Silly mistakes- help!

[rooney09]

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I have taken several full length practice tests and the one thing that brings my scores down is silly careless errors!! Basic errors with calculations for example in the chem section, or in the bio section I would chose an incorrect answer even though I know the right answer. I think its the time pressure and I think most of the time I know the material, so its not a question choosing the wrong answers because of not knowing (but of course there will always be some questions that will stump you).

Anyone have an any pointers/tips to combat this?? Or anyone have the same problem? 😕

 

[bigstix808]

I have taken several full length practice tests and the one thing that brings my scores down is silly careless errors!! Basic errors with calculations for example in the chem section, or in the bio section I would chose an incorrect answer even though I know the right answer. I think its the time pressure and I think most of the time I know the material, so its not a question choosing the wrong answers because of not knowing (but of course there will always be some questions that will stump you).

Anyone have an any pointers/tips to combat this?? Or anyone have the same problem? 😕

i have found my self doing this as well at times. i think the best way to combat this is to just relax and trust your self when answering questions and don't fall for the "tease" answers. also, make sure the answer you have come up with actually ANSWERS the question they're asking. i caught my self a many times coming up with an answer i swore was right, but i did not take time and check to see if i was answering the right question. but, remember, this is what sets the 16-17 DAT takers apart from the 21-22 DAT takers. good luck.

 

[alanan84]

Yeah I do this all the time and am trying to figure out how to combat it. I think that for me it just means taking more time on the questions but I don't feel like I can do that because I need the time somewhere else. Not sure if that helps

 

[klutzy1987]

for me what is very important is never to second guess yourself. When you do that you often end up changing cprrect answers. Stick to your gut if you are unsure do not outthink yourself. This is especially important in the organic where there is all theory.

 

[scuzfly]

That's one reason there are a couple different answers on the test. It sucks but it always happens. It IS the difference between the 16s and the 22s. It's not always a matter of knowledge it's also a matter of realizing what the question is actually asking. It happens to every person. That's why no one got above a 25 on the DAT in 2007. Just make sure you read the question after you answer. That usually helps me and it's worth the extra 2 seconds. Rather get that one right then get two wrong.