should I postpone my DAT date?

[krnkimsung]

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Hi SDNers,

I have DAT scheduled for 4/9, which is about 2 months away. Just recently took a practice test (Top Score) and I didn't do too well and don't feel like I'm ready for the real test.

Just want a 3rd party opinion on this,

btw, my ts score was

Bio: 19
GC: 20
OC: 19
TS: 19
RC: 21
PAT: 21
QR: 20
AA: 20

I am aiming for 22+ on the real one since I'm trying to make it to UCLA/UOP, and my CGPA/SGPA is 3.52/3.61 from UC Berkeley Engineering.

Please let me know

Thanks,

 

[srb711]

Personally, I did a lot better on my actual test then I did on my first Topscore test (I think I made a 17 AA/17 TS). What helped me the most with using Topscore was I would go over every section in depth and write down every problem I got wrong. I would then go to my Kaplan book or wikipedia and go over each concept that I missed. Use Topscore to gauge where you're at and then go study the areas that you consider your weaknesses. You have plenty of time to work on any areas that you think need improvement (which don't seem to be that many). Good Luck!

 

[RSD2014]

Personally, I did a lot better on my actual test then I did on my first Topscore test (I think I made a 17 AA/17 TS). What helped me the most with using Topscore was I would go over every section in depth and write down every problem I got wrong. I would then go to my Kaplan book or wikipedia and go over each concept that I missed. Use Topscore to gauge where you're at and then go study the areas that you consider your weaknesses. You have plenty of time to work on any areas that you think need improvement (which don't seem to be that many). Good Luck!

srb711 did you only take the topscore test 1, 2, 3 once?

I'm curious to know when ppl post their topscore score, how many time have they taken the tests. I completed the 3 exams, twice and currently reviewing all my error logs. I also took DAT Achiever exams twice and scored in the 24 range the 2nd time. Still getting my butt kicked by Achiever's PAT & reading comprehension though. I really don't know how I will actually perform on the real test since I do remember the some of questions by heart and some questions, I just didn't understand and had to memorize it. DAT on March 1!

 

[299678]

+2 and -4 this is only my personal systems
If it is first time, your real DAT score will be +2
If it is second time, your real DAT score will be -4
For example, first time top score, u got 20 you will get +22
after second trial you got 27, you will get -4 = 23 on real test

 

[RSD2014]

+2 and -4 this is only my personal systems
If it is first time, your real DAT score will be +2
If it is second time, your real DAT score will be -4
For example, first time top score, u got 20 you will get +22
after second trial you got 27, you will get -4 = 23 on real test

I needed a rough estimate for the multiple attempts. =) Thanks.

 

[uclaDDS101]

srb711 did you only take the topscore test 1, 2, 3 once?

I'm curious to know when ppl post their topscore score, how many time have they taken the tests. I completed the 3 exams, twice and currently reviewing all my error logs. I also took DAT Achiever exams twice and scored in the 24 range the 2nd time. Still getting my butt kicked by Achiever's PAT & reading comprehension though. I really don't know how I will actually perform on the real test since I do remember the some of questions by heart and some questions, I just didn't understand and had to memorize it. DAT on March 1!

Personally, I think it's pointless to do any practice test more than once. As you said, you may remember some of the questions by heart the second time around. You don't want to build a false sense of security and comfort that you inevitably won't have on the real test. On the real test, everything will be novel and unfamiliar, and you have to develop a mindset to prepare for that situation... Just my opinion.

Hi SDNers,

I have DAT scheduled for 4/9, which is about 2 months away. Just recently took a practice test (Top Score) and I didn't do too well and don't feel like I'm ready for the real test.

Just want a 3rd party opinion on this,

btw, my ts score was

Bio: 19
GC: 20
OC: 19
TS: 19
RC: 21
PAT: 21
QR: 20
AA: 20

I am aiming for 22+ on the real one since I'm trying to make it to UCLA/UOP, and my CGPA/SGPA is 3.52/3.61 from UC Berkeley Engineering.

Please let me know

Thanks,

Don't postpone. I was in the same shape you're in about a month before my test. You shouldn't feel ready for the test yet; it's still 2 months away! Just keep doing practice tests and thoroughly go over your answers. Don't worry so much. It looks like you will most likely break 22.

 

[allstardentist]

With two months to go, you have plenty of time to raise your score to 22+. If you postpone the date, you may lose the sense of urgency and not study as hard thinking that you have the extra time. So just study for now, and if you REALLY feel that you need more time about 2 weeks before the exam, then do so.

 

[Impulse155]

+2 and -4 this is only my personal systems
If it is first time, your real DAT score will be +2
If it is second time, your real DAT score will be -4
For example, first time top score, u got 20 you will get +22
after second trial you got 27, you will get -4 = 23 on real test

This is a crazy system haha. I just hope I dont get a like 20 and then a 19 lol.
With those scores, I feel you can definately take it. Remember, 2 months is a very long time. Plenty of time to study in my opinion. Some people barely even take 2 months to study for it.
Also, what year are you.

Best of luck reguardless of what you do.

 

[dentalWorks]

don't reschedule, you got 2 more months to go. Topscore / archiever give no indication (atleast in my experience) of how you'll perform on your dat

 

[AmpedUp]

Nice practice scores. If your aim is for a 22+, and your test date is 2 months away, then I don't think you should postpone anything. That's the whole point of studying. Use your practice test as a study guide...and move forward.

However, in my opinion, those scores looks really good! I'd love to have scores that are close together, instead of...16 in QR and 24 in OC, etc. Good job!

 

[srb711]

I agree with uclaDDS101, don't take practice tests more than once. If you do, your score will be skewed and it will give you some false confidence. Keep studying hard and you'll hit the 22 mark.

 

[New2Philly]

Don't postpone. I agree with earlier post; you will probably just get burned-out over studying, and wish it was over.

Don't worry about your GPA, your at Berkley. A 3.5 at UC Berkley is like a 5.0 at other universities.

Good luck on the UCLA/UOP.

 

[krnkimsung]

I don't think this is true after several conversations with admission comm from various school. I know this is a big BIG controversy among pre-dental students, yes... it sucks, but that's the reality. DS really don't care which undergrad you're from (even though they said they do) since there SO many applicants and the whole application is being played under the number rule.

After taking couple of science class at CSU campus, I do feel that Berkeley classes are way harder and much more competitive. (no offense to CSU students, but that's just how I felt) But some people still get 3.7-3.8 from Berkeley so we can't really complain 🙂

I do agree that outstanding student should excel in any undergrad curriculum no matter how hard it is.

Don't postpone. I agree with earlier post; you will probably just get burned-out over studying, and wish it was over.

Don't worry about your GPA, your at Berkley. A 3.5 at UC Berkley is like a 5.0 at other universities.

Good luck on the UCLA/UOP.

 

[MatthewLeeDDS]

I raised my first practice AA score 6 points (1st practice test was 6 points lower than my real DAT) in a month so you can certainly raise it from a 20 to a 22 in 2 months. Remember, the higher score you have, the shorter the distance between the next score up. The difference between a 20 and a 22 is far fewer questions than an 18 to a 20.

Besides, I did better on my real DAT than all my practice tests. You'll get 'in the zone' when you're there taking the test. I wouldn't be surprised if you could get a 22 right now with those scores.