Kaplan's effectiveness

[gdvdc]

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How effective is Kaplan DAT as a means of preparation? I have the blue book and I want to know if all topics of each section are completely covered in the book. I understand that I will need to supplement the material with other books but in essence is everything I need to know for the test covered in the book? I sound like I'm repeating myself, but the amount of material is overwhelming.

 

[Shazzam]

You should really use the search function.

 

[IsaacYankem]

I'm yet to take the DAT this year, so keep that in mind.

Took a Kaplan course and felt that it was too broad. It is good if you use it for an outline, but Bio is handled a lot better with Cliff's Bio (though there are some things missing that KBB does cover); GC and OC are far better taught through Chad's and Destroyer. Kaplan has a decent section on QR, but again Chad's is way better.

Kaplan is useful only if you need more practice questions than QVault, Destroyer, Chad's, Achiever, and CDP; and if you are making zero progress studying alone and need a structured syllabus to motivate you. Otherwise, it's really just an outline and your $ can be far better invested elsewhere.

If you've already bough Kaplan, use their practice tests and workshops to quiz yourself. That is, read the KBB chapter quickly to get an overview. Then go to a more detailed source - Chad's or Cliff's - on the topic and take notes from there. Do the practice questions and go over anything you missed.

Ultimately, practice, repetition, and perseverance will be the deciding factor in how your studies go.

 

[gdvdc]

Thank you Isaac, I appreciate you taking the time to write.
I figured that Kaplan would not be enough because the topics are only slightly touched, but to use as an outline, it makes sense. I think taking notes out of destroyer will be better and condensing notes. I guess once I go over all the available sources of study material, from there better strategies will develop to master it all.

Again, thank you so much for your input. You will do well.

 

[cschoet]

If I had to give KAPLAN a score based on my personal experience...

0.027

 

[hasanein4u]

Kaplan course was useful for the online sources only (Workshops, quizzes, subject and section tests)... but when you go to class it is very basic
If I could start my summer again I would stick to Chad videos, Dat Qvault (Biology and RC) and practice the destroyer plus AP biology
Btw Kaplan book is a good review but it does not cover all what you need to know.. so my advice start with Kaplan and use the sources I mentioned
Keep in mind that everyone has his/her own method that works well... these are the sources and after few weeks you will get to know what is the best thing to do!

 

[drill-and-fill]

You should really use the search function.

👍

But to answer your questions, KBB is only good for BIO in my opinion.. their GC and OC are ok, not great. Rely on Chad, Destroyer, and qVault for those two sections.