DAT Achiever/Schaum's Bio

[yebin012]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I am taking the DAT next week, July 29th. Like many others I've studied the Kaplan book and also purchased the DAT Achiever. Is it just me or does the material on the DAT Achiever just seem a lot more difficult than any other practice test I've seen before? (I'm referring mainly to the science/math) I've taken the first test and the questions they ask (some of them) don't seem to be even directly addressed in the Kaplan book. The PAT section is good since you can rotate the figures.

Also, Schaum's Biology is something you'd recommend? What does this book have that Kaplan doesn't? I am good with the major concepts and topics but what gets me is the details sometimes. I'll narrow it down to two choices and I have a tough times sometimes picking the right answer. Bio is a lot of information, Chemistry and Organic Chem- if you know the concepts and have done problems, I'm hoping it's not too bad? And how hard is it to get a score of 21-23 on any section?

Lastly- is there a resource that focuses on DAT test taking tips? Meaning, something that gives you tactics on how to take the test, not necessarily the information you have to know.

With one week remaining...what is the best plan? I've been studying intensively for many months and don't want to screw this up.

 

[eapleitez]

Shaums Bio is great, and gives you just the right amount of detail. I found it very helpful.

As for math, I found the Kaplan blue book sorely lacking in info, as far as dealing with the problems on practice exams. Run to the bookstore TODAY and get a review book on SAT math problems. I got one from Princeton review on the SAT II because it includes trig. This will help you much better than Kaplan if you are having trouble with math.

As far as for test tactics, it's all about moving forward at a steady pace, marking questions that you are unsure about (but ALWAYS select an answer), and making sure you dont run out of time.

Good luck.

 

[peace2c]

I am taking the DAT next week, July 29th. Like many others I've studied the Kaplan book and also purchased the DAT Achiever. Is it just me or does the material on the DAT Achiever just seem a lot more difficult than any other practice test I've seen before? (I'm referring mainly to the science/math) I've taken the first test and the questions they ask (some of them) don't seem to be even directly addressed in the Kaplan book. The PAT section is good since you can rotate the figures.

Also, Schaum's Biology is something you'd recommend? What does this book have that Kaplan doesn't? I am good with the major concepts and topics but what gets me is the details sometimes. I'll narrow it down to two choices and I have a tough times sometimes picking the right answer. Bio is a lot of information, Chemistry and Organic Chem- if you know the concepts and have done problems, I'm hoping it's not too bad? And how hard is it to get a score of 21-23 on any section?

Lastly- is there a resource that focuses on DAT test taking tips? Meaning, something that gives you tactics on how to take the test, not necessarily the information you have to know.

With one week remaining...what is the best plan? I've been studying intensively for many months and don't want to screw this up.

Sciences in DAT Achiever are truly more difficult than any other test guide especially in Test 3, as many of the question structures have been so designed to cover as much details as possible in relation to syllabus outlined by the ADA. Each of the question attempted has'd Topic (Sub-Topic) assigned to it in the Detail Report. You should print this out to further guide you what to study more from your textbook and tally this with the answer explanations given. Maths shouldn't be that bad but again it varies on different individuals (Lots of practice will make it better if not perfect)

Real DAT questions noted by me appearing in DAT Achiever worth your attention:

Bio : Test 1 (Q2, 4 , & 7), Test 2 (Q11, 32, 37, & 39), Test 3 (Q2, 30, & 33)
Maths: Test 1 (Q34 & 37), Test 2 (Q5, 14, 17, & 38), Test 3 (Q34)

Kaplan's Review Notes alone do not comprehensively cover all you need to know for the DAT. There's no big deal if you can answer many of their questions in the practice tests since many of these have been based on what you've studied from the BB notes. All test guides should instead be wisely used to prompt you work harder and turn to your complete sources in the texts when needed.

Generally, to get 21-23, you should not be missing more than 10% of the questions in each section.

Schaum bio is good if you still have the time for it.

Let me know if you've any more questions to ask.

 

[BenignDMD]

Very well said

 

[peace2c]

Very well said

Thanks, BenignDMD.

Just a word of reminder... Unlike the other three sections, you're going to have enough time to answer all SNS questions in the real DAT as more straightforward Bio questions and less GChem calculations will be involved then. So, please read each question carefully and don't rush. Beware that multiple choice questions are especially good in tricking candidates...

 

[yebin012]

Thanks, BenignDMD.

Just a word of reminder... Unlike the other three sections, you're going to have enough time to answer all SNS questions in the real DAT as more straightforward Bio questions and less GChem calculations will be involved then. So, please read each question carefully and don't rush. Beware that multiple choice questions are especially good in tricking candidates...

That is a very good point. Thanks for your advice, I'm gonna make a note of those questions that you pointed out that appear in DAT Achiever. It's good to know that there are less GChem calculations. I am having time issues with the Reading Comp and math sections and this is making me worry. Any tips on time management- especially with the math?

I was talking to one of my friends and she told me that luck has a lot to do with the questions you get on the real test on test day- how valid is that statement? I went to the ADA website and noted the breakdown of topics on each of the science sections- that's just a generalization right? Lets say that I know plant structure and ecology really well, while I don't know genetics AS well (just an example, it's not really true) and on test day I don't get a single question on ecology or plants but instead get 4 questions on genetics. With one week left I'm now looking at the Schaum's bio also because I feel like I went through the Kaplan book so many times 😱 It's discouraging to think that I'm doing all this studying when luck will determine a large part of my score. How consistent is the distribution of topics from test to test?

Almost everyone that I've spoken to tells me also that the real test is easier than the practice tests they've done- can I get your opinions? (for those of you who have taken it) I am aiming for 21's at least on each of the science sections.

Any and all of your comments will be greatly appreciated.