Frustrating Kaplan Test Scores...

[ikecarus]

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I'm kind of in a bind here... I have 6 days until my DAT and I've been consistently getting an AA of 19 every single time on Kaplan's online full length tests. I am saving Kaplan's Final and the 2007 and 2009 ADA tests for the next couple of days. I guess... my questions are:

1. What can I do to improve my AA/what's the most effective way to study ochem?
2. How indicative are Kaplan's tests?

Kaplan Test #1
PAT: 20
Bio: 16
Gen Chem: 19
Ochem: 15
RC: 20
QR: 23
TS: 17
AA: 19

Kaplan Test #2
PAT: 20
Bio: 17
Gen Chem: 19
Ochem: 15
RC: 21
QR: 24
TS: 17
AA: 19

Kaplan Test #3
PAT: 19
Bio: 18
Gen Chem: 17
Ochem: 14
RC: 21
QR: 24
TS: 17
AA: 19

Any input would be appreciated!

(additional notes: I have DAT destroyer and have done it once... but I was never really good at ochem)

 

[dent4]

I took my DAT today and was worried about the same thing along with my RC scores, but thats besides the point. What worked best for me was that I went through destroyer 3x for OC, made flashcards for the reactions that weren't sticking. DO NOT just memorize the reaction, understand what is occuring. I also bought qvault package which I highly recommend. I feel that destroyer is an overkill on OC but it shows you all types of reactions you could ever see. Qvault is the best representation for OC because they don't have any crazy reactions just the basic Sn1, Sn2, E1, E2. I though the OC section today was very basic and simple, I must've just made some careless mistakes to get a 22 bc I personally thought it was one of the easiest sections.

Go through destroyer and make notecards for the ones that don't stick (DON'T MEMORIZE)
If you're willing to drop more money I would recommend OC qvault, best representation in my mind.

 

[hasanein4u]

CHAD!!!! That's all I can say

 

[ikecarus]

dent4: Solid advice, thank you! I've already made flashcards for all the questions I missed/didn't understand on the ochem part of Destroyer, so I think I really just need to go through that entire section again while reviewing my notecards. I don't know if I have enough time for QVault/take advantage of their 10 tests... but I do have a free section of ochem to take, so I'll give that a try. 🙂 Just saw your break down, amazing job! I'm aiming for a 20/21AA.

hasanein4u: I considered Chad in the beginning, but I don't think I learn well from sitting and watching videos. 🙁 Thank you though!

 

[dent4]

dent4: Solid advice, thank you! I've already made flashcards for all the questions I missed/didn't understand on the ochem part of Destroyer, so I think I really just need to go through that entire section again while reviewing my notecards. I don't know if I have enough time for QVault/take advantage of their 10 tests... but I do have a free section of ochem to take, so I'll give that a try. 🙂 Just saw your break down, amazing job! I'm aiming for a 20/21AA.

Ill have a full breakdown tomorrow about each section in depth, just want to relax a bit today. I only bought the BIO qvault package at first, but after I seen my poor performance of the 2009 ADA GC and OC (GC-16?, OC-15?) I know I needed to touch more on the basics instead of destroyers crazy ass reactions. If money isn't an issue I HIGHLY recommend you get qvualt. I bought the whole package probably 5 days before my test and did about 3-4 benchmark tests a day before my test. It's safe to say these benchmark tests saved me on the conceptual based stuff of the DAT, especially if you haven't watched Chads. I know when I bought the package it was only ~$70, so if you can afford it I would give it a try. Best of luck and don't let your practice tests let you down! They're meant to be harder to prepare you for something thats easier.