I think a lot of people who are self-motivated will do just fine with all those 3rd-party programs (cliffs, destroyer, crack, etc), and the Kaplan online stuff is a little less intense, but still more practice. Take it with a grain of salt though, I know the practice tests are a bit easier than the real thing (I also taught the DAT at kaplan). The online materials and online lectures are helpful if you want someone to explain a theory to you, and they have lots of problem sets and practice tests to take as well.
If someone has a hard time forcing themselves to sit down for 3 hours and study, the class can offer that structure to your study routine. Also, as someone else mentioned, meeting other local people also studying for the DAT can be great for getting a study group together for during and after the course. I met (and taught) several future classmates of mine, people I've stayed in touch with since the class and look forward to starting school with in a month.
Plus if you do well you can teach it for Kaplan and get paid $18/hr for part-time work. 😛
PS:
I hate reading when people say the Kaplan course is worthless, and they didn't learn anything or do well on their DAT. The problem with the mindset of some people is that they can go to a 3 hr class twice a week and do well on the DAT. The in-class section of the Kaplan course should be a small portion of your study routine, used to answer any questions you have, go over how to do specific problems, and refresh your mind. The majority of the work needs to be outside of class. There are homework assignments and readings to be done before every class, and it was the students who did not do these who struggled, then complained about how worthless the class was. Take the classes as a chance to ask the instructor (who did well on the DAT) questions. I loved answering questions to my students about my first failed attempt at getting into dental school, what to avoid and how to not repeat my mistakes. Also answered questions about the application process, the day of the test, and interview questions. Not all the questions need to be about the material, many of the instructors are current dental students, a wealth of knowledge for a pre-dent!
I think while taking the course it is a good idea to supplement with those other programs, no such thing as too much practice. With 6 hours of classes a week, you should be studying at least 20 hrs by yourself. Take it upon yourself that studying for the DAT is a job, not a hobby, something you're expected to do and to do well, and you'll be fine.
-Steve
