N
nwdmd
AA 20 TS 21
I've been enjoying the weekend after taking the big test on Friday!
I've been snooping around these forums for awhile, wanted to share my experience.
Please post test-related questions here rather than messaging.
Rough study plan:
I started with the Kaplan online program. It probably wasn't necessary, but it was definitely nice to keep me on schedule early in the study process. I moved on to Destroyer during spring break (3 weeks ago), it was great at finding holes in my understanding. I reviewed/enhanced my notes and took achiever/topscore tests during the last 2 weeks. Scores were generally ~19 in the sciences, ~18 QR, 21+, 22+ RC. I can look up the specific scores if requested.
A few things that I found helpful:
Stay healthy: About 10 days before my test I hit a wall, I felt like a space cadet, and did poorly on a practice test. What helped me regain my composure was exercising, eating more regularly, and relaxing with my friends. Don't forget that humans are social/active creatures.
Pick a test date early and put together a schedule: It really helped to have a date scheduled. It allowed me to set rough goals for each week.
Practice like you play: I'd take the practice tests at the same time, in real test situations. I went to the library and sat next to people who were typing (during the DAT, the girl next to me sounded like she was trying to break the keyboard), used only a 15 minute break, etc. I think it helped me keep my composure during test day.
Materials:
Bio: Cliff's AP, Kaplan, Destroyer, Wikipedia
Gchem: Kaplan, Destroyer
Ochem: Kaplan, Destroyer
Complete scores:
AA 20
TS 21
Bio 20
Gchem 25
Ochem 20
PAT 20
RC 20
QR 14 (!!!)
QR concerns:
I'm very worried about my low QR, I've been researching these forums and pre-dents... and the ADEA guide. I was hoping to get additional advice.
Is it possible to explain a low QR score to schools? I had been scoring 18+ on practice tests and wasn't too worried about this section. Even though I lost track of time and had to blindly guess on 5 questions, I did not feel this section was overly difficult. The 14 was definitely a shocker.
Posts regarding strict cutoffs are inconsistent, and pre-dents has a few examples of exceptions. (i.e. "sailfish024")..
I've called a few schools and each has said that QR is generally the least "critical" section, but still suggested a retake if I was hoping to get first round interviews.
It seems that when in doubt, admissions advisers will probably suggest a retake. But if a 14 QR was the only red flag in a complete application... Would they really not consider me competitive until I retook?
I'm prepared to retake if necessary. However, I can't retake until mid-July. I'd REALLY like to avoid changing my summer plans (which was my initial reason for taking the DAT "early").
Other info:
I received A's in calc 1 and 2.
GPA: ~3.75
Meaningful ECs
Planning to submit my complete app. right around May 15.
Thanks for any advice! This forum has been an incredible resource!
I've been enjoying the weekend after taking the big test on Friday!
I've been snooping around these forums for awhile, wanted to share my experience.
Please post test-related questions here rather than messaging.
Rough study plan:
I started with the Kaplan online program. It probably wasn't necessary, but it was definitely nice to keep me on schedule early in the study process. I moved on to Destroyer during spring break (3 weeks ago), it was great at finding holes in my understanding. I reviewed/enhanced my notes and took achiever/topscore tests during the last 2 weeks. Scores were generally ~19 in the sciences, ~18 QR, 21+, 22+ RC. I can look up the specific scores if requested.
A few things that I found helpful:
Stay healthy: About 10 days before my test I hit a wall, I felt like a space cadet, and did poorly on a practice test. What helped me regain my composure was exercising, eating more regularly, and relaxing with my friends. Don't forget that humans are social/active creatures.
Pick a test date early and put together a schedule: It really helped to have a date scheduled. It allowed me to set rough goals for each week.
Practice like you play: I'd take the practice tests at the same time, in real test situations. I went to the library and sat next to people who were typing (during the DAT, the girl next to me sounded like she was trying to break the keyboard), used only a 15 minute break, etc. I think it helped me keep my composure during test day.
Materials:
Bio: Cliff's AP, Kaplan, Destroyer, Wikipedia
Gchem: Kaplan, Destroyer
Ochem: Kaplan, Destroyer
Complete scores:
AA 20
TS 21
Bio 20
Gchem 25
Ochem 20
PAT 20
RC 20
QR 14 (!!!)
QR concerns:
I'm very worried about my low QR, I've been researching these forums and pre-dents... and the ADEA guide. I was hoping to get additional advice.
Is it possible to explain a low QR score to schools? I had been scoring 18+ on practice tests and wasn't too worried about this section. Even though I lost track of time and had to blindly guess on 5 questions, I did not feel this section was overly difficult. The 14 was definitely a shocker.
Posts regarding strict cutoffs are inconsistent, and pre-dents has a few examples of exceptions. (i.e. "sailfish024")..
I've called a few schools and each has said that QR is generally the least "critical" section, but still suggested a retake if I was hoping to get first round interviews.
It seems that when in doubt, admissions advisers will probably suggest a retake. But if a 14 QR was the only red flag in a complete application... Would they really not consider me competitive until I retook?
I'm prepared to retake if necessary. However, I can't retake until mid-July. I'd REALLY like to avoid changing my summer plans (which was my initial reason for taking the DAT "early").
Other info:
I received A's in calc 1 and 2.
GPA: ~3.75
Meaningful ECs
Planning to submit my complete app. right around May 15.
Thanks for any advice! This forum has been an incredible resource!
