I flunked the DAT! Need help!

[PSUforever]

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I have never posted on here, only observed. I took the DAT on July 1 and did not do so well. I started studying this summer for only about 4 hours per day 4 days a week but not too intensely as I was also taking a calculus class. I used TopScore which helped with all sections except the PAT and Kaplan which was helpful in most areas, also. Since I am applying this summer, I will be retaking the DAT in October. I NEED advise for how to study from now through October. PLEASE! These were my scores and I'm not ashamed to post them. I just need help.

PA 16
QR 17
RC 20
Bio 17
GChem 17
OChem 17
TS 17
AA 17

I have an overall gpa of 3.87 and science gpa of 3.76. I was hoping this would help to even out my low score but I will still be retaking the DAT anyways. I just need advice on how and what to study from now through October. Thanks! 🙂

 

[KOM]

I have never posted on here, only observed. I took the DAT on July 1 and did not do so well. I started studying this summer for only about 4 hours per day 4 days a week but not too intensely as I was also taking a calculus class. I used TopScore which helped with all sections except the PAT and Kaplan which was helpful in most areas, also. Since I am applying this summer, I will be retaking the DAT in October. I NEED advise for how to study from now through October. PLEASE! These were my scores and I'm not ashamed to post them. I just need help.

PA 16
QR 17
RC 20
Bio 17
GChem 17
OChem 17
TS 17
AA 17

I have an overall gpa of 3.87 and science gpa of 3.76. I was hoping this would help to even out my low score but I will still be retaking the DAT anyways. I just need advice on how and what to study from now through October. Thanks! 🙂

First of all, don't be too upset. I know you would have liked to see a 19 or above, but considering you have equal marks in all subjects it shows your relatively strong in all disciplines. So, it looks like you have the base down...now I might suggest really looking at the concepts behind everything. It's not enough to memorize formulas...really try to understand why things are reacting a certain way, or why the boiling point is raised in this case or that case etc. I found a great way to conceptualize everything was with the help of Exam Krackers. Also, start doing every problem you can get your hands on...it works wonders for your confidence if you actually go through the process of working them out. I think confidence is one of the most important aspects when tackling the DAT. Good luck.

By the way- for everyone posting 20's and above on their DAT, there are probably 3 times as many people not posting their 19's and below. Don't be intimidated although I know that is difficult.

 

[kokobean]

Hey, your scores aren't too bad! I think you'll definetely be able to raise them those few extra points. Look over topscore again, and all the questions they touched on - supplement them with mateiral from your textbook to get a larger picture. Study kaplan for gchem and ochem, and again topscore to test your knowledge. You might even want to get acheiver if you haven't bought that already.
This time, intensely study. You'll know when you're ready. Good luck!~

 

[rockies_27514]

I have never posted on here, only observed. I took the DAT on July 1 and did not do so well. I started studying this summer for only about 4 hours per day 4 days a week but not too intensely as I was also taking a calculus class. I used TopScore which helped with all sections except the PAT and Kaplan which was helpful in most areas, also. Since I am applying this summer, I will be retaking the DAT in October. I NEED advise for how to study from now through October. PLEASE! These were my scores and I'm not ashamed to post them. I just need help.

PA 16
QR 17
RC 20
Bio 17
GChem 17
OChem 17
TS 17
AA 17

I have an overall gpa of 3.87 and science gpa of 3.76. I was hoping this would help to even out my low score but I will still be retaking the DAT anyways. I just need advice on how and what to study from now through October. Thanks! 🙂

Depending on where you have residency; with your gpa, you still have a decent chance of getting in. However, I'm guessing your accustom to getting high scores on everything you do. Here's a few tip:
1) You might want to take a Kaplan course (if this cost too much, you might be able to pay a smaller fee for their books and internet access with 5 full practice tests along with numerous tests in every area)--Kaplan also breaks down every subject area by categories to let you see where your weakest areas are.
2) Topscore on http://www.scholarware.com/products-dat.htm with 3 Full-length practice exams

Take as many practice exams as possible to build up stamina.

AA/TS/PA
20/20/19

 

[shinji]

I have never posted on here, only observed. I took the DAT on July 1 and did not do so well. I started studying this summer for only about 4 hours per day 4 days a week but not too intensely as I was also taking a calculus class. I used TopScore which helped with all sections except the PAT and Kaplan which was helpful in most areas, also. Since I am applying this summer, I will be retaking the DAT in October. I NEED advise for how to study from now through October. PLEASE! These were my scores and I'm not ashamed to post them. I just need help.

PA 16
QR 17
RC 20
Bio 17
GChem 17
OChem 17
TS 17
AA 17

I have an overall gpa of 3.87 and science gpa of 3.76. I was hoping this would help to even out my low score but I will still be retaking the DAT anyways. I just need advice on how and what to study from now through October. Thanks! 🙂

I think you have decent scores. Just need a little help to get above 20s.

For PAT, go get the Barron's book and it has a really good section on teaching you how to attack thoses problems. Of course, taking as many practice tests as you can is crucial in this part.

For science section, you might try to pick up MCAT practice exams. Those biological science and physical science non-passage based questions are excellent practice materials to prepare for the DAT. In addition, since MCAT doesn't cover ecology, you may need to go to library to check out books for it.

The ochem section probably is the part that you can improve with minimum effort. Remember there are a limited amount of chemical reactions, roughtly around 15 that will show up on DAT. Don't try to do the arrow pushing mechanism method on those problems. Just remember the reagents, reactants, and the products.

 

[DMD2BE1122]

I took my DAT On June 8 and trust me I did horrible. I walked into the exam and just was stunned! I dont know if it was a lack of study or confidence or whatever.
BIO 16
GCHEM 14
O CHEM 18
PAT 14
QR 13
RC 15
AA 16

I bought top score and was getting 18 and 19's on the exams and i just honestly dont no what happend. I have a 3.5 GPA so thats pretty solid I think but my DAT killed me. I started studying again and I can take it September 8th. I really thought about changing fields cause that was the worst 5 hours of my life being in that exam room.