my kaplan practice test scores...

[panda22]

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I know, you don't have to tell me. These scores SUCK. If I had taken the DAT today and gotten these scores, I woulda been screwed.

But I have only really studied gen chem, PAT, reading comp, and QR.

I haven't started studying bio and ochem because I know these will be the toughest sections for me.

I really got FRUSTRATED with myself during the test and just gave up and guessed. Especially on ochem section. I was really burned out and my stamina did not last.
I also got hungry and that made me distracted too.
i got an important phone call during the reading comp section that i had to take, so that kinda took up my time and attention.
for the QR i just couldn't take it and completely guessed on ones i had no idea how to start.

i think this was a helpful exercise for me. the most important thing i learned is that i really should get used to sitting for the entire length of the test and trying to keep my focus and attention. i think i will study for longer periods of time (like 6 hours straight), instead of taking breaks every two hours or so.

does anyone else have any other suggestions for me? how did you guys feel after your practice exams? what did you learn while taking the practice exams and what did you do differently during the real DAT?

Well, here it is:

Bio= 13
gen chem = 15
ochem = 10
PAT = 18 (wow thank God for this score!)
reading comp = 15
QR = 14

 

[ethanyoo726]

Which test was this - Midterm? Practice 1, 2, or 3?

In any case, do not only rely on Kaplan practice tests to gauge where you are. You need other study aids. I recommend you study each subject as best you can before actually tackling the practice tests. And once you do finish practice tests, it's ok if you're scores don't come out that great, you just need to be able to continue on and go over your mistakes, and even go over the questions you got right.

I understand that many times one can get frustrated and even lost, but the key is to keep yourself motivated and stay positive. If you realize that are you struggling, don't hesitate to start back at Square 1 and study again. The DAT is a tough test and studying for it is no easy task.

With that said, here is a suggestion on where to take your studying from here. It's just a suggestion, you don't have to follow it:

If you are taking the Kaplan course, I recommend you finish the Kaplan course, the Kaplan Workshops, and read the entire Blue Book and take notes on it. If you are not, try to get your hands on a Kaplan Blue Book, read it, take notes, and learn.

Once you have finished that, I recommend using the following for each subject:

Biology: Cliff's AP Bio, Destroyer
G. Chem: Destroyer
O. Chem: Destroyer ---> also memorize the roadmaps in the answer section
PAT: Crack DAT PAT (seriously, CDP is exactly like the real thing, trust me)
RC: I recommend learning how to do the Kaplan Method, but it's up to you.
QR: Destroyer, Kaplan (is a bit too hard, especially with probabilities, but still good)


For Biology, start making your flashcards. Seriously. Make flashcards for everything (wrong answers, answer choices you don't know, terms & definitions, etc.)

For G. Chem, in all honesty, it's all about practice problems. Learn as much as you can through notes and reading, but you can only get better through practice and understanding your mistakes. My worst subject was G. Chem and it ended up being my highest science score. I highly recommend Destroyer...i couldn't have done well without it. I went through Destroyer about 5 times and each time i learned something new.

For O.Chem, use Destroyer. Again, make flashcards of reactions and the roadmaps that he gives you and just keep practicing.

QR: Destroyer really helps. You need to become extremeley fast at calculating algebra and simple math so that you leave yourself room to calculate the larger word problems.


And once you've done this and feel like you understand, go through another pratice exam, see how you do, and learn from your mistakes. Go back to studying what you don't really know and then review the things you do know, and then practice test again. For more practice tests, I recommend TopScore and Achiever.

Space out your tests, and study in between. And remember to give yourself a day off each week.


I know I rambled on a lot, but I hope this helps. Remember, stay positive and keep yourself motivated.

Best of luck to you.

 

[panda22]

thanks for the breakdown! yeah i have destroyer and i also use mcat exam crackers to study. i dont really rely too much on kaplan. i only took their cd rom practice test, just to see if i was studying right or not. thanks for your suggestions.

 

[ethanyoo726]

Hmm...i don't recommend MCAT Exam Krackers. I've tried to use it, and only ended up knowing less. If you like it, then by all means continue on, but if you start getting frustrated with all the crazy details that you don't need to know for the DATs, stop.

 

[fldnstrm]

I would highly recommend studying for longer periods of time and really trying to focus. Get out of your house and go to your library on campus. I studied for almost 3 months solid 6-8 hrs a day and I went to the library on campus and went into a study room. I would also recomment trying to find a study partner to help motivate you, and to also serve as a sounding
board for learning.

For stamina take as many practice tests as you can and treat it like the real thing. Turn your cell phone of and put in some earplugs. I took about 8 full length practice tests and it helped me to push through and go strong all the way through.

I just took the DAT yesterday and left with a 21 TS/ 21 Academic Avg. Just keep putting in the time and effort and you will do fine.

Good luck.