Long-term DAT studying bad?

[chahn]

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Having that it is summer right now, I don't have too much on my schedule so I thought that I should try to be productive and start studying. Now, because my exam is 5-9 months away (don't have a set date), I don't plan on trying to memorize all the little details just yet. I was going to try to learn more broad topics and things that would fall under non-declarative memory, aka "procedural memory". Declarative memory is remembering facts/events and such.

So would starting to study my PAT, CR, and QR sections long-term be a bad idea? I feel like these sections are more "figure it out/apply procedural knowledge" type of questions, rather than regurgitating info. Also, possibly some of the concepts in GC/OC? Please correct me if I'm completely wrong about these sections, as I I'm non-traditional applicant and don't have all the knowledge about the exam just yet. Thanks!

 

[Teeths]

Just my personal opinion, but I don't think it's a good idea to study for that length of time for the test, which you said yourself so you're right on that. I think getting started early on the PAT (perceptual) section could really help increase your score. It's not something you can really learn overnight, but you get "in tune" with how it's done and you might find little tricks or tips by doing examples over and over again for this section. This could possibly be done for the RC (reading) section as well by simply reading passages and answering questions about it (this doesn't have to be from a DAT-specific book, can even be from GRE/MCAT/what have you).

Good luck !

 

[Hawkteeth]

It wouldn't hurt to go over all the material once or twice, maybe make your study notes now so you can start full speed when it comes down to the real studying. I think practicing PAT, RC and QR is a great idea, that is something that takes practice not just memorization like the science section.

 

[ktran17]

Why not sign up for the test end of august and just get it over with?

 

[shootingstar7]

I agree, either sign up for the DAT or get involved in shadowing or service work or better yet, both. Just focus 100% on the DAT when the time comes.

 

[CedarZ4]

Actual long-term study for the DAT (like actually spending 8-10 hours a day) long term is a no-no. First, you'll drive yourself crazy and eventually just give up. Secondly, because the test will cover so material, by the time you get to the test time, you will have forgotten a lot of it.

As others have mentioned, long-term reviewing bit by bit (like, reading over GenChem very quickly to give yourself a better foundation of the material before you actually study) can be helpful, but maybe not as productive as you may think (for the DAT, at least). I personally wouldn't give myself more than 2 months. I think 6-7 weeks is a good time frame. Do keep in mind, during this time you have to do 8-10 hours per day, everyday.

 

[518590]

Actual long-term study for the DAT (like actually spending 8-10 hours a day) long term is a no-no. First, you'll drive yourself crazy and eventually just give up. Secondly, because the test will cover so material, by the time you get to the test time, you will have forgotten a lot of it.

As others have mentioned, long-term reviewing bit by bit (like, reading over GenChem very quickly to give yourself a better foundation of the material before you actually study) can be helpful, but maybe not as productive as you may think (for the DAT, at least). I personally wouldn't give myself more than 2 months. I think 6-7 weeks is a good time frame. Do keep in mind, during this time you have to do 8-10 hours per day, everyday.

This is the same experience I got from my DAT prep.
I couldn't focus as much when it was 3 month away, and I got distracted with school works.

 

[dantemac]

I spread it out over 6 months and it worked. A little bit every day after work.