Kaplan worth it?

[RachMSU]

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Hey guys,
As a lot of you all know, I just took my DAT and didn't do so hot. So now I am looking into taking the Kaplan course. I know it's all about luck as to who you get for a teacher, I have heard many success and horror stories.

Anyways, I have the Kaplan book and also have tons of practice tests that they give you in Kaplan (bought them off someone). I was wondering, do these tests change a lot? Would it be worth the $1000 for me to take the class or no because I have most of the material?


Thanks!

 

[VancouverDoc2b]

Id say if you have the books and the tests, which I found to be the most valuable resource for me, then screw taking the class. Science is not really hard to learn on your own, and even the PAT tips they give u are only marginally advantageous IMO, most of which you can figure out on your own anyways.
Hope that helps.

 

[dane4695]

If you have all the materials, then the class isn't worth it. In my opinion, you're paying for the 6 practice tests they give you (Pre, Midterm, Final 2 extras + 1 on the cd ) and two extra PAT tests. They also give 5 extra tests for each section. If you have these materials, then I wouldn't bother.

The class, in my opinion, bordered on a waste of time -- but the material was rather fresh in my mind. If there are areas where you know nothing, then the class might be useful. I suppose it's good also if you have a difficuilt time forcing yourself to study - but if you can i think you'll be way more effecient.

 

[Remmurts]

Only you know your own learning style. Are you a dedicated self-learner or do you retain more from a classroom environment. If you are a dedicated self-learner, you can study without Kaplan. Simply set aside time in your weekly schedule to study and prepare for the DAT (out of the house/apartment - perhaps at the library) as though you were attending a class. It can work, but only if you have the dedication.

I've also suggest the scholarware program. It worked for me and a friend of mine said the Kaplan flashcards were terrific.

Everyone is different. Only you can determine what is best for you..... 🙂

 

[jheidenr]

My Kaplan teacher isn't the best, but that should vary depending on your teacher. I think that the true value in taking Kaplan isn't the classroom expereince. Its the materials and the structure. One of the things I like about Kaplan is that they lay out a study plan for you, with assignments that are due at a specific time. I've been able to focus a lot more on studying since I've taken Kaplan. They also have done a good job of filtering out the extra info that you don't neccesarily need to study that you moght end up getting in textbooks and other review books.

But then again, it depends on your personal style. If you don't need a schedule and assignments to keep you on track and you can easily study the most important things from your textbooks, maybe its not for you.

There are a lot of additional materials on the Kaplan website for enrolled students. There are like 4 or five full lenght tests on computer that you have access too, as well as mini exams on specific topics.

Overall, my Kaplan experience was worth it to me. But I'm sure that advice doesn't go for everyone. You just need to figure out what works best for you.

 

[StarGirl]

no don't waste the 1000 dollars (unless you're made out of money). just read the kaplan book and know it well and lots of practice questions 😀

if i were you i would hire a private tutor rather than the kaplan course...

 

[DDS2BE]

Some people, including me, need to be present in class environment to stay focused. I did not get much out of the teachers, but it kept me going and forced to study. But, most of the stuff you still need to learn on your own. Their PAT section is worthless. The best place to start would be TopScore.

 

[predentchick]

I did the kaplan class. The actual class was a joke. It was the materials that got me into dental school. The practice material, a place to go to do computer practice tests, etc is what got me into school. Not the actual class. But along with that class comes all that material. So, if you have all that then for sure don't spend the money!

 

[BeachLuvr]

Vancouver...You are going to my #1 school choice NYU 🙂 Did you hear back from them pretty soon? Are you from the Area originally? Concern about getting in? I'm not very familliar with NYU as far as the difficulty level. I know no dental school is exactly a breeze these days, but could you give a little background on you...the school?
Beachluvr

 

[VancouverDoc2b]

Hey Beach,

ACtually Im going to NYU this september. Im not too familiar with the school myself as I havent had a day of classes yet. But Im stoked. And its good that you know which school you wanna go to. Theres quite a bit of NYU bashing on here but I'll just make my own judgements after Ive been there.

Anyways, if you want any info, feel free to PM me. Later and good luck

 

[RachMSU]

Hey, thanks guys.

Does anyone know the rpactice tests would change? I would totally do the class but it would be silly with the smae tests I have since I remember the answers and will do well on that.

I just took the test Wednesday and bombed. As far as preparing, I used everything I could get my hands on: Kaplan book, Barrons, Topscore. I have no problem forcing myself to study. it's just a matter of raising these scores now.

 

[coodoo]

ahem...ahem...excuse me...damn cherry :wink:

I just saw your scores on the DAT forum. Since you have the kaplan materials (most of them anyway) do not waste a $1,000 on the course. I use to work there. They have had the same material for the DAT for over 7-8 years now, so no, nothing new over there.

If I were you, this would be what I would do:

spend more time on studying on the DAT. Read the Kaplan book on a particular chapter, and then open your textbook and read the chapter that is analagous with it. It seems that you studied hard enough, but it seems that you are weak in the foundations on the core sciences. The more you read about a particular subject, the better you will become. Also, drop by your local bookstore and pickup a GRE Math book. It has really good tips and advice. Also, I would during this semester start taking advanced science courses such as Human physiology and cell biology to build up more and more science knowledge. Honestly, I can't give you tips for the PAT or RC because these subjects are what I call 'talent' subjects. You can study them, but unless you find a knack in how to solve the problems, there really isn't much you can do.

good luck 😉

 

[RachMSU]

Hey coodoo,
Well I have taken upper level science classes (biochem, physiology, etc.) So see, I honestly don't know what my problem is. Yes I am a very poor test taker but this test is not like the ACT. Unless I just got VERY unlucky yesterday and got a hard test, well then I don't know. It just kills me.

 

[qaztake82]

You didnt just get a hard test cause others who took the same test had AA of 23, 22 and 20.

 

[Literati81]

Honestly, I have not heard a lot of positive feedback regarding the "live" Kaplan courses around LA. However, the Kaplan center in your vicinity may be littered with awesome instructors. So, I think the best thing to do is to ask other students in your area.

In my opinion, I think the Kaplan online course is expensive but helpful. For one thing, you don't have to commute to your local Kaplan (or for UCLA students, you don't have to pay $7 for daily parking). In addition, the online course has taped instructors who guide you through about 50% of what is covered in the Kaplan book (Plus, they all sound surprisingly perky. Well, until the very end. Then they all sound [noticeably] more tired). The other 50% is through online readings...which aren't too bad either. But back to my point. Get the test bank either through the live course or the online course or via a "3rd party." Kaplan provides thorough explanations for a large majority of their problems in their test bank. They really give you a firm idea of the correct answer and reasonings behind incorrect answers.

The downside of the online course? The PAT is still hella easy and is probably not a good indicator of what you would get on the actual exam. Oh, one more thing. You need DSL or fast-speed internet. Dial-up connection will get you nowhere. Also, I had two glitches courtesy of Kaplan but other than that...I'm 90% satisfied and...well, quite broke. But if it means getting into my top choices, then I think I can handle eating Instant Ramen for a few more months...although I think I may have scurvy...hmm...

Good luck with everything!

 

[IcemanDDS]

Yea I agree with pretty much everything that has been said. I just finished up the Kaplan classroom course, and taking our final test tomorrow. I believe if you've had the material before, the classroom experience is a waste. All you need are the books, flashcards, online workshops, and practice tests. Assuming you've had all the material before, its no big deal to just read the materials and teach yourself. To me it was almost worth it to pay the $1k for kaplan to outline a study guide for the DAT. Its hard for me to muddle my way through old class notes and textbooks to prepare for the DAT. Kaplan outlines all the important information that traditionally appears on the test. That way you dont have to study EVERYTHING you have... just the Kaplan books. 👍 Although if you need elaboration on a topic, refer to notes and textbooks. IMHO.

 

[sunnysparkie]

I found their books and "interactive CD" to be much more helpful than the tutors (my tutor basically read out of the book). For the $1000 you pay, you'll receive the books, a tutor, and a large amount of supplemental tests and quizzes at the Kaplan Center, some of which is available online for you to take.

When I took the course, they accidentally sent me 2 copies of the study materials. I hope this doesn't undermine the validity of my post, but if you would like to buy a new copy of the kaplan material, message me!