DAT Anxiety

[CyborgNinjaX]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I'm guessing a lot of other people (including me) go through anxiety while studying for the DAT.... are there any ways to cope with the anxiety? I mean while I'm studying, I'm so worried that I have only a month to study for this exam and I go ahead and run through everything as fast as possible. HELP!

 

[dat_student]

I'm guessing a lot of other people (including me) go through anxiety while studying for the DAT.... are there any ways to cope with the anxiety? I mean while I'm studying, I'm so worried that I have only a month to study for this exam and I go ahead and run through everything as fast as possible. HELP!

Take a break, watch a movie, spend some time with family & friends. Take the exam when ready. Postpone the exam if you need more time.

 

[sdn_addict]

i understand how you feel but i agree with dat_student...try to relax b/c you don't absorb very much when you're stressed out and rushing

dat_student: is there a charge for postponing the date of the exam?

 

[CyborgNinjaX]

That's the problem.... I was supposed to take it in August, when I had the whole summer to study. I got my first job and I postponed taking the exam. I tried studying throughout the fall semester but honestly, I was taking 11 credit hours worth of science classes and an art class. It was not a walk in the park. I think I've pushed myself to the point where I can't postpone anymore.

 

[dat_student]

..
dat_student: is there a charge for postponing the date of the exam?

I don't know...Contact your testing center

 

[dat_student]

That's the problem.... I was supposed to take it in August, when I had the whole summer to study. I got my first job and I postponed taking the exam. I tried studying throughout the fall semester but honestly, I was taking 11 credit hours worth of science classes and an art class. It was not a walk in the park. I think I've pushed myself to the point where I can't postpone anymore.

For the 2007 cycle it may be a little late. For the 2008 cycle, if you are not ready take the test in the summer of 2007.

 

[CyborgNinjaX]

I'm going for the 2008 cycle (I'm a junior right now). I'm going through the Committee process at my school and they say that you have to take the DAT by June... Man I suck at standardized exams.

 

[dat_student]

I'm going for the 2008 cycle (I'm a junior right now). I'm going through the Committee process at my school and they say that you have to take the DAT by June... Man I suck at standardized exams.

That's 5-6 months from now. Plenty time (You said you only had one month to study for the DAT)

 

[CyborgNinjaX]

I'm taking 15 credit hours for the next semester... I can drop down to 12 but I really want to take as many credit hours as possible. How were your study habits when it came to the DAT? How long did you study? Is it entirely possible to last about a month worth of school, work, volunteering and studying for the DAT?

 

[DDSABeach]

I'm taking 15 credit hours for the next semester... I can drop down to 12 but I really want to take as many credit hours as possible. How were your study habits when it came to the DAT? How long did you study? Is it entirely possible to last about a month worth of school, work, volunteering and studying for the DAT?

It's sounds like your burning yourself out😱 Major overkill! I agree with everyone else SLOW down. Take the DAT in the summer of 2007 focus on your classes and study the Kaplan book. I would read it over and over until you get the foundation down for all sections. Then, practice test with Topscore, Achiever and see where your at in the scores. Weak areas focus more but continue to review all subjects. I am applying for the 2008 cycle scheduling to take the DAT end of May. Also I am finishing some college class and working a fulltime job. You can do it! 👍 Just Breathe.

 

[dmd2011]

i understand how you feel but i agree with dat_student...try to relax b/c you don't absorb very much when you're stressed out and rushing

dat_student: is there a charge for postponing the date of the exam?

there is no charge to postpone the test but make sure you cancel your test date at least 48 hrs in advance or you wont be able to reschedule the test and you lose your money. also, you have to take the test within 1 yr of when you first registered.

 

[skyisblue]

I'm feeling the pressure too. I am also taking a full load next semester. I wonder how I am going to do this as well.

 

[CyborgNinjaX]

I'm sort of afraid of slowing down because I get this feeling in my gut that in my current state, I will not be accepted to dental schools.

 

[lifeisgood]

I'm sort of afraid of slowing down because I get this feeling in my gut that in my current state, I will not be accepted to dental schools.

Don't worry, everybody feels that way at one point or another. Just keep your eye on the prize and study your ass off. I postponed my test 13 times or something ridiculous like that because I was not ready (granted I postponed b/c I hadn't started studying yet). With 5-6 months to study you should be just fine. I work full time and I studied after work for a month and did well. Remember also that the more calm and collected you are going into the test, the better you will do.

Good luck!

 

[dds_sdc]

man i know exactly how you feel. im taking it in april. and im already gettin worried. i work, shadow, and im takin 18 credits next semester... finding time to study for the DAT seems impossible. i also have 3 other siblings to take care of since my parents are always at work. . thats why im trying to study now during winter break.. but i have UMDNJ externship 8-5pm everydayy til SPRING SEMESTER starts up again. that only leaves me 5pm til i fall asleep to study. arghghghghhh.

no worries though. if you really want something. you do whatever you have to do to get it.

sometimes i think the DAT is your ability to push yourself - Trying to study for it ON TOP OF THE OTHER THINGS GOING ON in your life.

best of luck. im sure we'll BOTH do fine.

 

[CyborgNinjaX]

Its great to know that people are going through what I'm going through. At least I know that I can come to you guys and talk to you if I have any stress. I hope that we can all come to each other to support each other with the DAT.

I honestly feel a whole lot better at this point about taking the DAT. Thanks!

 

[sdn_addict]

Its great to know that people are going through what I'm going through. At least I know that I can come to you guys and talk to you if I have any stress. I hope that we can all come to each other to support each other with the DAT.

I honestly feel a whole lot better at this point about taking the DAT. Thanks!

It seems like most of us in this thread are applying the '08 cycle so we can help one another through this stressful process 🙂

Now that I've read all the other comments I'm starting to wonder if I should stick to my plan of taking the DAT in March (after my spring break) because I'll be taking 16 units, interning at a dental office and working. At first I thought it was do-able since I only have class tues-thurs and I could study during my 4-day weekend but..eh...iono now. What do you guys think? 😕

 

[CyborgNinjaX]

It seems like most of us in this thread are applying the '08 cycle so we can help one another through this stressful process 🙂

Now that I've read all the other comments I'm starting to wonder if I should stick to my plan of taking the DAT in March (after my spring break) because I'll be taking 16 units, interning at a dental office and working. At first I thought it was do-able since I only have class tues-thurs and I could study during my 4-day weekend but..eh...iono now. What do you guys think? 😕

I really have to say that you can do it. Just make sure that you make a schedule and maintain consistency. I would have to say that between now and the beginning of the semester, do the fair majority of your studying. Once school starts, make a planner of everything you have to do throughout the semester. If you have exams coming up, just put DAT studying on hold for about a week and lockdown on studying for classes. After exams, take a break for about a day or so, and then get back on the DAT grind. You can do it!

 

[DDSABeach]

It seems like most of us in this thread are applying the '08 cycle so we can help one another through this stressful process 🙂

Now that I've read all the other comments I'm starting to wonder if I should stick to my plan of taking the DAT in March (after my spring break) because I'll be taking 16 units, interning at a dental office and working. At first I thought it was do-able since I only have class tues-thurs and I could study during my 4-day weekend but..eh...iono now. What do you guys think? 😕

I believe all of us is going to have a heavy work and school load. In addition to studying the DAT. This is just a suggestion and something I am going to do for myself. In order to keep pertinent info of the DAT in my head during all this craziness is make notecards of the MOST important things I REALLY need to know. So, the first thing in the morning and last thing at night I can go through them and keep them processing in my thoughts. But, again everyone studies in different ways. I hope this tip can help.

 

[dds_sdc]

I believe all of us is going to have a heavy work and school load. In addition to studying the DAT. This is just a suggestion and something I am going to do for myself. In order to keep pertinent info of the DAT in my head during all this craziness is make notecards of the MOST important things I REALLY need to know. So, the first thing in the morning and last thing at night I can go through them and keep them processing in my thoughts. But, again everyone studies in different ways. I hope this tip can help.

i was thinking of doing the same thing! except.. i was making flashcards of the stuff i constantly forget..and goin over them every night til the exam day.

so i guess you guys are the ones im applying with next cycle! =]

 

[dds_sdc]

It seems like most of us in this thread are applying the '08 cycle so we can help one another through this stressful process 🙂

Now that I've read all the other comments I'm starting to wonder if I should stick to my plan of taking the DAT in March (after my spring break) because I'll be taking 16 units, interning at a dental office and working. At first I thought it was do-able since I only have class tues-thurs and I could study during my 4-day weekend but..eh...iono now. What do you guys think? 😕

wow. u only have class tues-thurs! sooo lucky!! how many science classes are u taking?? im takin 3.. maybe thats why i have class mon-fri.. stinky labs. i did take an online class though ..just so i could stay at home and have more time to study for the DAT! .=]

gluck guys!

 

[sdn_addict]

thanks everyone for the advice. i think i will stick to the late march test date (do i have to register like a couple months in advance?)

oh, and i was able to get class tues-thurs b/c my core classes (cell biology, genetics and spanish) are tues and thurs and i scheduled discussions on wed along w/ research. i have a feeling this will be the last quarter i'll be able to get 4-day weekends b/c labs are coming back again in a couple quarters (microbio, a&p, etc)

 

[dds_sdc]

thanks everyone for the advice. i think i will stick to the late march test date (do i have to register like a couple months in advance?)

oh, and i was able to get class tues-thurs b/c my core classes (cell biology, genetics and spanish) are tues and thurs and i scheduled discussions on wed along w/ research. i have a feeling this will be the last quarter i'll be able to get 4-day weekends b/c labs are coming back again in a couple quarters (microbio, a&p, etc)

i actually have no idea how to register yet. lol im still worried about figuring out when to study. lol (and here i am on sdn wasting time already!) lol

btw.. not like anyone cares.. my mom took the PAT section in the Kaplan book. AND SHE GOT THEM ALL RIGHT. 😱
I hope intelligence is genetic. lol

 

[CyborgNinjaX]

i actually have no idea how to register yet. lol im still worried about figuring out when to study. lol (and here i am on sdn wasting time already!) lol

btw.. not like anyone cares.. my mom took the PAT section in the Kaplan book. AND SHE GOT THEM ALL RIGHT. 😱
I hope intelligence is genetic. lol

I'm with you on the first part... my cousin says that I should sign up right now, which would basically force me to study.

 

[dds_sdc]

I'm with you on the first part... my cousin says that I should sign up right now, which would basically force me to study.

thats exactly why i dont wanna register yet! it scares me!

 

[CyborgNinjaX]

I'm getting sick thinking about this. Man I shot myself in the foot... I should've taken this in the summer.

 

[skyisblue]

i second that!!

 

[dds_sdc]

I'm getting sick thinking about this. Man I shot myself in the foot... I should've taken this in the summer.

i wouldve taken it last summer but i just finished taking orgoI last semester! lol

 

[CyborgNinjaX]

i wouldve taken it last summer but i just finished taking orgoI last semester! lol

Now how did that happen exactly? 😡

 

[DMD to Be]

CN, take the test only when you are ready. Don't rush it. If you don't want to take it now, don't. Take it in May or June or even July. Schools won't even review the applications til August at the earliest. So, if you take the month of May to complete the application and submit it, then you'll have a full 2 months (June and July) to devote to studying for the DAT. I took summer classes the same summer I took the DAT. Studied seriously for about 3-4 weeks, took the DAT in August and did fine, got a early interview, and was accepted Dec. 1st. Just get the right study tools. First, Kaplan. Read it twice and know it. Then get topscore and take the 1st test. If you score around what you are aiming for on that, then take the other two and schedule the DAT. Order Achiever. Take those test, but don't be discouraged by your scores, b/c most people score 2-3 points higher than their scores on achiever. If you don't do as well as you would like and still do not feel prepared or if you are dead set on scoring in the mid to upper 20's, order DAT destroyer. www.orgoman.com. Good tool. Good luck to you..

 

[sdn_addict]

so guys...i'm finally going to do it....i've decided that i'll register for the DAT tonight after i get home from the dental office. i think it'll really help me buckle down and study when i know that it's really going to happen soon. 😱

 

[dds_sdc]

Now how did that happen exactly? 😡

im still a sophomore..tryin to get in after 3 yrs.. the pre-health advisor at my school told me i have a shot at it with my gpa...JUST as LONG as i HIT at least 20+on the DAT.. -_- im taking orgoII this upcoming semester..i know its risky trying to take the DATs with JUST barely finishing orgoII.. but im already startin to study orgoII... so HOPEFULLY it works out.. =/

 

[dds_sdc]

so guys...i'm finally going to do it....i've decided that i'll register for the DAT tonight after i get home from the dental office. i think it'll really help me buckle down and study when i know that it's really going to happen soon. 😱

i should really do that too... lol

 

[skyisblue]

I've been looking at the Kaplan big book, and my summation of it is that it only serves as a guide. It's a good review for people who already have a strong background in the sciences. I'm trying to get everything done during this winter break too, but school is going to start soon. Like all you guys, I have other commitments during break and when school starts it's only going to be compounded. Aaaaah, the pressure. I'm glad I'm not the only one feeling this way.

 

[dds_sdc]

I've been looking at the Kaplan big book, and my summation of it is that it only serves as a guide. It's a good review for people who already have a strong background in the sciences. I'm trying to get everything done during this winter break too, but school is going to start soon. Like all you guys, I have other commitments during break and when school starts it's only going to be compounded. Aaaaah, the pressure. I'm glad I'm not the only one feeling this way.

i second that.. the kaplan blue good is only a guide.. it doesnt really go indepth.

thats why i bought the schaum's biology book!

 

[CyborgNinjaX]

i second that.. the kaplan blue good is only a guide.. it doesnt really go indepth.

thats why i bought the schaum's biology book!

I think I'm going to do bad... I'm only using Kaplan, TopScore, DAT Achiever and possibly Barrons.

 

[skyisblue]

Everyone's background and learning curves and styles are different Cybor. That might be enough for you. Only you know what your weaknesses are for this test. At the moment, I'm trying my best to not overstress, because we all know that that just creates more problems than helps. I'm feeling the crunch too. Like you, I'm thinking shoulda coulda wouldas, but it's not doing me any good right now. So, I'm just tackling this thing one topic at a time. Right now, it's orgo. Let's just keep each other company like that one other poster had said. I think that will help all of us.

 

[dds_sdc]

Everyone's background and learning curves and styles are different Cybor. That might be enough for you. Only you know what your weaknesses are for this test. At the moment, I'm trying my best to not overstress, because we all know that that just creates more problems than helps. I'm feeling the crunch too. Like you, I'm thinking shoulda coulda wouldas, but it's not doing me any good right now. So, I'm just tackling this thing one topic at a time. Right now, it's orgo. Let's just keep each other company like that one other poster had said. I think that will help all of us.

• shoulda paid more attention in orgoI
• coulda done these applications forms for summer research programs last week
• woulda been studying for the DATs right now.

one topic at a time guys...

 

[skyisblue]

that's really funny dds....i'm determined to no longer be in that situation of shoulda woulda couldas......I might even stay in all weekend just to meet the goals I've set out for myself this week. Aaaaah, but I'm dying here guys.....so sick of studying...

 

[CyborgNinjaX]

that's really funny dds....i'm determined to no longer be in that situation of shoulda woulda couldas......I might even stay in all weekend just to meet the goals I've set out for myself this week. Aaaaah, but I'm dying here guys.....so sick of studying...

You know what? I've been thinking about this. If we're so sick of studying, think about what dental schools would say if they heard this. I got something even better. If we all keep sitting around and feel crappy, that's not going to make our scores better. There is nothing that says on there "SO and SO got a 15 on their DATs because they were feeling bad". WE ALL HAVE TO SUCK IT UP. 😡

If I sound pretty stern here, that's my point. I'm trying to be William Wallace (D.D.S.).

 

[skyisblue]

I am definitely sucking it up. It's past midnight, and I just finished reading a chapter and doing a whole bunch of problems. Like I said, I'm probably going to stay in this weekend, which means no party for me Friday night. Right now I am looking directly at the dress I was suppose to wear at the party. So sad. See, I'm making sacrifices....(e.g. little sleep, no social life blah blah blah....) 😛 But, thanks for the tough love dad....🙂 We can do this guys!!!

 

[dds_sdc]

i havent opened up my kaplan blue book in 4 days.. im getting worried.

 

[DDSABeach]

I am definitely sucking it up. It's past midnight, and I just finished reading a chapter and doing a whole bunch of problems. Like I said, I'm probably going to stay in this weekend, which means no party for me Friday night. Right now I am looking directly at the dress I was suppose to wear at the party. So sad. See, I'm making sacrifices....(e.g. little sleep, no social life blah blah blah....) 😛 But, thanks for the tough love dad....🙂 We can do this guys!!!

I am glad I'm not alone in the "sacrifice" department. I had a whole month of Dec. off and never went out except for food, water and to see other people out in the world. I'm sort of going to be in my own "world" until May of taking the DAT. I am trying to stick to my schedule I typed out for myself, studying each subject for three days straight working with problems. Then, repeat the cycle right up to test day. So, far it makes me feel less stressed and more confident about each subject. I do the flashcards of the ones I don't know in the morning and evening regarding all subjects. I do the PAT and RC test once a day to have some fun from reading the serious material stuff. Hope this my help others in some tips.🙂 Hang in there!

 

[CyborgNinjaX]

Funny thing is after my last message, I got a viral infection. I was vomiting since 4 AM and felt like garbage for the whole day. One whole day lost. Kind of makes me realize that I should make the most of my free time.

 

[skyisblue]

it's almost midnight and i think i'm going to hit the books again....don't really feel like it, but i know that when school starts i will be wishing for all this free time that i do have now. off to study i go....

 

[dds_sdc]

Funny thing is after my last message, I got a viral infection. I was vomiting since 4 AM and felt like garbage for the whole day. One whole day lost. Kind of makes me realize that I should make the most of my free time.

awww feel better!

 

[dds_sdc]

it's almost midnight and i think i'm going to hit the books again....don't really feel like it, but i know that when school starts i will be wishing for all this free time that i do have now. off to study i go....

i couldnt get myself to study past midnight.. iwas just too tired and exhausted...

i know im gonna regret that once classes start up again..

im off to UMDNJ today.. maybe THAT will motivate me..

 

[dat_student]

I think I'm going to do bad... I'm only using Kaplan, TopScore, DAT Achiever and possibly Barrons.

If you study enough you won't do bad. Don't stress out. Relax a bit and then study hard. Also, go to your local bookstores and see what they have. AP books are good. Columbia review & GRE books are also good. etc etc Princeton review books are excellent (esp. the ones for MCAT students). Take a look at them. Don't just take tests & don't memorize answers. Take tests to find your weaknesses. Good luck

P.S. Barrons' book has a ton of errors.

 

[skyisblue]

I think I'm starting to come down with whatever you have Cybor. My body is giving out too.....good luck to us all....

 

[DDSABeach]

If you study enough you won't do bad. Don't stress out. Relax a bit and then study hard. Also, go to your local bookstores and see what they have. AP books are good. Columbia review & GRE books are also good. etc etc Princeton review books are excellent (esp. the ones for MCAT students). Take a look at them. Don't just take tests & don't memorize answers. Take tests to find your weaknesses. Good luck

P.S. Barrons' book has a ton of errors.

Do you have any advise on the PAT sections Aperture (keyhole), TFE and flat pattern? I just can't seem to get these down their my most weak spots only scoring 17 on the topscore. 🙁