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- Pre-Dental
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I checked this discussion forum on a pretty regular basis toward the end of my DAT studying, so wanted to "give back" a little by posting my scores. I studied for about 2 months while working about 25 hours per week (and volunteering another 5-10), so I certainly didn't have the luxury of studying full time, but I dedicated all of my days off to DAT prep.
I used mostly Kaplan's book and flashcards (which I got from a friend who took the course). I also used my General Biology, Organic Chemistry, Genetics, and Cell Biology notes/texts to clarify certain subjects. Khan Academy was also a big help, though I sometimes found the videos to be VERY long-winded.
I took four practice tests - three from Kaplan, and the 2007 ADEA sample - and did better (overall) on Test Day than I did on any of my practice tests! Woo hoo!
Without further adieu, here are my scores:
PAT - 21 (87.9%)
QR - 18 (84.7%)
RC - 23 (89.8%)
Biology - 20 (88.0%)
Gen. Chemistry - 18 (62.2%)
Organic Chemistry - 21 (85.7%)
TS - 19 (75.0%)
AA - 20 (87.6%)
I was hoping to do better on QR, since all of my practice tests had been higher, but there were a good number of advanced geometry questions that I had not prepared adequately for, and they caused me to run out of time. I also was disappointed by my General Chemistry score. I tend to think of this as my favorite subject, but I just wasn't able to "click" into the problem solving that my version of the test required, I guess.
Though I know the scores aren't totally stellar, I am looking at schools with AA averages between 19 and 20, so I feel confident... and am definitely happy to have it over! (I don't think that retaking it would improve my scores much, if at all.) I graduated undergrad in May 2011, and hope to apply to dental school this summer. I have an overall GPA of 3.67 and a science GPA of 3.56. I have lots of extracurricular/leadership involvement, and will have over 100 hours of shadowing/clinical experience by the time I apply. I know that my application will have to be strong, but I'm continuing to work hard and stay optimistic.
If you have any feedback for me, or questions about how I studied, etc. please feel free to respond!
I used mostly Kaplan's book and flashcards (which I got from a friend who took the course). I also used my General Biology, Organic Chemistry, Genetics, and Cell Biology notes/texts to clarify certain subjects. Khan Academy was also a big help, though I sometimes found the videos to be VERY long-winded.
I took four practice tests - three from Kaplan, and the 2007 ADEA sample - and did better (overall) on Test Day than I did on any of my practice tests! Woo hoo!
Without further adieu, here are my scores:
PAT - 21 (87.9%)
QR - 18 (84.7%)
RC - 23 (89.8%)
Biology - 20 (88.0%)
Gen. Chemistry - 18 (62.2%)
Organic Chemistry - 21 (85.7%)
TS - 19 (75.0%)
AA - 20 (87.6%)
I was hoping to do better on QR, since all of my practice tests had been higher, but there were a good number of advanced geometry questions that I had not prepared adequately for, and they caused me to run out of time. I also was disappointed by my General Chemistry score. I tend to think of this as my favorite subject, but I just wasn't able to "click" into the problem solving that my version of the test required, I guess.
Though I know the scores aren't totally stellar, I am looking at schools with AA averages between 19 and 20, so I feel confident... and am definitely happy to have it over! (I don't think that retaking it would improve my scores much, if at all.) I graduated undergrad in May 2011, and hope to apply to dental school this summer. I have an overall GPA of 3.67 and a science GPA of 3.56. I have lots of extracurricular/leadership involvement, and will have over 100 hours of shadowing/clinical experience by the time I apply. I know that my application will have to be strong, but I'm continuing to work hard and stay optimistic.
If you have any feedback for me, or questions about how I studied, etc. please feel free to respond!
