Really need advice!! - Doing bad on practice exams

[dentalala456]

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[ChemistryDentist]

I think you're right that in general you should be scoring better if you know the content well enough. Maybe your knowledge base isn't as robust as you think? It seems like you're fairly confident with the material though until you take the practice exams. Keep in mind that those practice exams aren't truly score predictors and timed tests in general don't have great utility for telling you how you'll do. A good understanding of the content is best. No practice test can tell you if you truly understand all of the basic concepts, as each practice test can only cover so much and that may not even show up on exam day.

Have you tried diversifying your resources any? Everyone has a style that works best for them, so I understand that may be hard. If chemistry is a problem point for you, I do really recommend the Destroyers and their associated free products (Facebook/YouTube channels). Or even Gen Chem / orgo books from undergrad!

As for confidence with exam day coming, you may never feel entirely confident with the breadth of information. I definitely wasn't going into my exam, but I was about as confident as I was going to get for sure. But if you think you're truly not ready, rescheduling is always preferred to a retake! Only take the exam when yiu think you're as ready as you can be, within reason.

Best of luck!!

 

[0Mik3cho]

Sounds to me like your conceptual understanding needs work. I am a HUGE fan of the Feynman Technique for learning. Basically, you try to explain a concept in as simple terms as possible. Forcing yourself to reformulate an idea and think of it from other perspectives is great in helping you identify weak points in knowledge. It really forces you to be flexible with your understand on concepts.

 

[NewtonStar]

Hey guys,
I've been studying for the DAT consistently for almost 5 months now. It's hard in between undergrad classes but I usually spend about half my day (~6 hours) studying at least 2-3 subjects, and then whatever I didn't get to I will complete the next day. I finished content a while ago and am now just reviewing. I've done a few practice test individual sections to see how I'm faring, but I'm getting so frustrated. For example - I finished GC ages ago and have reviewed all the content/formulas etc many times and felt pretty confident. Then I went to do a timed practice test from DAT BC and couldn't answer many of the questions. And I got so upset about it because I should be able to answer the test questions if I know the material, which I thought I did. Has anyone else had this problem?? If so how did you deal with this? I don't know if I'm not applying the concepts properly or what is the issue, but my exam date is approaching and I should not feel this unconfident about my exam.

I agree with the other posters. If you're taking practice tests and can't answer most of the questions, you need to work on your foundational knowledge. Obviously, studying while in school makes it very difficult... tbh it's simply not for everyone. I would recommend postponing your exam and focusing all of your time on the DAT.

 

[DAT Destroyer]

Hey guys,
I've been studying for the DAT consistently for almost 5 months now. It's hard in between undergrad classes but I usually spend about half my day (~6 hours) studying at least 2-3 subjects, and then whatever I didn't get to I will complete the next day. I finished content a while ago and am now just reviewing. I've done a few practice test individual sections to see how I'm faring, but I'm getting so frustrated. For example - I finished GC ages ago and have reviewed all the content/formulas etc many times and felt pretty confident. Then I went to do a timed practice test from DAT BC and couldn't answer many of the questions. And I got so upset about it because I should be able to answer the test questions if I know the material, which I thought I did. Has anyone else had this problem?? If so how did you deal with this? I don't know if I'm not applying the concepts properly or what is the issue, but my exam date is approaching and I should not feel this unconfident about my exam.

Know the concepts, build a strong foundation, timed test are not always accurate predictors of actual DAT scores. Keep a strong mind set and always #think30, anything less should not be in your thought process!

Wishing you the best...Nancy, co/owner DAT Destroyer

 

[GoToHolmes]

FWIW I wasn't doing as well as I wanted to on the practice tests leading up to my DAT. I think I was scoring anywhere between 19-21 on the tests and I ended up with a 23AA. It's possible you will do better on your actual test.

If you do not feel confident in your ability to score well, PUSH IT BACK. This lack of confidence is usually a good indicator that you aren't ready yet. I wasn't ready for my first DAT date so I pushed it back 4 months so I could have all of winter break to study. I am very glad I did. There was no way I would have scored well on that first date