How to successfully retake the DAT????

[c4traut]

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I have already taken the DAT twice (17,15); once early on in my biology degree, where I scored the highest, and once more recently, after i had finished my biology degree. I am having a hard time trying to figure out the best way to remember information even though I feel I already know it. I should just be able to read through the Kaplan book and recall most info, but that does not seem to be sticking with me while test taking. I have also tried writing things down and flashcards, but it is very time consuming and this approach does not seem to help anymore then just reading the information.

What should I do before retaking the DAT???

 

[BeachLuvr]

Hey There,

I too retook the DAT when I was applying, and it's an effort to be commended. The funny thing about the self, is that it's easy to fool into thinking it knows something. With the DAT, it's more than just information, it's knowing how to test, knowing how to put big concepts you do know into answering something you don't know or have never seen, and knowing what's important to study and what's really a waste of time.

So for knowing how to test: You need to practice. Take as many practice exams as possible. I'm talking weekly. Study for a week...test. Study for a week...test. This will help you with timing, familiarity, and true confidence building.

Learning how to put big concepts into little ones: I suggest getting a AP Biology book and answering each question. When you're finished with that one, get anothr. Ask someone to ask you questions based on the reading material in Kaplan. If you're fuzzy, pull out the flashcards and learn it again.

What's important to study: Concepts you answer questions poorly too and start to feel nervous about when you see.

What's NOT important: What you already know. It'll fool you every time into thinking..."I've got this." Refresh what you do know, but don't stall on it.

3rd time's the charm.
Best Wishes
Beachluvr

 

[Generallee]

I have already taken the DAT twice (17,15); once early on in my biology degree, where I scored the highest, and once more recently, after i had finished my biology degree. I am having a hard time trying to figure out the best way to remember information even though I feel I already know it. I should just be able to read through the Kaplan book and recall most info, but that does not seem to be sticking with me while test taking. I have also tried writing things down and flashcards, but it is very time consuming and this approach does not seem to help anymore then just reading the information.

What should I do before retaking the DAT???

That is the same problem I encounter. I think I know the material fairly well, but when I do sample problems, my mind seems to blank as if I've never seen it before. I didn't want to do this, but I think i'm going to have to re-read my textbook. I always walk away confident of my understanding of the sciences when I read my textbook. I read the Kaplan book too, but it is very condensed and I have a hard time making the information stick. I feel your pain.

 

[dane4695]

study _ all _ the _ time.

Daily. There's tons of material out there. By 5 prep books, all the flash cards you can find, AP books, etc, and good through the 20 times. You'll score well.

I'm not joking.

 

[j8587]

not sure what to tell you.... i have taken the DAT once already (18 PAT 18 AA). i'm an alternate at MCG where i want to attend... if i do not get in this year i may be faced taking it again.... my fear is doing worse the second time... is there a way to avoid that posibility???