Late studying + juggling Ramadan

[hopeful_dentist]

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I had plans to take the DAT this August and study all summer but it's June 8th now and I still haven't began studying. I plan on starting tomorrow, I am not going to sign up for a testing date yet because I read on these forums it's better to take the DAT when you feel fully prepared so I'm waiting to see how I feel after I study this summer and will gauge it then. I thought worse comes worse I can take it later in August or even October but when searching the past forums with keywords like "Ramadan" or "late DAT" the comments seemed to discourage it and said the OP had slimmer chances etc.

I decided to apply for next year's cycle since this one seems to be too late. I've noticed my memory has been affected by fasting so far (but it's only the first week and that's usually the roughest week for me) so I was thinking to study at night. If any of you have had the experience of studying during Ramadan and have some tips for me I would greatly appreciate it. Since I switched to waiting for next year's cycle to apply, will taking the DAT in August, September, October etc. negatively affect me?

My resources I'm planning to use are:
-Chad's videos
-DAT Destroyer
-DAT Bootcamp
-Ferali's Notes
-AP Cliff Notes 3rd edition

Anything I'm missing? This has been stressing me out and I'm sorry if this seems irritating or redundant, I tried looking in past posts but I just want some further insight. I had some opportunities to shadow/volunteer some dentists this summer as well but I thought maybe it would be better to focus on Ramadan/studying for the DAT for now and I can do the rest in fall semester etc. what do you think? I would really appreciate any and all feedback. Thank you for your time.

 

[Likkriue]

Since you are waiting for next years cycle, you have a whole YEAR to take it and it wont affect your application.

Otherwise, I do not participate in ramadan so can't help you there. I do advise you however, If it does you however, study after ramadan and have the least stressful experience doing it. Goodluck!

 

[hopeful_dentist]

Since you are waiting for next years cycle, you have a whole YEAR to take it and it wont affect your application.

Otherwise, I do not participate in ramadan so can't help you there. I do advise you however, If it does you however, study after ramadan and have the least stressful experience doing it. Goodluck!

Wow haha...you just gave me an epiphany. I typed it out but didn't realize, I have a whole year! People kept recommending that I aim to take it in August though since that'll be my free time in the summer without classes/work/shadowing etc. Should I just worry about all that later and focus on studying now? I was reluctant to wait until next year but I also read that it would be my best bet since it would be late in this application cycle, do you agree?

 

[Likkriue]

Wow haha...you just gave me an epiphany. I typed it out but didn't realize, I have a whole year! People kept recommending that I aim to take it in August though since that'll be my free time in the summer without classes/work/shadowing etc. Should I just worry about all that later and focus on studying now? I was reluctant to wait until next year but I also read that it would be my best bet since it would be late in this application cycle, do you agree?

Do you have everything else complete? ECs, GPA LORs etc? Many people take the DAT in august, in fact june, july and august have the highest amount of folks taking the DAT. The issue is finding a prometric time slot to take the test. If you have everything else complete I don't see why you can't apply this year. The issue is getting the application done and done well within a limited amount of time.

If not, I would just go aim for next year and take it easy.

 

[Naznina Chand]

I'm on the same boat as well, but I signed up to take my DAT August 28th. I have 11 weeks, and I started studying a last week. It was definitely hard the first day, because I did not know when the best time to study was. I also work 25 hours as a Medical Lab Tech, so I switched my hours to PM. I wake up at 9AM to study till 4 PM, then I go to work. I have to sleep at least 7 hours so I sleep right after praying Isha, so I have energy to study. Fasting for 18 hours isn't easy as is, but I think it is definitely doable.

I've been using Ari's 10 week study schedule, it has been working alright for me. I also took out the Rest Days on the schedule so I can plan for getting behind. Just retaining is hard without food or coffee, but I study right after Iftar the material I covered for the day. It took me a few days to get use to it, but I always push myself because I am applying this year. I also got rid of my social media instead I use several DAT apps when I find time to get on my phone. If it helps, I have talked to several dental schools at the ADEA virtual fair 2 days ago, many of them interview late into cycle, like February. So taking the DAT end of August isn't late as long as you can study exceptionally well in July and August, after Ramadan. Good luck to you!

 

[One Piece]

I'm on the same boat as well, but I signed up to take my DAT August 28th. I have 11 weeks, and I started studying a last week. It was definitely hard the first day, because I did not know when the best time to study was. I also work 25 hours as a Medical Lab Tech, so I switched my hours to PM. I wake up at 9AM to study till 4 PM, then I go to work. I have to sleep at least 7 hours so I sleep right after praying Isha, so I have energy to study. Fasting for 18 hours isn't easy as is, but I think it is definitely doable.

I've been using Ari's 10 week study schedule, it has been working alright for me. I also took out the Rest Days on the schedule so I can plan for getting behind. Just retaining is hard without food or coffee, but I study right after Iftar the material I covered for the day. It took me a few days to get use to it, but I always push myself because I am applying this year. I also got rid of my social media instead I use several DAT apps when I find time to get on my phone. If it helps, I have talked to several dental schools at the ADEA virtual fair 2 days ago, many of them interview late into cycle, like February. So taking the DAT end of August isn't late as long as you can study exceptionally well in July and August, after Ramadan. Good luck to you!

I am in the same boat. I have everything ready . I got my personal statement done, recommendation letters, ,shadowing hours and etc. All is left for me is to take the DAT exam which is I am thinking it will be the first week of September . I am just wondering if It will be worth the shot to submit my application at this time ????

 

[Likkriue]

I am in the same boat. I have everything ready . I got my personal statement done, recommendation letters, ,shadowing hours and etc. All is left for me is to take the DAT exam which is I am thinking it will be the first week of September . I am just wondering if It will be worth the shot to submit my application at this time ????

You wont be an early applicant. They won't get your scores till late September. Takes 2-4 weeks for them to get your scores. But I would still hit the submit button if you have everything ready.

 

[One Piece]

You wont be an early applicant. They won't get your scores till late September. Takes 2-4 weeks for them to get your scores. But I would still hit the submit button if you have everything ready.

Would it any better If I submit my entire application online around 1st week of August without my DAT score and then Update my DAT later?

 

[Likkriue]

Would it any better If I submit my entire application online around 1st week of August without my DAT score and then Update my DAT later?

It takes them 4 weeks (or more) to confirm your gpa so it's better to e-submit as soon as possible. Then update your dat afterwards.

 

[Alikhan9]

I'm also fasting with you while trying to study the DAT. What I do is I study right after iftar up until a few hours after sahoor, so from about 9pm until about 5-6 am, or for as long as I can stay awake. Then I sleep until about 2-3pm. Then I wake up and study until iftar. This is the hardest part, to study during fast, but keeping in mind that you'll be able to eat in only a few hours motivates you to keep studying. I'm fortunate enough to not have any other responsibilities other than studying this summer, so that schedule works for me. It looks like you also don't have any commitments this summer so you can do the same if you want to. I wouldn't recommend taking the DAT after the summer though even though you have a whole year until you apply (I'm in the same situation). With classes and EC's, I would def not be able to study well for the DAT and do well in my classes. I'd prob end up forgetting most of what I studied over the summer just because I wouldn't be able to study DAT every day anymore. I know there's a lot of people that are able to work full-time, take classes, study DAT, and still pull off a nice score, but I personally don't think I can do that. Only you can know that for yourself. But look, you have almost 3 months right now, don't let Ramadan discourage you from studying. Obviously you won't be able to be in full study mode this month, but think about it- Ramadan will be over around July 6th/7th-ish so that gives you almost 2 months of solid/fasting-free studying, in addition to the studying you've already put in over Ramadan. If you can find a spot to schedule your DAT near the end of August, I think you should go for it. But if you still don't feel ready by then, then reschedule.
Also, DO NOT eat a heavy meal during iftar. As much as you want to, it will make you feel exhausted afterwards and kill hours of your study time. Also if you can, try to do some exercise right before sahoor. Around 2am is good. I use freeletics so I don't have to go to a gym, but if you have a 24 hour gym in your area you can use that too. The exercise is really up to you, but just make sure not to stuff yourself during iftar.

Wow mA you have wonderful dedication when are you planning on taking your DAT?

 

[Minions2015]

Great plan

 

[Naznina Chand]

I'm also fasting with you while trying to study the DAT. What I do is I study right after iftar up until a few hours after sahoor, so from about 9pm until about 5-6 am, or for as long as I can stay awake. Then I sleep until about 2-3pm. Then I wake up and study until iftar. This is the hardest part, to study during fast, but keeping in mind that you'll be able to eat in only a few hours motivates you to keep studying. I'm fortunate enough to not have any other responsibilities other than studying this summer, so that schedule works for me. It looks like you also don't have any commitments this summer so you can do the same if you want to. I wouldn't recommend taking the DAT after the summer though even though you have a whole year until you apply (I'm in the same situation). With classes and EC's, I would def not be able to study well for the DAT and do well in my classes. I'd prob end up forgetting most of what I studied over the summer just because I wouldn't be able to study DAT every day anymore. I know there's a lot of people that are able to work full-time, take classes, study DAT, and still pull off a nice score, but I personally don't think I can do that. Only you can know that for yourself. But look, you have almost 3 months right now, don't let Ramadan discourage you from studying. Obviously you won't be able to be in full study mode this month, but think about it- Ramadan will be over around July 6th/7th-ish so that gives you almost 2 months of solid/fasting-free studying, in addition to the studying you've already put in over Ramadan. If you can find a spot to schedule your DAT near the end of August, I think you should go for it. But if you still don't feel ready by then, then reschedule.
Also, DO NOT eat a heavy meal during iftar. As much as you want to, it will make you feel exhausted afterwards and kill hours of your study time. Also if you can, try to do some exercise right before sahoor. Around 2am is good. I use freeletics so I don't have to go to a gym, but if you have a 24 hour gym in your area you can use that too. The exercise is really up to you, but just make sure not to stuff yourself during iftar.

Sounds like a solid schedule! Good luck to you

 

[DentalNucleicAcid]

Wow mA you have wonderful dedication when are you planning on taking your DAT?

If all goes well, inshallah septemeber 2.

Great plan

Sounds like a solid schedule! Good luck to you

Good luck to you guys as well, you can do it 🙂

 

[Alikhan9]

If all goes well, inshallah septemeber 2.

Isn't that to long of a time interval.

 

[DentalNucleicAcid]

^I don't think so, because you have to keep reviewing everything over and over again until you know it really well. You want to make sure you do it more than once or twice. The more you practice, the more you'll retain. Especially for something like bio or pat.