Please-How much is enough?

[vondy60]

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I am taking the DAT in a month and have been studying the big Kaplan DAT book. I am scared that it does not cover all of the material needed for the DAT. Somethings it just does not cover in much detail. From the experience of those who have taken it, what else should I supplement my studying with in regards to the sciences? I have heard that Kaplan doesn't adequately cover classification for example. Where else can I get the study material needed for the exam? And, of all the material needed to study for the exam, there are only 40 biology questions. Is it mostly straight information questions or does it ask a bunch of very specific questions that require you to know everything about that particular topic. If I memorize that whole book, should I be prepared enough to get at least a 19? I am applying to LSU and this is required for a competative application. Any advice at all would be much appreciated. thanks

 

[croco]

I personally believe if you supplement yourself with barrons and topscore and are able to pick up iformation not found in the kaplan book, then you should be fine. As for the Biology section on the DAT, the best information I can give you is to focus your studies on non vertebrate biology in the textbook you used in school. You will be fine, relax and focus.🙂

 

[Balki]

HI
Before you take the DAT you should look at the sample DAT test in the paper application booklet. That's the closest you can get.
I Kaplan covers ORgo and Chem prety good, you are comfortable with those sections in Kaplan you should be ok. The G Chem secions in the Kaplan or Barrons are not good indicators of your score, because of extensive calculations used. I think even biology is covered pretty good but you can of course read more than in Kaplan, best place? You Bio textbook. And of course Practice , practive and practice

Good luck

 

[NewNameForGoogleBot]

Yes, if you know all of Kaplan you can get a 19. If you want to cover EVERYTHING on the test, you probably have to go other places, especially for the Bio. I studied my fabulous AP Bio notes I've been holding onto since high school and a little bit of Campbell.

 

[ItsGavinC]

Originally posted by Balki
HI
Before you take the DAT you should look at the sample DAT test in the paper application booklet. That's the closest you can get.

I seriously hope you are joking. I whizzed through that thing only missing a few questions TOTAL on the entire exam.

That exam is at least 10 years old and is NOT representative of the current DAT.

Don't rely on that one at all, it isn't a good gauge of study.

 

[ItsGavinC]

Originally posted by vondy60
I am taking the DAT in a month and have been studying the big Kaplan DAT book. I am scared that it does not cover all of the material needed for the DAT. Somethings it just does not cover in much detail.

The DAT isn't a detailed test. Afterall, look at the spectrum! From human biology to plant reproduction, etc., etc.

Know the basics about the broad spectrum and you'll do smashingly.

 

[ShawnOne]

vondy60,

The difficulty of the practice exam that comes with the DAT application is representative of the difficulty of the DAT in my opinion. Gavin is saying it was easy for him, but he did well on the real test also. There is a lot of good information on this message board about the DAT. Take your time, read it, and you'll be glad you did.

Also, since your a new user, there is a search function on the top of the screen. Try seaching for answers before posting 🙂

 

[grettlin2]

I strongly suggest if you still do not memorize some content in Kaplan's book (I mean bio), then stay with it. Go over the book 4-6 times, and it will bring you to 19 at least. The worst thing is you do not memorize all contents in Kaplan's book and switch to other materials which are also unfamilar to you. Then, with the time approaching, you will feel really scared. Although it might only bring you to 19, so what? 19 is a good score and it is only part of the AA and one-third science score. If you are lucky enough, you might get 21 and you still prepare other sections well.

Just use Kaplan's book, topscore, Barson's, and Kaplan's exams if you have to study unless you are really confortable with all materials in Kaplan's book.

 

[DesiDentist]

The best thing you can do right now is think positive. Of the great DAT people on this board, Model them.

Look at YAH-E for instance, he had a lot of adversities on his shoulders but he made it through and is going to a great school. You should do a search on his study techniques such as making a one page "summary" sheet for each chapter of the DAT book and then just reviewing it.

DesiDentist