Hey so I was wondering how close in difficulty the DAT Bootcamp practice exams are to the actual DAT. I have been getting AA 19 for the past 2 practice exams I have taken. I have seen other threads saying Bootcamp is harder than the actual exam, is that still the case?
DAT Bootcamp Practice Exams vs. the real DAT
- Thread starter Janil411
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IMO, From what others have posted over the last few years, a lot depends on the version of DAT you are presented.
Some find it harder, others easier and yet others the same.
Nancy
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There are many different versions of the DAT, so it's hard for anyone to answer this question. The general consensus is that DAT BC is as hard or just slightly harder than the real thing. If you want a really good predictor of how you'll do, I think you should take the 2009 DAT. Hope this helps.
I've heard from many here that the scores you get on DATBootcamp are a fairly good indicator on how well you'll do on the actual DAT.
I recommend first focusing mostly on obtaining the knowledge, with material such as the DAT Destroyer and do the Bootcamp exams after you're done with all the material too see exactly where you are at. The DAT Destroyer will fill in the gaps from getting a 20 on the DAT to that 25+ score. After going through the Destroyer I've personally seen my scores improve and recommend going through it at least twice to make sure that you truly understand all the concepts that it presents.
I recommend first focusing mostly on obtaining the knowledge, with material such as the DAT Destroyer and do the Bootcamp exams after you're done with all the material too see exactly where you are at. The DAT Destroyer will fill in the gaps from getting a 20 on the DAT to that 25+ score. After going through the Destroyer I've personally seen my scores improve and recommend going through it at least twice to make sure that you truly understand all the concepts that it presents.
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How many times did you go through destroyer?
My main focus when preparing for DAT was to practice all kind of question. I never did a full practice exam because I know I wasn't ready and would be discouraged if I got a low grade and it worked out will. Whenever I finish studying for a subject, I would do all the practice tests in BC and learn from what I got wrong. My advice is if you feel you're not ready for the full practice exam, do what I did. you will find your weak spots faster 🙂
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I took the DAT last June and was getting 18s and 19s on Bootcamp with the occasional 17. When I took the real exam, I got a 22AA, 26PAT, and no other section less than 21. The math and chemistry sections were definitely easier on the real exam. Bootcamp tries to trick you and toss you curve balls. The real exam doesn't, its questions are all straighforward and only require a step or two to solve.
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Let me add,
It is great when students score higher than a timed test predicted on the DAT, but I have been messaged by students who scored lower than time test indicated. I like to remind everyone there are no guarantees from any timed test, including the 2009 ADA exam. Never underestimate the DAT and the various versions. To get into the mid to upper 20's it takes a lot of hard work. I talk to thousands of students and have years of experience to back my comments.
