Kaplan Course or Study Alone?

[FutureDentist17]

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I am going to be preparing to take the DAT this semester and hope to take it in June. I have already purchase DAT Destroyer and the Math Destroyer, Crack DAT PAT, Cliffs AP Biology, Kaplan Blue Book and Barrons. However, it's making me nervous that most pre-dents I know are taking the Kaplan course, and I feel I might not be as prepared as others. My question is, should I spend the $1400 on the Kaplan in class course or spend another $480 for things like DATqVault, Chad's, Achiever and Top Score?

 

[aqz]

Don't take it because other pre-dents are taking it. I know a couple pre-dents who took the Kaplan course last summer while I just used my own materials and they didn't even feel prepared enough by the end of summer so they didn't take the DAT.

Financially, you're also saving money without taking Kaplan.

 

[Glimmer1991]

Study by yourself. Those on this site with the highest scores all seem to have one thing in common-they didn't take the course! 🙂

 

[scsc7211]

Solo-study, without a doubt.

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[Blake1e]

Kaplan is a scam/worthless.

Do it alone. Solo study is the better way to go.

Edit: love the comments here. four guys/girls with 23, 24, 25 and 26 all commenting hah

 

[jimmpannzee]

My school likes to advertise and promote our Pre-Dent kids to do Kaplan for some reason, but I just don't get why so many people are willing to just fork over $1400 so easily! I personally do not fall into peer pressure unless the thing is proven to work and be beneficial through my own research. Back in high school I took KD College Prep program for the SAT and ACT and sadly found out that it was not worth the money for me personally so I steered clear away from any other test prep program including Kaplan. I asked myself, if I needed to take Kaplan to ace the DAT, how would I survive dental school or college for that matter? There isn't a test prep program to help guide you through DS, so ace the DAT through your own will and finish DS through your own power. Studying on your own can make you feel nervous, but strive for what you want in life and seize it through your own hard work. Good Luck!

Make that 5 Blake1e haha!

 

[FutureDentist17]

Thank you all so much, very helpful!

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[DenTony11235]

I took a course, definitely feel it was worth it. Everything was broken down very nicely, spoon fed to me. It was great, plus the materials handed out to me are pretty much outlines for everything i have to know. It's up to you in the end, but if you need a comprehensive review from A to Z consider a course.


BUTTTT from what I'm hearing, Chad's videos may have been just as good of a deal for a fraction of the cost.

 

[ekephant]

I took the course. I didn't feel like it was very good prep; however, I was also taking summer classes and was involved in a summer program at school so I didn't really put in a lot of time or effort into studying the material. I didn't schedule my test because I didn't feel ready, until I began self-studying with Cliffs AP Bio/Chad's/Destroyer. After self-studying, I took the test and did well. It might be overkill to do Kaplan on top of self-studying (with the resources I listed above) but I think if money isn't an issue, you should go ahead and take the class. In my honest opinion, I don't think it's really worth 1.4k, but it's nice to get together once or twice a week and talk about the DAT with your peers. If you do decide to take Kaplan, make sure you supplement your material with the resources suggested throughout this forum because the Kaplan material alone will most likely not get you a score you are satisfied with. Good luck with your studies!

 

[ktran17]

Just study by yourself and use all the recommended materials listed in other breakdowns.

fwiw i got a 22 AA

 

[missdiana]

Hello

I am studying for DAT and I am sort of lost on what do buy for studying material
I am low on budget....

Currently, I am studying Chad video and Cliff Ap Bio

so please answer my questions..

1) Do i absolutely need DAT destroyer + Math destroyer? Isn't Chad video enough? or not?

2) Kaplan blue book is $80 at books store. should I buy it?? Is it a good practice? or should I just spend money online-downloaded stuff?

3)Crack DAT PAT, DAT achiever, DAT Qvault..etc. how many full length practice test do i need? I have about 5 weeks to prepare for it..

4)What to do with my Reading section?? I am getting 16-21..such a huge range..


HELP!!!

 

[FutureDentist17]

1. Destroyer is just questions and answer explanations...Chad is more review and quiz on reviewed topics I think

2. KBB is a good review but if you are trying to save money that's what I would cut (Barrons is only $30 and may be a good alternative)

I can't really help with 3 and 4 since I am in the same boat...Crack DAT PAT has really helped me though!

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[bprior]

Self-study. Use the sample study schedule on the forum as a guide. I did this like most people on here and got a 22.

 

[EpicDentist]

Kaplan is not worth it from what friends have told me. I used Destroyer among other materials and studied solo. Check my break down for further info.