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I really want to thank SDN for all the help, knowledge,and encouragement that has really helped me along the way. Since all of the breakdowns with practice test score comparisons I read before my test date really boosted my confidence, I thought I would share a breakdown, as well. Good luck to all of you who have yet to take the DAT! 
DAT scores:
View attachment DAT scores.png
Practice DAT scores:
View attachment DAT scores practice.png
Crack DAT PAT scores:
21,18,21,21,28,23,23,23,--,--
Study Materials Used:
Kaplan DAT Blue Book, 2009-2010 Edition
Cliff's AP Biology, 3rd Edition
DAT Destroyer, 2011 Version
Math Destroyer, 2011 Version
Chad's Videos (OC, GC, Math)
Alan's Biology Notes
Quick Advice:
If you take anything away from this, know that angles are easier on the real test than CDP and there are 1/3 folds in the hole punching section. Topscore science sections are harder than the real test. Essential materials include: Cliff's AP Biology, DAT Destroyer, Chad's videos for OC and GC, and Alan's Biology Notes. Also, Crack the DAT PAT (CDP) and Topscore are essential practice tests. During the test, just stay calm and focus.
Study Time:
Total Time: 2.5 weeks hard study & 2.5 weeks to leisurely watch and take notes on Chad's videos and read KBB's Math and PAT sections.
In June, I took my time and went through Chad's Videos for Organic and General Chemistry, taking notes on everything he said. I blazed through Chad's math videos, not taking notes. I also read through KBB's Math and PAT sections. I'm a terrible procrastinator, so I stopped studying and didn't review anything for over a month. All I did was take a Crack the DAT PAT test every once in a while. I realized I only had one week until my test date, so I pushed my test back to 2.5 weeks later (Aug. 9). For 2.5 weeks, I really hit the books. I began by reviewing all of my notes from Chad's Videos once. I did all the problems in DAT Destroyer once, going over the solutions once. I then read through the entire Cliff's AP Biology Book at a fast pace. I started taking practice tests one week before my test date. During that last week, I took one practice test a day, and spent the rest of each day reviewing Alan's biology notes, my chemistry notes from Chad's videos, and going through Math Destroyer problems. I did not study for RC (only took two Topscore RC practice tests).
Background:
I graduated undergrad as a Bio major with a 3.28 cumulative, which is low, but for my last three undergrad semesters I earned 4.0's. I also graduated with a Master of Science degree in Biology (one year program) with a 3.86 cumulative (3.93 when including +/-, according to AADSAS). 331 total dentistry experience hours (dental assisting), 84 non-dentistry extracurriculars, and 483 hours of research experience.
Study Material Summary:
I think that all the materials I have listed are essential (except for KBB). I highly recommend going through the material they provide at least once.
Kaplan Blue Book--I used this to get an idea about the rules I needed to know for the PAT section and formulas I needed for the math section. I did not use it for any of the science sections. I also used the free online practice exam that came with the book. I could have gone without this book.
Cliff's Biology Book--I read through this entire book--a must read! I think the plant sections get a little more in depth than is actually needed on the DAT. I only remember one plant question (ridiculously easy about angiosperms). I still suggest reading the entire book, just to make sure you do not miss anything that may appear on the test.
DAT Destroyer--This book is amazing. The problems are a lot harder than the actual test, but the principles it teaches you will help you prepare for anything you may see on the DAT. Go through the solutions carefully whether you get the questions right or wrong.
Math Destroyer--I'm not very good at math. I just wrote out a page of math formulas to memorize and did 4 Math Destroyer tests (un-timed) to get a feel for what kinds of problems could appear on the actual test.
Chad's Videos--These are a must! I went through all of his general and organic chemistry videos very carefully. I wrote down pretty much everything he said in my notes. I did this, so I could look back at my notes at any time for reference. I also watched his math videos as quickly as I could. I used his outlines for the math videos to compile my math formula memorization sheet.
Alan's Notes--I found these in the forums where you get Chad's Videos. These notes just compile most of the information you can find in Cliff's AP and KBB's biology sections. I read through these notes twice.
Practice Test Summary:
Overall, my actual scores were better than my practice test scores. The practice tests, however, really helped me to gauge my time better and get used to using a computer format. I strongly encourage using Topscore and Crack the DAT PAT for practice.
Crack DAT PAT--These tests are a must have. This program can provide a lot of practice with time management and getting used to the rules that apply to each PAT section. Practicing PAT problems are the best way to prepare for the real thing. Angles are much easier on the real test, so do not get discouraged by them.
Topscore--The science sections are much harder than the actual test, but it gives good practice. It was also good to get another PAT test that looked a little different than the CDP tests. These tests were my only source of reading and timed math practice.
ADA 2007--The chemistry sections are much easier than the actual test. This test was not very worth while. There were also a lot of errors in the answer key.
ADA OAT--This test also had errors in the answer key, but it was just another source of timed practice problems. Plus, it was free!
Kaplan Online--This was the first full-length practice test I took. I used it to get used to being timed. It was free with the KBB book.
Actual DAT:
I was given two laminated sheets that looked like graphing paper, and two very fine Staedtler markers that could be smudged off my laminated sheets. I only needed to exchange one of my sheets during my break. The markers did not dry easily, so I did not have to recap them at all during the test. I was allowed to draw my grids and tallying tables for the PAT section and formulas for the math section during my 15 min tutorial (I called ahead to verify this was allowed). I wore pj's to my test because that is what I studied in. I also brought an Odwalla bar and water for my break.
PAT--There are 1/3 folds on the actual test, which I had never seen on any practice problems. Just be prepared to see fold that are not 1/2 or 1/4, but 1/3. Angles is easier on the actual test than CDP. I thought most sections were pretty much the same as CDP except for key holes. The actual test is a lot pickier, in that you have to distinguish minute differences in object proportions and location of holes on an object.
QR--I ran out of time in this section and had to randomly guess on the last 5 problems. For this section, make sure you do not take too much time on any one problem, and try to get through them all at least once, to get all the easy ones out of the way.
RC--This was similar to Topscore, maybe a little harder. There were some details that were harder to find in the actual test's passages.
BIO--This section can ask anything biology related, so be ready for anything. I only remember one plant question. I also had two questions that completely threw me off, one of which being about lake ecology (oxygen and nutrient levels depending on season).
GC & OC--I do not remember much about these sections. They must have been much easier than all my practice exams, as my scores were much higher than those from my practice tests. I was very surprised when I saw my chemistry scores.
Test Complications:
After my test was over, I did not see what my scores were and my testing center was unable to print out my unofficial score report. This happened to three other test takers who finished around the time I did and continued to happen to people the next day. I called Prometric and ADA for a total of 15 calls and talked to the manager/supervisor for each. I finally found out that I had to fax ADA about my situation and provide my information in order for my score report to be mailed to me. I received my score report in the mail one week after sending a fax with my Dentpin, AADSAS number, all of my contact information, and info on when and where I took my test. If you do not get your test scores for some reason after taking the test, don't bother with calling Prometric. Just call ADA, and ask to talk to a manager. Send a fax with all of your info to ADA and your scores will be sent by mail in about a week.
DAT scores:
View attachment DAT scores.png
Practice DAT scores:
View attachment DAT scores practice.png
Crack DAT PAT scores:
21,18,21,21,28,23,23,23,--,--
Study Materials Used:
Kaplan DAT Blue Book, 2009-2010 Edition
Cliff's AP Biology, 3rd Edition
DAT Destroyer, 2011 Version
Math Destroyer, 2011 Version
Chad's Videos (OC, GC, Math)
Alan's Biology Notes
Quick Advice:
If you take anything away from this, know that angles are easier on the real test than CDP and there are 1/3 folds in the hole punching section. Topscore science sections are harder than the real test. Essential materials include: Cliff's AP Biology, DAT Destroyer, Chad's videos for OC and GC, and Alan's Biology Notes. Also, Crack the DAT PAT (CDP) and Topscore are essential practice tests. During the test, just stay calm and focus.
Study Time:
Total Time: 2.5 weeks hard study & 2.5 weeks to leisurely watch and take notes on Chad's videos and read KBB's Math and PAT sections.
In June, I took my time and went through Chad's Videos for Organic and General Chemistry, taking notes on everything he said. I blazed through Chad's math videos, not taking notes. I also read through KBB's Math and PAT sections. I'm a terrible procrastinator, so I stopped studying and didn't review anything for over a month. All I did was take a Crack the DAT PAT test every once in a while. I realized I only had one week until my test date, so I pushed my test back to 2.5 weeks later (Aug. 9). For 2.5 weeks, I really hit the books. I began by reviewing all of my notes from Chad's Videos once. I did all the problems in DAT Destroyer once, going over the solutions once. I then read through the entire Cliff's AP Biology Book at a fast pace. I started taking practice tests one week before my test date. During that last week, I took one practice test a day, and spent the rest of each day reviewing Alan's biology notes, my chemistry notes from Chad's videos, and going through Math Destroyer problems. I did not study for RC (only took two Topscore RC practice tests).
Background:
I graduated undergrad as a Bio major with a 3.28 cumulative, which is low, but for my last three undergrad semesters I earned 4.0's. I also graduated with a Master of Science degree in Biology (one year program) with a 3.86 cumulative (3.93 when including +/-, according to AADSAS). 331 total dentistry experience hours (dental assisting), 84 non-dentistry extracurriculars, and 483 hours of research experience.
Study Material Summary:
I think that all the materials I have listed are essential (except for KBB). I highly recommend going through the material they provide at least once.
Kaplan Blue Book--I used this to get an idea about the rules I needed to know for the PAT section and formulas I needed for the math section. I did not use it for any of the science sections. I also used the free online practice exam that came with the book. I could have gone without this book.
Cliff's Biology Book--I read through this entire book--a must read! I think the plant sections get a little more in depth than is actually needed on the DAT. I only remember one plant question (ridiculously easy about angiosperms). I still suggest reading the entire book, just to make sure you do not miss anything that may appear on the test.
DAT Destroyer--This book is amazing. The problems are a lot harder than the actual test, but the principles it teaches you will help you prepare for anything you may see on the DAT. Go through the solutions carefully whether you get the questions right or wrong.
Math Destroyer--I'm not very good at math. I just wrote out a page of math formulas to memorize and did 4 Math Destroyer tests (un-timed) to get a feel for what kinds of problems could appear on the actual test.
Chad's Videos--These are a must! I went through all of his general and organic chemistry videos very carefully. I wrote down pretty much everything he said in my notes. I did this, so I could look back at my notes at any time for reference. I also watched his math videos as quickly as I could. I used his outlines for the math videos to compile my math formula memorization sheet.
Alan's Notes--I found these in the forums where you get Chad's Videos. These notes just compile most of the information you can find in Cliff's AP and KBB's biology sections. I read through these notes twice.
Practice Test Summary:
Overall, my actual scores were better than my practice test scores. The practice tests, however, really helped me to gauge my time better and get used to using a computer format. I strongly encourage using Topscore and Crack the DAT PAT for practice.
Crack DAT PAT--These tests are a must have. This program can provide a lot of practice with time management and getting used to the rules that apply to each PAT section. Practicing PAT problems are the best way to prepare for the real thing. Angles are much easier on the real test, so do not get discouraged by them.
Topscore--The science sections are much harder than the actual test, but it gives good practice. It was also good to get another PAT test that looked a little different than the CDP tests. These tests were my only source of reading and timed math practice.
ADA 2007--The chemistry sections are much easier than the actual test. This test was not very worth while. There were also a lot of errors in the answer key.
ADA OAT--This test also had errors in the answer key, but it was just another source of timed practice problems. Plus, it was free!
Kaplan Online--This was the first full-length practice test I took. I used it to get used to being timed. It was free with the KBB book.
Actual DAT:
I was given two laminated sheets that looked like graphing paper, and two very fine Staedtler markers that could be smudged off my laminated sheets. I only needed to exchange one of my sheets during my break. The markers did not dry easily, so I did not have to recap them at all during the test. I was allowed to draw my grids and tallying tables for the PAT section and formulas for the math section during my 15 min tutorial (I called ahead to verify this was allowed). I wore pj's to my test because that is what I studied in. I also brought an Odwalla bar and water for my break.
PAT--There are 1/3 folds on the actual test, which I had never seen on any practice problems. Just be prepared to see fold that are not 1/2 or 1/4, but 1/3. Angles is easier on the actual test than CDP. I thought most sections were pretty much the same as CDP except for key holes. The actual test is a lot pickier, in that you have to distinguish minute differences in object proportions and location of holes on an object.
QR--I ran out of time in this section and had to randomly guess on the last 5 problems. For this section, make sure you do not take too much time on any one problem, and try to get through them all at least once, to get all the easy ones out of the way.
RC--This was similar to Topscore, maybe a little harder. There were some details that were harder to find in the actual test's passages.
BIO--This section can ask anything biology related, so be ready for anything. I only remember one plant question. I also had two questions that completely threw me off, one of which being about lake ecology (oxygen and nutrient levels depending on season).
GC & OC--I do not remember much about these sections. They must have been much easier than all my practice exams, as my scores were much higher than those from my practice tests. I was very surprised when I saw my chemistry scores.
Test Complications:
After my test was over, I did not see what my scores were and my testing center was unable to print out my unofficial score report. This happened to three other test takers who finished around the time I did and continued to happen to people the next day. I called Prometric and ADA for a total of 15 calls and talked to the manager/supervisor for each. I finally found out that I had to fax ADA about my situation and provide my information in order for my score report to be mailed to me. I received my score report in the mail one week after sending a fax with my Dentpin, AADSAS number, all of my contact information, and info on when and where I took my test. If you do not get your test scores for some reason after taking the test, don't bother with calling Prometric. Just call ADA, and ask to talk to a manager. Send a fax with all of your info to ADA and your scores will be sent by mail in about a week.
