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So I just took the DAT today. Maybe this will assuage some stress that people are having. My scores were not by any means extraordinary, but I am satisfied with them. Throughout my time studying for the DAT I would scroll through some SDN threads, some were more helpful than others. So here was my take.
Brief background: Nontraditional applicant. Enlisted in the Navy for 5 years after high school, did a Post-Bacc then took the DAT after about a year and one semester of course work. Still taking courses as we speak.
PAT: 24
Quantitive Reasoning: 19
Reading Comprehension: 18
Biology: 23
General Chem: 20
Organic Chem: 21
Total Science: 21
AA: 20
Break down: 10 weeks of studying split into 3 sections
Content Review: 3 weeks. I used Chads Videos which were extremely helpful. I took diligent notes (he actually has notes on a PDF so print those out and just write down every word he says). The biology section is a little incomplete so fill it in with Cliff Notes. I used the 3rd Edition. I honestly didn't go through the whole thing, I just looked up what topics were to be tested and used the book to clarify those subject and took the little quizzes at the end of each section
Study: 4 weeks. Actually learn the material, which is a different than reviewing. During this time I would use DAT Bootcamp and take a sectional test for each of the topics covered at the end of each week. Ari's DAT Bootcamp resource was invaluable. I struggled a lot with Quantitive reasoning ( I was only getting 15's for the first 8 exams, then the last two it must of come together a little bit because I was scoring 19-20 so don't get discouraged!) I also supplemented my practice exams with Orgoman DAT Destroyer which are way harder! But highlight which problems you're getting wrong so you can review them ( Combinations, Percents, Geometry that kind of thing). Also, do the PAT generators like every other day. I read this on Ari's study guide and found it really helpful. Take a one or two full PAT sections during the week as well. I went through all of Destroyers Orgo and General Chem sections and did about 400 problems of the biology section.
Practice: 2-3 weeks. At this point just take practice exams. Do the Orgoman Math sections a couple times a week timed if you're struggling like I was. I honestly didn't practice the reading, and to a fault since I was doing fairly well on the practice exams I continued to push this section aside. My DAT had a lot of tonal questions (40% I would say) which kind of screwed me because I was expecting more search and destroy methodology which I couldn't really do. After you take a full exam, with testing conditions, review the test and study those topics the next day. Repeat.
I only used three resources. DAT Bootcamp, DAT Destroyer and AP Bio Cliff Notes. If you're a student like me, have a solid GPA but struggle with sciences don't be discouraged! Just go through the motions, take breaks!! Watch basketball or some YouTube, workout! Whatever is relaxing for you. I studied for about 6-8 hours daily, took Sundays to do whatever I wanted. Just know you'll do well!!!
Good luck!!
Brief background: Nontraditional applicant. Enlisted in the Navy for 5 years after high school, did a Post-Bacc then took the DAT after about a year and one semester of course work. Still taking courses as we speak.
PAT: 24
Quantitive Reasoning: 19
Reading Comprehension: 18
Biology: 23
General Chem: 20
Organic Chem: 21
Total Science: 21
AA: 20
Break down: 10 weeks of studying split into 3 sections
Content Review: 3 weeks. I used Chads Videos which were extremely helpful. I took diligent notes (he actually has notes on a PDF so print those out and just write down every word he says). The biology section is a little incomplete so fill it in with Cliff Notes. I used the 3rd Edition. I honestly didn't go through the whole thing, I just looked up what topics were to be tested and used the book to clarify those subject and took the little quizzes at the end of each section
Study: 4 weeks. Actually learn the material, which is a different than reviewing. During this time I would use DAT Bootcamp and take a sectional test for each of the topics covered at the end of each week. Ari's DAT Bootcamp resource was invaluable. I struggled a lot with Quantitive reasoning ( I was only getting 15's for the first 8 exams, then the last two it must of come together a little bit because I was scoring 19-20 so don't get discouraged!) I also supplemented my practice exams with Orgoman DAT Destroyer which are way harder! But highlight which problems you're getting wrong so you can review them ( Combinations, Percents, Geometry that kind of thing). Also, do the PAT generators like every other day. I read this on Ari's study guide and found it really helpful. Take a one or two full PAT sections during the week as well. I went through all of Destroyers Orgo and General Chem sections and did about 400 problems of the biology section.
Practice: 2-3 weeks. At this point just take practice exams. Do the Orgoman Math sections a couple times a week timed if you're struggling like I was. I honestly didn't practice the reading, and to a fault since I was doing fairly well on the practice exams I continued to push this section aside. My DAT had a lot of tonal questions (40% I would say) which kind of screwed me because I was expecting more search and destroy methodology which I couldn't really do. After you take a full exam, with testing conditions, review the test and study those topics the next day. Repeat.
I only used three resources. DAT Bootcamp, DAT Destroyer and AP Bio Cliff Notes. If you're a student like me, have a solid GPA but struggle with sciences don't be discouraged! Just go through the motions, take breaks!! Watch basketball or some YouTube, workout! Whatever is relaxing for you. I studied for about 6-8 hours daily, took Sundays to do whatever I wanted. Just know you'll do well!!!
Good luck!!
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