Kaplan Material for DAT Prep?

[deeps005]

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Hi, I'm thinking of buying the books for the Kaplan DAT course from one of my friends that took the course last year. I wanted to know from others who have gone through the Kaplan course if they thought the books were helpful. Specifically, I wanted to know how well the books cover the biology and orgo sections. If I just use these books to prepare will that be sufficient? Thanks!

 

[s.mutans]

The Kaplan Course book is a great book for overall Studying for the DATS. It is a great outline for the major subjects. HOwever, even instructors at Kaplan even comment and say that it is incomplete. They offer other textbooks that you might already have for each specific subject. OCHem and Biology were subjects that were thoroughly covered in the sections of the DAT. Of course, you will still need to refer back to your class notes and your textbook for specific explanations. It is worth what? $100 for the Kaplan book, lecture notes, and CD. Used? If you can get a really good deal, buy it. I sold mine on this forum for a mere 25$ for shipping and mailing time costs.

 

[GLxY88]

Personally, I think the book gives you a broad insight as to what is going to be covered on the DAT. The one drawback from just reviewing from the book ONLY... you get might get a false sense of what is going to be on the DAT itself.

I mean, sure, there are basic questions about simple systems and mechanisms, but keep in mind that the book isn't there to TEACH you, but just to stimulate your brain to what you SHOULD already know! It isn't as IN DEPTH as you need it to be! Believe me, the questions on the DATs are the type of questions that make you think "HOW MUCH DO I REALLY KNOW?"

If you can, take the class. It is a littel costly, (like $1000!!) , but one of the biggest perks is the Kaplan library itself, where it provides you with exstensive sample tests and questions to get you and your brain ready for the DATs!!

Oh, and another suggestion if you do decide to take the course, use it wisely!! Don't waste your time and money... like how we all did in college at one point!! (wink, wink)

 

[w3chen99]

I would buy the $50 Kaplan book from your local bookstore....I think that it covers the material thoroughly without going TOO in depth (so that you don't overwhelm yourself). I went over that book from front to back and I would say that it more than prepared me for the test.

The only weakness of the book is the Bio section which did a good job, but I did see some questios on the DAT that were not in the book (but I remember from my undergrad classes)