DAT complete (7-16-14)

[SEAHARP]

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Nice to be done.

 

[emminent]

Nice try at it man; good luck on the next go!

 

[shyfox9p]

Bio is supposed to be detailed. It covers anatomy, histology, physiology, biochemistry, and other classes. What bio classes have you taken in the past?

 

[SEAHARP]

I've only taken Bio 111, Bio 112 and Physiology

 

[tooth knockn]

A little back ground about myself. I'm 28 and decided to pursue dental school about a year and a half ago. I've now done all of my science pre-reqs (3.6 GPA). I was a Business Management major at Clemson. I completed my MBA at Clemson (2013) as well. Finished my science classes at College of Charleston.

I completed the DAT a couple of days ago but i'm just now getting to the breakdown. I wasn't thrilled with my scores and I'm definitely going to retake but it is nice to have something on the books.

Perceptual Ability- 19
Quantitative Reasoning- 16
Reading Comprehension- 19
Chemistry-17
Organic Chemistry 17
Biology- 16
Total Science- 17
Academic Average- 17

PAT- I used Crack the DAT pat and was pretty happy with my score there. I was pretty much scoring 19's on the practice tests so that was very reflective of how I did. I thought the actual DAT keyhole and cube counting were a little more difficult but overall it's pretty close.

Quantitative Reasoning- Using Math Destroyer here. I didn't do a great job of using my time efficiently. There were about 8 problems at the very end that I just had to submit B on. The problems weren't that difficult but the time created an issue for me.

Reading Comprehension- Search and destroy. Didn't practice or study for this section.

Chemistry and Organic Chemistry- Chad's videos and quizzes were solid. I thought the DAT destroyer problems were just over the top.

Biology- This was a disappointment for me. I've made all A's in my bio classes at a solid 4 year university. The material was just all over the place and so broad. I used DAT destroyer for this (average), Cliff's AP (too detailed) and KBB (easiest to read) but came across some odd questions that tripped me up. I was expecting BIO to be my best score.

Overall, I'm glad to be finished with this test for a while and have a score that I can at least submit and let dental schools know that I'm going to retake. So i'm going to take some time off and pick back up with studying in 40 days or so and give it another shot.

Will you apply this cycle?

 

[SEAHARP]

Will you apply this cycle?

Yeah I've actually already applied.

 

[SEAHARP]

Bio is supposed to be detailed. It covers anatomy, histology, physiology, biochemistry, and other classes. What bio classes have you taken in the past?

I've taken Bio 111 (intro to cell and molecular bio) Bio 112 (Evolution, form and function) and Bio 202 (Physiology)

 

[tooth knockn]

Yeah I've actually already applied.

Can you let us know if you get accepted?

 

[shyfox9p]

I've taken Bio 111 (intro to cell and molecular bio) Bio 112 (Evolution, form and function) and Bio 202 (Physiology)

Did you ever take a diagnostic test for biology? I know Baron's has one. The classes you have taken are a good base, but you are laking something. I really wish you the best on your next attempt

 

[SEAHARP]

Can you let us know if you get accepted?

Yes of course.

 

[SEAHARP]

Diagnostic test? No i didn't.

 

[shyfox9p]

Diagnostic test? No i didn't. I think this next time i'm going to use Federalli's notes and just go back through the DAT Destroyer Bio questions.

Baron's AP exam has a diagnostic test. It tells you what your weakest areas are. It will save you some time.

 

[Sharon914]

Congratulations! I think the best way to study- to choose all sources from "Easy" to "Hard". It is better to be prepared.

 

[BobbyBeavis]

How long did you study?

 

[SEAHARP]

How long did you study?

I studied for about a month.

 

[SEAHARP]

Thanks for the info.

 

[customx]

I studied for about a month.

It's a decent first attempt and you now know what your biggest areas are for improvement.

I'd suggest using Chad's videos again to get your GC and OC scores in the 20s. You need to take detailed notes and do his quizzes a few times to get the most out of it.
You also said you felt like Destroyer was "over the top." I'm not alone in my belief, but if you can do Destroyer, it will make the problems on the DAT seem way easier and will also boost your scores. The difference between a 18 and 22 in any one science section comes down to just 3-4 questions. I think Feralis' notes, Destroyer and Chad's videos are enough to boost your score another 3-4 points if used properly. Best of luck

 

[JHekmati]

You can definitely see some major improvement with a few months of studying again. Considering you did pretty well on reading for not even practicing and your PAT was pretty solid too. Your math timing can improve by skipping the more tedious questions and blowing through the simple ones first. Your sciences can all be improved if you actually take your time and master the destroyer. It might be discouraging but "over the top" is whats going to get you where you need to be. good luck! I'm sure you'll see some major improvements. I hope my advice is helpful.

 

[GVattes]

Not bad for your first run. I'm also using the destroyer clif and crack the pat. I wish you luck on your next trial. I' still have 6 weeks until my d-day

 

[SEAHARP]

I really appreciate the advice.

 

[SEAHARP]

You can definitely see some major improvement with a few months of studying again. Considering you did pretty well on reading for not even practicing and your PAT was pretty solid too. Your math timing can improve by skipping the more tedious questions and blowing through the simple ones first. Your sciences can all be improved if you actually take your time and master the destroyer. It might be discouraging but "over the top" is whats going to get you where you need to be. good luck! I'm sure you'll see some major improvements. I hope my advice is helpful.

Thanks for the input.