My Take on DAT

[SloppyJoe]

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After the shock has worn off, I've decide to post my experience and scores to help fellower DATers as others have helped me.

Here are my scores:

AA: 21
Bio:22
Ochem:21
Gchem:21
RC:21
QR:20

PAT:17!!! 😕


Three most important things:
1)Take the Kaplan course.
I know some people think Kaplan is worthless, but DAT is a once in a lifetime thing, and you need all the advantages you can get. The $1k will seem like nothing in the scheme of things. The lecture part is alright, it just helps you be on track w/ your reading of the book. IMPORTANT thing is to goto the center everyday and do all the subjects tests. I went over the science subject tests twice. Also take all the full lengthe practice tests and make sure you go over the explanations. That is very important.

For biology, I took notes off of almost every chapter and condensed the information. I retained a lot of the information after this. The condense notes will be good study aide as you refresh your memory.

2)BUY Topscore
It is very close to the DAT. In fact a little harder. I average 19AA/20PAT for all three tests. While my AA jumped up, my PAT went down. I cant really explain it. I didn't think the real PAT was that much different from the topscore. Scale down the resolution to 800X600 when u take the topscore PAT. It'll help.

3)Barrons
Barrons is good just for some extra reading. It goes into some specifics the Kaplan doesn't gover. (heart, nerula....) Take the practice tests.

All in all, take subjects tests and practice test. Goto the center and spend at least a month and a half of harcore studying. You will find Kaplan to overprepare you in the sciences. The PAT you just have to seek out extra resources and practive more.


Good luck all.

 

[kevinacko]

i agree that taking the kaplan course is very effective. i scored a 21/18. i would suggest to those that take the course to watch the lesson videos at least once. i found them to be much more informative than my teacher. i actually relied on the tapes solely and only went to the first two classes.

 

[HSO]

wow, congrats joe! the AA of 21 is simply awesome!
-i have a quick question for you. did you think that kaplan's math was harder than the math on the actual DAT? i've been doing some of the kaplan math subject tests and found them pretty challenging. it's taking me a lot of time to do them all, so i'm wondering if i should focus more on the sciences/reading since i only have a month left of kaplan and until the actual test. also, what method did you use for the reading comp? thanks a lot for your help!

 

[SloppyJoe]

The math subject test were much harder than the real one. I think the first one only has word problems and it took me forever to finish it. The math in the full length tests in both the kaplan and topscore were similiar to the real thing. You just have to build up speed doing arithmetic and algebra. Also, recognisze the types of problems: such as rates, interest, speed, and ratios.
Another thing is, since the math is the last section, you really have to build up your stamina and not run out of steam. Of course, when you take the real DAT, the adrenaline will keep you awake.

For reading, I would just reading the first couple of paragraph to see if i can answer the first question. After that, I would just look at the next questions and then just look thru the essays. Remember the RC on the real dAT is 60 minutes so you will have enought time. Just pace yourself at 20 minutes per section. Most of the questions have answers right int he text, you just have to scan. Familiarize yourself w/ the computer version of RC. It is much different. (Easier than written ones to find things by scrolling IMO)

 

[AT03]

Great Job !!!!

Joe, 21 is very impressive. It's so good to see another SDN member is on his way to a dental school.

OK, I got a question for you now. Were there a lots of genetics questions ?

 

[SloppyJoe]

Just know your basic punnet square and sex-linked diseases...I didnt' get any hardy-weinbergs, but study those too. (the p+q=1, and p2 + 2pq + q2 =1)

 

[NewNameForGoogleBot]

Great scores!

I must, however, disagree strongly with taking Kaplan's DAT course. To me $1000 IS a lot of money! Just focus and buckle down and you can do just as good (or better because you can customize your own studying). You can learn everything you need on your own. Plus between Kaplan book, Barrons, Lippencott, and Topscore you have 8 practice tests. Why do you all of a sudden need to spend $1000 to have someone teach you stuff you've already learned? The only benefit I see from Kaplan is if you KNOW you will have a hard time focusing and excercising self-discipline while preparing for the DAT.

 

[SloppyJoe]

Jaap, you are right. If you have discipline, then definately go w/ out the course. But if your are not, Kaplan offers subject tests plus full length ones so you can pace yourself and works towards those full length tests. (I sound like an advertisement here for Kaplan!)
I tried to take mine a week before the big one. It really helped me tie everything together and prepare physcially and mentally for the format and timing of the test.

 

[mcataz]

For those who have switched careers and have not been in school for a while, I would encourage you to not just do practice tests.

I have the Kaplan subject tests and practice tests. I think they are great if you can remember most of your sciences. But for students like myself who haven't had gen chem/o-chem and general bio in 4 years, I would really encourage you to understand the Kaplan DAT book first.

It's helped me a lot. I forgot basic principles of stoichiometry. The Kaplan book taugh me those principles over again. When I wen to the practice tests, they were great. But if I had not thoroughly relearned those concepts, those practice tests would not have helped me.

I think I'm a rare incident since most people taking the DAT are finishing college. But to those old timers like myself who forgo the basics, don't just rush to the practice tests unless you remember the material.

 

[jetjesse]

Ditto on the old student thing...I'm right there with you. I'm 33 going on 21. My biology came back fast, but the chem and org is putting me through some serious trial and tribulation.

If there is anybody close to Nashville, I could use a study partner.

 

[kevinacko]

i only took the kaplan class because it's been 5 years since i've seen o chem and even longer since general chem. my old brain doesn't remember what i learned when i was 19 so the class helped me out a lot. i only went to 2 classes and watched the lesson videos instead which worked out well for me.

 

[NewNameForGoogleBot]

That's a good point - I hadn't considered non-traditional applicants in my response. It could make sense to have a good review if you have been out of school for a few years and take the Kaplan course.