Questions about DAT Destroyer

[NDPitch]

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I'm about to buy DAT Destroyer along with Math Destroyer. I just have a couple questons about the content and the format, as the website doesn't really give any samples.

Is the entire book just problems front to back? What's the method for tackling it? Did you treat it like practice tests, or did you take your time through all of it to make sure you understood it all?

Also, regarding the solutions, how detailed are they? I ask because I see people post questions saying "why is the answer to this destroyer question B?" Are some of the solutions vague, or maybe some don't provide detailed explanation? Thanks!

 

[BU2012]

The books are just problems. I found the Destroyer to be a great SUPPLEMENT to studying. I didn't take a Kaplan course or any full-length pretests before my actual DAT.

Solutions are hit or miss. Sometimes they're detailed, sometimes not. Thus, Destroyer is simply a good way to measure your understanding of the material. Don't use it as a silver bullet for the DAT. That's not its design.

I studied for 4 weeks, and the Destroyer was one of my primary materials, especially for Organic and Gen Chem. Honestly, one can completely cover Biology with Barron's AP Bio, but Destroyer is still helpful.

Basically, I would utilize other sources as primary materials (Barron's AP Bio, ACE Chemistry review books, etc.). I didn't study for math whatsoever. But if you use Math Destroyer, you should do fine. Honestly, math is only helpful in raising or lowering your AA. By itself, it means nothing.

Destroyer is used to gauge your understanding. If you can do most of it cover to cover, then you're ready for the sciences (20+).

I scored a 22/22/20 on the DAT and I think Destroyer was the reason I was able to consolidate my studying into such a short amount of time with minimal effort. Honestly, had I studied harder and really known Destroyer COVER TO COVER, there's no reason I couldn't have scored 24+ in TS. It's great material (truly much more difficult than the actual test), but only if you know how to use it.

 

[hell0k1tty]

I'm about to buy DAT Destroyer along with Math Destroyer. I just have a couple questons about the content and the format, as the website doesn't really give any samples.

Is the entire book just problems front to back? What's the method for tackling it? Did you treat it like practice tests, or did you take your time through all of it to make sure you understood it all?

Also, regarding the solutions, how detailed are they? I ask because I see people post questions saying "why is the answer to this destroyer question B?" Are some of the solutions vague, or maybe some don't provide detailed explanation? Thanks!

DAT destroyer is a great tool for prepping for the DAT. The entire book is just problems, with the exception of Orgo -- there are "road maps" that you can use to make flashcards in order to get to familiarize yourself with common reactions. I can't remember exactly, but there are like 200(?) problems per section so I just divided the problems up by however many problems you would find on the DAT (like 30-40) and did the problems that way. When I would get done, I would see how i did and the ones I missed, I would read the explanation. The explanations are pretty good and detailed, but I'm sure some are a bit confusing so there is sdn for answers! 🙂 I went through the book like 3 times. It is sort of overkill, but it will def prep you for the actual DAT!

 

[NDPitch]

So would you guys recommend I go through the destroyer AFTER I've gone through my first study/review session using Chad's videos and Cliff's AP bio? It seems like going through the destroyer should reinforce things that you've already studied and learned, rather than learning them right from the destroyer?

 

[kies89]

So would you guys recommend I go through the destroyer AFTER I've gone through my first study/review session using Chad's videos and Cliff's AP bio? It seems like going through the destroyer should reinforce things that you've already studied and learned, rather than learning them right from the destroyer?

yeah, i am studying for DAT right now
but i havent started on destroyer yet.
some people just say, read cliffs once or twice and watch chad's and go straight to destroyer

but i feel like i want to memorize a lot of things before i start the destroyer so i can understand easily even if i got some questions wrong.

i recommend doing cliffs and chads video first and then move on to destroyer destroyer destroyerrrrrrrr

 

[timwatley]

Destroyer roadmaps are amazing! That+chads videos landed me a 22 in OC.

 

[NikosDDS]

Destroyer is amazing. I'd definitely recommend doing a survey of the sciences before going at Destroyer full force. When I finally got to destroyer it kicked my you know what. After going through it three times, I had a confidence I didn't know I could have. I didn't purchase the separate math destroyer, I just used the math in DAT destroyer and scored a 20 for that section (and math isn't my strong suit). Good luck with studying!!

 

[dantemac]

I loved Destroyer. My strategy was to go through it once and actually attempt the problems, maybe like 15-20 from each section per day. Then, I would work out the solution near the question. From then on I would just go back and review the question/answer together and go over my strategy on answering similar questions.

The benefit of Destroyer in my mind is seeing so many different types of problems. It really covers a lot.

To see what I recommend about other study methods, see my DAT experience here:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=829296