Need advice on how to study for quick improvement on science portion of DAT

[Amber81]

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I took the cd-rom Kaplan practice test that comes with the blue book today. Here's my scores:

Biology: 13
G-Chem: 14
O-Chem: 12

PAT: 18
Reading: 17
Q. R.: 19


I'm pretty discouraged about my science scores obviously. The other sections are respectable and with a bit more refinement I think I could get them over 20. But I need some major work in the sciences and am curious what would be the best way to study to make quick improvements in those areas----as in like three weeks. I take the DAT July 23. Anybody?

 

[nd7]

wow, three weeks isn't alot of time? do you have to take it that soon? if so, i would go through the question and categorize them to see which type you are missing. then go through those particular chapters in the blue book. for instance, you probably don't need to spend too much time on nomenclature so go straight to working on the reactions. 🙂

 

[Flipper405]

The one thing is I would say is you need to put in a LOT of time for the next three weeks. I've read about people that spent about this much time studying for the test other places, but you have to really crack down and live, breathe, eat, and sleep DAT.

 

[tiny2533]

I think July 23 might be to soon assuming you do take time to sleep. As you know those scores are really low and one bad score in the science section may ruin your chances of getting in. Kaplan does a good job of pinpointing your weaknesses so hit those sections hard and dont turn back. I wish you the best of luck so stay positive and keep studying.

 

[bkwash]

What score would you like to get? I think you can improve at least to a 17 by learning the BASIC info of orgo, gchem and bio. If you are in the kaplan class that would mean:

1. memorizing the lesson book (not the review notes)
2. memorizing the flash cards


If you want above that i might say push the date back....

hope that helps...

 

[IcemanDDS]

I'm also taking DAT on July 23... and still waiting for Topscore to get here!! There's A LOT of science material covered on DAT, so you'll have to put in some MAJOR study time between now and July 23. I mean major. Dont worry so much about details if you're that lacking in the sciences. Concentrate on ALL the major concepts first, then work your way down to more detailed material as time allows. Also do more practice tests like Topscore. I think you can download and purchase a key online now...

 

[Missserica]

i'm a little worried for you! ok, it's not like i have taken the DAT (i will be in aug), but if i were in your shoes, i would be worried. and, if i were in your shoes and had three weeks, i would .. spend maybe six or seven hours a day for the next two weeks going over the kaplan book and going over all the flashcards! (Oh I hope you took kaplan and have those handy flashcards!) Then, the week before the test, take a practice test each day and spend time going over the answers.
This is just what I would do if I were you, because I might very well be in your shoes next month!

 

[ddsnp]

If you are taking it then....focus on Sciences..do as many questions as you can and you'll do well. I think you should spend 5 days on bio, 5 on gen chem, and 5 on o chem and then you'll have enought time at the end to review everything for a final time.

Goodluck