squiddythatsgone
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Scores:
QR - 470 conversion to old scoring: 22.5
RC - 390 conversion to old scoring: 20
Bio - 510 conversion to old scoring: 25.5
GC - 490 conversion to old scoring: 24
OC - 530 conversion to old scoring: 26
TS - 510 conversion to old scoring: 25.5
Pat - 460 conversion to old scoring: 21.5
AA - 480 conversion to old scoring: 23.5
Background:
I just finished my sophomore/junior year (I am graduating a year early) with a 3.98 GPA
My experience using Booster
- This was the second program I bought. I bought it on February 4th. I had mainly got it for more Biology and OC questions. I did almost every Bio practice test and OC test on Booster. They were extremely useful. I wish I was able to get Booster sooner, but I frankly could not afford it any earlier. I would recommend buying Booster during the Black Friday sale they have, it’s a very good deal.
- On Feb 4th when I finally had enough money to buy Booster, I used it to take my first Bio and OC practice test to gauge where I was studywise. I especially loved the OC practice tests on Booster. I felt that they were very representative of the real exam! Additionally, I was doing very poorly in the PAT section but the day before the exam I went over some of the Booster question bank questions which I felt were helpful.
Study Timeline: (Dec 17- Mar 19)
Everyone recommends that you dedicate at least 3 months of studying to the DAT and although I ultimately didn’t I would recommend that as well. I was studying during winter break, and my spring semester, and spring break for this exam. Studying for the exam on top of taking 19 credits felt like hell on earth. Additionally, I was also working 3 campus jobs this semester (I was always in a state of burnout). DAT bootcamp as well as DAT booster sets up a study schedule for you and I was always chronically behind on the schedule. It was really the last 2 weeks before my exam that I spent every waking moment studying. I was sleeping maybe 3-4 hrs max everyday.
Day of Exam: (March 20th)
- BIO: The questions weren’t the worst, but I marked way more questions than I usually do which had me very worried.
- It surprised me that the screen went white after every question when you press next.
- GC: The questions were not bad. There were a few questions I blanked on how to do because I couldn't remember an equation or 2. Overall I would say I really understand both conceptually and mathematically how vapor pressure and intermolecular forces relate to boiling and melting points! (which I felt I understood well).
- OC: This was my best section. I really enjoy organic chemistry in general! But the stress was very much making me question myself. There were a few questions which I originally got right, doubted myself and changed at the end which stopped me from possibly getting a perfect 600. I looked over them during my break later and wished I was more assured of myself.
- PAT: I had never felt so much relief! I found the questions on the exam way easier than the ones on bootcamp or booster.
- RC: My heart sank! I found all the passages so boring, and was not finishing them in a timely manner. I had to guess on the last few questions because I was almost out of time
- Additionally I got this error on my screen about access or permissions which stressed me out more.
- QR: This section’s questions weren’t bad but after the RC section stress I felt I didn’t do as good as I could have on this section. Just like OC, I love math so I normally was getting 500+ in this section on Booster.
After the exam:
- After the exam, I didn't know how to feel (I thought I did really bad on the RC section), and tried all day not to cry about it 🙁 (I ended up crying).
- On the day I received my results, I was so happy that on the same day I got my first tattoo for celebration!
Ending Advice:
I wouldn’t really advise doing what I did, I felt I gave myself unnecessary stress but taking the exam the same semester I took 19 credits and had 3 campus jobs. I feel the take away from my experience is that the OC practice tests on Booster were especially great! It is very important to find the study style that suits you and do all the questions you can.
P.S.
- I tried using Anki for maybe a day and forgot it even existed. Safe to say Anki was not my study resource of choice. I would much rather use physical flashcards or quizlet.
