Studying for the DAT

[sbesbesbe]

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So I plan to write the american DAT at the end of August,
I want to have plenty of time to prepare for it because I want to get a great score just this one time since I won't have that much time later on.
I plan to study all summer, from May-August so approximately 3 and a half months?

But I was wondering, do you guys suggest taking a course to prepare or just study independently?
I've read that taking a course is for people who lack motivation or something like that and it is a bit waste of money and it is perfectly doable studying without a course.

Any thoughts/suggestions on your experience would be great
Thanks.

 

[Bereno]

I prefer independent study. I feel I that the hourly value of self study is more effective than taking a course. This is of course, dependent on your style of learning. 👍

 

[threechins]

I did my DAT studying in that same time frame last year. I did a Kaplan course, but didn't feel much motivation from the instructor or the in-class lectures. However, the online material they had were pretty useful. Other products that I haven't used but have see promoted here are Topscore, Destroyer, Crack DAT, etc.
Good luck with studying!

 

[Tunaman]

More than half the prep courses out there are taught by students that have done well on the actual test, the test prep companies recruit them. With that being said, my test prep course was horrible, as the student teacher was literally reading off the lesson plan like a robot. It was a complete waste of time and money. If you feel you are a disciplined peron, then study alone. Best of luck

 

[QuantB1]

I agree that a course with an instructor is a giant waste of time. However, if I were you I would buy Kaplans online course, the DAT destroyer and Top Score. I tried to go as cheap as possible the first time I took it and got 18's. I dedicated a couple months to these the second time and got a 22. I also bought crack the DAT PAT. I spent a bunch of money but it paid off. Kaplan gives you a good foundation, but maybe more important gives you great test taking strategies. DAT destroyer fills in your understanding with more difficult problems. All three give you practice on taking the actual test, and get you used to the format so when you take the real one it seems like just another test (likely easier). If you want do be sure to kill it first try I would definitely study on your own, but invest in test taking materials. It may even be cheaper in the long run if you end up having to retake it.

 

[In2Infinity]

quick question, if this person submits the DAT in august, would that time be too late to make it for the first cycle?

When do you have to get the DAT written by to be in the first cycle?

thanks!

 

[dentalprodigy]

Don't waste $ on any course unless you need to spend $1000+ to keep focused, get organized and study everyday.

Do it yourself

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk

 

[phy241]

I agree with everyone above, don't take courses (especially Kaplan). Do your own research, use the resources suggested by everyone on SDN, and you will be good. It's like studying for any other test (of course a lot more material), you study it in parts and judge yourself along the way using practice questions.
You also save yourself a lot of money, which will come in handy when it comes to applying. All you need for sciences is:

Bio: Cliff's (~$15), Kaplan book or any other book that covers Physiology well, datQvault (I think it's either $20 or 25).

Gen and Orgo Chem: Chad's videos!! ($50).

If you got extra time, get DAT Destroyer (around $150) for some more practice.

I think this is all you need to score well in sciences. I'm not too sure about PAT, I never bothered with it myself so I won't comment on it, goodluck!🙂

 

[threechins]

quick question, if this person submits the DAT in august, would that time be too late to make it for the first cycle?

When do you have to get the DAT written by to be in the first cycle?

thanks!

Early August may be the latest. Not impossible, but hard. I wrote it in Early August and got 2 pre-dec Interviews and. But I probably could have gotten more if I wrote it earlier. Good luck!

 

[sbesbesbe]

I'm planning to apply next year in June, 2013 NOT this year cycle.

 

[ushaseos]

If you're going to be studying full time, I have two pieces of advice:

1) You don't need very long (maybe 2 months tops)
2) Don't waste your money on a course. Get good prep software like Achiever and TopScore. I got a LOT of stuff and still was under $1000 (including the $320 registration fee..which is now $360 registration fee)

 

[Mouth Monkey 2020]

hey,

i studied for the DAT independently but struggled with a view concepts and PAT section. I found this group of professional school students who provide private tutoring (and interview help and overall application help) at UWO in london.

they're pretty good, email them at [email protected] if you're interested.

 

[sbesbesbe]

Thanks for all your opinions!
I think I'll keep focused and study on my own. The reason why I want to have 3.5 months span is cause I have a summer course to finish AND I want to shadow a dentist maybe 3-5 times a week.

 

[wired202808]

Thanks for all your opinions!
I think I'll keep focused and study on my own. The reason why I want to have 3.5 months span is cause I have a summer course to finish AND I want to shadow a dentist maybe 3-5 times a week.

visit the DAT discussions for more help.

 

[sbesbesbe]

yeah I didn't realize that there was a separate discussion on DAT.
Found out after posting.
Thanks!