So, for the most part, I studied out of Examkrackers that my roommate used to study for his mcats. Back then, I did not try to look for forums like this but just assumed that DATs and MCATs are same except for may be physics section. So, I went through examkracker chem bio and ochem along with 1001 problem books for those three subjects. Bio questionnaire was not really helpful because it was on passage format like the mcats, but chem and ochem books were pretty useful. (especially ochem.)
Also the subject summaries for these three subjects were pretty reasonable. It did not have ecology and other aspects covered by DATs, but I think these books helped me to be solid on the general topics.
Then I ran out of the questions to cover so I bought a kaplan blue book and barrons DAT. Btw, Barrons was horrrrible with numerous errors; I couldnt even grade myself for the tests that I did on barrons. Only thing that was worthwhile from that was their PAT tutorials. The PAT section was covered pretty well on the little techniques. As for PAT, I did not study anything other than barrons and topscore.
Kaplan BB was a good review for me, as well as realizing which extra bio sections I was missing. So, I went through KBB like twice for the material.
When I got to topscore, I focused on getting the hang of the questions. Also, I used wikipedia to look up and supplement on the little classification stuff that I missed.
For Ochem, I made sure to memorize all the reactions, reagents, as well as understanding them. Also, organizing the different alkene reactions and ketone/aldehyde derivative reactions (wittig, clemmenson, wolfner, claisen, oxidation, and reductions) on a separate piece of paper was very helpful for me.
For all bio, chem, and ochem, I made about 500 note cards to make sure that I can be thorough and brush up.
For QT, I looked over some old SAT IIs that I had, as well as kaplan review section. Also, I took time to brush up on general trig. But as for my test, I think I just got very lucky cuz I found this section a breeeze. (it was MUCH easier than topscore!!!). The score I got was the best I have done, as I was getting about 20 or 21 at best on topscore and kaplan.
For reading comprehension, the actual test was the second real set of passages I read and tried. Not that I was way competent on my RC skills, I just ran out of time and steam. By week before my test, I was barely getting myself to study anything. The one thing that I did during the test, I scribbled down some imp. points for every paragraph so that I could refer back and find the info that I need quickly. RC was my worst section, as my percentiles show, and I really did not even expect for 20. Who knows, may be I got lucky??
I've been checking out other school DAT GPA guides, and I feel like I am just little bit over the average. Would it really make a big difference on my score if I purchase the destroyers or other guides and study those again? or would it be just better for me to sit on my score and call it quits?
BTW for extraCs
- treasure for a Alzheimer awareness club
- been working as a labtech for over a year at an oncology lab
- shadowed and shadowing a dentist (prostho) for about 100 hrs
- member of Rotary club
- member of honors society
- translator for anti-human trafficking group in LA area
