DAT in January

[GoFrogs]

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Hey guys. Just wanted to get some feedback on my approach for studying for the DAT. I plan on taking the DAT in early January after New Years (I actually registered online today.) I have been studying off and on in the Kaplan book for the past 2-3 weeks (made it through 5-6 chapters in each section). I am VERY aware I am going to have to kick it in gear as my test is 2 months away. Some ideas/thoughts I have:

1. I took a practice DAT back in May and scored a 17 without any prep. However, I was still in school then. But this has given me confidence I can do well.

2. I actually took a MCAT class with Kaplan my Senior year when I thought I wanted to be a MD. I changed my mind after much consideration/observation, thus my current situation. Trust me... DAT is easier, especially RC, and much more straightforward.

3. Right now I work a full time job in a research lab. Does not provide the opportunity to study 5 hours a day like some. Sucks.

Here's my plan:
1. Get through the Kaplan book before Thanksgiving/End of November. Then review it until the test. (2-3 hrs/day)
2. Take 5 practice tests before January.
3. Supplemental materials--- this is where I need advice/help.

I was pretty sure about buying Destroyer so I could do practice problems without having to take a practice test everytime. This seems like a good idea, although after reading some posts I am unsure about whipping out my VISA. Thoughts?

Furthermore, I do well with flashcards. Has anyone made flashcards with material from the Kaplan book? Just an idea I had. (Also has anyone bought/used DAT flashcard secrets? Have not seen any posts regarding their material.)

In the end I know to each his own. There is no magic bullet. I was skeptical about posting here because I this is an individual journey and I do not want to become overwhelmed/anxious about the test. I think often that is the underlying problem with many low scores. (I know from experience- MCAT.) But I figured what the hell? I would especially like to hear back from people who have taken the test after graduation while working. Thanks guys!

 

[tinman831]

Just wanted to welcome another fellow Texan to the forums. 👍

 

[juiciness]

I don't know about that DAT flashcard secret thing but I made my own set of destroyer bio flashcards using http://www.flashcardexchange.com/

 

[MrLebowski]

I primarily used the Kaplan book and a couple old Kaplan subject books that used to be given to all students in the classroom course. These were verbatim to the blue book but had practice problems at the end of the chapters.

I found Kaplan's books to be a good source for review, assuming you still remember key concepts from taking the actual science classes. I didn't study any longer than you are planning to (couple hours a day), and had about the same kinds of diagnostic scores, so if you keep to it and do a lot of practice tests/problems, you should be in good shape.

I would also say that Destroyer is pretty well subliminally marketed in these forums, and that a lot of the testimonies are pretty obviously not genuine. While it might help a little, I'm convinced it is not the magic bullet it's made out to be.

 

[toothgirl86]

I would advise you to not use the Kaplan DAT book as your primary source for studying for the DAT. They have a lot of good information, but in my opinion, it's just not detailed enough. For the biology section, the MCAT bio section REALLY helped me out so read that if you have time. I would definitely get Destroyer and DAT Achiever... since you have 2 months left to study, you should probably go over Destroyer 2-3 times. They're expensive, but definitely worth the money!
That's all I can think of... Good luck!!! 👍

 

[rose786]

I don't know about that DAT flashcard secret thing but I made my own set of destroyer bio flashcards using http://www.flashcardexchange.com/

I use this site as well. There are some cards just for the DAT and MCAT.

 

[GoFrogs]

Thanks for the link to the flashcard exchange site. I think it will be a great resource. Encouragement also appreciated. I also feel a few hours a day for 2 months is sufficient.

I knew this was going to happen when I posted. Two responses- one pro destroyer, one against. HAHA Basically all I want to know is if Destroyer is an accurate representation of questions you will see on the DAT? If they are impossibly hard I'm not sure it's worth the time/money.

 

[rose786]

It's not really an accurate representation of DAT questions. However, this is a good thing! Easy sources can lull you into a false sense of security. The destroyer questions are challenging, which is why I think so many people like it.