Just beginning to study for DAT

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happyending2011

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Hi, Im a sophmore in college and in summer I want to start studying for DAT. I do want to take DAT end of my junior year so I think right now is the good time to start getting prepared. I've seen many posts about which is book is good for certain section. I havent took ochem yet and I'm taking it next semester so I was wondering if I should just start studying for bio section first? Should I purchase Cliffs AP BIO book? And whats the full name for KAPLAN BB? I cant seem to find that book online. Please give me any advice for beginner like me. Thank you

Classes I took so far:
Introduction to Biology I&II
Ecology
General Chem I
Calculus I
Physics I
 
Last edited:
Hello,

I would start by studying the areas that you've taken courses in. The first step is to review the subjects in Kaplan Blue Book, or full name Kaplan DAT 2008-2009 Edition.

You should definitely buy Cliff's AP Bio as it seems to be one of the best resources for biology. I would NOT recommend using Kaplan Blue book for biology, as it is very unfocused. Your best study guides for biology will be Cliffs and DAT Destroyer.

Most people on the forum, including myself, would recommend DAT Destroyer, as it provides many practice problems in organic, gen chem, biology, and math with detailed explanations. Practice problems will be the key to doing well on the general chemistry, organic chemistry, and math sections.

Crack DAT PAT is the best resource for studying for the PAT, as it's difficulty is comparable to the real DAT. You'll probably want the ace edition (10 full practice tests).

For chemistry, many would recommend the American Chemical Society study guides. There is one for general chemistry and one for organic.

Math on the DAT is very time constrained, so you'll probably want some time practice tests. Crack DAT Math seems pretty good for timing, although their explanations aren't very good if you have no idea how to approach a problem.

Once you're done with the studying treadmill you'll want some full practice tests. Topscore Pro is good, and others say DAT achiever is good. Take your pick.

I hope this helps.

 
Start by doing well in classes. If classes are easy then you need to study more on the side.
good luck
I high recommend that you don't study too early. You will get burned out.
 
Hello,

I would start by studying the areas that you've taken courses in. The first step is to review the subjects in Kaplan Blue Book, or full name Kaplan DAT 2008-2009 Edition.

You should definitely buy Cliff's AP Bio as it seems to be one of the best resources for biology. I would NOT recommend using Kaplan Blue book for biology, as it is very unfocused. Your best study guides for biology will be Cliffs and DAT Destroyer.

Most people on the forum, including myself, would recommend DAT Destroyer, as it provides many practice problems in organic, gen chem, biology, and math with detailed explanations. Practice problems will be the key to doing well on the general chemistry, organic chemistry, and math sections.

Crack DAT PAT is the best resource for studying for the PAT, as it's difficulty is comparable to the real DAT. You'll probably want the ace edition (10 full practice tests).

For chemistry, many would recommend the American Chemical Society study guides. There is one for general chemistry and one for organic.

Math on the DAT is very time constrained, so you'll probably want some time practice tests. Crack DAT Math seems pretty good for timing, although their explanations aren't very good if you have no idea how to approach a problem.

Once you're done with the studying treadmill you'll want some full practice tests. Topscore Pro is good, and others say DAT achiever is good. Take your pick.

I hope this helps.

As for Kaplan BB, do you think its okay to buy 2009-2010 edition? Because they have the new edition now. Is there difference?
 
There's not a whole lot of difference between Kaplan editions, other than the newer ones (2008/newer I think) have colored diagrams/important terms. 2009 edition isn't out yet.
 
Consider taking it at the end of this summer. 2 months of studying is more than enough time to do well. Also, it will be nice not to have to worry about when you're getting your application together.
 
I think the best time would be after you take o chem II, while your chems are fresh. So work on getting your chems out of the way first, and in the mean time study a bit each day for the DAT but don't overwhelm yourself to the point that you burn out.
 
Definitely consider what Doc said, IMO its too early, you're probably going to forget most things you're going to study this summer and just have to review it later on. Enjoy this summer and save next year for concentrating on the DAT. Keep in mind you still have all of winter break to get a head start!
 
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