How soon is too soon to start?

[CleverThought]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Studying for the DAT that is. I won't be taking it until a little over a year from now, but I was browsing some practice material on the ADA website and I already feel overwhelmed. I took a foundations of biology and microbiology class and passed both with over 100% and I really understood the material. When looking at the biology stuff I remembered learning it, but some stuff I couldn't quite remember.

Should I start studying stuff now while its only 1-3 semesters old? I'm taking anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology this next year and I'm worried I'll forget the cellular level of things.

Plus I had organobiochemistry, but will be taking gen and organic chem. Should I study DAT material while I'm taking the class and continue to review as I approach the test? Or will preparing this far ahead of time hinder me?

 

[sacapuntas]

Studying for the DAT that is. I won't be taking it until a little over a year from now, but I was browsing some practice material on the ADA website and I already feel overwhelmed. I took a foundations of biology and microbiology class and passed both with over 100% and I really understood the material. When looking at the biology stuff I remembered learning it, but some stuff I couldn't quite remember.

Should I start studying stuff now while its only 1-3 semesters old? I'm taking anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology this next year and I'm worried I'll forget the cellular level of things.

Plus I had organobiochemistry, but will be taking gen and organic chem. Should I study DAT material while I'm taking the class and continue to review as I approach the test? Or will preparing this far ahead of time hinder me?

OK, without taking the DAT the following is my best guess based on talking to people that have taking it.

It is never too early to study QR, RC, and PAT. Doing a little at a time for a long period of time is likely the best way to score well.

Bio, gen chem, o-chem, you are better off waiting until >2 months out of the test so you don't forget anything. Basically, essentially cram this knowledge over a shorter period of time.

Again, only stating what I have learned from others.

Good luck!

 

[CleverThought]

OK, without taking the DAT the following is my best guess based on talking to people that have taking it.

It is never too early to study QR, RC, and PAT. Doing a little at a time for a long period of time is likely the best way to score well.

Bio, gen chem, o-chem, you are better off waiting until >2 months out of the test so you don't forget anything. Basically, essentially cram this knowledge over a shorter period of time.

Again, only stating what I have learned from others.

Good luck!

Thanks a lot!

Luckily, since I am a deferred admit I only have to get straight 17's, but I still would like the opportunity to apply to other schools, so I need to be competitive (family of Creighton alums, they're really pushing for it hehe)

Looks like I will start looking into some study material then 🙂

 

[Polk]

I don't think you should cram it. I would certainly start studying QR and PAT and prepare for RC by reading journal articles. Reading will also help with the classes you are taking.

I studied for several months before my exam. I practiced problems and took notes on concepts I was missing. Reading those notes every night before bed helped me remember them.

Practice problems, think about concepts. Just keep it all in your head and you wont have to cram. When it gets close you will be polishing rather than cramming.

Good luck.

 

[sacapuntas]

Thanks a lot!

Luckily, since I am a deferred admit I only have to get straight 17's, but I still would like the opportunity to apply to other schools, so I need to be competitive (family of Creighton alums, they're really pushing for it hehe)

Looks like I will start looking into some study material then 🙂

And for the record, I had a typo...I meant <2 months to study for the science portions! Good luck sir/madam!

 

[104]

OK, without taking the DAT the following is my best guess based on talking to people that have taking it.

It is never too early to study QR, RC, and PAT. Doing a little at a time for a long period of time is likely the best way to score well.

Bio, gen chem, o-chem, you are better off waiting until >2 months out of the test so you don't forget anything. Basically, essentially cram this knowledge over a shorter period of time.

Again, only stating what I have learned from others.

Good luck!

Excellent advice, I concur.

DONT BE TOO COCKY THO and end up like me 🙂