Here's how I studied.
I think I may have gone overboard with my studying, but ultimately, I think it definitely helped a great deal. I used MCAT study materials to prepare for all my DAT sections (duh.....except for the PAT). I figured I would get a good score if I
REALLY went crazy over-board with the studying....hehe
For some of the science sections that the MCAT didnt really prepare me for, I borrowed a Kaplan DAT book from my friend and reviewed it a few days prior to the DAT.
As for the PAT section, I just took practice tests like mad. I was always into architecture, so I took many drafting courses in high school as well as college (i thought i wanted to be an architect or some kind of designer).....good thing this "spatial orientation" skill came to some good use in the DAT...
One good way to study for this section is to visually practice spacial oreintation of various 3d objects. Look at your monitor now and imagine it unfold, etc.
One trick that I used when I was taking the PAT section of the
REAL DAT.
1) rip off a corner of the scratch paper
2) fold it in half so it has a perfect 45 degree angle
Now you have something that you can hold up to the computer screen for the angle comparison section!! For smaller angles, just fold the little piece of "corner paper" to smaller angles! This section is always easier if there is a reference.
Disclaimer: I do not know if this is considered cheating, but when I was using this "system" at the testing center, I was not caught.
All in all....i think this system really paid off for me. I received 21 ACAD and 23 PAT......i did receive 18 on my bio section tho....(dont ask me...i dont know what happened either
)
Ms Purtell, I wish you good luck with your DAT this week! Tell us how you do!
