Need Help for those Dat takers that were scoring really low on practice tests

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michaelamae1

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I would like to know if anyone is in my situation with scoring low on qvault for Bio, Gc, and Oc??? I am scoring in Bio 15-17's, Gc 15-18's, Oc 15-19's. I will take my first Topscore maybe tomorrow or for sure Friday. I have gone through all of Chads videos and quizzes, destroyer almost 2x except Bio. My test is in 6 days and I dont really know what to concentrate on. I am scoring CDP 18 but I will continue to work on that everyday. I have tried reading Cliffs but still not understanding a lot of stuff and using youtube videos. I dont want to reschedule because I have several times!!!! Please help!!!
 
This is just my personal opinion...but if you don't start improving on your GC and OC at the very least (improving as in getting at least 21+) you might want to reschedule.

I'm saying this because for my first practice tests, I took achiever got around 17s for the sciences, but when I took qvault I started getting 21-26. Same with PAT, on achiever I got around 17-18 but with CDP I am now getting 22-25.

Furthermore, many people have breakdowns with qvault and CDP practice scores that represented their real DAT scores very well, whereas if you had used achiever, it seemed like a 5-6 point jump.

My point is that....personally I think the resources you are using are on the easy side of the "practice material" spectrum and that if you aren't feeling comfortable with them, you probably are not ready.

That being said, I think you still have a shot at getting around a 19-20 if you have 6 days left to study. Give it 3 more days before you absolutely have to reschedule and see if your practice scores improve, which is a high possibility because for OC and GC at least, there is only so much material you can learn before you start mastering them.

I apologize if I was harsh, but it's my honest opinion. I am taking the test exactly a week from today and if I was in your situation, this is what I would tell myself. Just keep doing what you've been doing with qvault and CDP for the next 3 days and if nothing improves, pay the 25 bucks for a later date, it will be way better than paying another 360 and also having to re-study for another 3 months.
 
Thanks and I know you are right!!! I am busting tail watching some of Chads videos and doing quizzes to make sure I am understanding better. I will do this for GC and Oc all day today. I will see how it goes...
 
If you're not applying this cycle, then I would definitely reschedule. From reading your post, I feel that you are in panic mode, which is not a good sign. My success could partially be attributed to the fact that I was extremely exited to take the test.

Just realize that the test is $360 and could potentially increase if you do end up retake.

As for preparing, maybe you could read my breakdown if that helps.
 
My average for qvault was BIO- ~18.7, OC-20, GC- ~19. On the real DAT I had a 22 BIO, 19 GC, 22 OC. I agree with ^^, if you do not feel ready push it back. If you're applying this cycle, ya you're app may be a little late if you push it back, but you must feel ready. I know it's hard to feel ready seeing as I never did, but I was sick of waiting and wanted to take it. I would have your topscore test be the deciding factor. If you like your scores I would keep the test date, if not see what you need practice on and decide from there. DO NOT let practice tests discourage you though. They're meant to be harder to better prepare you for something easier. Best of luck
 
Yes you are right and I will see how I feel when I take all 3 Topscore. I just have been pushing this back for over a year now. I am tired and yes all the schools already have my app. Its just I study then I start forgetting. I started studying since May 14 and look I was suppose to take it in beginning of July then at the end of July, then it went to August 10 and now August 21!!! Guys I cant do this anymore on pushing it back or I will never do it. Plus, I am wife and a mother of 4 not forgetting a full-time student. I quit my dental hygiene job 3 yrs ago to pursue this and my family also depends on me because they too have been sacrificing for me. I study all night while everyone is sleeping so I just dont know what more I could do. I have lost so much weight from studying because I am trying so hard not to forget the material. I look horrible as far as my weight goes, not healthy looking. I cant wait for this to be over where I can have a normal life again with my family. I do my duties no matter what as a mother and wife but I am only human and my body is so tired....
 
1) Relax.
2) Do you feel you know all the concepts at least for Gchem and Ochem by the way Chad explained? I decided to not push it back anymore my test when I felt I knew about 90% of his lectures.
3)You might be stressing more than you should and I understand in your situation is inevitable, so relax.
4)Skip the materials that you know hands down, and review the ones that you feel weak. No point of reviewing things that you already know. 6 Days left. Do 1 day of identifying your weakness in chemistries, another day identifying on bio (except that for evolution, ecology and plants I would leave them to be reviewed the last last minute). For the rest of 4 days, study what you wrote down about the weak topics.
5)Still don't think you can pull it? then I would postpone 1 more week.
 
Thanks buddy!!! I totally agree my nerves are getting the best of me..... I will continue to focus on my weak areas. I am not rescheduling anymore i will study hard and leave it all in Gods hands. I claim and receive it. I think the enemy is just trying to attack me and convince me I can't do it but I am defeating these feelings and insecurities!!! Thanks and God bless you!
 
I never used qVault, but if you can pull off a 17 or an 18 on Topscore, you're in great shape.

This too shall pass 🙂. Good luck!
 
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