I'm at: Second round of studying. As in going over notes, going over Destroyer once again, letting myself try to understand things.

Next week I'll be starting full length practice tests, yikessssssss :/
 
Trust me I know the feeling. Totally normal. Keep plugging away!


Update: Just added the test date to my calendar and realized how close it actually was.... almost had a nervous breakdown in lecture.
 
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I didn't register for my test until a week beforehand. Working toward a specific date would have probably just freaked me out! I just got to the point where I wanted to get it out of the way and just cracked down for that last week. For the final 3 days, though, I could barely bring myself to study! Dont let the scary stories frighten you. It will work out. Good luck! 🙂
 
you still have approx. 20 days NOTHING TO worry about. Even in dental school you will never feel that you are completely. you just have to keep telling your self you got this and just go in and take it. Thats what confidence is all about. Just go in and get it. What you are feeling is totally normal and you will feel like that till end of d-school.

ps personal experience.
 
Don't worry about it, man, I'm in a similar situation as you are right now; my exam is on Sept. 22nd! 😱
 
GOOD LUCK. I just took my DAT's today and I spent all morning throwing up and all last night crying... completely out of the ordinary for me. The best advice I can give you is the day before the DAT DO NOT TAKE A PRACTICE TEST. Do something you enjoy. Go out and have fun. Relax. You can skim through a dew troubled topics but do not go insane on studying. I made the mistake of taking a practice DAT.. had a panic attack in between, did horrible, and was a wreck the day of the DAT. If it wasnt for my supportive boyfriend I probably would not have even taken it. Relax. Go into the test confident.
 
I had multiple dreams about DAT....
mine's next week and I haven't even finished reviewing for BIO! 😱
better make sure this week is most productive I've ever had 👍
 
Oh daaaang! Congratulations on finishing, though!

Also, thanks for the comments everyone. It's reassuring to know that other people feel the same way. I don't know a lot of pre-dental people (and the ones I do know keep to themselves and don't like discussing their DAT strategies and whatnot), so I really appreciate your support!
 
Totally normal. I think I made about 3 of these "freaking out" threads before I finally took my test.

Key is to convince yourself from time to time that you are indeed improving and learning.

Also, don't worry too much about forgetting information. I had a 5 day gap when my DAT got postponed due to a power outage, pretty much didn't study anything but biology, but I did better on all the other sections instead.
 
I am so productive on certain days and the opposite on other day....just don't count how many days you have left. Believe in yourself. You job as a student is to try your best to prepare for the DAT...and leave the rest to god.
 
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