Preparation *before* 4-5 month DAT study period

[Enso]

As far as pre-DAT courses I've only taken Bio I and II. Chem I and II will be done by the end of summer.

My question is, before I start the actual nitgrit of DAT studying what can I do or learn beforehand that will make that study process more smoother? I've heard of many people stressing out because they are studying 5 hours a day and still struggling to retain certain things. So I'll elaborate:

Are there any skills I should refine? Maybe simple formulas or strategies to know? Maybe start practicing math problems without a calculator? Does Kaplan BB have summary pages to take note of right now?

I have time to kill so I'd like to make use of it by preparing myself FOR the preparation. Sounds a little ridiculous I know but I'm the type of dude that absorbs this didactic science material quite slow (Business grad).

To shorten my question, for those who have prepared and taken the DAT, and knowing what you know now, is there anything you could suggest if you're in my shoes?

Appreciate any tips or suggestions.

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[doc3232]

As far as pre-DAT courses I've only taken Bio I and II. Chem I and II will be done by the end of summer.

My question is, before I start the actual nitgrit of DAT studying what can I do or learn beforehand that will make that study process more smoother? I've heard of many people stressing out because they are studying 5 hours a day and still struggling to retain certain things. So I'll elaborate:

Are there any skills I should refine? Maybe simple formulas or strategies to know? Maybe start practicing math problems without a calculator? Does Kaplan BB have summary pages to take note of right now?

I have time to kill so I'd like to make use of it by preparing myself FOR the preparation. Sounds a little ridiculous I know but I'm the type of dude that absorbs this didactic science material quite slow (Business grad).

To shorten my question, for those who have prepared and taken the DAT, and knowing what you know now, is there anything you could suggest if you're in my shoes?

Appreciate any tips or suggestions.

Start slow with basics in the sciences. Start doing math problems from an easy book (real QR is easy) and do them FAST.
Start with cell structures like ribosomes...then work your way to the more complicated details.

I find the chems straightforward so no tips there...

 

[yuppers]

You should have plenty of time in 5 months even if dont absorb that science stuff that well. I would suggest using kaplan bb because the flow of info is very good and organized.
One word of advice, dont study for too long each day if you are studying for 5 months. You will just get burnt out.
I decided to study for a month but I went hardcore 8+ hours a day except for weekends where I got a couple hours in.

 

[doc3232]

You should have plenty of time in 5 months even if dont absorb that science stuff that well. I would suggest using kaplan bb because the flow of info is very good and organized.
One word of advice, dont study for too long each day if you are studying for 5 months. You will just get burnt out.
I decided to study for a month but I went hardcore 8+ hours a day except for weekends where I got a couple hours in.

Ya, definately. I think 2-3 serious hours (no distractions) would be plenty.
I would stay on the lower end of that range. You really have no idea how fast you will get burned out.

 

[Dent44]

I agree with Doc... start low key with simple basics and move forward from there: multiplication tables up to 20, multiplying and dividing in scientific notation, logs, etc. That stuff would help with both math and gen chem. Also, you can prep for your studying by getting the books you'll be using and even plan out a study schedule.

 

[Enso]

From what I'm hearing I think I'll get the Kaplan book and not attack it yet but highlight/understand the large concepts, buy all books and layout the scheduling, and speed up the simple math skills. Excellent feedback thank you.

Also, when the actual 5 month period arrives how did you guys study the individual sections? One at a time? All together? Split? Is there a section that should be studied last because of the bulk of information? I'll take some opinions... would you guys keep or change below option. If yes what do you recommend?

3 hrs/day
Month
1- Bio (2 days/wk GChem + PAT)
2- GChem (2 days/wk OChem + QR)
3- OChem (2 days/wk Bio + RC)
4- PAT (2 days/wk GChem + QR)
5- Review all sections, mainly weakest (5-6 hrs/day)

 

[yuppers]

I went in the order of the KBB. Once I was done with that I just jumped around to reveiw certain things especially the biology stuff. Then finished with practice tests to get a final feel how everything was going.

 

[suhshi]

From what I'm hearing I think I'll get the Kaplan book and not attack it yet but highlight/understand the large concepts, buy all books and layout the scheduling, and speed up the simple math skills. Excellent feedback thank you.

Also, when the actual 5 month period arrives how did you guys study the individual sections? One at a time? All together? Split? Is there a section that should be studied last because of the bulk of information? I'll take some opinions... would you guys keep or change below option. If yes what do you recommend?

3 hrs/day
Month
1- Bio (2 days/wk GChem + PAT)
2- GChem (2 days/wk OChem + QR)
3- OChem (2 days/wk Bio + RC)
4- PAT (2 days/wk GChem + QR)
5- Review all sections, mainly weakest (5-6 hrs/day)

i kinda like this schedule
im wondering if this is any good too

 

[wjdghks]

People actually study 4-5 months for the Dat? lol.

A month is more than enough especially if you have a science background.

 

[achilles2]

People actually study 4-5 months for the Dat? lol.

A month is more than enough especially if you have a science background.

depends on what score your aiming for.....you want to score with the super elite then you better study like them


I studied for 3 months for my DAT and it was time well spent

 

[ORLO]

Here is a link which I found extremely useful in preparing for the DAT last year. The ADA seemed to have taken the link offline....but there are ways around that 🙂 If you are comfortable with the topics listed, you should be fine.... This is especially helpful for the sciences. Good luck!

http://web.archive.org/web/20070422...of/ed/testing/dat/dat_test_specifications.pdf