How to use dat bootcamp

[akimhaneul]

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I read on the bootcamp website that the practice exams have questions from the subject tests. So should I do these practice full lengths at the end of my studying and then do these subject tests?

How should I use dat bootcamp?

Thanks!


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[DMikes]

That's up to you.



I did not take any of the subject tests as I wanted to most accurately gauge my progress with the full length tests.

 

[okiedokeartichoke]

From what I remember, that's correct. The subject practice test questions come directly from the full length exams, so if you really want to see how well you score without being biased in your answer choices, then it's probably best if you don't take the practice exams before the full length. But like @DMikes has advised, that is entirely up to you! In fact, I didn't even take the full length exams at all. I disliked the idea of sitting for 5 hours straight and doing question after question without reviewing until the very end. That sounded intimidating to me since I wanted to review each set of 30-40 questions at a time and take detailed notes from Bootcamp rather than try to digest it all once the exam ends if that makes sense. Not only did I use Bootcamp as a testing tool, but also as a study tool. There are so many detailed explanations in the key. I took notes on anything and everything that I was not sure about. Also, I knew I had good testing stamina already, so I didn't need to practice with a full length. You do what's best for you and see what you find comfortable. Though, I'll tell you what not to do: don't take the subject-specific tests (i.e. biology: cell & molecular biology, taxonomy, etc., OC: mechanisms, stereochemistry, etc.) before you take the practice exams. Save those until after you take the practice/full exams to strengthen your weak areas.

P.S. Cute dog.

 

[jenlala]

I agree with the prior two posts. For me, since I was working 9-5 while studying for the DAT, I would take the individual section tests (not subject specific), review all the questions, and record my mistakes in a notebook (write down the full question as well as why you missed it). I would do 2-3 section tests a day (e.g. Bio Gchem Test 1 on Monday, Ochem PAT on Tuesday, RC QR on Wednesday, etc.). I also laid out a weekly schedule to ensure I was covering all the tests. Before the actual DAT, I redid each of the tests to determine my weaknesses and address them.

Again, it's entirely up to you. Hope that helps!

 

[akimhaneul]

I agree with the prior two posts. For me, since I was working 9-5 while studying for the DAT, I would take the individual section tests (not subject specific), review all the questions, and record my mistakes in a notebook (write down the full question as well as why you missed it). I would do 2-3 section tests a day (e.g. Bio Gchem Test 1 on Monday, Ochem PAT on Tuesday, RC QR on Wednesday, etc.). I also laid out a weekly schedule to ensure I was covering all the tests. Before the actual DAT, I redid each of the tests to determine my weaknesses and address them.

Again, it's entirely up to you. Hope that helps!

How long does each individual section test take?


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[jenlala]

How long does each individual section test take?


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It's timed according to the actual DAT exam, other than the sciences.

Biology (40 minutes) Gchem (30 minutes) Ochem (30 minutes)
PAT (90 minutes)
RC (60 minutes)
QR (45 minutes)

 

[gidoc3]

Quick question, for bootcamp if you're taking full lengths and then over time and go back to section tests to see your improvement what do you think this means in terms of what scores to expect on the actual dat:

Full length
bio 15
Gchem 15
O Chem 19

Section test
Bio 22
Gchem 20
O Chem 23

 

[okiedokeartichoke]

Quick question, for bootcamp if you're taking full lengths and then over time and go back to section tests to see your improvement what do you think this means in terms of what scores to expect on the actual dat:

Full length
bio 15
Gchem 15
O Chem 19

Section test
Bio 22
Gchem 20
O Chem 23

This could either mean one and/or two things:

1.) You're relying on your memory to get the correct answers. You're mind is going to be biased into choosing the answer that looks most familiar. Even though it was from a month ago or so, the memory is still there most likely. This can especially come into play with biology terms and subjects moreso than GC and OC.

2.) You're learning! Even though #1 may be true, at least that means you've stored that bit of information in your brain and now you know more about that certain topic! It's great that your scores have increased after taking a subject test from the full length. You're retaining 👍

Just make sure you're actually understanding rather than memorizing.

 

[gidoc3]

This could either mean one and/or two things:

1.) You're relying on your memory to get the correct answers. You're mind is going to be biased into choosing the answer that looks most familiar. Even though it was from a month ago or so, the memory is still there most likely. This can especially come into play with biology terms and subjects moreso than GC and OC.

2.) You're learning! Even though #1 may be true, at least that means you've stored that bit of information in your brain and now you know more about that certain topic! It's great that your scores have increased after taking a subject test from the full length. You're retaining 👍

Just make sure you're actually understanding rather than memorizing.

Thank you @okiedokeartichoke !! Doing my best 🙂