Major DAT Crisis PLEASE HELP! :(

[Naznina Chand]

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So I decided to sign up for my DAT exam for this December. Not knowing the 6 months testing period I paid for the exam, and the only available dates to take the exam are from January 2014-July 2014. I called the ADA Testing Center to try to reschedule it but the most they pushed it back for me was until September 16.

I was hoping on taking it in December because I'm still taking General Chemistry 2 at my University. And my University isn't offering Organic Chemistry over the summer, but they are offering Physics and Microbiology.
I'll be taking Organic Chemistry Part 1 in the Fall. So at this point I started studying General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry simultaneously. I have a tutor who will be helping me through April, and she's a great help.

But, I am still scared I won't be prepared enough for it. I talked to my Pre-Dental advisor at my University and he advised I don't take the test at all. He said I won't be exposed to any of the Organic Chemistry Material on the Exam. As far as biology goes, I've taken Anatomy and Physiology already. I'm just insecure about the Organic Chemistry Section, Chemistry doesn't come to me easily so I'm not sure what to do. I did pay 400 dollars which I don't want to go to waste so I'm debating whether to take it or not. And what class I should take over the summer either Physics or Microbiology?

I made a mistake and I should have consulted someone before signing up for the exam, but I wasn't aware of the 6 month testing period. Should I take the exam or not? I have started studying for it and also do plan on taking the Kaplan Classes before my exam starts. I'm so CONFUSED. Please HELP 🙁

Thanks to everyone that replies.

 

[Chga]

I guess you can take it and see how the test is going to be

 

[funnysunny]

Take Microbiology in the summer.

In my opinion, I don't think you should take the test until you are 100% prepared. As you mentioned, you haven't learned any Organic Chemistry, tho you have a tutor but it still will be hard without actually learning in class. If you really want to risk the chance, you can try to do a review test before the test date and see whether you can ace it. (you can try Kaplan review test). If you can score high in all sections then it's ok for you to take the test. Otherwise, please don't do it at all. $400 is a lot of money, but doing poorly on DAT will be worse than wasting $400.

Physics will not be on DAT (you should take it no matter what), so you should definitely take Micro in the summer.

You also mentioned that GChem doesn't come to you easily. You should definitely wait until you are prepared. Maybe in 6 months, you will be ready for GChem, but Orgo......

Overall, I agree with your advisor, do not take the test...

Good luck!

 

[ICUrunning]

If you feel you are ready then take the test.
NEVER take the test to "see how it is" or to test the waters. You are allowed 3 tries and thats it. Do not waste one try.

 

[Glimmer1991]

NEVER take the test to "see how it is" or to test the waters. You are allowed 3 tries and thats it. Do not waste one try.

I agree completely with this. Don't take the test until you have completed BOTH semesters of orgo. Your scores will thank you. Just stomach the money loss and move on. In the grand scheme, it's fine.