Not Ready for DAT But Busy Fall Schedule

[PredentalGirl2015]

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Hi all!

I'm scheduled to take the DAT next week but I'm not ready at all. I'm scoring average of 15-16 on Kaplan practice exams. The latest I can push it back is November due to the 6 month registration policy. I have a pretty busy fall semester with Biochemistry and Physics 1 so I'd rather not push it back. If I don't take it at all before November, I lose the $415 (don't remember the exact price). Suggestions? Is it worth losing the $400 if I'm not ready? Is it okay to take the DAT twice?

I'm trying to go through Destroyer these next few days and finish up Chad's Videos. Perhaps purchase Crack the PAT as well.

Thoughts would be appreciated!

 

[Mushibachan]

by the week before the DAT, most people will have completed multiple tests from BC, crackdat, gold standard, 2009 practice exam, etc. How long have you been studying for?

 

[PredentalGirl2015]

Since June, but I was also taking a course in the summer that just ended. I don't think I efficiently studied until these past few weeks.

 

[Mushibachan]

Hmm.. I see. Is money an issue for you? $400 is a lot of money.. But taking the DAT twice is not necessarily bad, there were plenty of people on SDN who took it a second time and did a lot better

 

[PredentalGirl2015]

I'd rather not waste the $400 on nothing 🙁 But I'm afraid it'll hurt my reputation if dental schools see that I did poorly the first time around. My friends just suggested to take it and see how it is and prepare to take it again next summer since I have a busy course load in the fall.

 

[PredentalGirl2015]

I'm just getting so scared because everyone says to reschedule if you're not ready but I don't see how I can study for the DAT and take a 14 credit load that includes biochem and physics.

 

[Mushibachan]

I'd rather not waste the $400 on nothing 🙁 But I'm afraid it'll hurt my reputation if dental schools see that I did poorly the first time around. My friends just suggested to take it and see how it is and prepare to take it again next summer since I have a busy course load in the fall.

As long as your scores see an improvement the second time around, I don't see why there is a problem with retaking the test. I definitely do not recommend studying for this while taking courses at a college. I just don't see how its humanly possible. I could say maybe work and DAT studying is doable. Also, can't you just study for this next month before you start school and take it before you go back?

 

[PredentalGirl2015]

As long as your scores see an improvement the second time around, I don't see why there is a problem with retaking the test. I definitely do not recommend studying for this while taking courses at a college. I just don't see how its humanly possible. I could say maybe work and DAT studying is doable. Also, can't you just study for this next month before you start school and take it before you go back?

I start school August 24th unfortunately. Yeah, I thought one course would be doable, but I was clearly wrong.

 

[Mushibachan]

I start school August 24th unfortunately. Yeah, I thought one course would be doable, but I was clearly wrong.

AHHH I see, that's really unfortunate (semester schools 🙁). Can you give like exact scores for your Kaplan tests. Perhaps you are better in some sections than others and that could help determine what you should do.

 

[PredentalGirl2015]

AA 15
PA 14
Bio 14
GC 14
OC 15
RC 19
QR 15

Is there much I can do with a few days left? :/

 

[Mushibachan]

AA 15
PA 14
Bio 14
GC 14
OC 15
RC 19
QR 15

Is there much I can do with a few days left? :/

Okay so your RC isn't too bad. On the other hand, I have heard mixed reviews regarding Kaplan tests (they aren't very representative of the actual exam is what I have heard at least). If you want you can sign up for Bootcamp (they have practice exams/sections that are regarded as the best representative of the DAT). But then again, having a few days to go over it is kind of sketch...

 

[whitepapertree]

You'll be fine. Stop taking Kaplan tests because they are absolutely not representative.

 

[PredentalGirl2015]

Okay so your RC isn't too bad. On the other hand, I have heard mixed reviews regarding Kaplan tests (they aren't very representative of the actual exam is what I have heard at least). If you want you can sign up for Bootcamp (they have practice exams/sections that are regarded as the best representative of the DAT). But then again, having a few days to go over it is kind of sketch...

I've heard mixed reviews about Kaplan tests. One of my peers from ASDA said out of bootcamp, topscore, and dat destroyer - he thought Kaplan was most representative. I'll take the free test on bootcamp and crack the dat. I have a friend who offered to give me access to her bootcamp for half the price but with only a few days left, not sure if that will be more beneficial than kaplan.

 

[PredentalGirl2015]

You'll be fine. Stop taking Kaplan tests because they are absolutely not representative.

do you think it's worth it to get access to bootcamp with just a few days left? my friend said i could pay for half of it since she already has access which would be $60 or do you think topscore or the ADA tests are best to practice with?

 

[DAT Destroyer]

Hi all!

I'm scheduled to take the DAT next week but I'm not ready at all. I'm scoring average of 15-16 on Kaplan practice exams. The latest I can push it back is November due to the 6 month registration policy. I have a pretty busy fall semester with Biochemistry and Physics 1 so I'd rather not push it back. If I don't take it at all before November, I lose the $415 (don't remember the exact price). Suggestions? Is it worth losing the $400 if I'm not ready? Is it okay to take the DAT twice?

I'm trying to go through Destroyer these next few days and finish up Chad's Videos. Perhaps purchase Crack the PAT as well.

Thoughts would be appreciated!

I am asked this type of question quite often.

The best advice I can ever give to a student is,

Do NOT take the DAT until you fell 100 percent prepared, anything less often ends in disaster.

Just my 2 cents..

Nancy

 

[Mushibachan]

I've heard mixed reviews about Kaplan tests. One of my peers from ASDA said out of bootcamp, topscore, and dat destroyer - he thought Kaplan was most representative. I'll take the free test on bootcamp and crack the dat. I have a friend who offered to give me access to her bootcamp for half the price but with only a few days left, not sure if that will be more beneficial than kaplan.

Half price BC is better than full price! I agree with Nancy that you shouldn't take the test until you feel 100% ready, but then again it is $400... not all of us have that money to just waste away..... its a very tough decision

 

[byahnoob]

Id say you study your butt off for a week.. you're on a tight schedule so your best bet is probably DAT Bootcamp. I agree with a few posts above, DO NOT use Kaplan.. just absolutely terrible.

If you didnt use DAT destroyer, i don't know what to say... the problems from the book helped me understand iffy concepts and exposed me to various questions.

 

[DetermineDent]

I say study your butt off now, and just take it.
I would say I really cracked down at the end of my studies and learned the most the last week and a half of studying. Change your tactics though. Finish chads videos asap. Like tomorrow lol, take the quizes. Do Dat destroyer, and review review review

 

[PredentalGirl2015]

Thanks for all your input! I'm going to study as much as I can! 🙂