So I need some advice for my 1st attempt

[CanKaNoRey]

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Hi guys,

Found this forum to be pretty helpful in figuring out what the OAT is gonna be like, but I was wondering if I could get a second opinion. After reading through a few threads, I think I may have bitten off a little more than I can chew as I have only been studying the last week or so and my test is on the 24th (1 week from today), and I've only been using my old notes and slideshows to study.

I'm too close to back out or change up my study style for this particular attempt, but I was just wondering what are some useful strategies for hitting up this test? I've gathered that physics seems to be more conceptual and uses application of the basics, RC is just intimidating me, but what types of questions will they be throwing at me in regards to Math, Gen/O-Chem and Bio?

I haven't reviewed much Bio as I just finished my 3rd year of an anatomy degree, but what are some of the major things people have experienced in these sections?

 

[robinchm]

Hi guys,

Found this forum to be pretty helpful in figuring out what the OAT is gonna be like, but I was wondering if I could get a second opinion. After reading through a few threads, I think I may have bitten off a little more than I can chew as I have only been studying the last week or so and my test is on the 24th (1 week from today), and I've only been using my old notes and slideshows to study.

I'm too close to back out or change up my study style for this particular attempt, but I was just wondering what are some useful strategies for hitting up this test? I've gathered that physics seems to be more conceptual and uses application of the basics, RC is just intimidating me, but what types of questions will they be throwing at me in regards to Math, Gen/O-Chem and Bio?

I haven't reviewed much Bio as I just finished my 3rd year of an anatomy degree, but what are some of the major things people have experienced in these sections?

I took the test on June 4th and the bio section was tough for me because I haven't taken many classes. I would say to study anything relating to DNA/RNA/proteins, know respiration, photosynthesis, etc. Also, know some general things about each of the systems of the body. For example, the path of oxygen once it enters the body.

For math, the main thing is time. You need to be able to do the easy stuff VERY fast to have time for some of the harder questions. Immediately skip the problem if you aren't 100% how to do it and go to something easier. Practice not using a calculator at all (mental math), as it will save you some time.

Gen Chem: big topics were kinetics (rate laws), equilibrium, gas laws, colligative properties, thermodynamics.

Orgo: lots of reactions, but I didn't see any that were too off the wall. I would refresh on enolates, diels-alder, H-NMR, and SN1 vs. SN2 vs. E1 vs. E2 properties.

Also, i got a 390 on RC using the kaplan method. I "read" the passage looking for keywords that were unique and jotted them down in a list numbered by paragraph. Do this very quickly and when the questions ocme up, you can check your list for what paragrpah the answer will be in and easily scroll through the passage to find it.

Good luck! I promise, you know more than you think you do!

 

[thecgrblue]

Hi guys,

Found this forum to be pretty helpful in figuring out what the OAT is gonna be like, but I was wondering if I could get a second opinion. After reading through a few threads, I think I may have bitten off a little more than I can chew as I have only been studying the last week or so and my test is on the 24th (1 week from today), and I've only been using my old notes and slideshows to study.

I'm too close to back out or change up my study style for this particular attempt, but I was just wondering what are some useful strategies for hitting up this test? I've gathered that physics seems to be more conceptual and uses application of the basics, RC is just intimidating me, but what types of questions will they be throwing at me in regards to Math, Gen/O-Chem and Bio?

I haven't reviewed much Bio as I just finished my 3rd year of an anatomy degree, but what are some of the major things people have experienced in these sections?

Not enough time at all. Go ahead and forget about studying for the sciences (except maybe memorizing physics formulas. Focus on RC and QR, I found those were the easiest sections to increase your score without a lot of effort.

In RC you need to find a strategy and stick to it. Decide beforehand how you will attack it and DON"T change mid-test. For me, I speed through the passage while writing a 1 or 2 word description for each paragraph. Then I went through the questions and found what it was refering to, referenced that to my outline, and thoroughly searched those paragraphs for the answers. Good luck!

 

[imemily]

I took the test on June 4th and the bio section was tough for me because I haven't taken many classes. I would say to study anything relating to DNA/RNA/proteins, know respiration, photosynthesis, etc. Also, know some general things about each of the systems of the body. For example, the path of oxygen once it enters the body.

For math, the main thing is time. You need to be able to do the easy stuff VERY fast to have time for some of the harder questions. Immediately skip the problem if you aren't 100% how to do it and go to something easier. Practice not using a calculator at all (mental math), as it will save you some time.

Gen Chem: big topics were kinetics (rate laws), equilibrium, gas laws, colligative properties, thermodynamics.

Orgo: lots of reactions, but I didn't see any that were too off the wall. I would refresh on enolates, diels-alder, H-NMR, and SN1 vs. SN2 vs. E1 vs. E2 properties.

Also, i got a 390 on RC using the kaplan method. I "read" the passage looking for keywords that were unique and jotted them down in a list numbered by paragraph. Do this very quickly and when the questions ocme up, you can check your list for what paragrpah the answer will be in and easily scroll through the passage to find it.

Good luck! I promise, you know more than you think you do!

What is a "unique" word?

 

[robinchm]

What is a "unique" word?

I would write down any specific dates or percentages. As well as scientific names or simply a few words that would summarize what's happening in each paragraph. Basically write down anything that would help you to identify the topic of that paragraph when you start answering questions

 

[CanKaNoRey]

Thanks for the advice on the RC section guys, I'm feeling better as time goes on because I am a massive procrastinator and the pressure's allowing me to be pretty productive. My Chem's are looking to be my strong point right now but the last few days are basically just remembering my basic physics an math, Bio I'm kind of gambling with as I have a pretty strong background so I'll be winging it a little bit there but I at least know the basics of everything else, Thanks for the well wishes an I'll keep you guys updated on how it goes!

 

[CanKaNoRey]

Hey everyone, just an update,

wrote my OAT 3 weeks ago and scored as follows:

Biol: 400
Gen. Chem: 360
O. Chem: 270
RC: 340
Physics: 320
QR: 340
TS: 340
AA:340

Obviously I am ecstatic! but apparently ******ed in regards to O Chem haha