Focus/Concentration

[DDSABeach]

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How many of you are going through the same thing as me. And, how are you dealing with the focus/concentration of studing? I can read, and read and then do some problems and NOTHING! I spent 9 hrs studying and walked away with a headache and little retained. Took small breaks the whole nine yards. Any suggestions? DAT is in AUG and still making low teens on pre-test not good.

 

[DDSABeach]

I'm glad no one is having issues of being able to focus or concentrate on the DAT. My issue is just pure melt down! I believe all of us are putting in long hours and no soical life and it can wear on you after awhile. Taking a break from the "Blue Book." It's nice knowing there is human life out side the four walls. I think if students could find a good study buddy it would help enhance DAT scores and enhance a lesser social life enviroment. Good Luck

 

[Vapor1122]

One word for you: Adderall

 

[Bob Faraples]

As far as retaining information goes - think about the last time you took a math class or physics or something like that. Think about how easy those problems were when the professor was doing them up on the board, but how impossible they seemed when you got home or on the test. It is really easy to read over something and think that you have it down, but producing the material is something completely different. Make sure you are constantly quizzing yourself - read a section and then ask yourself - "Ok, what did I just read?" Think about the key terms and concepts of whatever you are studying and make sure you can repeat them. Think about the equations you have just gone over and make sure you can write them without *cheating.

As for difficultly concentration:
I don't think you're alone. I know people who are in your same boat who hit an easy question and start thinking - "Wow that was easy. Is this realistically easy? Is this going to give me false confidence? Am I setting myself up for a fall by taking this practice test with questions that might possibly be too easy? I know this answer, so does that mean that I should feel good about my knowledge or be bummed because the one thing I knew has already been asked?....." And then they catch themselves having wasted 5 minutes on their "easy" problem because they are freaking out.

Just be calm, constantly quiz yourself, and you will dominate by august for sure!

 

[skyisblue]

Hi DDA,

I'm working on a time-management system. Make a schedule for studying and stick to it.

 

[Sillygirl]

I worry about something else. Dont' know if anyone is in the same boat as me but it takes me a VERY long time to go over something. Once i'm done going over it, yah i understand it but it'll take me like 4-5 hrs to learn sn1 and sn2 reactions and like 3 hrs to fully understand how the kidney works. (i like to be thorough) At this rate i don't know if i'll be able to cover all the material by august! Should i just go less in depth even though my gpa is not so good and the dat is super important?? =)

 

[chrisvocker]

Beach, I can empathize with you on the study techniques. I too find it hard to study for hours on end. What has helped me the most is targeting my studies. When I started studying for the DAT there were quite a number of areas in bio and ochem that I was just clueless on (like developmental bio and endocrinology). I focused hard on my weak areas (while studying in short intervals) and took practice tests regularly to gauge my progression, which has greatly improved.

Also, I think a large part of retaining information is repeated exposure to the material. Most people will not retain the numerous and minor details that this test requires by reading something once or twice.

Finally, you may consider condensing your study materials. For example, I have studied from the 'bluebook', and while it is extremely helpful, I find some of the material unnecessarily long. Condensing the information makes it easier to re-study the material; it also creates an more interaction while studying since you are thinking and writing about what you are studying. This helps me focus, since I am more engaged in the task.

Good luck!

 

[BodybldgDoc]

When I was studying for my DAT, I went out every other day to hang out with my buddies and have a good time then come back and hit the books hard. That is probably the only thing that will keep you sane while studying for this test. Studying for this test requires focus and dedication but it doesnt mean you have to have a lack of social life? how you structure your life really depends on you.
No one can study for long hours, we arent machines. Persistence and Patience is key in my opinion when preparing for this test and not how many hours you can put in. A person can put in ten hours a day but if that person gets burnt out within a week what good does that do? Just remember rome wasnt built in a day therefore in essence building up your skills for the test wont be something that you can achieve overnight as well. You have to keep chipping away at it joining every puzzle piece till you finally solve the puzzle. If you dont get something right away you dont have to get frustrated, put it aside for a whille and go do something fun to clear your head and then come back and start working on it again.
Even with my somewhat intense study schedule I was able to get a 19/19/19 for my AA/TS/PAT so I'm sure you can do it as well. good luck to you

 

[DDSABeach]

One word for you: Adderall

I will keep this in mind if all else fails.

 

[DDSABeach]

As far as retaining information goes - think about the last time you took a math class or physics or something like that. Think about how easy those problems were when the professor was doing them up on the board, but how impossible they seemed when you got home or on the test. It is really easy to read over something and think that you have it down, but producing the material is something completely different. Make sure you are constantly quizzing yourself - read a section and then ask yourself - "Ok, what did I just read?" Think about the key terms and concepts of whatever you are studying and make sure you can repeat them. Think about the equations you have just gone over and make sure you can write them without *cheating.

As for difficultly concentration:
I don't think you're alone. I know people who are in your same boat who hit an easy question and start thinking - "Wow that was easy. Is this realistically easy? Is this going to give me false confidence? Am I setting myself up for a fall by taking this practice test with questions that might possibly be too easy? I know this answer, so does that mean that I should feel good about my knowledge or be bummed because the one thing I knew has already been asked?....." And then they catch themselves having wasted 5 minutes on their "easy" problem because they are freaking out.

Just be calm, constantly quiz yourself, and you will dominate by august for sure!

Thank you for your advise it has made me slow down and really focus on what I am reading instead of just looking at alot of LETTERS and NUMBERS. 😴

 

[DDSABeach]

Hi DDA,

I'm working on a time-management system. Make a schedule for studying and stick to it.

Yes, a time-management system is very important in dealing with the DAT and in life general. I have already setup a time-management schedule for myself as well now keeping it is another story. Thank you, hope UR doing well in your schedule.

 

[DDSABeach]

Beach, I can empathize with you on the study techniques. I too find it hard to study for hours on end. What has helped me the most is targeting my studies. When I started studying for the DAT there were quite a number of areas in bio and ochem that I was just clueless on (like developmental bio and endocrinology). I focused hard on my weak areas (while studying in short intervals) and took practice tests regularly to gauge my progression, which has greatly improved.

Also, I think a large part of retaining information is repeated exposure to the material. Most people will not retain the numerous and minor details that this test requires by reading something once or twice.

Finally, you may consider condensing your study materials. For example, I have studied from the 'bluebook', and while it is extremely helpful, I find some of the material unnecessarily long. Condensing the information makes it easier to re-study the material; it also creates an more interaction while studying since you are thinking and writing about what you are studying. This helps me focus, since I am more engaged in the task.

Good luck!

Thank you, for your advise and encouragement your right about the repeated exposure to the material. I have started going over my problems that I have worked and repeat them until I can get them all right with out looking at the answer for the formula (cheating) 😀 Also condensing the information is making it easier to re-study the material; going over the "Blue Book" now. I have started writing out as many questions as I can for myself for each section that has bold captions going paragraph to paragraph. Which is helping me stay focus on the subject.
🙂

 

[DDSABeach]

When I was studying for my DAT, I went out every other day to hang out with my buddies and have a good time then come back and hit the books hard. That is probably the only thing that will keep you sane while studying for this test. Studying for this test requires focus and dedication but it doesnt mean you have to have a lack of social life? how you structure your life really depends on you.
No one can study for long hours, we arent machines. Persistence and Patience is key in my opinion when preparing for this test and not how many hours you can put in. A person can put in ten hours a day but if that person gets burnt out within a week what good does that do? Just remember rome wasnt built in a day therefore in essence building up your skills for the test wont be something that you can achieve overnight as well. You have to keep chipping away at it joining every puzzle piece till you finally solve the puzzle. If you dont get something right away you dont have to get frustrated, put it aside for a whille and go do something fun to clear your head and then come back and start working on it again.
Even with my somewhat intense study schedule I was able to get a 19/19/19 for my AA/TS/PAT so I'm sure you can do it as well. good luck to you

Thank you, for your kind and thoughtful advise. You have a great point about who is in control about my social life (I am). It's not healthy if you don't get out with friends and socialize, being a hermet is no fun! So, I am now taking lunch, and dinner dates with girlfriends, no boyfriend :0( . Also, you mentioned about missing the piece of the puzzle. Well, I do think that has been a problem when I don't get a piece of the puzzle in the right place I get frustrated and upset mostly because I have wasted so much time and not achieved much in the time period of working. I tried what you have said, and just walk away for awhile and come back to it when my head is more clearer and it's working out great ... it does work! I hope to get scores like yours, good job! Cheers.

 

[DDSABeach]

I worry about something else. Dont' know if anyone is in the same boat as me but it takes me a VERY long time to go over something. Once i'm done going over it, yah i understand it but it'll take me like 4-5 hrs to learn sn1 and sn2 reactions and like 3 hrs to fully understand how the kidney works. (i like to be thorough) At this rate i don't know if i'll be able to cover all the material by august! Should i just go less in depth even though my gpa is not so good and the dat is super important?? =)

I think everyone has some very good advise in how to tackle the DAT. I would do whatever works for you and if your retaining and improving in your scores I would stick with it. But, I have been told the same thing take your time get the concepts down and your golden. Good Luck, Cheers.