I don't understand...

[blankguy]

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...how does one memorize a whole Kaplan book? That thing is so jammed packed with information. Maybe it's because I'm just looking way ahead because I'm just starting to take the required courses(chem,Ochem, Bio, etc...).

 

[ShawnOne]

I remember when I first looked at the Kaplan book at Borders before i had taken a single class. I thought, WOW! this is outrageous, no way in hell can i know all this stuff!

Here is what I can tell you from my experience....

Dont be overwhelmed. You will learn 90% of that book in your classes. Rather than memorizing the kaplan book later, you will be simply refreshing your memory with the kaplan book. Also consider the DAT will not ask questions in the amount of detail you will learn in classes. Thats generally speaking, there are a few detailed questions on every test that seperate the 20's from the 24's (especially in Bio). So most of the DAT will seem pretty straight forward after you have studied the material in class. IMO, if you ace your classes you will probably be scoring 15-17 right away. With a lot of practice with sample questions (and learning shortcuts/DAT tricks) you will bump your score from there.

Just take it one step at a time! BTW, start practicing your math reading, and PAT skill now! You'll be glad you did later.

Things you can do now:

-Subscribe to American Scientific and start reading articles
-Buy a Barrons SAT math workbook and refresh your skills
-Look at Barrons PAT guide and get familiar with the rules
-Secure/save funds for your application process
-Kick butt in your classes
-Take kaplan 3-4 months before you plan on taking DAT.

You'll be there in no time. Good luck

 

[blankguy]

Thanks for the pointers shawnone.
I did go to my Barnes and Nobles and did the PAT sections(not the sample test). I felt really awkward doing it. Not the typical standardized test type of section. The hardest part I felt was the cubes with how many sides painted, and the fitting the shapes in holes.

Also on math, I had a high school precalc book but it is so thick I don't think it's going to be efficient trying to read that book.
Will Schaum study guides do? How about this web site along with math books www.sosmath.com?

Also shawnone could you pm me the post above since it is such a good post I want keep it so that it doesn't get pushed down in this forum with more recent post. I want to keep it for my record.

Also any other magazines besides Scientific America?
Any pointers on how I should read it besides don't read it passively. Like keep track of what the author is talking about and what stance the author is taking in certain issues.

 

[ShawnOne]

blankguy,

I used and loved the Barron's SAT math workbook. DAT math is very similar to SAT math. Make sure you know/understand your trig. You will likely have a couple questions on trig concepts. Guides like Schuam's can only help, however, Kaplan and Barron's SAT math alone should suffice.

You can find a few different scientific magazines at a newstand. They are all pretty good. The point is to gain experiene reading scientific articles (usually with an underlying message). This is quite different from reading a textbook. Dont read passively, rather question yourself after reading each paragraph. "What did that mean? Where does it fit in the big picture?"

BTW, a tip: Prepare for "What is the auther mean by..." questions.

Good luck