DAT Study Tips

[Dental407]

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Hello everyone,
I'm relatively new to SDN but I was hoping to get some advice about DAT preparation. After researching the forum, I have a few questions and hopefully some of you can help me.

Question 1: A lot of people recommend buying the Schum's Biology outline for the DAT but when I went to purchase one, there were several types of biology books. Should I get the general Bio. book or is there another one I should purchase?

Question 2: I know this question depends on personal preference, but I was just wondering what people think are the strengths and weaknesses to the Kaplan DAT 2007-2008 prep edition? I have not bought other prep material yet but I was thinking of investing in DAT Achiever, Topscore and Destroyer once I start mastering the material.

Question 3: Typically how long did you spend studying for the DAT? I know this question is biased because everyone is different, but I just want to start planning for when I think my target date will be to take the exam. Should I plan for 3, 4 or 5 months of studying? I'm a full-time student on a quarter system and I plan to apply in June 2007. I also work as well, but would spending 2-3 hours a day be reasonable for 3 months or am I def. underestimating the time I need to prepare for the exam?

Thanks in advance, any advice would be greatly appreciated! Oh and Happy Holidays to everyone! =)

 

[dentaldentist]

I didn't realize there were different biology books from Schaum's. I used the Schaum's outline of Biology and I think that is the one most people get. Schaum's also has books for Chemistry and Organic chemistry, but the biology one is probably the most useful.

I used an older edition of Kaplan, but I'm sure the kaplan dat book is the same or very similar to the older versions. Its a good book that lays down the basics for preparing for the DAT. I think it is very helpful for all sections, except for maybe the PAT section and you get several fairly good practitests out of it. The practice questions kaplan gives you for the PAT are very easy compared to the real test though. If you need more help with the PAT section, try Barron's DAT guide, but this book is really only useful for the PAT part.

I would go with your plan and start off with kaplan and schaum's outlines and then move onto Destroyer. I didn't use it but it sounds like everyone loves it so it can't hurt if you're willing to spend a little extra. I would personally recommend getting a copy of Topscore Pro once you have some good studying under your belt. I felt it gave the most accurate practice tests out of the study materials I used.

A good 3 months is enough time spending a couple of hours a day, but if you can spend 4 or 5 months preparing, thats even better. You may also want to do some more hardcore studying towards the end of your preparations. Good luck.