DAT preparation

[csani]

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I am trying to decide how many summer courses (Physics and/or Biochemistry) I can take without jeopeordizing my DAT preparation. I intend to write the DAT in early September, took both Biology and Inorganic Chem quite a few years back, and therefore need a very thorough review for these two subjects. I have just finished Organic, and so will not need to prepare for this subject as intensely as for the other two science ones. Please let me know how many hours in total you spent on DAT preparation to score 20+ on the subjects. My estimate is about 50-60 hours for each subject -- roughly 300 hours of preparation for the entire exam. Thanks for your reply in advance. Cheers,
Cy

 

[pantera]

I would not recommend that you take any courses while studying for the DAT; I believe the DAT's require full attention. If you absolutely have to take a summer course, take the one you would not need to study too much for.
I scored above 20 on all sciences (21 overall). I took the Kaplan(may-june) which was a complete waste, except for the extra test questions that really help to practice. I studied by myself for about 8 hrs/day, alternating between subjects for about 1.5 months. So, 45 days x 8hrs/day = 360 hrs total - roughly because I might have spend more times if you count the time you need to take sample tests.
My one and only advice is practice practice practice as much as you can. It's not just how much you know, it's how fast you can answer the questions, how fast you can understand, how well you work under time constraints and so on. And practice with the computerized versions because you need to get used to the computer and how long it takes you using the computer. It can be very different from the paper test.
Best of luck to you
P.

 

[tinker bell]

Pantera is right on the money. From my own experience, I studied 15hrs/day for two months (June and July). Then, for 20days, I studied 20hrs/day (August) to bring my learning curve up by just practicing tests.
I studied very hard, no interuption, no internet connection, no phone call, email, etc for a 3 months period.

I used Princeton review for gchem, bio, ochem. Also used the big Kaplan book and kaplan library materials. (I took all my ochem, gchem, general bio courses in 1992). So, it was a ten years of retrieving. I basically had to use my old texts to review.

I also used the gre software to practice math and english.
And of course, the Topscore pro CD.

Practice, practice, and practice....is the only way to ace the DAT.
I kind of went overboard for my prep. But I'm very happy with my results.

The DAT deserves full attention. Don't even dream of doing anything else. I know lots of ppl who take it while taking their regular classes do not score well (and they are A students). You need at least one month of full concentration to score 21 and above. (I think 21 is the min. to get into good schools, and not having nervousness waiting for interview invites/acceptance)

 

[csani]

Pantera and Tinkerbell,
Thank you both very much for letting me know about your strategy in preparing for the DAT. I am sure that I will be thanking you for emphasizing the practice tests when I do take the test. Pantera, thanks for the tip on Kaplan's course work. I will be hitting the Kaplan library tests and the Scorepro material hard over the next few months. Cheers,
Cy
p.s. Tinkerbell, I am in awe of your ability to focus! way to go...