Most important DAT study materials... any expendable? cheapest way to buy?

[ohohitsmagic08]

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Hi,

I am planning to take the Kaplan course and then use the following materials for the individual topics in addition to the Kaplan books.

Bio: Cliffs, MCAT Hyperlearning, Kaplan Premier MCAT, Schaums, 5 steps to a 5 AP Biology (already have this)
G.Chem: MCAT Hyperlearning, Kaplan Premier MCAT, online videos
O.Chem: MCAT Hyperlearning, Kaplan Premier MCAT, online videos
PAT: CDP
QR: online equation sheets, SAT math subject test II (already have this)

Practice tests: Destroyer, Achiever, Topscore, Godfrey Testprep (http://www.dentaladmissiontestprep.com/index.html)



I am planning to buy the books on amazon used. The practice tests (CDP, Destroyer, Achiever, Topscore, Godfrey Testprep), however, are gonna be incredibly expensive. Should I get all of these? Or should I omit some?

I am hoping for 22+ on everything for Columbia/UCSF/UCLA/Penn. Are these materials enough? Overkill?

Thanks!

 

[nze82]

Hi,

I am planning to take the Kaplan course and then use the following materials for the individual topics in addition to the Kaplan books.

Bio: Cliffs, MCAT Hyperlearning, Kaplan Premier MCAT, Schaums, 5 steps to a 5 AP Biology (already have this)
G.Chem: MCAT Hyperlearning, Kaplan Premier MCAT, online videos
O.Chem: MCAT Hyperlearning, Kaplan Premier MCAT, online videos
PAT: CDP
QR: online equation sheets, SAT math subject test II (already have this)

Practice tests: Destroyer, Achiever, Topscore, Godfrey Testprep (http://www.dentaladmissiontestprep.com/index.html)



I am planning to buy the books on amazon used. The practice tests (CDP, Destroyer, Achiever, Topscore, Godfrey Testprep), however, are gonna be incredibly expensive. Should I get all of these? Or should I omit some?

I am hoping for 22+ on everything for Columbia/UCSF/UCLA/Penn. Are these materials enough? Overkill?

Thanks!

You're not applying during this cycle, are you?
Because if you are, I think by the time you finish studying all these materials it would be too late to take the DAT, which will tremendously hinder your chances of getting into competitive schools like the ones you mentioned.
If you're applying for the next cycle, however, and if you think you have the discipline and the determination required to go through all these materials, then I think what you've chosen is great.

Good Luck👍

 

[ohohitsmagic08]

You're not applying during this cycle, are you?
Because if you are, I think by the time you finish studying all these materials it would be too late to take the DAT, which will tremendously hinder your chances of getting into competitive schools like the ones you mentioned.
If you're applying for the next cycle, however, and if you think you have the discipline and the determination required to go through all these materials, then I think what you've chosen is great.

Good Luck👍

Oh I should have mentioned that I am going to start studying second semester of next year and all of the summer and take the exam next next August. I want the study materials to sufficient even for someone starting from scratch.

 

[nze82]

Oh I should have mentioned that I am going to start studying second semester of next year and all of the summer and take the exam next next August. I want the study materials to sufficient even for someone starting from scratch.

Define "starting from scratch" for me.
Provided that you've been previously exposed to these topics, yes! the material you mentioned should be more than enough to refresh your mind and reinforce the key concepts for you.
If you've never taken any of these courses before, and you're trying to teach all of this to yourself, then it would be extremely tough!
Most review books aren't detailed enough to be used for teaching the material. They simply go over the most important points associated with different topics.

 

[ohohitsmagic08]

Define "starting from scratch" for me.
Provided that you've been previously exposed to these topics, yes! the material you mentioned should be more than enough to refresh your mind and reinforce the key concepts for you.
If you've never taken any of these courses before, and you're trying to teach all of this to yourself, then it would be extremely tough!
Most review books aren't detailed enough to be used for teaching the material. They simply go over the most important points associated with different topics.

Well obviously I will have taken the courses. I just really want to make sure I get everything. Should I read Campbell's bio textbook?

 

[nze82]

Well obviously I will have taken the courses. I just really want to make sure I get everything. Should I read Campbell's bio textbook?

If you have time to do so, why not?
It never hurts to use additional resources/material.

 

[dentalstudent09]

okay im in the same boat as you... will be taking dat next year iA.

 

[ohohitsmagic08]

Man, reading other peoples scores and breakdowns really make me nervous. Are reading textbooks really necessary? Or will Kaplan BB and MCAT Hyperlearning be sufficient for all the concepts and such?