- Joined
- Apr 7, 2007
- Messages
- 15
- Reaction score
- 0
If you were to tell me my scores in June I would have been happy so thats one thing. I only took one practice test so the lack of time sure hurt my scores. I ran out of time in every section besides science, and didn't have time to review the chemistries.
Here is how I studied and opinion of the test:
June:: Casually read up on bio because that wasn't fresh in my mind. Looked over Kaplan materials to figure out what was on the test and what a PAT section is.
July: Really went over bio, using a bunch of resources from my textbook. Read through Kaplan. Took my practice test (Kaplan CD). I got the destroyer in late july and went through that throuoghly
August: Pretty much the same thing, did a bunch of problems. Went over destroyer chem a couple times. Took the two PAT sections off the CD.
As far as the materials, Kaplan is worthless besides a basic review however the note cards/Cd were helpful. Destroyer is good, but its piratcy charging $150 when everything else on the market is $50. I found that researching the answer choices from the Kaplan test worked just was well.
***Note: I also order topscore but due to a software problem and a bogus pin I was never able to unlock the program. Its really annoying how unhelpful they were in trying to fix the problem and I plan on getting a refund after this thread. Two thumbs down.***
PAT: 18:: Thought I did better then the score. I did run out of time and had to guess on the last couple pattern foldings. I only did the Kaplan PAT but I actually thought TFE and Keyholes were easier and foldings and angles were harder.
QR: 14:: Yeah I can do math really well, with a calculator. I didn't study for this or anything. It was pretty easy math though I thought I was doing alright. Last time I checked they don't have math classes in dental school. Who knows if this will come back and bite me but I'm pretty sure most schools don't use the "cut off" rule for QR.
RC: 19:: Really easy. I got distracted by the last passage and screwed up with time. Probably got every question I answered right. What I tried doing, mind you I didn't practice this, was to go through each question and write down key words then go back and read the passage. Then I would right down the answer as I read, saved me a bunch of time.
Bio: 23:: Damn something positive to finally say 98%tile, hah. I think understanding concepts in depth is the only way to really due well on this section. While you can get by with route memorization for some questions, others require a more intuitive understanding. I know for sure I got one physiology question wrong that came way out of left field.
GC: 19:: The section was hard, it bothered me that the calculations were all in the (X)(Y)(Z)/(A)(B) form. Its been a while since g.chem so I'm happy with the result.
OC: 19:: The only score I am bummed about. I can due synthesis problems back and worth but it didn't really help me here. Only a few reactions. Its embarrassing after doing a semesters worth of research last spring. Route memorization may work here.
Overall I ended up with a 19/20/18 so I'll take it. I'm not scared off by those that think you need 20's to get in. I hope someone can use this because I have gained a bunch of valuable information from this site. My advice is to use your textbooks as much as possible and a bunch of problems. Hope to see you at school!😀
.
Here is how I studied and opinion of the test:
June:: Casually read up on bio because that wasn't fresh in my mind. Looked over Kaplan materials to figure out what was on the test and what a PAT section is.
July: Really went over bio, using a bunch of resources from my textbook. Read through Kaplan. Took my practice test (Kaplan CD). I got the destroyer in late july and went through that throuoghly
August: Pretty much the same thing, did a bunch of problems. Went over destroyer chem a couple times. Took the two PAT sections off the CD.
As far as the materials, Kaplan is worthless besides a basic review however the note cards/Cd were helpful. Destroyer is good, but its piratcy charging $150 when everything else on the market is $50. I found that researching the answer choices from the Kaplan test worked just was well.
***Note: I also order topscore but due to a software problem and a bogus pin I was never able to unlock the program. Its really annoying how unhelpful they were in trying to fix the problem and I plan on getting a refund after this thread. Two thumbs down.***
PAT: 18:: Thought I did better then the score. I did run out of time and had to guess on the last couple pattern foldings. I only did the Kaplan PAT but I actually thought TFE and Keyholes were easier and foldings and angles were harder.
QR: 14:: Yeah I can do math really well, with a calculator. I didn't study for this or anything. It was pretty easy math though I thought I was doing alright. Last time I checked they don't have math classes in dental school. Who knows if this will come back and bite me but I'm pretty sure most schools don't use the "cut off" rule for QR.
RC: 19:: Really easy. I got distracted by the last passage and screwed up with time. Probably got every question I answered right. What I tried doing, mind you I didn't practice this, was to go through each question and write down key words then go back and read the passage. Then I would right down the answer as I read, saved me a bunch of time.
Bio: 23:: Damn something positive to finally say 98%tile, hah. I think understanding concepts in depth is the only way to really due well on this section. While you can get by with route memorization for some questions, others require a more intuitive understanding. I know for sure I got one physiology question wrong that came way out of left field.
GC: 19:: The section was hard, it bothered me that the calculations were all in the (X)(Y)(Z)/(A)(B) form. Its been a while since g.chem so I'm happy with the result.
OC: 19:: The only score I am bummed about. I can due synthesis problems back and worth but it didn't really help me here. Only a few reactions. Its embarrassing after doing a semesters worth of research last spring. Route memorization may work here.
Overall I ended up with a 19/20/18 so I'll take it. I'm not scared off by those that think you need 20's to get in. I hope someone can use this because I have gained a bunch of valuable information from this site. My advice is to use your textbooks as much as possible and a bunch of problems. Hope to see you at school!😀
.
