Help! How should I study for this test??

[skyisblue]

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I think I am pretty weak in almost every part of the DAT. I don't how to study for this test and do well. The Kaplan Book seems too general and is difficult to understand sometimes. Not sure what to do anymore.

 

[CyborgNinjaX]

I think I am pretty weak in almost every part of the DAT. I don't how to study for this test and do well. The Kaplan Book seems too general and is difficult to understand sometimes. Not sure what to do anymore.

I must say that the weight of the whole world is on my shoulders right now and its not getting any easier. I have to review all the sections in Chem and Orgo (I have done those respective sections, a bit roughly might I add), then I have Biology to go over. What can I say? I'm in the same boat as you...

The best advice that I can probably give is that take a practice test... I think it will measure how much you actually know.

 

[djeffreyt]

Here's a possible solution:

1) Take a practice test (Kaplan, DAT Achiever, Topscore, or the sample from the ADA)

2) Use practice test to gauge what areas you are weak on.

3) Look through Kaplan book and figure out how much time you will take to read and review each part of it, keeping in mind you should spend more time on areas you scored poorly on in the practice. Read and review the entire Kaplan book. It may be general, but you can't learn details until you first understand the generalities.

4) spend a month or two just reading and reviewing Kaplan book and occassionally do some practice problems and questions.

5) Take another practice test and use the questions to again figure out areas of weakness. Then, go to your textbooks and read in more detail or review more those areas you seem to either lack knowledge in or can't remember.

6) Repeat Step 5 until you feel more confident about your scores and the retention of knowledge.

7) adapt any step above to fit YOUR specific learning needs. You must figure out how you learn and how you study best cause the DAT isn't the last test of this kind you'll have to take...so it's time to figure it out.

 

[151AND8TH]

Here's a possible solution:

1) Take a practice test (Kaplan, DAT Achiever, Topscore, or the sample from the ADA)

2) Use practice test to gauge what areas you are weak on.

3) Look through Kaplan book and figure out how much time you will take to read and review each part of it, keeping in mind you should spend more time on areas you scored poorly on in the practice. Read and review the entire Kaplan book. It may be general, but you can't learn details until you first understand the generalities.

4) spend a month or two just reading and reviewing Kaplan book and occassionally do some practice problems and questions.

5) Take another practice test and use the questions to again figure out areas of weakness. Then, go to your textbooks and read in more detail or review more those areas you seem to either lack knowledge in or can't remember.

6) Repeat Step 5 until you feel more confident about your scores and the retention of knowledge.

7) adapt any step above to fit YOUR specific learning needs. You must figure out how you learn and how you study best cause the DAT isn't the last test of this kind you'll have to take...so it's time to figure it out.

Great 7 step method.. I am going to use that!!.. the only thing im just afraid that if someone take the test too early and realize how weak their DAT knowledge are, they might just be discourage and give up!🙄

 

[quikag1]

Hey, don't sweat I am sure you will be fine, when I first began to study it seemed overwhelming for me as well. Just relax and don't focus too much on how much material there is and take it one section at a time. I presently am using Kaplan and the Destroyer and I find them very helpful.
Good Luck

 

[Buttscratcher]

Okay...dumb question...but when you take the first practice test..should we time that too? Or just try to get through answering all the questions?

 

[KingChris]

Hey guys,
I don't usually post on this forum, but I just happen to read this thread and have some words of wisdom to share: The actual DAT is significantly easier than Kaplan, DAT Achiever, and Topscore. I'm telling you this because I used all 3 resources and didn't do very well on them (got mostly 18's and 19's), but scored a 23 on the actual test with time to spare. I took it this summer after spending about 6 weeks studying 8 hrs a day on average. Let me know if you have any specific questions. Goodluck!!

 

[Law0830]

My best advice for you is to first study the basics if u feel you truly dont remember a lot go through your old textbooks. Make sure to use the Schaums text its really good. Then go on to doing problems from Destroyer, Topscore Achiever Kaplan anythin you can get a hold of and you should be well verse on the subjects. Good Luck!

 

[siba]

Hi guys! I got a question: I am a 2nd-year pre-dent and will be finishing with ochem, gchem, and bio by the end of this school year. I heard taking DAT right after taking all the relevant classes is a plus. (As you mentioned, trying to remember everything you learned a long time ago can be painful.) So, I want to take DAT this summer in August. The problem is, I won't be applying untill 09' or 10' cycle (depending on how I do on everything else). However, do you think it is too early to take DAT now because I'm going to apply in maybe two years? Will it be helpful to DAT after taking upper div. bio classes? If I do change my mind and take DAT in my junior year after applying, when is the best to submit my score before it's too late to be considered as the 1st round applicant?

 

[busupshot83]

I think I am pretty weak in almost every part of the DAT. I don't how to study for this test and do well. The Kaplan Book seems too general and is difficult to understand sometimes. Not sure what to do anymore.

Ok, don't panic... you're definitely not alone. Many people, including myself, feel really rusty with the DAT's material. In my opinion, discipline and hard work will get you where you need to be. The first step is starting to study, which can be easier said than done.

You mentioned that you have the Kaplan DAT book. I'm assuming that it is the Blue Book; the one from local retailers, not the class. If you are at the point where you basically need to re-learn the material, I would go through the Blue Blook page-by-page, and translate the information into your own words. If you do not understand Kaplan's explanations on a specific topic, use SDN, online sources, or your biology/chemistry/organic textbooks as supplements. Depending on how many pages you do per day, this can take any where from a couple of weeks to a month. While this is a time consuming process, I think that it is worth it because you will be passively studying by doing so.

Afterwards, study your notes religously. When you know your notes cold, take a practice DAT. Some common companies which create practice DATs are DAT Achiever, TopScore, and Kaplan (Google these for more info). This will allow you to measure how well your personalized Kaplan notes are, and what you need to work on.

At this point, you have two options: you can purchase many different practice DATs, and do those over and over, or you can purchase the DAT Destroyer (again, Google it), which is basically a bunch of questions and explanations. Either way, you MUST continue reviewing your personalized notes, or you will forget information.

You may be wondering, "Can I get straight 20s utilizing this study method?" I plan to take the DAT in May 2007, so I cannot comment on that. However, my advice is based off of how I have always studied for past exams, which I tend to perform well on. Although it may be difficult to do so due to its importance, try and treat the DAT as you would any other exam. I would not stray from the study methods which have worked for you in the past. Hope that helps.

-Bus

 

[skyisblue]

Hi guys! I got a question: I am a 2nd-year pre-dent and will be finishing with ochem, gchem, and bio by the end of this school year. I heard taking DAT right after taking all the relevant classes is a plus. (As you mentioned, trying to remember everything you learned a long time ago can be painful.) So, I want to take DAT this summer in August. The problem is, I won't be applying untill 09' or 10' cycle (depending on how I do on everything else). However, do you think it is too early to take DAT now because I'm going to apply in maybe two years? Will it be helpful to DAT after taking upper div. bio classes? If I do change my mind and take DAT in my junior year after applying, when is the best to submit my score before it's too late to be considered as the 1st round applicant?

I say take the test while the information is still fresh in your head. Right now I'm facing relearning a lot of the material. Or you can review the material up until your junior year.

 

[Drill2Fill]

Would studying for 4-5 hours per day, for 3 months be enough? Should I study more than one section per day? ex. G.Chem on Monday, Bio on Tues, etc., etc.

 

[rals]

Would studying for 4-5 hours per day, for 3 months be enough? Should I study more than one section per day? ex. G.Chem on Monday, Bio on Tues, etc., etc.

that sounds reasonable except I would study one section thoroughly and then move on to the next. start with the most challenging stuff. good luck.

 

[skyisblue]

My problem is I'm learning this stuff too slowly so I end up forgetting what I've learned prior to any new material. I find myself constantly reviewing, not having enough time to learn new stuff. Not sure what to do....

 

[slashnroses19]

this week i was planning on getting a big poster board and writing all the ochem reactions on it in marker. then putting it over my tv so i learn some random reactions if i'm watching tv. just an idea.

 

[busupshot83]

this week i was planning on getting a big poster board and writing all the ochem reactions on it in marker. then putting it over my tv so i learn some random reactions if i'm watching tv. just an idea.

I don't get to watch t.v. often, but when I do, the last thing I would want to see is MORE orgo!

 

[The Don]

hey i havent posted in a while, but i saw your thread. i just took the DAT in october, and basically used DAT Destroyer to learn the stuff. it really has the most detailed, well explained information, and i found that it best prepares you for anything they can throw at you on the DAT. I also used Kaplan tests as a way to get an idea of where I was standing in terms of timing, and actual test taking skills. I just got accepted to Penn and Tufts, and I honestly think the Destroyer was the most leathal weapon in my arsonal when I walked into the DAT. Work hard, and be confident...youll do great!!!