How To Break 19+?

[Double Bonded]

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I've taken 4 practice exams since last month, all Kaplan, and I'm mostly getting 18's on Gchem, 18's and 19's on Orgo, and 16-18 on Bio (which I don't really know how to feel about because just I started destroyer last week and I haven't even prepared for Bio).

My PAT has been a 19 for the past 3 tries and QR and RC have been 16's the first 2 times and 17's the second two times.
(I'm actually really concerned about the fact that a 17 RC is in the 27th percentile)

Studying bio and finishing Destroyer + Destroyer Math will most likeley help raise my scores. But after studying, reading all the review books, and doing practice problems in things like destroyer...what else can I do besides buying CDP, topscore, and Achiever, to raise myself higher?

For people who've already taken the DAT, did you guys study before you took all of your practice exams or did you take the practice exams while you were preparing for each section?

 

[AwesomeTeeth]

I've taken 4 practice exams since last month, all Kaplan, and I'm mostly getting 18's on Gchem, 18's and 19's on Orgo, and 16-18 on Bio (which I don't really know how to feel about because just I started destroyer last week and I haven't even prepared for Bio).

My PAT has been a 19 for the past 3 tries and QR and RC have been 16's the first 2 times and 17's the second two times.
(I'm actually really concerned about the fact that a 17 RC is in the 27th percentile)

Studying bio and finishing Destroyer + Destroyer Math will most likeley help raise my scores. But after studying, reading all the review books, and doing practice problems in things like destroyer...what else can I do besides buying CDP, topscore, and Achiever, to raise myself higher?

For people who've already taken the DAT, did you guys study before you took all of your practice exams or did you take the practice exams while you were preparing for each section?

Study first for a couple weeks. Then take the exams toward the end about 2 weeks before the actual test. Then review based on what you miss.

How seriously are you taking studying?

 

[sacapuntas]

19 is above average. Maybe you are not as far above average as you think? Nahhh, you must have a 21 in you right?


Sorry if i am a dick, but I think it is strange to assume you will out-perform your ability.

 

[AwesomeTeeth]

19 is above average. Maybe you are not as far above average as you think? Nahhh, you must have a 21 in you right?


Sorry if i am a dick, but I think it is strange to assume you will out-perform your ability.

Seriously, what the hell is wrong with you? Lay off the wine dude. Anyone can make a 20+ if they set their mind to it. Your ability is limitless.

 

[Double Bonded]

Study first for a couple weeks. Then take the exams toward the end about 2 weeks before the actual test. Then review based on what you miss.

Thanks for the response. I'll probably do this with CDP, topscore, and achiever. But what happens in the scenario where I get really low scores on topscore and achiever and I have a week to go until my exam?

How seriously are you taking studying?

I'm not studying extremely seriously. I've got classes (including Biochem) and work on weekdays and weekends and I'll have finals and reports due within the next 3 weeks so April and the first week of May will be packed.

My exam is about 2 months from now but because my Kaplan quizzes and tests are going to expire, I'm trying to use them all up. 😀

19 is above average. Maybe you are not as far above average as you think? Nahhh, you must have a 21 in you right?


Sorry if i am a dick, but I think it is strange to assume you will out-perform your ability.

No offense taken. I haven't even cracked a 19 on any other section than the PAT and OC but I don't think I'm taking the test at my full ability yet.

After I actually study bio and utilize resources like destroyer, I think that my score can be raised relative to now. I was just curious how to raise your scores after you've done serious preparation and the only new resources you can use are CDP, topscore, and achiever.

 

[sacapuntas]

Seriously, what the hell is wrong with you? Lay off the wine dude. Anyone can make a 20+ if they set their mind to it. Your ability is limitless.

Haha keep drinking your new-age juice....your ability is limitless....haha I know my ability is limited! If it turns out I can only make a 19 on all practice tests I will accept that is my ability. I honestly don't know what my scores will be, but when they come I will accept them.


On the second thought, it is cool the OP is striving for greatness.

Sometimes people over-preform their abilities (VCU this NCAA tourney comes to mind) and the OP may have a miraculous DAT and score 3 above their average.

I just wouldn't plan on it.

Sorry.

 

[sacapuntas]

Thanks for the response. I'll probably do this with CDP, topscore, and achiever. But what happens in the scenario where I get really low scores on topscore and achiever?

I'm not studying extremely seriously. I've got classes (including Biochem) and work on weekdays and weekends and I'll have finals and reports due within the next 3 weeks so April and the first week of May will be packed.

My exam is about 2 months from now but because my Kaplan quizzes and tests are going to expire, I'm trying to use them all up. 😀



No offense taken. I haven't even cracked a 19 on any other section than the PAT and OC but I don't think I'm taking the test at my full ability yet.

After I actually study bio and utilize resources like destroyer, I think that my score can be raised relative to now. I was just curious how to raise your scores after you've done serious preparation and the only new resources you can use are CDP, topscore, and achiever?

I am glad you aren't as easily offended as the other poster to this thread.



I completely agree you aren't taking the test to your full ability if you haven't prepared adequately. Some of those who are already successful in increasing their DAT are far better equipped to answer your question, so I will stop posting.

However, I am sure you have more in you. Keep plugging away bud.

 

[Maygyver]

Just because someone is averaging those scores doesn't mean that's their limit. Yes, everyone has a limit, but nobody really knows their limit. The more time you spend studying and better techniques you have, the better you will score.

Also, check the DAT forum, please. They have threads on there that are actually about the DAT.

 

[AwesomeTeeth]

Thanks for the response. I'll probably do this with CDP, topscore, and achiever. But what happens in the scenario where I get really low scores on topscore and achiever and I have a week to go until my exam?

I'm not studying extremely seriously. I've got classes (including Biochem) and work on weekdays and weekends and I'll have finals and reports due within the next 3 weeks so April and the first week of May will be packed.

My exam is about 2 months from now but because my Kaplan quizzes and tests are going to expire, I'm trying to use them all up. 😀

If you're still making low scores by the time a week rolls around before the test, it's time to reschedule. You're not going to miraculously make amazing scores overnight. Then study like hell until you have to it.

You could wait until everything is over with, then study like crazy for like 6 weeks. I know people who have done that. They locked themselves in their dorm and studied 24/7, but they made good scores in the end. I think you need at least 4-6 weeks though to pull that off depending on what your science background is.

Honest opinion? Reschedule your test, finish your classes, study hard over the summer, ACE it in mid June. You want to kill it the first time, tell yourself there are no retakes.

 

[sacapuntas]

+2, great advice

If you're still making low scores by the time a week rolls around before the test, it's time to reschedule. You're not going to miraculously make amazing scores overnight. Then study like hell until you have to it.

You could wait until everything is over with, then study like crazy for like 6 weeks. I know people who have done that. They locked themselves in their dorm and studied 24/7, but they made good scores in the end. I think you need at least 4-6 weeks though to pull that off depending on what your science background is.

Honest opinion? Reschedule your test, finish your classes, study hard over the summer, ACE it in mid June. You want to kill it the first time, tell yourself there are no retakes.

 

[Double Bonded]

Haha keep drinking your new-age juice....your ability is limitless....haha I know my ability is limited! If it turns out I can only make a 19 on all practice tests I will accept that is my ability. I honestly don't know what my scores will be, but when they come I will accept them.


On the second thought, it is cool the OP is striving for greatness.

Sometimes people over-preform their abilities (VCU this NCAA tourney comes to mind) and the OP may have a miraculous DAT and score 3 above their average.

I just wouldn't plan on it.

Sorry.

I appreciate the support but like I said before, my scores to date aren't based of being fully prepared. I haven't even reviewed Bio yet so I don't think that I'm "striving for greatness" when I want a better score. I have only taken 4 practice tests and I've barely started on Destroyer GC and OC.

 

[Double Bonded]

Also, check the DAT forum, please. They have threads on there that are actually about the DAT.

Oh...I didn't know that I posed in pre-dent until you pointed it out. I always open up the pre-dental forum in one tab and DAT prep forum in another. I guess I'll re-post where the DAT regulars can see it.

I was wondering why so many people were responding.

If you're still making low scores by the time a week rolls around before the test, it's time to reschedule. You're not going to miraculously make amazing scores overnight. Then study like hell until you have to it.

You could wait until everything is over with, then study like crazy for like 6 weeks. I know people who have done that. They locked themselves in their dorm and studied 24/7, but they made good scores in the end. I think you need at least 4-6 weeks though to pull that off depending on what your science background is.

Honest opinion? Reschedule your test, finish your classes, study hard over the summer, ACE it in mid June. You want to kill it the first time, tell yourself there are no retakes.

Thanks. Yeah, that's what I've got planned. I'm scheduled for mid june (I'll submit the app when it comes out) so I'll have 5-6 weeks of hardcore study.

 

[Smilemaker12]

19 is above average. Maybe you are not as far above average as you think? Nahhh, you must have a 21 in you right?


Sorry if i am a dick, but I think it is strange to assume you will out-perform your ability.

ummm .....this needs an edit! its like those comments u hear from condescending school advisors.

 

[sacapuntas]

ummm .....this needs an edit! its like those comments u hear from condescending school advisors.

Maybe I am aimed toward the wrong career, shall I be a school advisor instead? HMMM.............

 

[Smilemaker12]

Maybe I am aimed toward the wrong career, shall I be a school advisor instead? HMMM.............

lol good one

 

[yappy]

The problem with your statement about potential is that the DAT tests basic subjects. They are watered down versions of the basic sciences that students take during their freshman/soph years of college. Therefore, I doubt that these subjects are above most peoples ability to master.


I think your label of new-age is incorrect also. Your opposition to the idea that one can aspire to great things and achieve them is very popular and overstated. It lacks all nuance (see above).

Maybe I am aimed toward the wrong career, shall I be a school advisor instead? HMMM.............

OP: Make sure and master all of your resources. Learn why you're getting each question wrong and always take steps forward in your learning. Soon things will start to become more and more familiar.

 

[FutureDentalSt1]

Don't put tooo much weight on the practice exams...while everyone is different...I always scored mediocre on the practice exams and when I took the DAT I got a 20 total AA...and even on the orgo/gen chem I'd get 18's on topscore and I ended up getting a 23 on both sections