PAT Scores Lately?

[vondy60]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Does anyone see a trend in low PAT scores lately? In the last week or so it seems quite a few people, myself included, have gotten low PAT scores, buy did fine in the academic sections. I did not feel like I would have that much of a problem with this section and got a horrible 15; I was getting 18-20 on all of the practice tests I took. Could it be that they changed the difficulty of this section, or the percentile levels? I am really concerned because I will be retaking the DAT to bring up my PAT score.

 

[zimaad]

I think it's normal to drop some in PAT on the real DAT compared to Topscore or Kaplan. Yes, it definately depends on the questions you get, but I'm saying this based on my experience and reading posts during this application cycle (since July). I think I personally dropped 3 points from topscore to the real deal. So far as retaking...I'd contact admissions directors in schools you are particularly interested in and ask their opinion. For extra PAT practice (esp that crappy angle ranking sections) try the Barrons book, if you have not already.

 

[Jo23]

Hi,
I dropped at least 4 points on the real DAT.I thought about it and I think I can blame 2 things for this.One is the graphics on the real test,because I read that for everybody the angles were not straight lines and the other thing will be the lack of preparation materials available.
The real PAT didn't surprise me, because from what I read in this forum, I expected it to be weird like that.I usually compare angles at their tip, so the lines that were not straight really messed me up.Also, the cubes were awful.I thought I was "seeing things".In one question there were 2 stacks ,one with 3 cubes one on top of the other, and one with 2 cubes.Their height was exactly the same.Also, there were cubes missing in the middle of the stack, and that's where you see triangle.99% of the tests that I've been practicing with didn't have cubes missing in the middle.
The tests available are not sufficient for a good preparation.Also, top score gives you fake trust because all the 3 tests use almost the same shapes, so by the time you take the 3rd test, you are already familiar with the objects and you don't have to spend time deciphering them.
As an advice, if you retake only to get a better Pat, don't neglect the other subjects...just to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Good luck,
Joanna