I'm at Point X in My DAT Studying and Welcome Input about Where to Go Next

[PittHopeful]

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Thanks in advance for any and all advice!

In regard to my DAT studying, I have just finished the Kaplan Blue Book cover to cover. According to my Kaplan Blue Book exam, my scores were as follows:

Bio: 21
Chem: 20
O-Chem: 21
Pat: 21
Reading: 26
Math: 23

I'd say these numbers don't entirely represent my "real scores" because I went over time (by around 10 minutes or so) on a couple of sections. I did this in order to soak in the information from the questions and spend time familiarizing myself with the test and types of questions because it was my first time taking the exam. (and it was my first real experience with anything like the PAT)

I'm also aware that my scores are lower than I would get on the real DAT because Kaplan Blue Book is easier than the actual exam.


Therefore, I'm just putting those numbers out there so that you guys have an idea of where I'm at and what I need. Personally, I feel my biggest weaknesses are:

1. Timing - I need to work more quickly, but I feel that I will be able to adjust my pace on the sections accordingly as I practice more

2. PAT - This feels like my biggest weakness - I went the most over on time here

3. Math - I only got through 27 questions on the Blue Book Test in the allotted time (getting 25 or 26 right).


At this point in my studying, what are some resources you would recommend? I am thinking about moving to Kaplan online and seeing what I can get out of that. I also would like to work with good PAT and Math resources. I plan on taking the DAT in May-June, so I still have a good amount of time left.

 

[UndergradGuy7]

Read Cliff's AP Biology. Then do DAT Destroyer. Then do practice exams like topscore, dat achiever, crack dat pat. Crack dat pat would be good for you since you said you need practice with it and are struggling on time.

 

[Blue Panther]

I agree with the above poster. Now its time to move onto DAT destroyer and then do a practice test with TopScore and Achiever. If you are not satisfied with your scores after that then think about Kaplan online.

 

[PittHopeful]

Thanks for the advice, you two. Kaplan online does seem a bit excessive on second glance, considering I feel fairly confidant about my sciences at the moment anyways.


And congrats on your acceptance to Pitt, Blue Panther!

 

[Blue Panther]

Thanks for the advice, you two. Kaplan online does seem a bit excessive on second glance, considering I feel fairly confidant about my sciences at the moment anyways.


And congrats on your acceptance to Pitt, Blue Panther!

Do DAT destroyer now and use it as a study guide not a practice test. I read all of its answer solutions like 3 times and the organic road maps are the best. So definitely get started on that and then do couple of practice tests and report back.
Thanks, I just looked at your name hahaha hopefully by next year you will be Pittsburgh 2015.

 

[dentalWorks]

KBB is great as an introductory book.

Now like other said, jump to AP bio and supplement it with your biology text book from college.

In the same time, get DAT destroyer and start working on general chemistry and Orgo...... By the way, you might miss alot of questions here and thats totally okay.... Destroyer is supposed to have very difficult questions to teach you material.

for math, in my opinion the best resource is MATH destroyer (different book that DAT destroyer)

Also, don't forget the CDP software for the PAT section, if you do those 10 tests (assuming you get the 10 test version and not 5), you will be in GREAT shape to land a 20+ on the PAT. Kaplan blue book for PAT is very weak, CDP is best