Taking DAT after Sophomore Year

[Prima Donna]

So I have just finished my first semester of my sophomore year. Everything has been going quite smoothly (oGPA is around a 3.9 sGPA is slightly lower - maybe 3.8) Anyways, I am planning on taking my DAT this summer after finishing my sophomore year. I will have completed BIO 1 and 2, GEN CHEM 1 and 2, OCHEM 1 and 2, and genetics in terms of science classes. I have also completed calculus and english comp 1 and 2 for what it's worth. My question is: will I be okay with these classes? I ask because I have heard people say that upper level biology classes would help a lot for the bio section of the test. I am just trying to plan properly because I only want to have to take this test once.

Thanks for any responses.

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[Likkriue]

The DAT covers more than gen bio 1 and 2 if thats what you are asking. If you don't plan on taking any of the upper science courses you will have to learn the material on your own.

 

[SableFire]

I took mine after sophomore year and I highly recommend it. When I took it Bio was my lowest score (20) but I also hadn't taken the class in 3/4 years so it was like I had to relearn it completely. It wasn't too difficult though I used cliff notes, @FeralisExtremum notes, DAT bootcamp and a little bit of the DAT destroyer book (wish I had utilized the bio section more). Orgo was super easy because I had just taken it so I think that helped make studying easier because it was so fresh.

 

[x0jessmariex3]

I think you can take it after your second year and do well if you have already taken all the courses that are on the DAT. I took mine after my second year and Biology was my second lowest score (19). However, I only used DAT Boot camp and Cliffs 3rd edition and had taken gen bio 1 and 2 and physiology. A lot of students I know did well 21+ using Feralis notes. I liked that I got it out of the way a year before applying but I think I would have done a bit better on Biology with some more upper level Bio courses.

 

[DentalNucleicAcid]

Definitely go for it. Summer after sophomore year is a perfect time to study because you don't have to worry about classes or applying to dental schools. You have taken all of the classes that will be tested, so you should be in good shape when it's time to study. Having some upper level bio classes helps only a little bit, imo. Yes, the bio section tests some things that are beyond gen bio 1 and 2, but you can teach yourself these things during your summer by using the recommended resources like bootcamp, destroyer and Feralis. It's not worth it to pass up on your sophomore summer just to wait until you've completed more bio classes.

 

[Prima Donna]

Thanks for all the advice and repsonses everyone ! I will definitely study hard and take it this coming summer.

 

[CubsFan44]

I took it after sophomore year. While you might not have taken some of the upper level bio classes (neither had I), I feel like the DAT Destroyer Bio section is a more than adequate replacement

 

[Prima Donna]

I took it after sophomore year. While you might not have taken some of the upper level bio classes (neither had I), I feel like the DAT Destroyer Bio section is a more than adequate replacement

Great, glad to hear that this is good option that I can take advantage of. Thank you for your input !

 

[Scumbag_Steve]

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[Prima Donna]

https://s3.amazonaws.com/datbootcamp/Ari'sStudyGuide.pdf

https://s3.amazonaws.com/datbootcamp/Ari'sStudySchedule.pdf

Studied for and took mine sophomore summer and followed this. You're making a good decision, best of luck!

Thank you ! I certainly plan on using the Ari Guide and Schedule as I begin to look at purchasing my materials for studying.