should I take a DAT prep course?

[warmbroom]

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I've heard from most people that have taken a kaplan course that they thought it wasn't that helpful and really overpriced. My school offers their own DAT prep course. Its 45 hours of class instruction, comes with the kaplan prep book, DAT destroyer workbook, 3 practice tests from topscore pro, and other pre, mid, and post tests. The cost of it is $650. And it runs nine weeks from the end of january to april

Do you think it would be worth it? Or should I just study on my own?

 

[joeeeey3]

meh...... 650 isnt too bad compared to Kaplan course and Romano's class (creator of destroyer)

 

[cschoet]

A resounding "no". Buy the materials that are common among DAT breakdowns, study for a few weeks/months, and make that exam cry uncle.

 

[jaymin8]

Ya 650 isn't too bad. Dat destroyer itself is worth 150 (and if you get math destroyer its another 50 dollars). The topscore is worth 55 dollars as well. So just in materials (not including Kaplan book or the other tests) you are looking at 205-255 in materials by itself. If you are good studying by yourself then I wouldn't spend the money for it but if I had that offer, I would because it would keep me on track and it is really easy for me to lose focus during the school year.

 

[nahehes49]

soo this would be the comparison i would be making if i were you.

for $650 you get
- 45 hours of class instruction
- kaplan prep book
- DAT destroyer workbook
- 3 practice tests from topscore
- pro, and other pre, mid, and post tests.

vs

the "other" option (assuming you get all these prep materials)
DAT destroyer $200
topscore $ 55
Crack Dat Pat Ace adition $120
datqvault $100
chad videos $40 for a month [~43 hours of instruction]
kaplan blue book 07-08 edition $10 [from amazon]
AP cliff bio $10 [from amazon]
total 535

the $$ difference: 115. that's not that much. 650 sounds like an okay deal but before you decide do a short evaluation about yourself. where do you stand right now in terms of the level of preparation you need. what's your studying style? just cause you buy kaplan prep classes doesn't guarantee a higher score so will your motivation be higher going solo or going 650? personally, i wouldn't do the 650. feel like you could get more with the second option, given that you will have the same motivation and drive. hope this helps!

 

[deeentist79]

i took kaplan and it was not helpful.
$650 sounds like a good deal.
If you can study on your own then dont go for it. But if you feel like you need extra tips and wount be able to do without it, then go for the class, not kaplan.

 

[Tunaman]

Kaplan sucks, stay away, biggest waste of money, outdated garbage

 

[chax1]

It sounds like a really good deal. What are the credentials of the person teaching it (a science professor from your school or someone else)? I'd seriously consider doing it, if only for the practice materials... The in person instruction is a plus..... do it!

What school offers this, may I ask?

 

[Toadesque]

Kaplan is a complete waste of money IMO although some people here with great scores will swear by it so I don't know it's just going to be relative.

 

[Msmouth]

I think Chad's videos should not be overlooked no matter if you take the course or not. The man is a genius that can teach concepts more clearly and he doesn't put you to sleep either.

 

[vlaura0214]

^^^ agree. Chad is amazing.

I say do self-study--it's cheaper, more efficient imo. Unless you really need a set schedule. I just made up my own study schedule to be more productive.

 

[Lovepredent]

I've heard from most people that have taken a kaplan course that they thought it wasn't that helpful and really overpriced. My school offers their own DAT prep course. Its 45 hours of class instruction, comes with the kaplan prep book, DAT destroyer workbook, 3 practice tests from topscore pro, and other pre, mid, and post tests. The cost of it is $650. And it runs nine weeks from the end of january to april

Do you think it would be worth it? Or should I just study on my own?

$650 is not bad. Took a Kaplan course and it was $1300. I do think that the course only really helps if you're not disciplined enough to study the big Kaplan book by yourself. Cheaper to just buy the book and self study if you don't want to spend the money.

 

[warmbroom]

It sounds like a really good deal. What are the credentials of the person teaching it (a science professor from your school or someone else)? I'd seriously consider doing it, if only for the practice materials... The in person instruction is a plus..... do it!

What school offers this, may I ask?

The people that teach it are people who scored in the 90+ percentile on whatever section of the DAT that they're teaching.

My school is BYU in provo, ut.

I say do self-study--it's cheaper, more efficient imo. Unless you really need a set schedule. I just made up my own study schedule to be more productive.

I was planning on doing that. My school gets out at the end of April, and I was planning on spending six weeks after that studying 8 hours a day. I just want something that will help me during the school year to help build up my confidence for prepping for the DAT. I'm not a science major, and science isn't the strongest subject for me, so I figure I the more/longer I study the better.

Thanks for everyone's insight!