studying meltdown :(...freaking out with my lack of focus and lack of time left!

[hokie4life]

I’ve pushed back my test now 2 times and I can’t afford to push it back anymore because I still need time to send in apps and get more dental experience (which I will do after I take DAT).

😡I made a schedule but have fallen drastically behind again. I’ve been working on going through the Kaplan blue book and am barely past half of the bio. It’s not that it’s hard it’s just I can’t FOCUS. How do you guys study for 6 or 12 or however many hours you all are saying you do while still retaining info?

I feel like I’ve been sitting at my desk forever and everyday I get less and less accomplished. I looked up old posts and everyone recommended everything from adderal to fish oil and other vitamin supplement.😱

I have to admit I’m tempted to try new stuff cuz I feel so lost but no that isn’t the solution and I want to achieve this on my own but I’m just so desperate to do well and in time that I’m just confused. I loovee coffee so staying awake is not the problem it’s getting stuff done while I’m awake and not just reading on SDN or checking email. In fact I’ve stayed up studying so much now that I can’t fall asleep at a decent time anymore-even when I just drink one cup of coffee in the morning. I was trying to get into the habit of working out early in the morning but I can’t get up before 10 and then I think I don’t have time to workout! Ahhh please help I’m going nuts trying to focus and sad that I keep pushing my test. I want this so bad and that is enough motivation to scare me enough to focus but I’m getting burnt out when I haven’t even finished going over the material! Anyone feeling this way too? Any suggestions?

😕😕

*Only one practice test taken so far and its the kaplan blue book cd test:

scores:
Bio GC oc ns PAT RC QR
15 14 14 15 18 18 15

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[LNinlove]

Hokie,

I feel the same exact way! I had a schedule all drawn up and I failed in the first week! I am just so tired all the time...it doesn't help that I work 40+ hours a week either. I know what I need to do, but I just can't focus either. I am married, have three dogs, and I work...between those, I can't get it done. One thing I have noticed that helps me is getting ear plugs and just blocking everything out. I got through about 7 hours last Sunday doing that. Other than that, its just hit or miss...mostly miss.

I don't have any ideas other than ear plugs and coffee...I personally like the venti caramel machiatto from Starbucks...😀

Good luck....

 

[Chga]

dont depend on kaplan..... 5 days before the DAT i took a test in Kaplan and got a 15 in Bio... and i thought on the D-day i was going to die... but i came out with an 18 in Bio.. Kaplan = not dependable

 

[bruinpredent]

dont depend on kaplan..... 5 days before the DAT i took a test in Kaplan and got a 15 in Bio... and i thought on the D-day i was going to die... but i came out with an 18 in Bio.. Kaplan = not dependable

uh, more like kaplan science on the practice tests = wayyyy harder than real deal. expect 2-3 points higher on the sciences than kaplan (unless you're just unlucky).

 

[DMDreaming]

Whenever I start to feel this way I find it helpful to not look at the big picture....all at once. If I do, I get overwhelmed and find I don't do anything because it feels like I won't get it all done no matter what. I heard a saying once that said, "Anyone can swallow an elephant. One bite at a time." When all of the subject matter for the DAT seems insurmountable in comparison to my time and focus, I try to take it a bite at a time and am usually able to move forward instead of freaking out.

 

[wannabDMD]

you seem to be getting distracted by the computer. Which is what's happening to me right now haha. This forum can be VERY addicting. But honestly, go to the library or something where you're not tempted to check your email every 2 mins. That's what I did, and I was able to get a good 7-8 hours of studying done each day. Now I'm done with studying and trying to do a bunch of practice exams..on the computer. So obviously I'm checking the forum every 5 mins 🙄

 

[JamieMac]

uh, more like kaplan science on the practice tests = wayyyy harder than real deal. expect 2-3 points higher on the sciences than kaplan (unless you're just unlucky).

I'm glad you said this, because I'm getting killed on the bio section almost every time. It is my lowest score every time I take a test. The information is just so vast that I cannot seem to retain it all. Getting upper teens and 20+ on the other sections...looks like I'll have to put more time into bio. <sigh>

 

[bruinpredent]

I'm glad you said this, because I'm getting killed on the bio section almost every time. It is my lowest score every time I take a test. The information is just so vast that I cannot seem to retain it all. Getting upper teens and 20+ on the other sections...looks like I'll have to put more time into bio. <sigh>

yea don't stress...virtually all of my scores went up 3-4 points on the real deal from the kaplan practice tests/final, some even more (like ochem)...interestingly enough bio was my highest score

if you're getting 18's across the board, you can generally expect 20s on the real deal (atleast for sciences, PAT/RC/QR are a total crapshoot)

 

[pocahantus]

It helps to go over your tests and go through the problems you got wrong .Make sure you are actively working on the problems as opposed to passively reading.That ought to keep you engaged. A library with natural lighting helps me alot- its very easy to find those in southern cali though 🙂

 

[issa]

I’ve pushed back my test now 2 times and I can’t afford to push it back anymore because I still need time to send in apps and get more dental experience (which I will do after I take DAT).

😡I made a schedule but have fallen drastically behind again. I’ve been working on going through the Kaplan blue book and am barely past half of the bio. It’s not that it’s hard it’s just I can’t FOCUS. How do you guys study for 6 or 12 or however many hours you all are saying you do while still retaining info?

I feel like I’ve been sitting at my desk forever and everyday I get less and less accomplished. I looked up old posts and everyone recommended everything from adderal to fish oil and other vitamin supplement.😱

I have to admit I’m tempted to try new stuff cuz I feel so lost but no that isn’t the solution and I want to achieve this on my own but I’m just so desperate to do well and in time that I’m just confused. I loovee coffee so staying awake is not the problem it’s getting stuff done while I’m awake and not just reading on SDN or checking email. In fact I’ve stayed up studying so much now that I can’t fall asleep at a decent time anymore-even when I just drink one cup of coffee in the morning. I was trying to get into the habit of working out early in the morning but I can’t get up before 10 and then I think I don’t have time to workout! Ahhh please help I’m going nuts trying to focus and sad that I keep pushing my test. I want this so bad and that is enough motivation to scare me enough to focus but I’m getting burnt out when I haven’t even finished going over the material! Anyone feeling this way too? Any suggestions?

😕😕

*Only one practice test taken so far and its the kaplan blue book cd test:

scores:
Bio GC oc ns PAT RC QR
15 14 14 15 18 18 15

WHAT is wrong with you? none of your practice scores will predict how you will do in the actual test. you should spend almost all of your time studying, so don't spend a lot of time on SDN

 

[knolliebug]

I’ve pushed back my test now 2 times and I can’t afford to push it back anymore because I still need time to send in apps and get more dental experience (which I will do after I take DAT).

😡I made a schedule but have fallen drastically behind again. I’ve been working on going through the Kaplan blue book and am barely past half of the bio. It’s not that it’s hard it’s just I can’t FOCUS. How do you guys study for 6 or 12 or however many hours you all are saying you do while still retaining info?

I feel like I’ve been sitting at my desk forever and everyday I get less and less accomplished. I looked up old posts and everyone recommended everything from adderal to fish oil and other vitamin supplement.😱

I have to admit I’m tempted to try new stuff cuz I feel so lost but no that isn’t the solution and I want to achieve this on my own but I’m just so desperate to do well and in time that I’m just confused. I loovee coffee so staying awake is not the problem it’s getting stuff done while I’m awake and not just reading on SDN or checking email. In fact I’ve stayed up studying so much now that I can’t fall asleep at a decent time anymore-even when I just drink one cup of coffee in the morning. I was trying to get into the habit of working out early in the morning but I can’t get up before 10 and then I think I don’t have time to workout! Ahhh please help I’m going nuts trying to focus and sad that I keep pushing my test. I want this so bad and that is enough motivation to scare me enough to focus but I’m getting burnt out when I haven’t even finished going over the material! Anyone feeling this way too? Any suggestions?

😕😕

*Only one practice test taken so far and its the kaplan blue book cd test:

scores:
Bio GC oc ns PAT RC QR
15 14 14 15 18 18 15

We are so much alike. My exam is July 6th and I can't seem to focus at all plus I play NCAA soccer and I haven't even started to work out for preseason because I need to study. I am so far behind that it almost seems damn near impossible. I'm just trying to make the best use of my time to learn as much material as I can before July. The worst that can happen, as I see it, is that I will have to retake it..... thats the absolute worst!

 

[PD3]

yea don't stress...virtually all of my scores went up 3-4 points on the real deal from the kaplan practice tests/final, some even more (like ochem)...interestingly enough bio was my highest score

if you're getting 18's across the board, you can generally expect 20s on the real deal (atleast for sciences, PAT/RC/QR are a total crapshoot)

I have heard lately that Kaplan does not prepare you enough for the exam. Are you saying the contrary. The way I read your comment is that Kaplan is harder than the real thing. Is that what you are saying?

 

[bruinpredent]

I have heard lately that Kaplan does not prepare you enough for the exam. Are you saying the contrary. The way I read your comment is that Kaplan is harder than the real thing. Is that what you are saying?

it all depends on how you use the resources you are given. i'm actually very glad i took the kaplan course...i went through that entire 1000 page book twice, made flash cards out of it, etc...i memorized it in and out. i went through all of their practice tests and problems and homeworks...

i used kaplan to supplement my studying, and did a lot of extra studying on my own as well (achiever, topscore, destroyer, schaums, etc..)

those who are quick to criticize kaplan are those who depend on it exclusively, and usually are those who don't take the class seriously enough. despite all of my studying...i still ended up scoring significantly higher on the actual test than on the kaplan tests (regardless of what you think of their teaching material, their tests, especially the science sections, are pretty difficult).


for reference:

Kaplan Final:
19/19/21 (AA/TS/PAT)

Real Deal:
22/23/20 (AA/TS/PAT)


in the end kaplan is the best source for establishing that great foundation needed to rock the test. without that foundation...destroyer, shaums, etc... are completely useless and wont be able to help you.

best of luck 👍

 

[tinman831]

I
😕😕

Just wait until you're in dental school. 😉

I
*Only one practice test taken so far and its the kaplan blue book cd test:

scores:
Bio GC oc ns PAT RC QR
15 14 14 15 18 18 15

Those aren't tooo bad. I scored about the same on my practice exams and still scored 20's on the real thing.

 

[Dotoday]

My advice is just calm down. Forst of all kaplan only is not the way to go. You need Topscore and Achiever. Topscore sample questions are great. Now, for Bio, do this, see what concepts the DAT is testing, then use Campbells to clarify them, then use Topscore DAT sample problems. After a few practise sessions you`ll feel a lot more comfident.
Lastly, I would recommend studying in the library, not at home. You will get a lot more done in the library where there is almost no distractions.
Good luck, and don`t worry you`ll be fine.

 

[hokie4life]

hey everyone,
firstly, I just wanted to say THANK YOU for all your responses and great advice. It's SOooooooooooooooooooooo nice to know I'm not the only one going through this. Reading your responses helped put things into prespective, I'm still worried but feel revamped a little and am gonna adjust my worrying attitude and try to tackle studying again.

I made a new calender schedule so now I can be on task and not feeling like I"m trying to make up for 2 weeks worth of lost time. I'm gonna try adding eating better, vitamins, and exercise to my schedule - hopefully I will keep it up this time. I already got topscore and ordered my destroyer today too. I'm really gonna try to finish this blue book by thursday with no excuses and less internet and SDN, even though I agree it's sooooo addicting.😉

I can't exactly leave home and go to the library cuz of responsibilities here, but I am gonna try to study less at the computer. It's hard though because the tests are computerized (like topscore) and I like being able to look up stuff when kaplan doesn't make sense or use the comp. to type up my notes. I tried writing out my notes but it takes too long. I tried just making a lis tof stuff to look up and doing it later, but then my list gets sooo long and it's better being able to look it up right then to make the connection and fully/clearly learn what I am studying. I feel like everything - studying and tests- brings me back to the computer. How do you all deal other than just leaving the computer?

I guess better self control is needed here and I better prefect it now. I guess this part of the prep gets you ready for dental school too by what your posts are suggesting too. I know it's better I learn to focus and figure all these things out now on how to best focus before I get to dental school so I'm not as freaked out there hopefully.

thanks for your advice though 🙂 more than anything I think it was comforting to hear all this and helped change my attitude. If you have any more advice PLEASE SHARE. I still feel like i"m progessing so slow but like you all said I'm gonna just try to take it one step at a time...

THANK YOU AND GOOD LUCK STUDYING EVERYONE!!! 😍

 

[levyusupov]

exactly, take one step at a time. start from your favorite or ur best topic to establish confidence and then go to the least favorite in decreasing order.

rewriting notes also helps to understand the material and clarify some importants points you missed.

finaly, relax and think positevly, everything will be ok only if you will think it will be ok.

 

[youngmc27]

I had similar problems as I was studying to take the DAt and it hurt me the first time that I took the DAT. I was so nervous because I felt that this test was the end of the world for me. As a result I did not co as well as I had hoped the first time. I continued to study and studied with a friend that was good at keeping me on task and the second try went much better. If you focus and relax when it comes time to take the DAT you will do fine. Be confident in your abilities because you have been studying all of this stuff for at least two years in school. You will remember more than you think.

 

[hokie4life]

you guys are so right. i can't freak out so much, trying to relax a bit more and staying focused is the better way. It's slowly coming along but it's better or at least less scary than before 🙂

 

[hokie4life]

you guys are so right. i can't freak out so much, trying to relax a bit more and staying focused is the better way. It's slowly coming along but it's better or at least less scary than before 🙂

still a long way to go ... 😉

 

[RFDMD]

I'm in a similiar boat. Working while trying to study.

Sometimes it doesn't feel that the itty bitty details will ever stick inside my brain. I feel like I keep going over the same concept again and again, but it does seem to be sticking a little bit.

Like many, I've only been using Kaplan, and am glad to know their tests are pretty kick butt.

I've got Destroyer as well, which I like.

Just keep plugging along, and if I were you I'd delay the test, b/c I know I don't want to have to take it twice!!! 😡

Hang in there and keep going. I can only imagine it being worse when you get into dental school. The only kicker there is that everybody else will be in the same boat...

Cheers. 😎