quick topscore questions

[KDBuff]

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Hey guys,

I'm taking my DAT in a week, and just had some questions regarding topscore, and how it compares to the real thing. Most of the bio questions I've missed have been really specific taxonomy questions, did you find these on the real thing? Also, I haven't taken o-chem 2 yet, and though I've taught myself some of it, I haven't studied carbs and amino acids at all. I don't really remember these on kaplan or the test from aadsas, but there were a lot on topscore. How accurate is this?

Anyways, I'm getting a little nervous now, though I haven't been doing horrible on the topscore tests. I've been getting 18-19 bio, 17-18 chem, 17-18 o-chem. I would really appreciate any input, suggestions or tips.

Thanks,

Kevin

 

[ohgee]

You do find some taxonomy questions on the real DAT, but since it's so specific, I think most people miss them anyway. Don't worry about those.

I think Topscore is pretty accurate in bio and ochem. Topscore more difficult than the real test on g-chem.

If I were you, I will extend my test date, and learn the amino acids and carbohydrates..... I would rather study harder and take the test later and try to get above 20s.....but that's just my opinion.

good luck🙂

 

[chrisdds]

I've got a few questions on taxonomy, too. But they are too specific, and I doubt many people spend much time studying those.

Anyway, I advise you to study o-chem more. Although some of those practice exams are pretty consistent with the actual DAT, I wouldn't take it until I consistenly get over 19+.

 

[DesiDentist]

Tax-onomy will make or break your biology score. Trust me. Hit taxonomy hard and you will surely see at least 3-6 questions on taxonomy. Also study the menstrual cycle, glycolysis, krebs cycle.

I got a 24 in biology and I saw all of the above on there. But the thing was I knew I was gonna see them so I studied them. For biology, study EVERYTHING.

DesiDentist

 

[tinker bell]

Yeah, I agree with desi. I studied everything for Bio. Especially glycolysis and Krebs cycle. I also had one question: "if you put a RBC into water, what will happen to the cell?"

Know that ants release formic acid.....etc....etc

For o-chem, you need to know the stability of a structure. Know how the electron moves. Which structure is the most stable? There are some similar questions on the official test. So, look at those before your big day. Also, know all the brand name reactions in ochem. Any kind of reactions that have name in it.
If u can score above 20 for all of the science subjects, you will get in the school of your choice. Good luck

 

[Beagle]

As someone said, know the structures of the amino acids. I did not study this as I thought it was not necessary and too specific. Well, on the test I was asked! I think it was the structure of Glu?
Also, although I did not think this was fair, know what the main interlukins do. There are a lot of them, but a few major ones.
I was totally shocked that the DATS would ask me what specific IL's do (there were two questions on this). I didn't study the IL's beforehand, but I was lucky because I had just taken a semester of Immuno. Main point---the bio section is COMPLETLY RANDOM
and they can be as specific as they want. So be prepared.
The ochem---like tinkerbell said, know the names of the reactions!
ps--tinkerbell---have you decided to go to UCSF???
Congratulations!

 

[adam11]

I personally disagree with a majority of the replys suggesting that you extend your test date. I personally found topscore to be a bit harder than the actual test, there are several taxonomy questions on the actual test. Only about 5 total. I thought topscore chem. was much harder than the actual test. I was rarely scoring above a 20 on topscore and I did well on my actual DAT. I scored 20 on bio, 29 gchem, and 25 ochem and never got scores close to that on Topscore. These are just my personal experiences though.

 

[yosemitesam]

I agree with adam11. I thought the Topscore was a little tougher than the actual thing. I did much better on the real thing than I was doing on the practice tests. I was a real slacker and didn't really start studying until just under two weeks before the test. I can tell you I was freaking out when I was getting like 16's on the practice test and knew I didn't have very long to get ready. I almost scrapped applying for admission in 2003 cause I was so discouraged. I decided to take it anyway though and ended up with a 21. Maybe it was just luck and by some fluke they accidentally gave me the remedial DAT. 🙂 In any case, I felt it was easier than the Topscore.

I wouldn't recommend my method, however. I think you oughta study your brains out until you're getting the kinds of scores on practice tests that you want to get on the real thing. That way you'll be in for a pleasant surprise when the big day comes - or at least have a buffer zone if something goes horribly wrong. 🙂

 

[rimpy823]

I personally felt that no matter how much time you spend for the bio section, it will still be the luck of the draw. my bio portion of the test was sooooo random. i also had that question about the red blood cell. there were no usual questions on glycolysis/cell respiration. the only question was "what is the first step of glycolysis?" this question is not hard, but if you look at sample tests, the questions are usually asking of the location, ATP formed, etc. the chem section also was a little random, but much easier than topscore. the orgo, by far was the easiest section. i had no questions on carbs and just one on amino acids (something about the structure of the amino acid at the given pH).

 

[KDBuff]

Thanks for all the replys. I'm definitely going to take the test as scheduled, and just keep studying and taking practice tests. I'll really make a point to really go over the general ideas you guys suggested.

 

[KDBuff]

Well, I studied up on the things I was concerned about and took the test. Things turned out really well. Thanks again for all your suggestions.

Academic=23
PAT=19
Quant Reas=21
Reading=20
Bio=23
G Chem=25
O Chem=25
Tot Sci=24

 

[MDQ]

I'd say get your hands on as many practice tests as you can...depending on your exposure to the subjects in undergrad, you'll be better prepared than you think. Just do as many practice tests as you can and you'll find out which sections you might need to go back over and review.

Probably the best thing to do right now is to get a good feel for the test speed/length and you'll breeze through the real thing. If you've practiced, reviewed some, and have the test format down - You are good to go! Gluck, be confident and you'll do great.