DAT sophomore summer?

[louuwilll]

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Hi guys,
So I am planning on taking the DAT sophomore summer after reading a bunch of these posts. However, after my sophomore year the only science courses I would have taken would be gen chem I & II, gen bio I & II, and ochem I & II. I heard taking classes like physiology, genetics, and microbiology could make a difference. Should I wait to take it junior summer after taking these additional courses or still take it sophomore summer and just try to learn using DAT prep material?

 

[virtualmaster999]

I would take it summer before junior year, that way the following summer, you just focus on your app. I think it would be a lot less stressful. I think that's what a lot of people to tbh. I mean, those classes you listed can only help! But you can definitely do well without them. You can do well with the resources out on the market right now!

 

[Mushibachan]

Hi guys,
So I am planning on taking the DAT sophomore summer after reading a bunch of these posts. However, after my sophomore year the only science courses I would have taken would be gen chem I & II, gen bio I & II, and ochem I & II. I heard taking classes like physiology, genetics, and microbiology could make a difference. Should I wait to take it junior summer after taking these additional courses or still take it sophomore summer and just try to learn using DAT prep material?

it depends on how strong your science background is, especially for biology since its so broad and "random." for example, I took a course in evolutionary medicine my senior year which basically helped prepare me the best for the DAT. good luck!

 

[SenoritaKorea]

I personally think you can do well as long as you've had your chemistry series. If you ace general biology, I think that covers the bulk of the DAT bio. I took cell biology, physiology, genetics, ecology, developmental, evolution etc. as independent classes; but that was 6-7 years ago. Obviously I didn't retain much. Long story short: you can totally teach yourself the bio if you're strong in bio. If you're more of a problem solver than a memorizer, I might wait.

 

[daniho]

I think it's a good idea to take it summer before junior year (which is what I'm doing right now) because it allows you to focus solely on applications next summer, like @virtualmaster999 said. But be prepared to put in extra time to learn all the new material you may not have already learned in your class. For example, I haven't taken anatomy and I really wish I had because I spent so much time trying to learn all the systems (endocrine, skeletal, integument, digestive..) on my own, which was really frustrating and disheartening at first. It's definitely do-able though! Just don't get discouraged if you have never seen some of the topics covered in the review material.

 

[cryssania]

Hey! So I just took the DAT about 2 weeks ago. I took it this summer, right after my second year before my third year of undergrad. Up until this point, I have not taken physiology, anatomy, or any upper division classes besides neurobio (which isn't too important in terms of DAT content). I have taken molecular bio, biochem, and genetics but these were the lower division courses. So basically I had to learn a little less than half of the DAT bio content (like all the physio stuff and more). From experience, learning the stuff by myself wasn't too bad, but if I had taken the classes already, I would simply be reviewing and would probably have more time to review for other stuff. In the end, I think it just depends on whether or not you feel like you could self-study or not. But it also depends on how many years of undergrad you are planning, because I'm going 3 years so if I didn't want a gap year I would have to apply this year (and I already did so...praying lol). If it's the normal 4 years, I would do as the others have suggested. :') But if you choose otherwise, it's completely doable but it just requires a bit more effort in studying/reviewing for the DAT. Good luck! ^-^

 

[The Dentanator]

I would also recommend what virtual master has said too. It would be best to take it now because I am going into my senior year and having to do the application and the DAT was a little more stressful than I thought. If you ace it sophomore summer, it makes it that much easier on you when you need to do the app because you can knock it out early and get it to all the schools first to increase your chances of getting in. You can learn most of the other bio stuff though the Kaplan Books, DAT destroyer and other materials, and it shouldn't be too bad. But having completed orgo and gen chem goes a much longer way. As long as you have completed those thus far you should be in a good spot to take it your sophomore summer.

 

[Scarlet Knight]

Just to echo what @The Dentanator @daniho and @virtualmaster999 have said, take it before junior year. The material that you can pick up in a classroom is available through study tools and resources that it will provide you with the depth of knowledge that you need for the test's purposes. I am going into my senior year and had to take a few days break in studying to work on my applications and personal statement, and it's made it much more stressful in terms of getting everything done in time and being considered an early applicant. Many of my friends took it before their Junior year, applied before their senior year, got early interviews, and coasted after they sent in their applications, so it really is to your benefit. Plus, if you don't get the score you really want, I know it's not advised to think of this as a test you'll take more than once, but it will give you that safety net to take it again the next summer. Best of luck!