LAST WEEK STRETCH - DAT IN ONE WEEK - advice please?!

[SunshineStatePreDental]

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SO: I finished Kaplan Class last month and since have watched Chad's Videos for OC and GC.

Before chads videos my Bootcamp scores were:

GC: 15/ 16

AFTER: (for the same tests, didnt remember the questions at all --> took 2 weeks later) - 27/25

Ochem - before Chad (15-16) - now at around a 19-20

QR - bootcamp scores - 22/23/21

HERES MY PROBLEM
Bio - I can't seem to get above an 18 - HOW CAN I IMPROVE IN ONE WEEK?

Im aiming for an AA of 22, I need to improve my PAT and BIO scores most of all any advice on what to do in this next week?

 

[ekam]

Go over Ferril's notes.
or

Try DAT Destroyer

 

[KT Fletcher]

I just took the DAT today. I got 22 Bio, 22 Chem, and 26 Ochem. I used Chad's videos, Kaplan, and DAT Destroyer. Despite what a lot of people say about Kaplan, their online resources are good. Their sciences in my opinion are harder than the real DAT in terms of their online subject tests and full lengths (I don't know how the KBB compares, I never used it). Particularly Kaplan is overkill for O-chem. If you score 20+ on it be prepared to murder it on the real thing. I know your pain in bio, do not freak out because I never broke 19 on any Kaplan practice exam. Have comfort knowing that Kaplan's rating system is messed up. I took a full length and missed 1 question and it gave me a 24 which is definitely inaccurate. I noticed Kaplan consistently gives lower scores for sciences, I really don't know why. My best suggestion for you in Bio is just practice at this point but its important for you to really go over which questions you missed and see why you missed it because its a weak point. I figure by now you covered all the material, now its just time for you to close any holes in your understanding but that only really comes through practice problems. So for example, if I missed a question on the lysogenic cycle, I would go back and read up on viruses and come back and see if I could now explain the answer easily. Do that enough and you should be golden.

For PAT, I got a 21, I used CDP and Kaplan. I think the biggest thing for me to breakdown each section and see why I was missing those questions. For example hole punching used to be my lowest section. I would use Kaplan techniques like symmetry but in real testing, your hole punching questions are far too complicated to get away with just using that. I got demolished in CDP just using this method. So I searched online and found that the tic tac toe method was best for me and it ended up being my strongest section where I always get 100%. What I am ultimately saying is that you need to break down each section and find a method that works best for you to approach each kind of problem. Dont just take a bunch of tests and hope your score gets higher. Actively pursue a "method" that will change your old method of doing things to raise your score.

 

[SunshineStatePreDental]

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For PAT, I got a 21, I used CDP and Kaplan. I think the biggest thing for me to breakdown each section and see why I was missing those questions. For example hole punching used to be my lowest section. I would use Kaplan techniques like symmetry but in real testing, your hole punching questions are far too complicated to get away with just using that. I got demolished in CDP just using this method. So I searched online and found that the tic tac toe method was best for me and it ended up being my strongest section where I always get 100%. What I am ultimately saying is that you need to break down each section and find a method that works best for you to approach each kind of problem. Dont just take a bunch of tests and hope your score gets higher. Actively pursue a "method" that will change your old method of doing things to raise your score.

Thanks for the detailed answer! I've been using tic tac toe as well. Was there any issue with you labeling your sheet before the exam started?

 

[KT Fletcher]

Thanks for the detailed answer! I've been using tic tac toe as well. Was there any issue with you labeling your sheet before the exam started?

Actually there was. I asked the proctor if I could write on the sheet during the 15 minute tutorial and she said no I had to start the test. But I've heard from a lot of other people that it was allowed. I personally think she misunderstood me. I think every center is different and I suggest you ask your testing center so you can know for sure. I had 5 minutes to spare during the science section so I took that time to make the 4x4's. But she didn't have issues with me writing on my sheet during the break though.

 

[FancyFloss]

SO: I finished Kaplan Class last month and since have watched Chad's Videos for OC and GC.

Before chads videos my Bootcamp scores were:

GC: 15/ 16

AFTER: (for the same tests, didnt remember the questions at all --> took 2 weeks later) - 27/25

Ochem - before Chad (15-16) - now at around a 19-20

QR - bootcamp scores - 22/23/21

HERES MY PROBLEM
Bio - I can't seem to get above an 18 - HOW CAN I IMPROVE IN ONE WEEK?

Im aiming for an AA of 22, I need to improve my PAT and BIO scores most of all any advice on what to do in this next week?

This sounds an awful lot like me, to be honest. I finished Kaplan a month ago and I hate them. Also my starting scores and end scores are almost on par with yours! Also Bio is the same issue with me, I'm stuck at 19! My DAT is this weekend so I've been reading Feralis's notes/Cliff Notes which helped fill in all my gaps. Personally, I prefer Feralis notes because they are quicker to get through in my last week. Looking at the 2007 and 2009 Bio sections I understand almost 75/80 total bio questions from both tests. I also used the Bootcamp and QVault free section resources to gauge my knowledge retention. If you haven't already, check out the link in my signature to get you those materials.